Backpacking

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 Andrew Skurka 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 Steve Graepel 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 Ry Glover 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 Stephen Regenold 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 Jeff Kish July 24, 2014

Is Backpacking Dying?

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

Written by Christopher Ketcham 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 Jeff Kish 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

Easy Access: Pockets and Pouches for Backpacking

Writes Gear Junkie, “In the gear-that’s-changed-my-life category, the line item of ‘small accessible pockets on backpacks’ may seem odd.” This post details a half-dozen products…

Written by Stephen Regenold September 29, 2011

Fold-in-Half, Zip-up Backpacking Shoe

This built-for-backpacking shoe offers a zip-in-half option for maximum packability. Gear Junkie takes the modular footwear, which converts to a “shoe pod” during transit, on…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 28, 2011

Chimney Stove: Boil Water with Sticks and Grass

The Backcountry Boiler is a camp stove of sorts that combines the functionality of a cooking pot and a stove into one. It eliminates the…

Written by Stephen Regenold May 12, 2011

Primer: Water Purification in the Outdoors

Clean drinking water in the wilderness is never guaranteed. In this roundup review, Gear Junkie looks at a half-dozen purification products made for the outdoors.

Written by Stephen Regenold April 21, 2011

Review: Nimbus Trace 62

It’s built to carry loads of 40 pounds or more. A strange, gill-like panel was made to “fit the topography of your back.” Our writer…

Written by T.C. Worley April 08, 2011

12 Questions With Andrew Skurka

Back from his six-month “Alaska-Yukon Expedition,” ultra-light backpacking phenom Andrew Skurka sits down for a Q&A with Gear Junkie.

Written by March 04, 2011

22-Gram Backpacking Knife

A freakishly light and affordable backpacking knife, the 22 GRAM from Baladeo aims to please even the staunchest go-light backpackers.

Written by T.C. Worley January 04, 2011

Ultra-light Backpacking Tips

Gear Junkie offers a few bullet points from an ultra-light trip last summer in the Catskill Mountains of New York.

Written by July 07, 2010

9-Pound Pack: Ultralight on the PCT

Rod Johnson’s multi-month wilderness journey on the Pacific Crest Trail was an experiment in minimalism for the great outdoors. Bubble wrap and camp food for…

Written by Stephen Regenold November 12, 2009

Backpacking, Adventure Racing & Orienteering Map Tools – UTM, Silva Distance Gauge

As I prepare for a long season of backpacking, orienteering, adventure racing and general outdoors exploration, maps are on my mind. They’re also sprawled out…

Written by Stephen Regenold June 06, 2005

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