Hiking

Unexpected Gear Of Mountain Pro Andrew Skurka

From Frito-laced chili homemade kits, this is some of the unexpected gear that lightens renowned explorer Andrew Skurka’s pack and keeps him safe and comfortable…

Written by GJ Staff October 11, 2016

At 1,300 Miles, Remote ‘GPT’ Is Longest Trail In South America

A little-known trail follows a spectacular route through the heart of Patagonia and beyond. As of now, there is no guidebook – yet.

Written by Adam Ruggiero October 10, 2016

Dog Safety: 7 Items For The Field This Fall

A few products and a kit you can make at home will make outings with your pup safer and more enjoyable.

Written by GJ Staff September 26, 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

Watch: Running 600 Miles Across The Rocky Mountains

Crossing just three paved roads, but 13 mountain ranges, the ‘Crown Traverse’ is a North American backcountry route unlike any other.

Written by GJ Staff September 07, 2016

Against The Clock: ‘White Mountain Direttissima’

Covering more than 240 miles, a man knocked out 48 peaks in New Hampshire in less than 6 days, unsupported.

Written by GJ Staff September 06, 2016

24,000 Kilometers: ‘Trans Canada Trail’ Longest In World

Canada is about to finish the world’s longest trail network. Lace up your boots, pump up your tires, ready your paddles, and prepare for 24,000km…

Written by Adam Ruggiero September 06, 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 Kyle Nossaman September 02, 2016

Highpointing: Climb To The Top Of 50 States

Highpointing, as this state-by-state, summit-seeking pursuit is called, has garnered a following of more than 10,000 people.

Written by Stephen Regenold August 25, 2016

Breaking: Belgian Man Claims PCT Record

Karel Sabbe, a 26-year-old dentist from Belgium, claims to have set a new record on the Pacific Crest Trail. He hiked the 2,660-mile trail in…

Written by Sean McCoy August 16, 2016

Cleaning Up the PCT: 620 Lbs. 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…

Written by Kyle Nossaman August 09, 2016

Beyond The Gear: 9 Questions With Eric Larsen

Famed polar explorer Eric Larsen divulges on favorite gear, not being good at anything, and almost getting eaten by polar bears.

Written by Adam Ruggiero July 25, 2016

Beyond The Gear: 9 Questions With Andrew Skurka

Long-distance backpacker Andrew Skurka tells us about his cat Oden, his favorite gear, his next big adventure, and his stint as a camp counselor in…

Written by GJ Staff July 21, 2016

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.

Written by Kyle Nossaman July 15, 2016

Canine Companion: Hiking Big Miles With Dogs

Want to hike further with your pup? Our contributor has logged hundreds of miles with her Newfoundland-Lab mix and has a few tips.

Written by GJ Staff July 08, 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 Kyle Nossaman June 17, 2016

‘Warrior Hike’ Aids Vets Through Outdoor Therapy

An inaugural five-day hike in Indiana hopes to raise awareness and provide alternative ‘outdoor therapy’ services to veterans and first responders coping with post-traumatic stress…

Written by Adam Ruggiero June 15, 2016

5 Unexpected Essentials For Hiking Big Miles

To hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail, you need only the essentials. The ‘Packing It Out’ trio lists five such essentials they’ve relied on throughout…

Written by Kyle Nossaman June 06, 2016

Know Before You Go: Essentials For Hiking The Wave

Score a permit for The Wave, a distinctive rock formation on Coyote Buttes in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and prepare for a stout hike…

Written by Sean McCoy June 03, 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 Kyle Nossaman May 31, 2016

Years In Making, 67-Mile Hiking Trail In L.A. Near Complete

Beyond the smog and beach crowds, L.A. has one of the nation’s best wilderness trails, and this June it opens in full.

Written by Stephen Regenold May 28, 2016

Better With Age: ‘Greybeard’ Eyes Appalachian Trail Record

At 80, Dale Sanders set the record for oldest person to paddle the length of the Mississippi. Now, he’s got sights set on another record:…

Written by Adam Ruggiero May 23, 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 Jake Ferguson May 17, 2016

Close-Up: KEEN Versatrail ‘Light Hiker’ Refined

The KEEN Versatrail appeals to casual outdoors types and hardcore hikers alike, we caught up with shoe designer Miroslav Milanov to get his take on…

Written by Stephen Regenold April 08, 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 Kyle Nossaman 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

Meet Tuxie, The Cat Who Loves To Hike

Tuxie is the real deal hiking cat, pawing up to eight miles a day on adventures across the Southeast United States.

Written by Sean McCoy March 22, 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 Sean McCoy March 15, 2016