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Hiking

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Hiking is one of the simplest, most rewarding outdoor activities anyone can do. It doesn’t take much — just a good pair of shoes and an idea of where you want to go or what you’d like to see. Maybe you want to hike up a mountain just to see the morning sunrise – or perhaps you’re considering tackling the Pacific Coast Trail. Whatever your interest level, we’ve got all the best gear and advice to keep you enjoying your hikes.

A bear bag hanging from a tree branch

Everyone needs to know how to hang a bear bag, including you

If you're heading into the backcountry and you know you'll be in bear-itory, it's time to learn how to hang a bear bag.
Man building a campfire in front of a Winnebago Ekko Springer camper van.

Camper van vs Class B RV: How to choose which to buy for your outdoor adventures

Date and cashew bars

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

A person hiking

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

Man on bike in Apple watch

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

A reef knot is tied against a tree

These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know

Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors

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

Hiking in France

6 exhilarating hiking movies to inspire your next trek

Man looking over a trail's vista

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

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

A view of the Indiana National Dunes Park.

A guide to Indiana Dunes National Park: Where to visit, what to do, and more

Two people hiking together

8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know

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.
Leatherman signal fishing

These are the best multi tools you need to have in your EDC kit, hands down

If there's one tool that you should always have with you, it's a tool that is actually 20 tools in one. These are the best multi-tools for any situation.
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.
A man walking towards a rocky point overlooking a lake

How many calories does hiking burn per hour?

Hiking is a great way form of exercise and can burn a lot of calories. Find out how many calories you burn hiking.
Mount Everest Nepal

This is how much it actually costs to climb Mount Everest

We spoke to mountaineers Alan Arnette and Garrett Madison to find out what it takes to summit Mount Everest and how it feels to stand on top of the world.
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.
Bear running through the water

How to survive a bear attack: Brown, black, and polar bears

Bear attacks are uncommon, but knowing what to do in the event of one is part of being a skilled outdoorsman in the backcountry.
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.
HIker standing in the sunrise

Hiking for beginners: A guide to hitting the trail

Our hiking for beginners comprehensive guide has all the tips and tricks you need to hit the trail with confidence this year. So, start your journey now.
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.
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.
Luxury vanlife build using Garnica lightweight poplar wood paneling.

We love this handsome van-life wood paneling, and it’s sustainable too

Few material choices can impact the look and feel of your van as good wood for your interior. So why not invest in something you love?
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!
Skier at Banff Sunshine Village

For skiing, snowboarding, and other dangerous activities, this is the only phone case we’ll use

When you're a skier, snowboarder, or adventurer, you need a robust phone case. Here's why the CLCKR G-Form Carbon case is our pick.
Pocket Tripod

This $35 accessory is my secret weapon to great travel photography – and it fits in my wallet

If you are a seasoned traveler, you need this incredible phone stand for your travel photography.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee

13 ethereal swimming holes to dive into this 2024 – from Alaska to Florida

Forget trekking to Thailand or South America — the U.S. boasts some of the best natural swimming holes in the world. Here are our favorites.
Winter road

Good investment or an elitist ripoff: Is expensive winter outdoor gear worth the money?

Want to know the truth about buying expensive outdoor gear? Well, I've used everything, from bargain-bucket to big brands, and here's what I've found.

Stanley cup alternatives: The best water bottles you can get

Check out our picks for the best water bottles to help you to stay hydrated while hiking, working out, and more.

Take a break at one of these U.S. National Parks this winter

Winter provides the most beautiful, peaceful, and picturesque landscapes at some of the most popular U.S. National Parks.
best hikes in united states 2021

From California to Maine, these are the 10 best hikes in the U.S.

Declaring the "best hikes" is a recipe for a fistfight. Still, we’re boldly staking our claim to the best hikes throughout the U.S.
Hand holding a leech

How to safely remove a leech (or avoid them altogether)

Leeches love to latch onto a passing hiker, so learn what to do to avoid becoming a host, and how to remove a leech if you do get sucked.
Taking a break from hiking to drink some water from an insulated water bottle

Up your hydration game with one of the best insulated water bottles from CamelBak, Yeti, and more

Whether you're hiking, backpacking, heading to the gym, or just in the office, stay hydrated with these insulated water bottles.
Emerson TKF-1

When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut – The James Brand, 5.11 Tactical, and more

The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
The North Face Nuptse Jacket on a plain background

This is the North Face jacket I’d buy this winter (if I had to pick just one)

The North Face has plenty of great jackets and outerwear for winter — this is the best.
A man in a red jacket walking through the woods, covered in snow

The best hiking gear to gift from Benchmade, Smartwool, and more

Show a fellow hiker some love with our top 10 list of the best gift ideas that will make their next journey memorable and exciting.
A man in a yellow GORE-TEX jacket walks past a lake

This is why your Gor-Tex jacket isn’t keeping you dry

Unbridled breathability just doesn't exist, so we take a look at the limitations of Gore-Tex, how it functions, and what you can do to help your jacket.
solo hiker taking in the view along trail in winter

Explore these scenic hiking trails this winter

Not all hiking trails close in winter. These trails across the U.S. are worth the trip.
Elk at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park tip: Don’t dangle your baby near an elk like the guy in this video

Elk, bears, moose, and other wildlife are not to be messed with. This Yellowstone visitor didn't get the memo.
Teton National Park in winter.

These national parks have the most gorgeous winter hiking trails

The winter season doesn't mean you have to put away your hiking boots. These are the best winter hiking trails in U.S. national parks.
winter camping hiking snow backpack gear

Lace up the boots and hit the trail with these winter season hiking tips

Just because the temperatures dips and the calendar says winter, doesn't mean you need to put away the hiking boots.
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

Among the essential pieces of gear for staying warm is a merino wool base layer, and one crucial factor to consider when choosing a base layer is its weight.
Low-angle closeup of man walking in hiking boots on the trail.

Tactical boots vs. hiking boots: What’s the difference?

These are two of the most common kinds of rugged boots, but what are the differences?

Snowsports

Camping

Snowboarding

Backpacking