The upcoming backcountry ski season might not be pretty. That’s what Search and Rescue mission coordinator Charles Pitman warns on this episode of the Out and Back Podcast. Since the pandemic hit, search and rescue calls have been higher than ever in Pitman’s jurisdiction of Summit County, CO. And he’s expecting those numbers to climb even higher as soon as the snow flies. Learn what you can do to stay safer in the wilderness this winter.

Learn how satellite communication devices allow you to stay connected and get help when you’re out of cell service in the backcountry. See a review of top models, and get a special offer from ZOLEO.

Find out where you can send texts, make calls or access the internet along any route or trail. The new Cell Phone Coverage maps define where major cell phone carriers reach across the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Whether you’re headed to the national parks, planning a thru-hike, or going into the backcountry for a few nights, use these maps to find out if you’ll have cell service anywhere you plan to go in the US.

Take your adventure planning to the next level by learning to create routes like the pros. Join our Gaia GPS expert as he shows you step by step how to build a multi-day hiking route, save your plan, and share it with a friend for offline use.

The history of thru-hiking is rooted in “walking off the war.” After returning from World War II, veteran Earl Shaffer became the first person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Many veterans have followed in his footsteps, including Marine Corps veteran Sean Gobin. This life-changing experience inspired Gobin to found Warrior Expeditions, which enables fellow vets to follow suit. Learn how thru-hiking provides a magical recipe for mental and physical health.

Find the areas with the most snow coverage or avoid snow altogether with the Snow Depth map overlay. Backcountry skiers and riders can scout for snow-covered lines through couloirs, ridge-lines…

Ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter cannot seem to find a big enough challenge. Learn what motivates her to test her limits and her mental hacks to push through the seemingly impossible this week on the Out and Back podcast.

Have you ever grabbed your backpack and rushed out the door only to find out at the trailhead that you forgot to download your digital maps to your phone? When this unfortunate event happens, digital maps in the app appear fuzzy and out-of-focus as soon as you leave cell service. We have a solution for you: Gaia Topo. Learn more about how you can download your entire state’s topo map in a matter of minutes.

Hiking and trail running accomplish a similar objective. But by moving lighter and faster, running allows you to cover more territory in less time. Running can also provide a rejuvenating exercise regime during busy week days and cold winters. Learn how to build on your hiking skills to run safely, stay injury-free, and have fun.

Fastest Known Times have exploded in popularity this year. Co-founder of fastestknowntime.com Buzz Burrell breaks down all things FKT on this week’s episode of the Out and Back podcast. Buzz explains the rise of this trend, what makes a solid FKT route, and the allure of chasing speed records around the world.

Find the best trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-roading with the color-coded USFS Roads and Trails layer in Gaia GPS. Whether you are wondering where to ride your mountain bike or looking to avoid areas that allow bikes and motor vehicles, this layer makes it easy to find the right trail for your adventure.

Navigation is the one skill every backpacker should know. It puts you in charge of your itinerary, and improves your peace of mind. Plus, it gives you confidence that you’ll always be able to find what you need—and find your way home.