Rocky Mountain National Park in Early May: Snow and Seclusion
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most-visited national parks. Our editor went just before the busy season for fewer crowds amid the lingering winter conditions.
Summit an 8,700-Foot Peak Overlooking ‘El Capitán’ — In Texas
Near the border of West Texas and New Mexico, the Guadalupe Mountains host Texas’ four tallest peaks. We ascended a surprisingly challenging 3,000 feet to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, to peer into Mexico and soak in the desert views.
A Year in a Skoolie: What We Love (And What We Don’t)
My wife and I have lived in a converted school bus for 365 days now. Here’s what we’ve loved (and a few things we haven’t loved) about the skoolie life.
Channel Islands National Park: A Remote Island Getaway Ends With Evacuation
A recent trip to Channel Islands National Park proved that its little-known islands off the coast of Los Angeles are full of rugged adventures and surprises. Spoiler alert: There are adorable native island foxes everywhere.
Locked Doors, No Toilets: A Government Shutdown at Our National Parks
Little-to-no services are available in national parks when there’s a federal government shutdown. Our editor visited Saguaro National Park on the eighth day of the December 2018 shutdown to witness the effects firsthand.
Lassen Volcanic National Park: Everything to Love About a Big Park, Without the Crowds
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the lesser-known parks. There’s a lot to love about this northern California gem, which is chock-full of volcanoes, alpine lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and geothermal features. On our recent visit, we felt like we had an epic, unique playground to ourselves.
Hiking in Olympic National Park: From Sea to Summit to Rainforest
In seven full days we backpacked in three different ecosystems found in Olympic National Park. With two days in the mountains, two by the Pacific Ocean, and three in a rain forest, the week was full of diversity and pristine wilderness.
Sport Climbing Gear List: 12 Essentials for Beginners
From harnesses to quickdraws, here’s the essential sport climbing gear needed to show up to a crag and start climbing safely outdoors.
Big Agnes Double Sleeping Pad, Bag Review: Cuddling in the Backcountry
We’re always up for a review that involves some cuddling. In this gear test, we took Big Agnes’ Sentinel 30 double sleeping bag and Q-Core SLX insulated double sleeping pad into the backcountry. Spoiler: We’re never going back to separate mummy bags.
Sport Climbing 101: The Best Way to Learn the Ropes
Learn how to sport climb with our guide. Read on for how we learned the basics of lead climbing, clipping bolts, anchor building, and eventually sport climbing outside on real rock. Say goodbye to auto-belays and top-rope!
No Stove Needed: Omeals Self-Heating Backpacking Meal Review
Omeals are a unique and fresh take on backcountry cuisine. The self-heating meals are no more expensive than freeze-dried backpacking meals and are easily prepared with no stove and very little liquid.
Teton Crest Trail Backpacking Gear List: Everything We Brought Hiking
Our editor took detailed notes on each item he and his wife carried on a four-day backpacking trip in the Teton Range. Here’s their comprehensive packing list categorized by gear, food, and apparel.
Rafting the Grand Canyon: What to Know About This Bucket List Trip
Most Grand Canyon rafting trips book a year or two in advance. Here’s the rundown on our editor’s recent Grand Canyon rafting experience, including what to know about how to start planning yours.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Review: Ultralight 2-Person Tent
Big Agnes managed to expertly shave weight without sacrificing comfort in its Tiger Wall UL2 tent, reviewed here. After a number of backpacking trips, this ultralight two-person, two-vestibule tent has secured a top spot in our backpacking arsenal.
Utah’s Least-Visited National Park Is a Secret Oasis: Guide to Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s least-visited National Park. That’s preposterous, but we’re not complaining. It’s an oasis with untouched beauty and few crowds.
Instagram vs. Reality: The Truth About Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon, though breathtakingly beautiful, wasn’t quite the serene canyon Instagram photos often depict. It’s certainly worth a visit, but here’s what to know before you go.
Reservations May Soon Be Required at Arches National Park
According to the still-proposed plan, only vehicles with an entry reservation will be allowed to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March through October. Here’s what else you should know.
National Park Hidden Gem: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Named after a 2,200-foot-deep canyon aggressively dug by the Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park quickly earned our respect as one of the most scenic and raw places we’ve ever been.
A Year on the Road: How We Afford to Travel
Many dream of a long trip on the road. But how to afford the travel? A young couple put pen to paper, scrimped and saved, and made a dream trip a reality. Their tips can help you afford the trip of a lifetime.
Couple Begins Yearlong National Park Road Trip in School Bus
A GearJunkie editor and his wife recently began a yearlong national park road trip in their school bus-RV conversion. Check out their plans and follow along on their adventures.
Badlands National Park: Camp, Hike Beyond The Trails
With only a handful of designated trails, Badlands National Park is best explored off trail. We spent three full days in the park, exploring its labyrinth of rugged badland formations.
Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A Great Plains Gem
In the Badlands of North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an unexpectedly epic hub for adventure enthusiasts. We spent a week in the park and came back with a jam-packed trip report.
‘Packing It Out’ Tour Begins! Event And Cleanup Schedule
Today, the Packing It Out duo embarks on a 5,025-mile bike tour. Along the way, they’ll host REI store events and local cleanups. Check out their schedule here and join the cause!
GearJunkie Nationwide Tour Continues! ‘Live Your Local Adventure’ 2017
Join GearJunkie on local adventures across the nation! This year, GearJunkie and Eddie Bauer’s ‘Live Your Local Adventure’ Tour is stopping by 8 cities to put on rad group adventures and free happy hour events.
Apps Vs Maps: Why Paper Beats Tech On The PCT
Our ‘Packing It Out team just finished hiking border-to-border from Southern California to Canada using paper maps. This is why they choose low-tech.
Origin Of Leatherman: The Road From Start-Up To Mega-Brand
After jotting down his initial idea for a pliers-based multi-tool on a piece of paper, Tim Leatherman got to work transforming his start-up company into the mega-brand, Leatherman Tool Group.
2,650 Miles Of Packing It Out: Trail’s End
On 9/29/16, the Packing It Out duo completed all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. In total, they removed over 720 pounds of trash from the trail. Here is their final report.
Batteries Required: PCT Hikers’ Favorite Apps, Gadgets Off-Grid
Manage business and communicate electronically from the trail. The Packing It Out crew explains how they’ve written nearly a dozen stories, filed photographs, and stayed productive from the PCT.
Cleaning Up The PCT: 620lbs Of Trash And Counting
The packing it out crew is closing in on Oregon, ‘so close we can almost smell it!’ But a side trip to Mount Whitney, trash collection, and a engagements have shrunk the time to close in on the finish the trail before the chill of winter.
Packing It Out: Thru-Hiking Food And Logistics
The ‘Packing It Out’ crew offers some tips on how to eat right while logging big miles during a thru-hike.
Trail Etiquette: 7 Tips To Keep It Wild
Don’t be “that guy.” Here’s how to practice good trail etiquette when hiking in the wilderness.