National Parks Reopen: What You Can Visit Now
Parks across the country are finally reopening. Learn which national parks are open now and which will be open later.
The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2020
From rocky mountain runs to muddy spring trails, we tested the best trail running shoes for every use and budget.
Danner Designed Its Lightest Hiker Ever: Here’s Why
We know now’s not the time to be out on the trail, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t daydreaming about it. Danner’s Trail 2650 is a summer hiker inspired by its namesake trail, with plenty of street smarts to stay at home in the meantime.
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Today’s Bargains: 5 Spring Gear Steals
Great outdoor gear at an amazing price: That’s our goal each week. Check out these bargains Sea to Summit, Stoic, and more to save on gear for your next adventure.
Osprey Archeon 45 Review: Environmentally Friendly, Working-Class Gear-Hauler
With a simple but versatile design, the Osprey Archeon backpack should appeal to hikers, overnight campers, and climbers alike.
The Best Trekking Poles of 2020
See our guide to the best trekking poles of 2019, with reviews of top aluminum and carbon options from Black Diamond, LEKI, REI, and more.
Testing Thermo-Molded Hiking Shoes: Tecnica Plasma S Review
Tecnica’s Plasma S uses technology similar to ski boots to thermo-mold to a specific foot’s shape. For this review, I wore them on adventures around the globe from hiking trails to tarmac in varied weather conditions.
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City Hiking Is What We Need Right Now: How to Get Started
With a little planning, city-dwellers can stretch their legs and get some much needed fresh air right out their front doors. Here’s the how and why to try out hiking in an urban area.
A Guide to Micro-Adventures: Exploration Near Home
There’s an important life lesson to be learned from this film: Adventure can be found anywhere — in deserts, oceans, and yes, even traffic-packed highways.
The Best Ultralight Tents According to Thru-Hikers
To pinpoint the hardiest, sturdiest, and lightest backpacking tents, we gathered sage advice from thru-hikers who’ve tracked the toughest, longest miles with their gear.
Survival Gear: 10 Items to Survive
The right gear in your backpack can literally save your life. But what survival gear should you bring?
‘Hike in Place,’ Recommends Superior Hiking Trail Association
While many states exempt hiking from shelter-in-place orders, that doesn’t mean you should hit the road before you hit the trail.
Hiking Through the Desert: How PCT Hikers Do It
Check out these thru-hiking tricks for conquering desert trails that any hiker can use, from calculating water use to avoiding the heat.
How to Buy Local (and Score a Deal) During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Keep mom-and-pop gear shops in business and get great deals when you buy from specialty retailers that have shuttered their shops but are still shipping.
This Man Plans to Hike 8,000 Miles to Form a ‘Greater Western Loop’
Hiker Jon Schwarze will tack additional miles onto one of North America’s boldest lines to make the Great Western Loop even greater.
Mule Deer Migration: One Woman Follows in Its Footsteps
Like wildlife? Need something to do? Settle down with this hour-long virtual film festival.
Trans Adirondack: The Hardest Thru-Hike You’ve Never Heard Of
Less than 10 years old, this thru-hike has already confounded three Triple Crown hikers.
Free Gear Fridays: Ledlenser Portable Backcountry Lights Giveaway
This week, five lucky winners will receive one of Ledlenser’s stellar backcountry lights!
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Watch the First Steps Into One of the Oldest Forests on Earth
Watch as an actual hidden forest with some of the oldest trees on Earth is revealed. And you can visit.
Depression Confessional: Finding New (Old) Life Outdoors
GearJunkie’s ‘How I Stay Fit’ series has seriously inspired me to renew my pursuit of fitness outside. My self-imposed isolation indoors is coming to a joyous end. Depression will not beat me. This is my story.
5 Ways to Lighten Your Pack for Backpacking
With thru-hikes like the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail gaining popularity, hikers are constantly looking to shed weight from their packs. But you don’t have to hike thousands of miles in order to aim for a lighter pack.
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Save 40%: The North Face Gear Is on Sale Now
Check out our three favorite deals from The North Face sale at Backcountry. Save up to 40% on jackets, footwear, shorts, and more outdoor gear for every season.
Pay It Forward: Salewa Starts Giveaway for Thru-Hikers
Mountain sport brand Salewa wants to give you — and a bunch of other thru-hikers — free shoes for a year as part of its newest campaign.
A Headlamp Made of Wood: Eukarya Origin Review
Headlamps are a necessity for any nighttime outdoor pursuit. And this one from Eukarya not only provides light but also sustainability and style.
End-of-Year Gear: Score More at REI’s Year-End Clearance Sale
Save up to 50 percent off outdoor essentials during the REI Year-End Clearance. The sale starts December 25, shop now for the best selection.
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Free Guided Hikes in All 50 States on New Year’s Day
More than a quarter-century after its launch, First Day Hikes will again ring in the new year with free guided adventures in every state.
Don’t-Miss Deals: Cyber Week Discounts Still Going Strong
Don’t worry, Cyber Week deals are still here. Backcountry extended its big Cyber Sale all week long to keep outdoor gear discounts coming your way.
Free Gear Fridays: ‘Survive Outdoors Longer’ Hiking Essentials Kit Giveaway
This week, one lucky winner will receive a backcountry hiking essentials kit from Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L.)!
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Gift Guide: Shop Now, Relax Before the Holidays
We’ve found the best gifts for all the adventure-loving people in your life. Shop these early-bird gifts now and get back outside doing what you love.
Alex Elizabeth Sets Female FKT on Superior Hiking Trail
Alex Elizabeth is a motivated endurance athlete. And despite heavy obstacles last week, she set a new record on the Superior Hiking Trail.
Watch: Intense and Beautiful Winter Camping in the North
If you’ve never been winter camping — and want to — this video is for you.
