Guides

A Road Trip Guide to the Best National Park & Wilderness Hikes in Washington State

Contributor Micah Ling set out on a 6-month road trip to visit the West Coast's best parks. Here, she shares highlights from the Evergreen State

American Outdoor Brand Guide: The Most Influential Outdoor Brands from Each State

Every state has its own "claim to fame" outdoor company—we compiled the top brand from all 50

Did You Know There's a 200+ Mile Trail Through and Around Chicago?

Everything you need to know about the OuterBelt Trail, which passes through the Windy City's best parks, nearby forest preserves, and historic sites

The 7 Best Soft Cooler Backpacks for Outdoor Adventures

From picnics to day hikes, these backpack coolers make it easy to enjoy your favorite foods and refreshments in the great outdoors

Why a $70 Screenless Digital Camera Is Our New Favorite Trail Companion

Tested in the Colorado backcountry, the unique digicam combines the simple shooting experience of a disposable film camera with the storage of a phone

The Best Men’s Hiking Pants for Casual Adventures & All-Weather Activities

For two months we tested each pair of hiking pants for durability, comfort, and function—and of course, style—with our top picks balancing all

The 9 Best Double Sleeping Bags for More Comfy Couples Camping

These full-featured, two-person sleeping bags make spending the night in nature as comfortable—and cuddle friendly—as at home

Inside Somewhere Outside, the Upstart Korean Outdoor Brand You Should Know

Somehow, the coolest new Korean outdoor brand is actually an offshoot of a heritage French mountaineering company? Ali George Hinkins has the scoop

The Best Packable Backpacks for Travel and Everyday Carry | Tested & Approved

Our guide to the best compact, stashable backpacks for travel and every day use that you probably never even knew you needed

Field Mag's Ultimate Backpacking Checklist for Happier Trails This Season

A complete guide to packing for a multi-day wilderness adventure, product recs included

Exploring Portal's World of Hybrid Running, Hiking, and Biking Gear

We spoke to the design collective, whose credits include work with ROA, Rapha, and Arc'teryx, about creating clothes for a multi-sport lifestyle

How Italian Label ROA Is Quietly Taking Over By Fusing Fashion with Function

A decade in, the trend-driving brand known for expertly crafted footwear & apparel reflects on its history, design philosophy, and new collaborations

Olympus Mju II Review: The Ultimate Compact Point and Shoot Film Camera

A pro photographer's take on the pocket-sized 35mm rangefinder first released in 1997 (spoiler: it shoots above its class in nearly all conditions)

Why You Should Hike Japan's New Michinoku Coastal Trail Next Winter

Though the MCT is often hiked in the fall or spring, those who brave it in colder months will be rewarded with singular beauty and tastier fish

Less Roughing, More Lounging: How Snow Peak Is Challenging American Outdoor Orthodoxy

While other outfitters emphasize performance in rough settings, the Japanese brand designs gear to bring the comforts of home to the outdoors

London's Cimoro Makes Custom Backpacks & Sought-After Gear for Ultralight Adventure

How the designer behind the cottage label turned a Saville Row education into designing performance packs & custom gear that fit like a bespoke suit

Why Durston Gear's Weatherproof, Affordable Tents are Beloved by Backpackers

Informed by years of thru-hiking, British Columbia's Dan Durston and his namesake outdoor equipment have earned a loyal following among UL backpackers

How Australian Outdoor Brand Zorali Is Growing by Making Less

After establishing a robust line of camping gear and apparel, Zorali is intent on making its products more sustainable instead of adding new designs

The Untold History of Outdoor Research, One of America's Great Gear Brands

How the PNW-based outfitter launched from a failed summit attempt on Denali and grew to hometown hero status over 40 years by putting function first

Inside the Two-Sided Philosophy of Purple Mountain Observatory

With thermo-mapping fabrics, fashion-informed silhouettes, and group hikes, the East London label explores accessibility through performance apparel

A Winter Hiking Guide to Colorado's Tallest Mountain and Classic 14er, Mount Elbert

Which route to take, what to wear, and all else to know about summiting the tallest mountain in Colorado (and 2nd highest in the continental U.S.)

The Best Outdoor Brands for Hikers, Campers, and Climbers

Our gear expert has tested thousands of rain shells, day packs, and base layers over the last few decades. Here are the labels he trusts the most.

The Ultimate Hiking Gear Checklist for Beginner Hikers: Where to Start & What to Pack

Hit the trails prepared with our complete guide and checklist to hiking gear, from shoes to backpacks, according to pros

We Fastpacked the Toughest Trek in Europe So You Don't Have to

A comprehensive overview of the legendary 112-mile trail, from history to what I learned while fastpacking it, and what I would do differently