Backpacking

Suspended Sitting: ‘Chammock’ Is New Backcountry Chair

A light, portable camping chair lets you hang in the breeze far from the car.

Written by Eric Lemke July 15, 2015

Scott Jurek Breaks Appalachian Trail Record

Scott Jurek has broken the fastest-known-time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail (AT) by approximately three hours.

Written by Stephen Regenold July 12, 2015

Backpack With Wheel: MULE Hauls Heavy Loads Over Any Terrain

If you have to haul 100+ pounds over rough terrain, the outside-the-box design of the MULE ‘backpack’ just might work.

Written by Eric Lemke July 10, 2015

Tested: X-Series Cookware

We test the folding X-Series cookware that rations your high-price pack real-estate.

Written by Steve Graepel May 28, 2015

Bill Bryson’s ‘Walk In The Woods’ To Hit Big Screen

The beloved (by some) book from Bill Bryson, A Walk In The Woods, has been adapted into a movie starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.

Written by Eric Lemke May 27, 2015

Two Climbers, One Sleeping Bag. ‘Backcountry Bed’ Put To Extreme Test On Rainier

An extreme test, our two correspondents shared a single oversize Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed on a 5-day Mount Rainier trip.

Written by Steve Graepel May 18, 2015

Osprey ‘Anti-Gravity’: Opsrey Atmos AG Backpack Review

“After testing the Osprey Atmos AG 50 backpack I have to say it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve ever worn.”

Written by Jake Ferguson April 30, 2015

‘Rude’ Hikers Cause Shut-Down On Superior Hiking Trail

A landowner in northern Minnesota has withdrawn public access to his land, causing a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail to be re-routed onto existing…

Written by Sean McCoy April 29, 2015

Porcelain Rocket: Bike Packs Built for a Beatdown

Porcelain Rocket bike packs are made by hand in North America, and they are as good as it gets.

Written by Patrick Murphy April 16, 2015

Tarptent: The American Dream Shelter

USA-made shelters are a go-to choice for lightweight hiking.

Written by Patrick Murphy April 09, 2015

Dress Right: 13 Essential Pieces For Backpacking

Andrew Skurka explains his system to use just 13 items of clothing for outdoor comfort in any 3-season condition.

Written by Sean McCoy March 26, 2015

Mega-Hiker Andrew Skurka Reveals Ultralight Designs

Pro Hiker Andrew Skurka has traversed thousands of miles of wilderness in adventures that would make most shudder. Now he’s bringing his expertise to Sierra…

Written by Sean McCoy March 19, 2015

Across a Continent in Winter: Gear for the PCT

Two men just hiked across America in winter. This gear helped them succeed on the first winter thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Written by Sean McCoy March 16, 2015

10 Epic Long Distance Hikes Around The World

Want to hike a long, long ways? At more than 500 miles long each, these are the 10 best long distance hiking trails in the…

Written by Sean McCoy November 21, 2014

Taste Test: New ‘Trail Butter’ Energy Food

These savory, nut-based snack pastes come in a pouch and are a great companion on the trail.

Written by Sean McCoy October 17, 2014

Last Steps On The PNT: 1,200-Mile Hike Comes To A Poignant End

Life is often referred to as a journey. Reaching the end of the 1,200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail after a two-month walk, Jeff Kish sees the…

Written by Sean McCoy September 30, 2014

First Look: Ultra-Light 'Yama' Tent Tested On Pacific Northwest Trail

From the trail contributing editor Jeff Kish submitted this review. The whole tent, made of Cuben material, weighs an incredibly feather-light 17.5 ounces.

Written by Stephen Regenold July 31, 2014

Trailhead To Eureka… Thru-Hiking The ‘PNT’

Contributing editor Jeff Kish is hiking the 1,200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail this summer. This is his first report from the trail.

Written by Stephen Regenold July 24, 2014

Is Backpacking Dying?

Why do younger people seem less interested in this outdoor tradition?

Written by Sean McCoy July 23, 2014

Follow Thru-Hike Of ‘Pacific Northwest Trail’ On GearJunkie All Summer

GearJunkie contributor Jeff Kish is about to begin a through-hike of the 1,200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail to test gear and document what is regarded as…

Written by Sean McCoy July 14, 2014

Andrew Skurka: How To Choose A Great Outdoors Guide

You want to hire a guide for an outdoor adventure. Whether it be hiking, camping, climbing or mountaineering, these tips will help you choose the…

Written by Sean McCoy May 28, 2014

12 Good Boots: Find Your Perfect Hiking Footwear For Spring 2014

From fast and light to full-on stompers, we tested a dozen hiking boots for this spring.

Written by Stephen Regenold April 16, 2014

Teaching Homeschool On The Appalachian Trail

A family of five will backpack for six months and teach their kids along the way. They will carry their own weight and trek with…

Written by Stephen Regenold January 15, 2014

Self-Declared ‘Rubber Tramp’ Shuttles PCT Through-Hikers

Jeff Kish spent his summer free time helping through-hikers get to and from resupply points in the customized van he calls home.

Written by Sean McCoy October 28, 2013

‘Vega’ Backpacking Stove Supports Large Pots, Multiple Fuel Options

We tested a new entry from Optimus last month. The Vega stove weighs just 6 oz. and is made for varied temps and year-round use.

Written by Stephen Regenold September 17, 2013

Backpacking 101: Wilderness Class with Andrew Skurka

Last month, our intern set off on her first guided backpacking trip to the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here are a few tips…

Written by Amy Oberbroeckling September 11, 2012

‘Coke Can’ Stove gives Light Weight but Weak Heat

Yep, people do actually make camping stoves out of soda cans. There’s even a mass-produced option, which our writer tested out (to somewhat underwhelming results)…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 24, 2012

Tiny UV Light ‘Wand’ Destroys Microbes in Bad Water

Suspect water? Zap viruses and protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium to provide “germ-free” H20 with this new and miniaturized (and rechargeable!) SteriPEN device.

Written by Stephen Regenold December 23, 2011

‘Fast & Light’ Backpacking Gear put to Test

Gear Junkie editor Stephen Regenold breaks down the equipment he used on a recent “fast and light” hike in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Carbon trekking…

Written by Stephen Regenold November 30, 2011

Large and Light: Granite Gear ‘Crown’ Pack

Lightweight yet rugged and large, the to-be-released Crown 60 is set for fully-geared weekend backpacking trips or minimalists who are loaded with the bulk of…

Written by T.C. Worley November 08, 2011

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