<h2>The <em>only</em> magazine for backpackers.&nbsp;</h2>

The only magazine for backpackers. 

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<h2>Adventure Offline</h2>

Adventure Offline

Launched in 2022, Trails Magazine is the award-winning, independent, print-only, quarterly journal for backpackers, committed to inspiring those of us who sleep in the dirt. Read about Trails Mag.

Fully Independent

Too many magazines that you find at the grocery store are owned by massive outdoor media monopolies more concerned with selling NFTs than sharing good adventure stories. Trails Mag is completely independent, a small business, written for—and by—those of us actually sleeping in the dirt.

Coffee Table Quality

Trails Mag isn't mass-produced. It's printed on high-quality paper, it's thick with content, and it puts an emphasis on high-quality design and beautiful large-format photography. This isn't a magazine you throw out when the next one arrives.

Fewer Ads

Legacy magazines stayed afloat (or didn't) by keeping issues ridiculously cheap and jamming ads into every nook and cranny. No more of that. We're limiting ads to a tiny fraction of the magazine and carefully choosing advertisers that we believe in and can impact your adventures. No sponsored content, no tricks. This magazine is for our readers, rather than advertisers.

Real Adventure Stories

We invest in the best possible storytelling from the most experienced, talented journalists in the outdoor space. You won't find listicles, cheap gear roundups, sponsored content, or clickbait in our pages. Instead, expect well-reported investigative stories, character-rich profiles, colorful adventure tales, and nuanced opinions from around the backpacking world. 

Large Format Photography

We pair the best writing with the best photography and illustrations around. We work with exceptionally skilled photographers to tell rich stories, and we print their work as large as possible so you can enjoy it how it was meant to be enjoyed.

Print Only

We want to bring you the things you didn't realize you needed to know. The beauty—and fun—of print is the ability to browse and discover, something a web search will always have a hard time replicating. That's why Trails is only available in print. No paywalls, no logins, just your mailbox.

The backpacking community's magazine.

More Reviews

  • Eli Bernstein Former Backpacker Magazine Editor

    Trails is both a rarity and a crucial necessity in the modern outdoor media landscape. It's edited and written by some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and talented folks in the industry. Their love for adventure and expression is palpable as you turn each page.

  • New York Magazine's The Strategist

    What stands out to me about Trails is its earnest approach to how it covers backpacking. Each story has practical takeaways that read like advice from a friend for a new trip you’re about to take, whether it be a local out-and-back or the Appalachian Trail.

  • Lloyd Vogel Co-Founder of Garage Grown Gear

    I always look forward to the newest issue of Trails Mag. The stories are engaging, the photos are transporting, and the gear is stuff I use. It's community in a magazine.

  • Dan Durston Founder of Durston Gear

    We've been subscribing to Trails Magazine since the early issues and have always appreciated the authenticity and passion that goes into each issue. It's a staple read in our coffee room.

  • Field Mag

    Loaded with photos, the quarterly magazine excels far above magazine rack throwaways, and is worthy of any hiker's coffee table.

  • Glen Van Peski Founder of Gossamer Gear

    Love that I can support, and benefit from, an anachronism such as Trails Magazine. Back when you could subscribe and receive a luxuriously printed product with thoughtful, and thought-provoking content...it takes me back.

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Explore The Hiker Box

We're a print magazine through and through, but some things are just too good to wait and share. Our take on the email newsletter, The Hiker Box is a grab bag of digital clutter for the backpacker, chock full of adventure news, cool links and videos, one-off gear reviews, magazine updates, and more. And, of course, perks, discounts, and deals.

<h2>Explore <span style="text-decoration:underline">The Hiker Box</span></h2>
<h2>Trails Mag Gear</h2>

Trails Mag Gear

Hats, camp mugs, stickers, tees, and more. 

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<h2>Contributor Bookshop</h2>

Contributor Bookshop

If you like reading Trails, you'll enjoy these books from our talented contributors. 

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<h2>Our Latest Issue</h2>

Our Latest Issue

Get a sneak peek at whats inside our latest issue. 

Issue 15

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