Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors
  3. Backpacking

Backpacking

A view between a valley in Yosemite national park during February

This clever hack bypasses Yosemite’s complicated new reservation system

Yosemite National Park has a complicated new reservation system a lot of people are complaining about - but we've got a workaround
Taking a break from hiking to drink some water from an insulated water bottle

Up your hydration game with one of the best insulated water bottles from CamelBak, Yeti, and more

Whether you're hiking, backpacking, heading to the gym, or just in the office, stay hydrated with these insulated water bottles.
Baltoro Impetro modular backpack set.

Do you need a modular backpack? We tested the Baltoro Impetro, and weight the pros and cons

Is a modular backpack right for you? We test the Baltoro Impetro to find out why the modular backpack trend is catching on
Emerson TKF-1

When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut – The James Brand, 5.11 Tactical, and more

The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
The North Face Nuptse Jacket on a plain background

This is the North Face jacket I’d buy this winter (if I had to pick just one)

The North Face has plenty of great jackets and outerwear for winter — this is the best.
Man standing in front of snowy mountains

A premium holiday gift guide for the outdoorsman

Looking for a gift guide that will have the outdoorsman in your life smiling? Here is the ultimate guide for you.
Elk at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park tip: Don’t dangle your baby near an elk like the guy in this video

Elk, bears, moose, and other wildlife are not to be messed with. This Yellowstone visitor didn't get the memo.
The Insta360 camera detailed picture.

The new Insta360 Ace Pro looks almost exactly like a GoPro, and has specs to match

The new Insta360 Ace Pro action camera looks a lot like a GoPro, and has specs to rival any premium action cam.
Luminox field watch on bag

Legendary outdoor brands Ball and Buck and Luminox combine for the ultimate field watch

Luminox and Ball and Buck have teamed up for the ultimate field watch
The James Brand Hatchet

Everyday carry label The James Brand has a new collab for something you definitely shouldn’t carry daily

The James Brand, an everyday carry brand we love, has a new collab on something you definitely shouldn't carry around daily: a hatchet
Mountain photo

Third Man Syndrome: The weird phenomenon extreme mountain climbers experience

The third man has acted as a guide, advisor, companion, and much more to those in need, but who or what is this presence and does it really exist?
The North Face GORE-TEX denim jacket

The North Face is now making GORE-TEX denim because why not

The standout piece in The North Face's GORE-TEX denim collection is the GTX Mountain Jacket. This jacket seamlessly combines style with functionality.
Garmin tactix 7 – AMOLED Edition

New Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition may be the perfect smartwatch for deep-country camping and hiking

Garmin has once again raised the bar with the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition. Here's what makes it one of the greatest outdoor smartwatches of 2023.
Moose sitting in a field in an open clearing during the day

Why you need to be just as wary of moose as bear attacks (and what to do when you encounter one)

Moose aren't normally dangerous, but you really don't want to get on their bad side. Here's what to do when one is approaching quickly.
Wild bushfires burning in Tasmania, Australia.

Time to wake up: Climate change gave us our hottest summer ever and the Earth is in meltdown, U.N. says

Climate change is real. We just experienced the hottest summer on record, and scientists say our climate is breaking down.
A picture showing the beautiful landscape and clear skies of Death Valley

You can mountain bike into Death Valley and watch the next solar eclipse on October 14

You can take a really cool mountain bike ride into Death Valley to watch a solar eclipse. It doesn't get cooler than that!
A large sign on a tree on the side of a mountain bike trail telling riders that e-bikes are not allowed

You may want an electric mountain bike, but you probably shouldn’t buy one – here’s why

Electric mountain bikes are amazing, but they've got some serious drawbacks. We get deep on why your next MTB purchase shouldn't be electric
Man walking with hiking poles

Podcasts every outdoors enthusiast will enjoy: The Crux, Dirtbag Diaries, and more

Looking for podcasts that make you want to get outside? These choices won't disappoint!
Closeup of a red tick and water droplets on a blade of grass.

Kiss insect bites goodbye: Why insect-repellent clothing is the best thing since, well, insect repellent

Insect repellent does a good job of preventing insect bites, but can clothing work better?
A hiker looks out over Mount Everest.

Cost to climb Mount Everest is skyrocketing because people keep dying

As the death toll rises on Mount Everest, officials plan to increase cost significantly.
Skier heading downhill at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, with the sun and aerial tram in the background.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort owners sell to local families, keeping resort hyper-local indefinitely

Jackson Hole's owners decided to sell shares to local families, almost ensuring no big resort conglomerate will ever get its hands on the property.
The James Barnes Micarta knife, open on a grey background.

New limited edition everyday carry knife from The James Brand might be the splurge purchase you’ve been waiting for

Looking for a new everyday carry knife that stands out? The James Brand has you covered
Scorkl 2.0 underwater

This revolutionary device might make snorkeling more like scuba diving

The Scorkl 2.0 Electric will let you snorkel and do boat maintenance tasks with a lot more freedom.
Ft. Wayne - Circa August 2017: Costco Wholesale Location. Costco Wholesale is a Multi-Billion Dollar Global Retailer X

Costco has a secret online store, Costco Next, that any member can access – here’s how

Did you know Costco has a secret online store named Costco Next? It's true! Here's how to access it
A man stands in a field wearing backpack and using Black diamond walking poles.

