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Backpacking

When it’s time to leave Outlook, Teams, Slack, and the rest of your connected life behind, many prefer backpacking. Whether you’re a well-traveled backpacker or new to the hobby, this is your destination for backpacking essentials, the best gear on the market, and tips that will make your time in the backcountry even more enjoyable.

Baseplate compass on top of a map

How to use a compass for navigation when GPS fails

It's a shame how many people don't know how to use a compass, especially when the National Park Service lists it as a top 10 safety item. Here's how to get started.
Closeup of two friends setting up a tent in the woods.

3 duct tape camping hacks: Why it should always be in your hiking or camping kit

Two people hiking together

How to calculate hiking time and plan for being away

Hiker with a backpack in front of a mountain lake background

Try these lunch ideas the next time you go backpacking

Man standing outside with backpack on

Keep your stuff dry with the best waterproof backpacks

Young man hiking through the mountains

Layering outdoor clothing: Expert tips from a U.S. Special Operations Forces survival pro

Man wearing yellow jacket and backpack hiking or rucking in forest or woods with tall trees

How to plan a day hike: Essential tips for beginners

Man at the top of a mountain wearing a Merino wool sweater

This easy trick tells you which merino wool base layer is right for your activity

Man walking with Nordic walking poles outside by the trees wearing a hat

Explore responsibly: Tips for leaving no trace in nature

Mount Everest

This amazing drone video details what it’s like to summit Mount Everest

Mountain House backpacker meal with woman smiling

Fuel up this summer with the best dehydrated backpacking meals

View of Yellowstone National Park waterfall

Here’s everything you need to pack for a trip to Yellowstone National Park

Mount Everest with prayer flags in the foreground

Want to climb to the top of the world? Here’s how long it takes to climb Mount Everest

From landing in Nepal to standing on top of the world, how long does it take to summit Mount Everest?
A man looking up in the woods, seemingly lost

Study reveals haunting truth wabout getting lost in the wild—and how to avoid it

This study reveals how people made it through harrowing trials in the great outdoors and shows which survival skills are most important in this situation.
Panoramic view of mountains and valleys along the John Muir Trail.

A complete guide to hiking the John Muir Trail in California

The John Muir Trail requires patience and planning. The Manual's guide explains how long it takes to hike the John Muir Trail and what you need to do it.
Big camping green backpack and yellow tent in the mountains.

How to pack a tent in a backpack: A pro guide for beginners in 6 easy steps

When you’re out for an overnight hike in the wilderness, you want to be amply prepared for the experience. Here's a guide for how to pack a tent in a backpack.
Hiking Denali National Park in Alaska

7 real locations from outdoor movies to explore

No matter what outdoor hobbies you enjoy, chances are you've seen these cinematic portrayals. Now you can visit the real landscapes and filming locations.
A camping setup with tents

This is how to avoid getting sick while camping

Getting sick is never fun, but it's particularly unfortunate when you're out camping. Take note of these basic tips to stay safe and well in the outdoors.
A view of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in Peru

These are 8 of the most dangerous hikes in the world

From Huayna Picchu in South America to El Caminito del Rey in Spain, these are the world's most dangerous hikes. Take yourself to the edge — but not over it.
Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park

The 20 best U.S. national parks to explore now

Soaring mountains, dune-covered deserts, glacial lakes, primeval forests, and red-rock canyons set the stage for special adventures in splendid national parks.
Man eating a hiking snack

The best hiking snacks to fuel your time on the trail

When it comes to fueling your next outdoor adventure, these best hiking snacks deliver.
Man shaving outside

All the camping toiletries you need for a weekend (or a week) in the woods

Planning an outdoor adventure? We've rounded up the best, must-have toiletries and grooming products to help you look and feel your best in the wild.
A man looking down into a valley, enjoying the fresh air and taking a pause from a hike

What is rucking? The latest TikTok fitness trend that has been around for ages

What is rucking? Here's the lowdown on the latest TikTok trend and the benefits of this aerobic exercise
Man hiking with poles near a mountain

Hiking the trail? Here are 9 tips for safe self-navigation

Getting lost on the trail can be a terrifying experience, particularly for solo hikers. But it’s also preventable with proper preparation.
A man and a woman eating snacks as they look ahead

Fuel yourself for the trail ahead and avoid hiker hunger

Here are our time-honored tips for keeping yourself fueled on the trail and avoiding hiker hunger and the sugar-crash cycle.
Camping fire

How to gather firewood responsibly while camping

Whether planning a weekend escape or a multi-day backpacking excursion, we should all strive to be good stewards of the Earth by gathering firewood responsibly.
The "secret beach" at Ko Olina in Kapolei, Hawaii.

