With the warmer months upon us, there come more opportunities to explore. Nicer weather means easier access to different parks and hikes, which means higher chances of people getting outdoors and adventuring. We love this. But one adventure we are particularly excited about this summer is night hiking. What may be dangerous during the colder […]
If you hike often, there are undoubtably moments where you catch yourself wishing your furry goofball was by your side. Hiking with dogs can be great fun both for pet parents and canine companions alike. However, many new pet parents are afraid of hiking with their dogs, especially on longer routes. What if something goes […]
7 tips on how to plan, prepare, and execute a hiking trip with your children The outdoors can be fun and exciting, especially with your children. If you like hiking, you can share that experience with your family. However, hiking with kids takes a lot of planning and consideration. But don’t worry! We’ve got you […]
Don’t poison your gear. In the field: Be careful with DEET-based bug repellent, which melts plastics, including membranes, and can damage synthetics and other fabrics. At home: Avoid fabric softener. It coats fibers with waxy chemicals, which clog membranes and damage moisture-wicking properties. Treat yourself. Your shell’s DWR (durable water repellent) treatment will deteriorate over time. […]
Naked hiking isn’t for everyone. But hitting the trail in the nude provides a handful of brave hikers the opportunity to connect to the outdoors in a unique way. Head out on the Pacfic Crest Trail (PCT) or the Appalachian Trail (AT) on or around Naked Hiking Day (this year’s celebration happened on the solstice, June 21) […]
When I was pregnant and living on a sailboat in the South Pacific, my friends back home told me to “get my kicks in” before our first baby arrived. It made me nervous. The thought of waiting a decade (or more) to adventure over high peaks, open ocean, and fast rivers made me more nauseous than morning sickness. […]
There’s sleeping outside, and then there’s sleeping outside. Cowboy camping—sleeping out without a tent, tarp, bivy, or any other protection beyond your bag—lets you really commune with the wilderness, leave gear at home, and see some of the best stars of your life. In our members-only section, former Backpacker editor and guide Dennis Lewon shares a story […]
What steps can I take to make a 28°F sleeping bag stretch into colder temps than it is designed for? Looking like low 20s is a possibility! —Josh, San Diego, CA Without good sleep, it’s impossible have a good hike—and without staying warm enough, it’s impossible to get good sleep. Unfortunately, building up a quiver […]
From bears to lightning, there are a lot of things to fear in the backcountry. But which of those are really dangerous, and which shouldn’t you worry about? In Fear Less, our experts break down how to master your fears instead of letting them master you. Confession: I’ve never been solo backpacking. I’ve hiked and trail […]
Insulated bottles are great for packing hot drinks in the winter or sipping ice-cold water on scorching summer hikes. If you’re motivated enough, you can even use them to pack in ice cream on scorching summer hikes. (Trust us, we’ve tried.) But you can’t treat double-walled insulated bottles such as Hydro Flasks like your old Nalgene: Throw […]