Hiking
Day hikes to trekking for many miles down the trail, we cover a range of hiking products.
Want to Enjoy the Mountains More? Hire a Guide
Getting into the backcountry for the first time can be an intimidating experience. There are many scenarios where it pays to go with a guide, especially in variable winter conditions.
Free Gear Fridays: Danner Mountain 600 Weatherized Edition
Here at GJ, we test a lot of gear. Now, we want to give you the chance to win some gear too.
Watch: Iraq War Veteran Finds Healing on the Appalachian Trail
‘Hiking gave me the ability to be the person I always was: a confident person that was capable of doing anything.’
Heather ‘Anish’ Anderson Finishes Triple Crown Hiking in Calendar Year
In 2018, Heather ‘Anish’ Anderson became the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in one calendar year.
Best Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers: Drink Up Safely
From lightweight chemical purifiers to fast-acting pumps and large-quantity gravity filters, we’ve rounded up the best water filters and purifiers for the backcountry and beyond.
Planning a Thru-Hike With Your Dog? Read This First
Dogs can go darned near everywhere with us — even on a thru-hike. But, just like humans, they require some TLC to ramble on and on.
The World’s Hiking Trails on One Map, Illustrated by Hand
From the Appalachian Trail in the U.S. to the Bibbulmun Track in Australia, the Awesome Maps Hiking Map highlights some of the world’s preeminent hiking trails.
Climbing a 14er: 5 Lessons to Remember
Climbing a 14er is an adventure accessible to many people. But it isn’t a walk in the park! Keep these tips in mind whether you’re preparing for your first 14er or just tagging another.
Wet Weekend on the Long Trail: Our ‘Find Your FKT’ Winner Trip Report
GearJunkie recently sent two lucky winners outfitted in Merrell gear on a trek along Vermont’s Long Trail. Here’s their story.
Man Smashes Superior Hiking Trail FKT With Fractured Leg
With his 310-mile self-supported speed hike, Ajay Pickett now holds the overall fastest known time along the northern Minnesota trail. That’s even with breaking his leg days before the finish.
500-Mile New Mexico Thru-Hike? Team Scouts ‘Rio Grande Trail’ Route
New Mexico is now closer to sharing its stunning landscape with hikers. A scouting mission is underway to route the promising 500-mile border-to-border Rio Grande Trail.
Secret Park Treasure: How to See Mesa Verde’s Storied ‘Mug House’
Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors go to see the majesty of Mesa Verde National Park. But only a select few get to tour breathtaking backcountry dwellings rarely seen by the public.
Danner Wayfinder: A Breathable Boot for Women Who Hike and Hunt
The Danner Wayfinder, the brand’s latest boot for the outdoorswoman, holds up on price point, comfort, and support.
PurTrek Puts a Water Filter Inside a Trekking Pole
PurTrek combines two essential outdoors products — a water filter and a trekking pole — into a single device. Could it be any good?
Karel Sabbe Smashes Appalachian Trail Record By 4 Days
The 28-year-old ultra-running dentist from Belgium, Karel Sabbe, topped Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy’s overall mark and now holds the supported AT thru-hike record.
Summit Twice, Run Around: Grueling Rainier Infinity Loop Sees New Record
Inspired by Chad Kellogg’s life of perpetual motion, a pair of Coloradan adventurers claims the fastest known time of the 130-mile, 40,000-foot-gain challenge on Mount Rainier.
9 Mountains in 20 Hours: How Runner Crushed 12er Challenge
Mountain runner Cody Lind recently set an FKT on a quirky course covering Idaho’s nine highest peaks. He did the Idaho 12er challenge in a single day without rest. We found out how.
Higher and Drier: Best Breathable Hiking Boots
The rise — and splash — of waterproof, breathable footwear has expanded the possibilities for day trekkers as well as long distance thru-hikers. Yet warmer weather can make them too hot when the temperatures climb and even higher altitudes beckon.