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Backpacking

A fully tied figure-eight knot being rethreaded. Yellow and red rope tied around a stump on the grass.

Learn to tie (and untie) a double figure-eight knot

Learn how to tie the double figure-eight knot, perhaps the most secure knot in the world.
Man in a waterproof jacket in the rain

How to waterproof a jacket in 3 simple steps

Waterproofing your jacket can transform a comfortable wardrobe staple into the ultimate waterproof rain jacket, and it’s really not as hard as you might think.
A reef knot is tied against a tree

Learn to tie a square knot to secure loads when you’re out camping

There are a lot of knots that any boater or outdoorsman needs to know. The square knot will help with tying bundles or packages.
Two people hiking the W Trek in Chile, mountains in the background.

Upgrade to the best warm-weather hiking gear of 2023

We’ve rounded up the best new gear for hiking (and camping and kayaking and whatever else you’re getting into) this spring and summer.
Closeup of a hand holding a smartphone with a picture of a small seedling on the screen.

Get the best nature apps for identifying unknown plants and critters right from your smartphone

If you're insatiably curious about the natural world, these mobile nature apps will help you identify almost any unknown plant or critter.
Man using a portable outdoor shower near the beach.

Keep clean anytime, anywhere with the best portable showers for camping

A portable camping shower can get you clean with minimal effort and water. We’ve found the 10 best models worth shopping in 2023.
iPhone 14 Plus.

Review: Does the iPhone 14 Plus live up to its outdoorsy reputation?

Apple has marketed the iPhone 14 as the ideal phone for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our review takes a look at its travel chops.
A man on a beach using a smoke signal.

These SOS signals could save your life

Whether you're lost in a forest or trapped in a confined space, be sure to read up on our list of SOS signals to save you from potential danger.
Dangerous hiking at Mount Washington

Type 2 fun: Do we love to suffer?

There are different types of fun when it comes to any outdoor experience, and this article looks at the psychology of enjoying your time outside.
Man with backpack looks out over Yellowstone National Park's wilderness on overcast day

What’s the difference between 2 and 3 layer Gore-Tex?

As part of the description on a waterproof jacket, you'll see that it says 2, 2.5, or 3 layer GORE-TEX, but what does this really mean? We'll take a look.
best national parks to visit in spring summer warm weather great sand dunes park and preserve colorado getty images

These are the best national parks to visit when the weather warms up

With the arrival of spring (and summer just around the corner), now is the time to explore the best U.S. National Parks.
Collection of survival food and dehydrated meals.

Stock up for emergencies with these great survival food packs

Having a survival food kit stashed away in your apartment or your car might come in handy sooner than you think. Here are the best survival food kits this year.
People kayaking down the river at the Big Bend National Park.

The most and least visited National Parks: See popular sites (or avoid crowds)

If you're looking for new spots, we have the list of the most and least visited National Parks for you to plan your next visit around where to go.

The ultimate ultralight backpacking gear list: This is everything you need

If you want to move fast on the trail, you need ultralight backpacking gear. Here's our ultimate packing list for ultralight adventures.
Best Hiking and Backpacking Tents

The 11 Best Backpacking Tents for Hiking and Camping

The best backpacking shelters balance weight, bulk, affordability, and wet-weather protection.
A trail runner overlooks a rocky pathway up the next incline.

Fast and Light Overnight: A Newbie’s Guide to Fastpacking

Going ultralight is the new trend, but what about fastpacking? Learn all you need to know about covering maximum distance, with minimal equipment.
A man in beanie and backpack standing atop of a mountain with his arms stretched out.

Backpacking Checklist: 13 Things You Need for Hiking

No matter how far you’re trekking or how long you’re planning to be offline, these are the best backpacking essentials you need to survive.
A Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P backpacking tent out in the backcountry.

Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P Review: Why I Love This Do-It-All Tent

After spending a month with the new Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P, I've gotta say I'm a fan. Here are my takeaways from my time with the latest Dagger backpacking tent.
A woman sitting and drinking a warm beverage by a green tent.