Hiking poles 101: All the different kinds — and our top picks

When searching for the best trekking poles, this is what you need to know.
Jenny in Utah in Outdoor Vitals hiking gear

We tested all of Outdoor Vitals’ lightweight hiking clothes: Here’s our verdict

We tested lightweight hiking gear from the Utah brand Outdoor Vitals. Here's what we thought of it.
Prometheus Design Werx Man Bouldering

These are the best tactical pants for all of your outdoor adventures

Men like to touch grass. Getting out in the great outdoors is made easier with these best tactical pants for men.
An angler holding a rainbow trout above a fishing net.

Yellowstone river mountain whitefish should not be eaten, but rainbow trout are fine, authorities say: Here’s why

Yellowstone river train derailment has contaminated some fish species, but rainbow trout are fine.
Gray and blue "OPEN" sign hanging on a the front door of a small shop.

Gear up at the best locally owned outdoor stores in the U.S.

Forget the online mega retailers. We've rounded up our picks for the 14 best outdoor stores — all small and locally owned — in the U.S.
The Patagonia Stormshadow jacket, featuring GORE-TEX laminates recycled from ocean plastic.

This new Patagonia jacket is the first GORE-TEX jacket to feature 100% recycled, pfc-free GORE-TEX fabrics

GORE-TEX has released its first 100% recycled laminates to work with its PFC-free membrane, and unsurprisingly, Patagonia is the first to adopt this eco-tech.
Black bears looking for food

To avoid a bear attack, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed a road

Bears foraging for food caused park rangers at the Great Smoky Mountains national park to close a road
Family camping

How well does your home state rank for adventure? Study reveals the best and worst states

Wyoming, Montana, and Utah stand out as the top states for thrilling outdoor experiences, offering opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and camping.
One green backpack on a brown wooden log in the woods.

Pack your multiday backpack for comfort with our guide

You will barely notice a well-packed bag on the trail, but a badly packed one will leave you in physical pain. Here's how to pack a backpack for hiking.
A bee on a purple chive flower.

7 wild edible plants every outdoor enthusiast should know about

In this article, we'll highlight some edible plants that grow wild around much of the United States. But make sure that you identify these plants properly
A backpacker at high altitude

Altitude sickness: What you need to know about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention

High elevation might make you sick. Find out how you know and what to do if you get it.
Poison ivy leaves of three

You know you should avoid poison ivy, but stay away from these 5 plants, too

Here are 5 plants that you should avoid. Understanding what these plants look like, symptoms, and remedies can help you have a rash-free summer.
Two hikers trekking a lush green trail with snow-capped mountains in the background.

What is REI Co-Op? Everything you need to know about REI’s in-house gear brand

REI's own REI Co-Op-branded gear flies under the radar, even though it offers similar quality and innovation to better-known premium alternatives for less.
Man running through the desert landscape of The Grand Canyon.

Getting a backcountry permit for Grand Canyon National Park just got a whole lot easier

Grand Canyon National Park will upgrade its permitting process to allow most backcountry campers to pay for and reserve their spots completely online for 2024.
A grizzly bear stands in a woodland clearing.

This video shows just how fast a bear attack can happen

Watch as a grizzly bear takes its anger out on this camera and see how fast a bear attack can happen.
A man collects water from a river by the light of a headlamp.

Hydration is vital for summer adventures: How to safely collect water on the trail

Unless you weigh yourself down with gallons of water, you will have to refill on the trail. Here's how to do so safely.
Man holding a scorpion

How to treat scorpion stings: 4 essential things you should do

Scorpion stings can be treated at home. Clean the wound, apply a cold compress, take pain relievers, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
Backpacker in the summer

7 telltale signs it’s time to put the ‘backpacker’ life behind you

Backpack traveling tends to be a young person's game. Here are a few signs that it's time to travel like a grownup, and tips on how to do it.
Eagle Crag in Greater Zion

Zion National Park: Our guide to exploring Utah’s incredible outdoors

Utah is a wonderland of gorgeous vistas, remote wilderness, and abundant outdoor sports. See what the Greater Zion region of this beautiful state has to offer.
An inquisitive black bear plods through a new growth of trees.

Want to take photos of bears? A wildlife photographer reveals the do’s and don’ts to follow so no one gets hurt

By adopting Karen Blue’s mindset of care while photographing wildlife, future generations can also enjoy the beauty of North America’s magnificent creatures.
Man walking with hiking poles

A beginner’s guide to moving fast and light on the trail

Here's everything you need to know to enter the world of fastpacking.
An Insta360 X3 action camera with the chest mount

Insta360 X3 action camera review: Is it worth it?

Whether capturing the ski slopes, a black diamond ridge on your bike, or the perfect campsite, relive the action and favorite moments with the Insta360 X3.
Tick on human finger

Tick safety 101: How to safely remove ticks (and avoid them in the first place)

Going out for a hike and worried about ticks? We give you some tips on how to avoid ticks while hiking to prevent Lyme disease.
Hand holding a flipper knife

Everyday carry all-stars: Upgrade your gear with these best-in-class, fast-action flipper knives

If you’re looking to upgrade your EDC, here are the best flipper knives that anyone would be proud to carry in their pocket.
Full dinner grilling on a metal grate over an open campfire with a blurred couple in the background.

Stock your on-the-go outdoor kitchen with the best camping cookware

Unsure of how to cook outdoors? Check out our easy-to-use cooking gear list for both campers and backpackers, which will bring out your inner gourmet chef!
Hiking and outdoor gear

Stock up on hiking and camping gear at the best places to shop for outdoor equipment deals

Most outdoor gear nowadays is designed to last for years, even decades, of use. Here are five of the best places to stock up on dirt-cheap camping gear.