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.
A Family of 8 Is About to Complete the Appalachian Trail
At camp, 11-year-old Memory makes breakfast. And Dove, 16, makes dinner for the entire family. On the trail, Filia, 7, carries all of the family’s trash. Meet the Crawfords: An eclectic and determined family trekking the Applachian Trail.
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Stretching Beyond Leather: Danner Launches EnduroWeave Boot
After more than 80 years making leather boots, Danner’s first woven boot isn’t just new for the brand. It claims the EnduroWeave marks the first woven hiking boot on the market.
Did The North Face Develop the World’s Best Shoe Rubber?
The North Face launches new hiking boots and trail running shoes next year with what the brand claims is the best rubber system yet.
Hike Gnarly Trails: Columbia Conspiracy III Shoe Review
For several days, dozens of miles, and hundreds of rocky, Incan steps, we abused Columbia’s waterproof light hiker — the Conspiracy III Titanium OutDry.
Spelunking in Banff: Watch Caving Under the Rocky Mountains
Afraid of dark, tight spaces? Eric Hanson takes us inside Canmore Caves in Banff National Park. While most visitors hike trails, below the surface is an expansive network of otherworldy caves.
Carbon & Kevlar: MSR Trekking Poles Survive Alaskan Test
Carbon fiber, Kevlar, and the patented DynaLock adjustable closure combine in the light, compact, sturdy MSR Ascent Pole.
Danner Pronghorn Hunting Boot: A Season-Long Test
Anyone who hunts knows that wet feet suck — and that wet, cold feet suck even worse. I tested the Danner Pronghorn boot in the hope my feet would stay warm and dry.
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Free Gear Fridays: Hanwag Tatra Light GTX Trekking Boots
Win a pair of modern, Hanwag Tatra Light GTX trekking boots in this week’s Free Gear Friday giveaway.
Buy These Boots to Help More Women Get Outside
Merrell just launched the female-focused Chameleon 7 Storm XX hiking boot. And this Sunday, 10 percent of every women’s hiking boot purchase goes toward getting more women outdoors.
Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Outdoor Office: Big Agnes to Thru-Hike Colorado
Sleeping-bag maker Big Agnes will send more than 70 employees on an awareness-raising thru-hike of Colorado’s Continental Divide Trail.
Isolated in the Backcountry: Watch ‘Heli Hiking’ in Banff
Eric Hanson gives a tour of Banff National Park, complete with hiking trails accessed by helicopter. This video offers one of the more unique ways to view the beautiful Canadian national park.
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Free Gear Fridays: Merrell MQM Flex Shoes & Hiking Trip Giveaway
This week, as part of our larger Find Your FKT contest, we’re giving away 12 pairs of Merrell MQM Flex shoes and an all-expenses-paid weekend hiking trip for two.
Outdoor Hazard: How to Avoid a Cougar Attack
Cougar attacks are rare, but it pays to play defensively in mountain lion territory. Here, we provide some tips on how to avoid these encounters and what to do in the rare event of an attack.
Awesome Hiking Boot: The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is a very comfortable, fairly light, waterproof boot that fit my foot well right out of the box. Three big days on and off trail left me looking forward to more miles in these boots.
Don’t Stack Rocks! YouTuber Rails Against Random Cairns
Stacking rocks can be dangerous. Random cairns can lead hikers astray if created irresponsibly, attract animals, and further humanity’s impact on the outdoors.