Our 9 Best Camp Coffee Makers for Fresh Morning Java

Take your morning coffee with you on any backpacking or camping adventure! Try our best camp coffee makers and mugs for an energy boost in the great outdoors.
Tents at the Karanga Camp.

The Ultimate Beginner’s Backpacking Guide

Hiking with your world on your back is the purest form of travel. Set yourself up for success with our beginner's guide to backpacking essentials.
best camping grills on amazon

The Best Camping Grills for Outdoor Cooking

From lightweight, backpack-friendly models to large alternatives that can cook up dinner for the whole family, these are our favorite camping grills.
A camping sleeping pad sitting outside at sunrise.

The 10 Best Sleeping Pads for Every Kind of Camping

Sleeping outdoors doesn't have to be a pain in your butt ... or side ... or back. The best sleeping pads of 2022 keep you comfy no matter where you're sleeping.
A man with a backpack standing on a rocky ledge.

The 11 Best Backpacking Gear Items for Hitting the Trail in 2022

Spend less time hauling and more time exploring with the best backpacking gear for 2022. These lightweight options are essential for any adventure.

The 9 Best Camping Lights To Brighten Your Campsite

Don't get lost in the dark if you're out camping. Check out our top 9 camping light picks to brighten your campsite any time of the year!

Tent Buying Guide: How To Find the Best Tent for Your Trip

We put together this handy tent buying guide to help you find a good shelter quickly so you can get off your computer and be back outdoors.
Couple hiking on Mount Rainier in winter

How to avoid muscle cramps while hiking in cold weather

It's easy to get muscle cramps during the winter months. But following a few simple tips can help prevent cramps and stiffness during the coldest of months.
The best 3-person backpacking tents are durable, lightweight, and roomy.

The 9 Best 3-Person Backpacking Tents of 2022

The best three-person backpacking tents are durable, roomy, water-resistant, and, most importantly, lightweight.
The best backpacking tents under $100 offer many of the same features of their brand-name alternatives.

7 Best Backpacking Tents Under $100 in 2022

The first step in building out a new backpacking gear closet is finding a reliable and affordable tent.
best lighteight camping stove for backpacking biolite full

The Best Lightweight Camping Stoves for Backcountry Cooking

If you want to experience what the backcountry has to offer but still want to eat as if you're in the city, we've listed the best camping stoves for you.
camping gear list under 200 people backpacking with dog

The 8 Best Pieces of Camping Gear Under $200 on Amazon

Not everyone has a couple grand to drop on the best camping gear out there. The Manual has got your back with all your camping essentials on a $200 budget.
People swapping out one of the best portable power pack batteries.

The 7 Best Portable Power Packs for Car Camping Like a Pro

With these beefy power packs, you can explore far off-grid with the juice to charge all your electronics.
Ozark Trail 10-Person Instant Camping Tent set up on white background.

This TEN PERSON Tent Is Insanely Cheap at Walmart Today

Getting ready to go camping with a large group or your entire family? Walmart is offering an Ozark Trail 10-Person tent for a crazy low price today!
Winter Camping Tents

The 7 Best Four-Season Tents for All Your Weather Adventures in 2021

Gear up with a real all-weather tent. Stay protected from the elements of spring, summer, winter, and fall all year-round in one of the best 4-season tents.

How to Sleep Outdoors: The Best Gear for a Good Night’s Sleep

There is no one perfect backcountry sleep system. The top solution is the one that’s right for you. Find the best camping gear for a good night's sleep.
campfire site picnic table

How to Enjoy Your Campfires Responsibly This Summer

Campfires are a natural hazard, especially when left unattended. Here's how you can enjoy your campfires safely to prevent wildfires from devastating nature.
Best Multipurpose Hiking Gear

Multipurpose Hiking Gear: 8 Outdoor Tools That Do More Than One Job

Multipurpose gear lets you do more with less. The less junk in your trunk — er, backpack — the lighter it will be. The lighter it is, the happier you are.
Best Outdoor Backpacks

