Backpacking

Visiting the Deepest Lake in America: A Guide to Crater Lake National Park

As the deepest lake in America and the third deepest lake in the world at 1,943 ft. deep, Crater Lake is quite a pure blue…

Written by Xiaoling Keller November 22, 2022

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Water Filtration System and Titanium Dining Set From GRAYL

This week, two lucky winners will each receive a Titanium Water Purifier + Filter Bottle and Titanium Dining Set from GRAYL.

Written by Sponsored Post November 18, 2022

Applications Are Open! Help Grounds Keepers Make Public Lands Trash-Free in 2023

The Granite Gear Grounds Keepers removed over 10,335 pounds of trash from public lands last year. Applications to become an official part of the team…

Written by Will Brendza November 17, 2022

Not Just Yosemite: Your Guide to All 9 California National Parks

Everyone knows of Half Dome in Yosemite. But how much do you know about California’s other national parks?

Written by Xiaoling Keller November 09, 2022

FlipFuel Review: Transfer Your Half-Empty Fuel Canisters Into One

The FlipFuel allows users to easily and safely transfer fuel between canisters for backpacking stoves. Never again will you have to carry multiple half-empty canisters…

Written by Will Brendza November 08, 2022

Need Inspiration for Adventurous Gifts? Explore REI’s Gift Center

Navigating the thousands of possible gifts for outdoor enthusiasts in your life can be overwhelming. The REI Co-op Gift Center aims to ease your burden.

Gerber Builds Customizable ‘Center-Drive’ Multitool for First Time

Gerber adds its bestselling Center-Drive multitool to its custom program. Now, you can design a one-of-a-kind multitool unique to your needs and style.

Written by Will Brendza November 02, 2022

A Guide to Exploring the Newest US National Park: New River Gorge Park & Preserve

In 2021, West Virginia’s New River Gorge became the 63rd national park in the U.S. It offers whitewater rafting, free primitive camping, and much more.

Written by Xiaoling Keller November 01, 2022

Osprey Talon Earth 22 Review: A Versatile, Sustainable Hiking Backpack

In my opinion, hiking and sustainability go hand in hand. Osprey’s Talon Earth 22 is the first fully Bluesign-certified backpack from the brand.

Written by Rebecca Parsons October 26, 2022

Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier Review: Carry the Kiddo on Longer, Wilder Adventures

I hiked 150+ miles to test the Osprey Poco LT kid carrier’s comfort, durability, and portability.

Written by Jake Ferguson October 24, 2022

Mystery Ranch ‘Hard Seltzer’ Holster: Walkthrough

I don’t know what this guy’s doing designing gear for backpackers. He missed out on a career as the next Chevy Chase.

Written by Sam Anderson October 07, 2022

Women’s Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Pad Review: Side Sleepers, Rejoice!

Easy to set up, put away, and get quality sleep. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT mitigates restless sleep tendencies.

Written by Katie Rasmussen October 05, 2022

I Visited 50 National Parks in 3 Months: Here’s the Gear That Got Me Through

Quality gear is important because it can make or break your trip. Here’s the gear that we used and tested while road tripping, car camping,…

Written by Xiaoling Keller September 30, 2022

A Shoulder Season Favorite: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Light Pullover Review

One of the best parts of fall is getting to pull out all of those cozy hoodies and jackets as the air temps drop and…

Written by David Young September 21, 2022

The Art of the ‘Shakedown Hike’: How to Vet Gear Before the Big Trip

If something’s going to go wrong, it’s best to know about it early. A well-planned ‘shakedown hike’ will not only weed out the gear that…

Written by Josh Wussow September 20, 2022

RMNP Keyhole Route Reportedly Reopened After Body Recovered on Ledges

Officials closed the Keyhole Route while working to remove a deceased male’s remains over the weekend. But they reopened it Sunday night, per reports.

Written by Sam Anderson September 19, 2022

Merrell Updates Its Flagship Moab Boot With New Materials, Keeps the Ride

The latest version of the Moab maintains the hiking boot’s emphasis on cushion and support.

Compact Camp Comforter: Klymit Horizon Backpacking Blanket Review

Camp blankets may be added weight, but they are also added comfort. For frequent backpackers who value comfort, Klymit’s new backpacking blanket is for you.

Written by Mary Murphy September 12, 2022

Backpacking Abroad: Hiking and Exploring Iceland’s Lesser-Known Trails

Home to three times more sheep than people, Iceland may seem like a hiker and backpacker’s paradise. In some ways it is, and in some…

Written by Rebecca Parsons September 12, 2022

Backpacking a Crater: A Guide to Hawaii’s Haleakala National Park

Covering approximately 75% of Maui and towering 10,023 feet high, Haleakala is one of Maui’s most sought-after destinations due to its beautiful trails and breathtaking…

Written by Rebecca Parsons September 06, 2022

Gnara Go There Hiking Pants Review: First-Ever Women’s Pants With a Fly for Peeing

Not only are the groundbreaking SheFly Apparel Go There outdoor pants wildly comfortable — they easily and efficiently let women go to the bathroom outside.

Written by Morgan Tilton September 01, 2022

Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review: Ultralight Pack, Heavy Potential

For this Granite Gear Crown3 60 review, we hiked 32 miles in the Rocky Mountains with a little more weight than recommended to put this…

Written by Sean McCoy September 01, 2022

Solo Stove Lite Review: The Smokeless Fire Pit Goes Lightweight for the Backcountry

After a long day on the trail backpacking, the last thing you want to do is have to waste a lot of time and energy…

Written by David Young August 29, 2022

I’m Starting a Print Magazine for Backpackers: Here’s Why

Other magazines are closing up for a reason. Trails Magazine is out to solve that.

Written by Ryan Wichelns August 29, 2022

Two Decades in 10 Minutes: Six Moon Designs Celebrates 20th Anniversary

As ultralight gear company Six Moon Designs celebrates its 20th year, revisit its history with founder Ron Moak.

Written by Andrew McLemore August 19, 2022

‘Adventure of a Lifetime’: World’s Largest Hiking Event Series Comes to US

In the movie, ‘there can be only one.’ But the HIGHLANDER hiking series isn’t a race — and you don’t have to be immortal to…

Written by Sam Anderson August 10, 2022

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Deuter Trekking Package for Two!

Enter to win one of two prize packages from Deuter, each of which includes two backpacks from the brand’s Aircontact Core trekking line.

Wildfires Force Pacific Crest Trail Closure in California

The McKinney fire in Klamath National Forest has burned 55,493 acres, caused mass evacuations in Siskiyou County, and closed about 100 miles of the PCT.

Written by Andrew Marshall August 01, 2022