Following a comprehensive guide to backcountry camping is one of the safest ways for a beginner to get from sitting on their couch to backpacking through the wilderness. Otherwise, you risk venturing ...

In late summer 2025, I backpacked through Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California’s High Sierra. This film captures two separate backpacking trips: The first part highlights the Rae Lakes ...

While America’s long-distance treks top adventure bucket lists, months-long stints on the Appalachian, Continental Divide, or Pacific Crest trails may not go over well with your day job. That’s where ...

A High Sierras backpacking guide selects his favorite trail gear for heading out into the backcountry—from beanie to shoes.

When you’re backpacking, you need to carry only the necessities — but since you’ll be trekking out into nature, far from all of the comforts of home, you need to make sure you’re carrying items that ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Wendy Altschuler is a seasoned travel and adventure writer and author. One of the most visited national parks in the US is the ...

We editors at BACKPACKER all have strong opinions on gear, sometimes bordering on the fanatic. (Give me a reservoir and a hose to drink from, or give me death.) But you know whose obsessiveness often ...

Backcountry campsites are kept more natural and only have room for a very small number of campers. They lack public facilities like restrooms and showers, but those willing to do the work to reach ...