The best hiking spots across Hawaii – from the Big Island to Oahu

Heading to paradise, but want to spend time at more than just the beach? Check out some of the best hiking spots that Hawaii has to offer.
Himalayas

9 longest hiking trails in the world that you must visit

Long trails provide an intimate glimpse of some of the most fascinating and far-flung places on Earth. Here are the best longest hiking trails in the world.
Person camping on a river using a one person tent

The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect one-person tent for your next outing

Ready to commit to the one-person tent life but don't know where to start your search? Here's the lowdown on what makes any one-person tent great.
Date and cashew bars

How to make nutritious and delicious trail snacks: Your DIY guide

Learn how to make healthy trail snacks that will fuel you for long days of trekking or overnight hikes.
A person hiking

Dust off your gear, it’s time to hit the trail: The spring hiking tips you need

Embrace the rainy weather and muddy terrain with these springtime hiking tips, as well as what to pack for a fun and successful hike.
Man on bike in Apple watch

Garmin, Seiko, G-SHOCK, and more: Our picks for best outdoor watches in 2024

The best outdoor watches for men include brands like Apple, G-Shock, Garmin, Seiko, and Hamilton
A reef knot is tied against a tree

These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know

Every outdoorsman needs to know how to tie a knot for all occasions. Here are our most important outdoor knots for camping, backpacking, and survival.
Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors

Ditch the GPS: How to navigate using a map and compass

No matter how advanced technology is, the age-old map and compass are indispensable. Learn how to use them with our quick and easy guide.
Man looking over a trail's vista

3 lesser-known tips that can save your life on the trail

Make your next hike a safe and enjoyable one with our brief guide on survival tips and hacks, which includes fighting off bears and navigating the wild.
A midsection of a man wielding a hatchet in the outdoors

Get the best camping axes for cutting, chopping, and prepping your way around the campsite

Every outdoorsman needs a quality camping axe. From survivalist specials to lightweight backpacking models, these are the best hatchets.
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot

The clove hitch is the ultimate answer when it comes to tying an adjustable knot. Our guide teaches you to tie this hitch to a fixed point and for a carabiner.
A person holding a Hydro Flask.

How to clean your hydro flask for tang-free hydration

Using your Hydro Flask daily can take a toll on its cleanliness and condition. Here's a guide on how to clean your Hydro Flask properly so it'll last for years.
Young man checks water filter alongside river

Stay hydrated on the go with our bulletproof water purification tips

Staying hydrated is key to days on the hill, but carrying heavy water bottles weighs you down. Stay ahead of the game with our water purification tips.
Various iPhones on a table.

Forget rice: This is how to actually fix a wet iPhone, according to Apple

We all know the story — you're camping, fishing, or skiing and suddenly, you have a wet iPhone. Here's how to fix it.
Moterra Campervan rental parked in a Utah National Park campsite.

This van life camper van sleeps 8, goes everywhere, and you can rent it for less than a hotel would cost

Looking to give van life a shot? Don't buy - rent! These fully-equipped camper vans sleep up to eight and rent for less than a hotel for a group of people.
Young man using a portable water filter near a backcountry stream.

Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters

A durable, compact, simple, and reliable water filter is indispensable. There are plenty of great ones on the market today, and we’ve rounded up the best.
Man pouring liquor from a flask

Take your favorite tipple from town to trail with the best camping flasks

From stainless steel to plastic and packable, the best camping flasks let you unload the weight and keep drinks flowing on the trail. Here are our top picks.
Skier at Vail in a puffy jacket

Obermeyer vs Helly Hansen: Which puffy jacket is right for you?

When you’re in the market for a new puffy jacket, Obermeyer and Helly Hansen offer two solid options.
Prayer flags in front of Mount Everest.

This is the gross new thing anyone climbing Mount Everest will have to do

If you're thinking about taking the two-week trek up Mount Everest, be prepared for the mountain's newest rule: manage your own excrement.
Hyundai Staria Lounge Camper parked in a field.

We really wish these compact, Korea-exclusive RVs and campervans were available stateside

Korea knows what's up when it comes to minimalist RVs and campervans, like these three ultra-compact campers we really wish were available stateside.
Someone wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 2, showing the Modular Ultra watch face.

The 5 best Apple Watch bands for outdoorsmen

If you're an outdoorsy person, normal Apple Watch bands might not cut it. Here are our top picks for Apple Watch bands that can take on your biggest adventure.
Sportcaravan Cube 1 Microcarvan Travel Trailer isolated on a studio background.

This tiny caravan uses one smart feature to almost double its space when parked

The pint-sized Cube 1 caravan's clever design feature is, as far as we know, entirely unique in the world of compact, lightweight travel trailers.
Man fishing in a river

There’s a new (old) fishing spot in Oregon as a river flows again for the first time in a century

The removal of dams from the Klamath River promises to enhance fishing opportunities and restore wildlife to its natural glory.
A man hiking in Yosemite

How being stinky when hiking in the deep woods might actually save your life

When lost in the great outdoors, the unique scent produced by your body can play a crucial role in your rescue. Stinky is safe!

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