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 while carrying heavy loads. The guide also highlighted leaders in organization (Deuter Speed Lite Pro), weatherproofing (Rab Veil XP 30), eco‑friendly design (NEMO Persist 30) and ultra‑light weight (Millet Mixt 15). Detailed field testing informs hikers which pack suits specific needs and body types.
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...
First Look: Salewa Pedroc 2
Salewa, the Italian alpine gear maker founded in 1935, has unveiled the Pedroc 2, a lightweight hybrid hiking shoe designed for the Dolomites’ demanding terrain. Weighing just 12.37 oz per shoe, the model combines a 10 mm heel‑to‑toe drop, a flexible forefoot and...
Yes, You Should Be Warming Up Before Hikes. Here’s How.
Hikers who skip a pre‑trail warm‑up often feel sluggish and risk injury, according to Boulder‑based trainer Marc Monroe, CSCS. Monroe outlines a concise 10‑minute routine split into mobility, activation, and dynamic movement phases to prime muscles, joints, and the nervous...
The Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
The 2026 roundup of three‑season backpacking tents highlights a surge in ultralight construction, sustainable fabrics, and weather‑proof engineering. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 earns Best Overall with a 3.8‑lb weight and 41 sq ft interior, while SlingFin Portal 2 tops Weather Protection by...
The Senate Just Greenlit a Mine Next to the Boundary Waters, America’s Most Popular Wilderness
The U.S. Senate voted 50‑49 to repeal a two‑decade moratorium on mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, using the rarely‑invoked Congressional Review Act. The repeal removes the Biden‑era ban and clears a major regulatory hurdle for Antofagasta’s proposed...
Deal of the Week: Our Favorite All-Around Backpack of the Year Is 40 Percent Off
Backpacker’s Editors’ Choice Gregory Paragon (men) and Maven (women) backpacks are now on sale at REI, with the Paragon 58 priced at $168 (40% off) and the Maven 55 at $155 (42% off). The 2025 models retain the award‑winning features...
Why Are Rattlesnakes Biting So Many Hikers This Spring? Here’s What a Scientist Says.
A surge in rattlesnake bites has hit California and the broader West this spring, with 77 poison‑control calls in the first quarter and two fatal bites—already surpassing the state’s typical annual total. Scientists attribute the spike to an early heatwave...
The Best Backpacking Packs of 2026
Backpacker.com’s 2026 roundup evaluates ten multiday packs across weight, volume, load capacity, and durability, using rigorous field tests from sub‑zero alpine conditions to desert heat. The Gregory Paragon 60/Maven 58 earns the all‑around title, while the Big Agnes Sweetwater UL 43 is the lightest and...
These 5 Workouts Are Guaranteed to Get You Hiking Stronger This Summer
Backpacker outlines five full‑body workout routines designed to make hikers stronger and less injury‑prone during the summer season. The plans blend low‑weight, high‑rep kettlebell circuits, bodyweight moves, and core drills that can be completed in an hour or less. Each...
You’re Allowed to Hate Failing. In Fact, It Might Be Better For You.
A recent Backpacker essay uses a Colorado windstorm to illustrate how forced positivity can backfire. Citing Northwestern studies by Lauren Eskreis‑Winkler, the piece shows that most Americans overestimate their peers’ ability to learn from failure and that merely talking about...
The Pemigewasset Wilderness Will Require Hikers to Carry Bear Canisters Starting May 1
Starting May 1, the U.S. Forest Service will require all overnight hikers in New Hampshire’s Pemigewasset Wilderness to store food and scented items in an International Grizzly Bear Committee‑approved hard‑sided bear canister. The rule replaces bear‑bagging and Ursacks, with violations punishable...
90 Spectacular Views Every Hiker Needs to See Before They Die
Backpacker published a roundup of 90 spectacular hiking vistas, blending iconic U.S. locations with a handful of international spots. The guide aggregates several curated lists—including the 50 best U.S. views, seven standout summit hikes, ten ridge‑line routes, five coastal treks,...