Thru-Hiking Through a Pandemic: 14 Days on the John Muir Trail
Thru-hiking any trail is already a big task. Add in the roadblocks of a pandemic, and it becomes an even bigger adventure.
Don’t-Miss Deals: Cyber Week Discounts Still Going Strong
Don’t worry, Cyber Week deals are still here. Backcountry extended its Cyber Sale another week to keep big discounts coming your way.
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The Best Snowshoes of 2021
After hours of research and months of testing, we found the best snowshoes for every use and budget. And don’t miss our buyer’s guide with everything you need to get started.
The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2021
What’s the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and put several models to the test to find some of the top lightweight hiking backpacks.
9 Great Deals From REI’s ‘Gear Up Get Out’ Sale
REI’s Gear Up Get Out sale starts today with some great deals on all your favorite outdoor gear. Get outside today, or gear up for tomorrow with this sale on everything from summer camping to wintersports.
Free Gear Fridays: HOKA TenNine GTX Hiking Boots & Fitness Apparel
This week, three lucky winners will receive a pair of TenNine Hike GTX hiking boots and a top and bottom of their choice from HOKA ONE ONE!
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Heel, Yeah! HOKA TenNine Boots Offer Bold Take on Hiking Footwear
The first thing you’ll notice about HOKA ONE ONE’s new lightweight hikers is the wide, extended heel base. A decade after raising eyebrows with its trail running shoes, the brand set its sights on making hiking more comfortable.
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Free Gear Fridays: Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
This week, one lucky winner will receive a pair of Danner Trail 2650 hiking shoes!
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Best Desert Hikes for Fall/Winter: 5 Must-See Trails in the American Southwest
There’s nothing quite like hiking in the desert in the fall and early winter. Daytime temps are pleasant, nights are crisp, and yellow leaves provide contrast to red rocks.
My Retired Forest Service Mule Went Viral: Here’s Her Story
Public service is venerated in many ways. But it’s not often that we can recognize our four-legged friends who serve the American public full time.
How to Choose Snowshoes: A First-Time Guide
Whether you are looking for an affordable way to enjoy the snow, or need another tool for your summit adventures, the perfect snowshoes can be a versatile addition to your gear closet. Learn how to choose the best snowshoes here.
Bernhardt Announces 30 New National Recreation Trails in 25 States
The Trump Administration is adding new National Recreation Trails across the country. And 1,275 new trail miles are now open to the public.
The Best Hunting Socks of 2021
A pair of socks can make or break your feet on that dream hunting trip. We’ve researched the best hunting socks of 2021 so your feet can hunt happy.
Pack Big for Backcountry Hikes: Osprey Introduces ‘Plus’ Backpacks for Aether & Ariel
Osprey celebrates the 25th anniversary of its signature backpack with tougher, high-volume models that hold from 60 L up to 100 L of gear. The Aether and Ariel Plus packs are made for multiday journeys — just in time for fall backpacking trips that require packing more gear.
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Winter Hiking How-To Guide: Pro Tips
For many, it can feel far less natural to head out for a backpacking trek in the depths of winter. Still, for those who can stand a bit of cold air and brisk winds, the snow-capped peaks and open trails await.
What Is ‘Bear Country’? Everything to Know Before You Go
Most of North America is bear country, predominantly territory for black bears. Your chances for a sighting a bear increase once you venture into the woods or backcountry.
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A Guide to Utah’s National Parks: Visit ‘The Mighty 5’
If Utah could be known for just one thing, it would be its landscape. What used to be a rarely visited desert has now become one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. This is partly due to a campaign known as The Mighty 5.
Fjallraven Classic Goes Virtual: Hike USA Route in Stunning POV
There’s lots we can accomplish online. But hiking? Fjallraven is testing out this concept by making its latest trekking trip fully virtual.
How to Read a Topographic Map: The Keys to Deciphering Your Way
With today’s access to apps that have GPS tracking along mapped routes, a large population of outdoor recreationists finds themselves unfamiliar with how to read a good ol’ paper topographic map. Having a topo map on any adventure, including day hikes at a local park, can provide a huge advantage.
5 Tips to Prepare for Your First Backcountry Camping Trip
Backcountry camping is a great way to experience the less-traveled wilderness — maybe even forge your own path. When you’re out exploring new places, it pays to be prepared.
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Free Gear Fridays: LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Bottle With Filter
This week, one lucky winner will receive a new LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Bottle with Filter in the color of their choice!
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The 6 Best Hikes Near Boise
While there are many great things to love about Boise, Idaho, one of the best is its access to the great outdoors. We’ve gathered a list of six popular hikes in or near Boise to get you out exploring.
Butterflies, Bigfoot, and Backcountry: ‘The Dark Divide’ Film Review
Experience the healing power of nature in the epic book-turned-film ‘The Dark Divide.’ Get all the details about the film premiere and read an exclusive review here.
BioLite HeadLamp 750 First Look: ‘Run Forever’ Lumens With a Few Quirks
BioLite released its first HeadLamp in 2018, breaking into the market with one of the sleekest designs we’ve ever seen. This week, the brand unveiled its most high-performance model to date: the HeadLamp 750.
Sneaker Style Meets Outdoor Gusto in Columbia Facet 15 Hiking Shoe
We all know Columbia for its vented fishing shirts, shell jackets, and more. With this launch, the brand is hoping to fill a footwear void.
UK Hiker Sets Solo Record: 214 Wainwrights in 14 Days
Hiking 214 peaks — in really terrible weather — is no easy feat. And this U.K. hiker did it for speed, setting a new record for the Wainwrights.
‘Black in National Parks Week’ Is Coming: Here’s How to Take Part
Just 3 months after #BlackBirdersWeek generated headlines and enthusiasm around diversity in the outdoors, a park educator launches another initiative to celebrate people of color in national parks.
#OnlyinMN Hiking: 10 Must-See Hikes Through the Land of 10,000 Lakes
Looking for a getaway to help you recharge? Minnesota offers several outdoor recreation areas with miles of hiking trails, acres of forests, and so many lakes!
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‘Fly By’ Hiker Shatters Colorado Trail Record Record by 4 Days
Mikaela Osler’s goal was to finish the Colorado Trail in a record 14 days. She did it, self-supported, in 10.
14 Himalayan Hikes You Have to Experience
The Himalayas, which translates to ‘land of snow,’ inspire dreams of remote hiking, climbing granite towers, trekking through the slopes, and being on the veritable top of the world. If you’re ready for adventure, don’t miss these once-in-a-lifetime hikes.
The 10 Best Hikes Near Denver
With beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and many trails within easy driving distance, there’s no shortage of great hikes near Denver to explore.
