New Montana Trail Connects 1,500 Miles of Existing Routes
The new Montana Trail connects 1,500 miles of existing Montana routes from the Continental Divide to the prairie.
Three Lightweight Trail Shoes, and Which Might Be Best for You
Hikers shopping for new trail shoes face a bewildering array of choices. We compare three new models to help narrow down the choices
Biden Expands Bears Ears, Restores Grand Staircase to Full Size
Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah, two vast swaths of red rock canyons at the heart of land protection in the West, were restored to full size by President Joe Biden on Friday. Biden also used his executive authority to restore environmental protections covering the Northeast Read more…
Thru-Hiking the Long Trail Over a Decade
Our editor has completed the Long Trail, a thru-hike 10 years in the making. Here are his reflections
Northern California National Forests Reopen After Fire Closures
All national forests in California have been closed to public use as wildfires rage across the state.
Review: Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoe
The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low provides the stiff, solid cushioning underfoot of a trail boot but with a low cut. So if you’re looking for something lighter than a boot but sturdier than a trail runner, these could be the shoes for you.
Wildfires are Worse Than Ever. Here’s What That Means for the Backcountry We Love
Wildfires fueled by years of drought are upending lives in the West. The National Interagency Fire Center reports 79 large fires have consumed 1.5 million acres across 12 states. Here’s what that looks like for backpackers.
Fire Danger Closes Public Lands East of the Cascades in Washington
Extreme fire danger and drought have prompted the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to temporarily close all recreational and public access to DNR-managed lands east of the Cascade Mountains beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 23. The temporary closure will apply to DNR-managed state lands, conservation areas, community Read more…
Effective Immediately, All Camping is Prohibited on Max Patch
Max Patch, a popular Appalachian Trail camping spot, has been closed to all camping and overnight activity. The restrictions, effective immediately, were announced Thursday, July 1, by Pisgah National Forest. A press release said the move was made to reduce impacts to natural resources and protect public health and safety Read more…
It’s Not Your Imagination. There’s a Shortage of Outdoor Gear
As outdoor recreation soared in the pandemic summer of 2020, increased demand for gear coupled with Covid-related supply problems caused shortages of everything from bicycles to tents. And it doesn’t appear to be getting better this year as Americans continue to head for the outdoors in record numbers and supply problems persist.