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Backpacking

The James Barnes Micarta knife, open on a grey background.

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
Scorkl 2.0 underwater

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.
Ft. Wayne - Circa August 2017: Costco Wholesale Location. Costco Wholesale is a Multi-Billion Dollar Global Retailer X

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
A man stands in a field wearing backpack and using Black diamond walking poles.

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.
Jenny in Utah in Outdoor Vitals hiking gear

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.
Prometheus Design Werx Man Bouldering

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.
An angler holding a rainbow trout above a fishing net.

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.
Gray and blue "OPEN" sign hanging on a the front door of a small shop.

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.
The Patagonia Stormshadow jacket, featuring GORE-TEX laminates recycled from ocean plastic.

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.
Black bears looking for food

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
Family camping

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.
One green backpack on a brown wooden log in the woods.

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.
A bee on a purple chive flower.

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
A backpacker at high altitude

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.
Poison ivy leaves of three

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.
Two hikers trekking a lush green trail with snow-capped mountains in the background.

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.
Man running through the desert landscape of The Grand Canyon.

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.
A grizzly bear stands in a woodland clearing.

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.
A man collects water from a river by the light of a headlamp.

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.
Man holding a scorpion

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.
Backpacker in the summer

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.
Eagle Crag in Greater Zion

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.
An inquisitive black bear plods through a new growth of trees.

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.
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?
Man walking with hiking poles

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.
An Insta360 X3 action camera with the chest mount

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 on human finger

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.
best national parks rv camping yellowstone 2

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.
Hand holding a flipper knife

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.
Full dinner grilling on a metal grate over an open campfire with a blurred couple in the background.

Stock your on-the-go outdoor kitchen with the best camping cookware

Unsure of how to cook outdoors? Check out our easy-to-use cooking gear list for both campers and backpackers, which will bring out your inner gourmet chef!
Hiking and outdoor gear

Stock up on hiking and camping gear at the best places to shop for outdoor equipment deals

Most outdoor gear nowadays is designed to last for years, even decades, of use. Here are five of the best places to stock up on dirt-cheap camping gear.
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.
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.
how to waterproof a jacket man in 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.