I often find that if you’re not from Texas, you don’t realize what spectacular outdoor recreation options there are all over the state. From mountains and backpacking trails in the south and west (looking at you Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks) to kayak trails near the coast (Hi, Beaumont) to rolling hills and meandering lakes in Hill Country. But even I wasn’t aware of all of the options for outdoor adventure in Burnet County, just north of my home in Austin! Have I piqued your interest? Well, lace up your boots, mount your bike rack on the back of your car, and load up the kayaks, ’cause it’s about to get wild! Read (and watch) to get the scoop (spoilers: there’s a ski lift on the list…yup…in Texas).

Planning your first backpacking trip? I bet you’re stoked. You should be. Backpacking is the best. But chances are, you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the gear lists and packing tips and you may be worried about forgetting something… But don’t worry. That’s what we’re here for: To help you prep and pack a backpack for your first backpacking trip like a pro. From what to bring to what NOT to bring, what to put where and how to carry it all more comfortably, this post will have you feeling more confident and ready to hit the trail in no time!

Does your back get super sweaty when you’re hiking or backpacking? Do you refuse to stop to remove or add a layer until you can’t stand it anymore because you don’t want to take the time to remove your pack? Well then this new modular, versatile, occasionally backless jacket may just me the layer for you. Check out what we thought of it in this Pak-Jak review.

Backpacking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a unique wilderness experience in the desert peaks of West Texas. You should go. Here’s how and what to expect.

Ultralighters rejoice, ‘cause have we got a tent for you: The One from Gossamer Gear. And it. Is. Lit. So read (or watch) to find out all about this ultralight tent from an Austin-based small business.

It’s March! And in most of the country, that means there’s still a solid chance of snow. But don’t let that stop you from getting outside to hike, because snowy winter hikes are seriously the best. So strap on a pair of snowshoes and get to it! We recently tested a couple pairs of TSL Snowshoes and had a blast. Here’s what we thought of the two models we tested: the Symbioz Hyperflex Phoenix and Highlander Adjust snowshoes.

Looking for a baller winter backpacking tent for all manner of cold-weather camping and backpacking adventures? We’ve got you covered with the Mountain Hardwear Outpost 2 tent, a rugged and spacious 4-season tent designed specifically for snowy adventures, but just as suitable for milder seasons. Don’t believe one tent can do it all? Read on to learn more.

Like to backpack? Prefer to pack light? Then allow us to introduce you to the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 liter backpack, a pack for all you ultralighters out there. But …

Looking for a backpack for extended trips in the backcountry that can handle loads of just about any weight AND keep all your gear organized? The Deuter Futura Air Trek 50+10 liter backpack is for you. Read (or watch) to see all the bells and whistles, how it performed, and what we thought of this very handy load-hauler.

Hiking boots don’t get much more comfortable or sustainable than the On Cloudrock Edge Raw. So we tested a pair out to see if something so sustainable required any sacrifice in performance. Spoilers: it doesn’t. So read or watch to learn more about these boots and how they performed on the trail.