This was a big year for adventurous backpackers. It was the most “normal” year of the ’20s so far, with many hikers finally going on the pilgrimages they had delayed during the tumult of the pandemic. The New York Times dubbed 2023 the “Year of The Long Walk” for a reason: From international odysseys to multi-month treks , this year was one for exploration. For some hikers, like this year’s class of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers, these trips came with challenges, such as early-year record-breaking snowfall. This year also brought an annular eclipse that brought astronomically-inclined hikers to open spaces across the west. In all conditions and events, Backpacker was there, encouraging you to get outside.
Need inspiration to make 2024 just as adventurous as 2023? These Backpacker trips articles were five of your favorites this year.
“A backpacking trip that long gives you the chance to reach deeper, more remote areas in the backcountry without committing to a months-long thru-hike. It’s also an approachable trip length for anyone who has to balance PTO and life responsibilities with adventure. If you have your sights set on longer trails or thru-hikes too, a week-long trip is the best way to do a gear shakedown.”
“Ever dreamed of hiking, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing from one cozy mountain cabin to another, a wood-fired stove warming it from the inside out, maybe a fully outfitted kitchen and a comfortable bunk awaiting your arrival so you don’t have to lug cooking and sleeping gear with you? The dream is the norm in many mountainous European destinations like Austria, but here in the U.S., hut-to-hut hikes are a bit fewer and farther between.
Fortunately, whether you’re hoping to carve up a mountain of fresh powder this winter or are already getting your 2024 summer hiking plans in order, these four stateside hut hikes offer the chance to explore trails with a lighter pack, kick it in comfort come nightfall, and experience serious European mountain vibes—no passport required.”
“Ohio’s Hocking Hills region looks more like a backdrop from a Lord of the Rings movie than your stereotypical Midwestern landscape. This gorge-filled hiking wonderland is surrounded by rolling green hills, dense poplar-filled forest, and sandstone cliffs, and is full of all types of hiking. Opt for casual dayhikes at popular spots like Hocking Hills State Park and Conkles Hollow or gear up for a multiday backpacking trip in less-visited areas like the Wayne National Forest and the Zaleski State Forest.
Explore quite possibly the most underrated nature spot in the Midwest on one—or all five—of these scenic routes in the Hocking Hills.”
“In a way, someone’s hiking behavior can read like a horoscope. Do they bound ahead of you on a hard hike, leaving you in their dust? They’re toxic; avoid them at all costs. Do they try to stop at every overlook and take in the views? They’re likely observant and don’t take anything for granted. Do they have a first-aid kit and plenty of snacks to share? They’re someone you need in an emergency.
I’ve gone on hundreds, maybe thousands, of hikes with different people throughout my life. I’ve backpacked with close family members, traveled all around the country on hiking trips with my best friends, and regretted swiping right on plenty of awkward first date hikes. No matter the situation, I’ve come away from each of them with a better understanding of my companions.”
“Hiking the Triple Crown is an amazing feat, but North America is home to more than just the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. Long trails criss-cross the continent, and can take you across nearly every region and ecosystem in North America. Few are as well-known or developed as the Triple Crown trails are, and when you tell your friends you’re quitting your job to hike, say, the Hayduke Trail, you’re likely to get blank stares. But that’s part of the appeal: The most popular thru-hikes are, let’s face it, getting crowded. In comparison, lesser-known long trails are opportunities for real adventure—the kind that require routefinding, problem solving, and embracing the unknown.”
From 2023
