Backpacking
About
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Take your favorite tipple from town to trail with the best camping flasks of 2023
From stainless steel to plastic and packable, the best camping flasks let you unload the weight and keep the drinks flowing on the trail. Here are our top picks.
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.
When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut
The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
These are the essential outdoor knots that 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 beginner’s guide to moving fast and light on the trail
Here's everything you need to know to enter the world of fastpacking.
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 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.
Here’s everything you need to pack for a trip to Yellowstone National Park
Just like Old Faithful, these essential items can always be counted on to ensure a safe and fun adventure trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2023.
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.
Snowsports
Camping
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