Backpacker wants to be your guide to the wilderness: Join Outside+ today and get access to all of our skills stories, gear reviews, hike reports, and much more. Day hiking is a marvelous way to experience nature; it’s approachable, a low time commitment, and easy to get into with little gear or experience. If you’re an avid […]
1. Get ready faster. The easy way? Don’t unpack. When you finish a weekend trip, leave all the stuff you use for nearly every adventure—stove, sleeping pad, first-aid kit, repair kit—together in your pack. Have an organized rack or bin for each sport: climbing, paddling, etc. That way, you can just add activity-specific items and clothes […]
Take clothing with seams, add body parts, a shoulder harness and hipbelt attached to a heavy pack, heat, humidity, and what do you have? The ideal recipe for chafing. This irritating red rash caused from rubbing can turn a pleasant hike into a miserable one. Chafing is simply damage to the skin caused by excessive […]
Make your kids love the trails as much as you do! Ever since my first son was born, in 2010, hiking has proven to be a rich and forgiving family activity. Though I prefer to trail run and mountain bike when I’m away from my nine- and seven-year-old, neither are (currently) conducive to quality family […]
Packing light is a skill well worth learning whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a trip around the world. Once you’ve mastered the fine art of keeping it light, you can set off on all your future adventures knowing you have the essentials you need, room to spare for a found treasure or […]
When your waterproof jacket was new, you might have noticed the way water beaded up on its fabric. A quick shake was all you needed to get rid of that moisture. But after a season of adventures, your shell might need a little TLC. Maybe it’s starting to look a bit soggy – a phenomenon […]
A combination of driving rain, high winds, and temperatures just above freezing, represents some of the most challenging weather that a hiker can face. In these conditions, hypothermia and frostbite (if the thermometer subsequently drops below 0°C / 32°F) are a very real possibility. Thankfully, cold-related maladies are far easier to prevent than they are […]
There’s no doubt that rainy and cold conditions add an element of challenge to getting outside. But, don’t let a drizzly forecast stop you from being active and immersing yourself in nature. The right mindset and quality rain gear make all the difference. Whether you’re day hiking, backpacking for multiple days, or simply heading out […]
If you’ve been struck with a newfound yearning for a walk beyond your backyard into the backcountry, lace up your hiking boots and follow that impulse. Hiking is profoundly healthy for both your mind and body. Researchers have found that getting out and walking in nature can mitigate symptoms of depression, increase your attention span, and improve […]
Getting out into the great outdoors and going for a hike can be an incredible experience. There’s the fresh air, the endorphins from exercise, and all those fantastic views providing the perfect Instagram backdrop. But, finding the ideal outfit to wear hiking can be a challenge. After all, striking the right balance between fashion and […]