Want to Hike with Polar Bears? These Guides Will Lead the Way.
Churchill Wild, the only North‑American operator, lets guests hike among polar bears on the tundra near Churchill, Manitoba. Guided walks replace traditional 14‑foot buggies, offering ground‑level immersion while strict safety drills and experienced guides minimize risk. The company’s all‑inclusive 7‑ to 14‑day packages cost $18,000‑$27,600 and require bookings one to two years in advance. Since its 1994 debut, no firearms have been fired, underscoring a strong safety record.
How to Pack for Efficiency, According to a Thru-Hiker
A seasoned thru‑hiker shares a step‑by‑step packing system designed to cut break time and keep essential gear within arm’s reach. By arranging the tent and sleeping pad at the bottom, heavy food near the back, and high‑use items in external...
Deal of the Week: Share Photos From Anywhere With This Pocket-Size Satellite Communicator
Garmin has launched the inReach Messenger Plus, a pocket‑size satellite communicator that now supports photo and voice messages through a paired smartphone. The new model expands text capacity from 160 to 1,600 characters and adds a 4‑gram weight increase over...
This Is What a Dietitian Wants Hikers Over 50 to Know About Nutrition
A dietitian outlines how hikers over 50 must revamp their nutrition to support slower recovery, muscle maintenance, and chronic conditions. The guide stresses spreading protein intake throughout the day, pairing carbs with protein and fat, and timing meals to avoid...
An Industrial-Size Data Center Is Moving in Next to the Appalachian Trail
A 700‑acre hyperscale data center, dubbed PAX‑1, is under construction in Middlesex, Pennsylvania, just 0.3 mi from the Appalachian Trail. The project will encompass 18 buildings and up to 5 million square feet, representing a $15 billion investment. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and...
The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Is Our Favorite Ultralight Pack of 2026. Here’s Why.
Backpacker’s lab tests crown the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 as the top ultralight backpack of 2026. The pack tips the scales at 1 lb 7 oz in its fully optioned configuration while offering a 60‑liter volume, with 55 L usable in the main...
The 7 Best Ultralight Tents of 2026
The 2026 roundup of ultralight backpacking tents crowns Durston’s X‑Mid Pro 1 as the overall winner, praised for its 1‑lb weight and spacious interior. Six Moon Designs’ Lunar Solo earns the best‑value badge at $260, while Black Diamond’s Mega Light leads...
Why Is Bear-Human Conflict Rising on the Appalachian Trail? A Bear Researcher Explains
Bear‑human encounters on the Appalachian Trail rose sharply in 2025, with a 75 percent increase to 42 reported sightings. The surge reflects a booming black‑bear population—over 800,000 individuals—and a growing number of hikers, especially as climate‑driven food shortages push bears toward...
8 Items Thru-Hikers Are Ditching Mid-Trek
Thru‑hikers increasingly shed unnecessary gear once the trail reveals real weight costs. Early‑season cold‑weather layers, bulky stoves, oversized knives, hydration bladders, books, umbrellas and even decades‑old emergency blankets are commonly mailed home after a few hundred miles. The article cites...
‘Kissing Bugs’ Bite Can Cause Heart Disease. Here’s What Hikers Need to Know.
Kissing (triatomine) bugs, now documented in 29 U.S. states, carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease. Roughly half of the bugs collected in the United States are infected, and their painless bites can transmit the parasite via feces...
Are You Ready for Your Next Big Trip? Test Your Hiking Fitness With These 3 Assessments
Backpacker magazine highlights a trio of hiking‑fitness assessments created by trainer Lee Welton to gauge leg strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance. The protocol starts with baseline rep counts for squats, leg bridges, planks and calf raises, then tracks improvement...
The Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
Backpacker’s 2026 guide evaluated dozens of daypacks across extreme climates, from -5 °F Alpine tests to 95 °F desert hikes, to identify the best options for everyday trail use. Osprey’s Talon 33/Tempest 33 earned the top all‑around spot for its adjustable suspension and comfort...
Satellite Smartphone Messaging Is Changing Search and Rescue. But Can You Trust Your Life to It?
Smartphone manufacturers now embed satellite SOS messaging, letting hikers send emergency texts without cellular coverage. Apple iPhone 14 and newer tap Globalstar, while Google Pixel 9/10 use Skylo, and carriers such as Verizon and T‑Mobile support select Android models. Colorado...
Trail Name Tales Captures The Essence of Life on the AT
Photographer Carly Rae Brunault captured the quirky, heartfelt tradition of trail names on the Appalachian Trail, turning Instagram interviews into the 130‑page book "Trail Name Tales." The project began during her 2022 thru‑hike, a journey she undertook after the sudden...
Should You Hike With a Knee Brace?
Knee pain is a common obstacle for hikers, and a brace can ease discomfort for conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome and arthritis. Physical therapist Dr. Brooks Kenderdine explains that braces work by providing sensory input, improving proprioception, and limiting excessive...