Backpacking

Review: Osprey’s Sub-2-Pound Levity and Lumina Backpacks

Two of Osprey’s most anticipated packs, the Levity and Lumina, hit the market this spring. We got our hands on a Levity 45 to see…

Written by Sean McCoy March 27, 2018

Ancient History, New Trail: The Epic 400-Mile Jordan Trail

The Jordan Trail just opened in 2017. It weaves through desert backcountry, lush canyons, and more than 52 villages.

Written by GJ Staff October 03, 2017

Lean-To Shelter: First Look At ‘High Side’ Tent

Bigger than a bivy, but tighter than a traditional tent, the 2018 ‘High Side’ shelter shoots for the weight-to-space sweet spot.

Written by Adam Ruggiero August 23, 2017

Ultralight Titanium Tool Digs Perfect Poo Holes

The forests are full of people, and people are full of poo. Address a gross problem with Vargo’s 1.2-ounce Titanium Dig Dig Tool.

Written by Sean McCoy August 17, 2017

Jack Wolfskin: 9 Tips For Better Backpacking

With dozens of straps, buckles, zippers, and pockets on a good backpack, it can be easy to get lost on what it’s all for. We’re…

Written by Sponsored Post May 31, 2017

Zimmerbuilt: My Custom Pack, Hand Sewn In The USA

Want a backpack made to perfectly fit your body with exactly the features you desire? Chris Zimmer will sew one just for you.

Written by Caitlin Quinn April 26, 2017

Ultra-Heavy Backpacking: Hunter’s Video Reveals Bottomless Pack

How much is too much to pack? How about this much?

Written by Paddy O’Connell April 20, 2017

2,000-Mile Test: Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack

We packed, hefted, and hiked with the Granite Gear Crown2 for a five-month test along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Written by Seth Orme February 17, 2017

Toughest Climbing Pack: Dyneema 2400 Porter Reviewed

Made from fabric that is ‘stronger than steel,’ the Hyperlite Dyneema 2400 Porter is light, streamlined, and just about perfect – except for the price.

Written by Lizzy Scully November 29, 2016

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…

Written by Seth 'Cap' Orme September 30, 2016

First Look: Thule’s 2016 Technical Backpack Line

People know Thule for its vehicle racks. But the Swedish brand has a burgeoning backpack line.

Written by Bjorn Christianson September 21, 2016

Did An Unknown Hiker Just Break Every A.T. Record?

Her story seems inconceivable, but an unknown hiker claims to have bested Karl Meltzer’s day-old record on the AT, and she claims to have done…

Written by Sean McCoy September 19, 2016

Ultra-Runner Karl Meltzer Breaks Appalachian Trail Record

It took 45 days, 22 hours, and 38 minutes, but today (Sunday, September 18, 2016) ultra-runner Karl Meltzer broke the record for the fastest supported…

Written by Adam Ruggiero September 18, 2016

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…

Written by Seth 'Cap' Orme September 02, 2016

First Look: Expanding ‘Flex Capacitor’ Backpack From Sierra Designs

Designed with renowned adventurer Andrew Skurka, the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor expands outward for a pack that ranges from 40 to 60 liters.

Written by Sean McCoy August 25, 2016

Light & Fast: 14 Ultralight Backpacking Tips

For backpackers, going ultralight is easier (and less expensive) than you might expect.

Written by Caitlin Quinn July 26, 2016

‘Pacific Crest Trail’ Crew Update: 720 miles, 530lbs of Trash

With nearly a pound of trash per mile, the ‘Packing It Out’ crew finds that the Pacific Crest Trail definitely needed a good cleaning.

Written by Paul 'Spice' Twedt June 17, 2016

Thru-Hike Health: Backpacking Tips To Go The Distance

Walking thousands of miles with a loaded backpack informs new ways to stay healthy on the long trails in backpacking, some of which apply to…

Written by Paul 'Spice' Twedt May 31, 2016

Interview: Gene Epsy Recalls 1951 AT Thru-Hike

In 1951, Gene Espy became just the second person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Oh, how times have changed.

Written by Sponsored Post May 17, 2016

Two Months In The Desert: ‘Ace And The Desert Dog’

Sixty years old, Ace Kvale set out on a 60-day wilderness trek with his dog.

Written by Eric Hanson May 10, 2016

Huge PCT Cleanup Begins: Goal To Remove 1,000 Pounds Of Trash

A group of four young thru-hikers heads north today from the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail on a mission to clean 1,000 pounds…

Written by Kyle Nossaman May 06, 2016

Ultralight Hiking: Katabatic Gear Helios Backpack

Tough-as-nails Cuben Fiber and a streamlined design make the Helios from Katabatic Gear an efficient backpack for hauling gear that weighs just over two pounds.

Written by Eric Lemke April 06, 2016

Lowe Alpine: New-Generation Backpacks For 2016

Lowe Alpine’s 2016 pack line has breathable back panels, customizable fit, and plenty of accessories.

Written by Sponsored Post April 04, 2016

5 Epic Treks From Backpacker’s ‘100 Best Hikes’

Get out on these five spectacular hikes from Backpacker’s Top 100.

Written by Adam Ruggiero April 04, 2016

High Routes: Backpacking’s Exciting Next Level

‘High routes’ are concentrated adventure. Go high, and stay as high as possible without any technical climbing. Renowned backpacker Andrew Skurka explains how.

Written by Andrew Skurka March 15, 2016