- Filter by Categories
Hiking Articles
(104 results)- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Backpack
Learn how to choose a backpack based on trip length and pack capacity, as well as fit, frame type and features.
- Checklists
Backpacking Checklist
Our comprehensive checklist for backpackers features required and optional gear, clothing and accessories.
- Skills
Backpacking for Beginners
If you enjoy camping and hiking, take it to the next level with backpacking. Here's a primer on how to get ready for your first trip.
- Skills
Backpacking in Bear Country
Before backpacking in an area where black bears or grizzlies live, learn what precautions you can take to protect you and the bears.
- Checklists
Backpacking Repair Kit Checklist
Our list of easy-to-carry repair supplies keeps you prepared for small backpacking gear emergencies.
- Skills
Backpacking Tips for Women
Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran backpacker, find inspiration and tips from other women to help you prepare for your next trip.
- Skills
Backpacking Training Tips and Exercises
Learn how to train properly for a backpacking trip: We'll cover training schedules, cardio workouts, training hikes and resistance training.
- Skills
Backpacking with Kids
Follow these tips for introducing kids to backpacking and to help keep them excited about backcountry trips for years to come.
- Skills
Backpacking With Your Period
With a little knowledge (tampons vs. menstrual cups) and prep (bringing along a go kit), you won’t hesitate to head into the backcountry.
- Skills
Bear Canister Basics
Planning a backpacking trip with a chance of bear encounters? Learn the pros and cons of bear canisters and how to use them correctly.
- Skills
Blister Prevention and Care
Learn the conditions that cause blisters, how to prevent blisters from happening and how to treat them after they form.
- Skills
Cold-Weather Hiking Tips
Cold-weather hiking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Learn to have a good time with these clothing, gear, food, hydration and health tips.
- Checklists
Day Hiking Checklist
Our comprehensive checklist for day hikers features required and optional gear, clothing and accessories.
- Care & Repair
Electronics Protection in the Outdoors
Get an overview of electronics cases and other protection options for your phone and valuable gadgets like a camera or GPS unit.
- Checklists
First-Aid Checklist
Our first-aid checklist for the outdoors includes wound coverings, medications, treatments, tools, personal care items and much more.
- Skills
Food Storage and Handling for Campers and Backpackers
Learn how to deter bears and other animals from raiding your camping or backpacking food; also get tips on proper food-handling hygiene.
- Skills
Hammocking Responsibly
This article offers simple tips for hammocking responsibly so you can minimize the impact to your surroundings.
- 7ArticlesSeries
Hiking Boot Basics
This series covers everything you need to know to purchase, use and maintain hiking boots.
- Skills
Hiking for Beginners
Hiking is simple but some basic knowledge is required: Learn how to choose a hike, what gear and clothing you need and other essentials.
- Skills
Hiking or Backpacking with Your Dog
Learn the basics of hiking and backpacking with your dog including getting them ready, gearing up, food, water, and trail hazards to avoid.
- Skills
Hiking with Infants, Toddlers and Kids
Help your child develop a lifelong love of hiking with these tips to make sure they have fun and stay comfortable and safe on the trail.
- Skills
Hot-Weather Hiking Tips
Learn how to have an enjoyable hike in hot weather with our advice on planning, clothing and health tips for hot-weather hiking.
- Skills
How Much Stove Fuel Do I Need for a Backpacking Trip?
Want to figure out how much fuel to bring on your next backpacking trip? You can do it using a meal plan, your stove’s specs and a little arithmetic.
- Care & Repair
How to Break in Your Hiking Boots
Learn how to break in a new pair of hiking boots so you can maximize your comfort along the trail.
- Skills
How to Build a Campfire
Learn how to build a campfire when you’re camping or backpacking, as well as fire etiquette tips.
- Care & Repair
How to Care for Leather Hiking Boots
Leather boots last longer and perform better if you keep them clean and conditioned. We explain the supplies you need and how to use them.
- Skills
How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite
These backpacking campsite-selection tips will help you choose a site that's comfortable and meets Leave No Trace principles.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
There are many ways to cook a meal in the backcountry: Learn the pros and cons of different types of backpacking stoves and fuels.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
Learn how to shop for backpacking tents: We'll cover tent capacity, seasonality, weight, livability, setup and materials.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Camp Chair
Hanging out in a comfortable camp chair is one of the great pleasures of a life outdoors. Learn how to choose the style of chair that’s right for you.