8 Best Outdoor Backpacks for Men in 2022

Carrying 40 pounds on your back doesn't sound like a "great escape," but with our 2022 roundup of backpacking packs, you can forget about back pain.
waterproof socks best for men

7 Best Waterproof Socks Fit for Your Next Adventure

When it comes to footwear and socks, there is a wide variety of options to choose from. In this wide spectrum, where do waterproof socks fit in?
Best

6 Best Lightweight Backpacks That Will Comfortably Fit All Your Gear

You need a lightweight backpack that doesn't sacrifice comfort or space for ounces. Here are a few suggestions for your next adventure, whether it's a weekend trip or a week-long thru-hike.
best backpacking chairs helinox chair

The Best Backpacking Chairs for Your Next Adventure

There’s nothing like putting your feet up in a comfortable chair around the fire at the end of a long day. Here are our picks for your next adventure, which include the best backpacking chairs that are above the ground and on the ground, and stools.
innovative camping gear basics essentials bisongears rolling grill lifestyle

Upgrade Your Gear with Innovative Camping Essentials that Go Beyond the Basics

Some of our favorite outdoor gear brands have raised the bar on their camping basics. Whether it’s an ingenious design tweak or a barely noticeable addition that takes the experience to a new level, these improved camping essentials are guaranteed to up the ante on your outdoor adventures.
moab utah backpacking camping hiking

Save Money on Your Gear by Renting It First with Coozie Outdoors

If you only head into the backwoods once or twice a year, or if you're pondering your first wilderness expedition, then you probably don't need to own a full set of gear — not when you can rent great outdoor equipment from Coozie Outdoors.
kammok mantis hammock

Kammok Says This Is the Ultimate Ultralight Backpacking Hammock

In their endless striving for lighter and lighter setups, some ounce-counting backpackers (without sore backs) have picked up hammocks as lightweights shelters that pack down small. Kammok's new Mantis is an all-in-one hammock system that could replace your backpacking tent.
evermore origin sling beltbag fanny pack belt hero image 1

Is This New ‘Fanny Pack’ the Solution to Your Travel Pack Problems?

Whatever you call it, there’s no dignified way to wear a fanny pack. Nevertheless, several companies are trying to resuscitate the iconic ‘90s carry-all. Among them is Evermore, whose Origin Sling Beltbag is equal parts sling and beltbag with the potential to solve your travel day pack problems.
rent camping backpacking gear with campcrate outdoors

New to Nature? Start Backpacking and Camping with Rental Gear from CampCrate

How do you plan for a backpacking trip in Yosemite when you have no gear? Simply rent what you need from CampCrate and ship it back when you're done. Founders Chad Lawver and Mason Gravley want to make it as easy as possible for beginners to go backpacking.
survival hackers handbook gear

Survival Hacker’s Handbook: An Enjoyable Read That Just Might Stave Off Death

Among the things I'm hoping I never have to deal with are a grizzly bear attack, an avalanche, and being caught in the middle of a flash flood. But, if any of those things happen, I'll be better prepared to face them thanks to Ted Alvarez's enjoyable, informative new book, The Survival Hacker's Handbook. 
snowpeak

Snow Peak is Japan’s One-Stop-Shop for Outdoor Gear (and You Can Get it in the U.S.)

The Japanese know good design. Clay Abney outlines our favorite Snow Peak products currently available from this nearly 60-year-old outfitter.
hammock

Soak in Your Summer Adventures By Learning How to Hang a Hammock

Hammock Enthusiast Derek Hanson has written the ultimate guide, filled with illustrations, easy tips, and essential techniques on how to hang a hammock. 
Sierra-Santa-de-Marta-Mountains-Colombia

A Man’s Thoughts Before a Journey into the Unknown

Sometimes you just have to take a journey into the unknown. Steven John shares his thoughts on traveling into the known before leaving for a mountain trek
waterproof backpack

Stay Dry on the Trail with Mountain Hardwear’s Rainshadow Backpack

Mountain Hardwear's Rainshadow Waterproof Backpack is a light, sturdy, convenient pack that will help you and your gear stay dry in even the wettest weather