After a long day of carrying a heavy backpack on the trail, I know what it’s like to just want to set up your tent, make dinner, and fall asleep. When you finally reach the point where you’re going to set up camp for the night, you might be tempted...
Backpacking is my favorite way to get outside. Backpacking gives you the opportunity to completely unplug, immerse yourself in nature, challenge yourself physically, and forget about the worries of everyday life. If you’ve never been backpacking before, it’s likely one of these things that is inspiring you go on your...
Packing for a backpacking trip always feels a little stressful. It’s a careful balance between overpacking and underpacking. Bring too much, and your pack will be uncomfortably heavy. Bring too little, and you could end up cold, hungry and miserable. I know because I experienced both situations when I first...
Embarking on your first backpacking trip can be an empowering, fun, and adventurous experience, however, the path to becoming a seasoned backpacker is often paved with a few avoidable missteps. I started backpacking in 2005, and my first few backpacking trips did not go smoothly. My first time was near...
If you’re in the market for an ultralight backpacking tent, there’s no doubt you’ve seen the Zpacks Duplex pop up on lists of the best tents for backpacking, often being upheld as the gold standard of ultralight shelters. And this reputation is no coincidence. The Zpacks Duplex tent has earned...
It’s almost time for summer, which means my favorite sale of the year – REI’s Anniversary Sale – is here! Taking place May 17-27th, 2024, this is the REI Co-op’s biggest sale, and it’s a chance to score big savings on top outdoor gear. During the sale, you can save...
If you’ve ever been dehydrated while hiking it can be really scary. For me, it usually starts out as a headache, but for severe cases, it can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, and confusion – none of which are good if you are miles away from your car. Fortunately, it’s...
If you’ve ever been dehydrated while hiking it can be really scary. For me, it usually starts out as a headache, but for severe cases, it can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, and confusion – none of which are good if you are miles away from your car. Fortunately, it’s...
Long gone are my days of wearing tank tops on the trail. With all of the time I spend outside, all of that sun exposure really adds up. Between painful sunburns, visible aging, and my concern over skin cancer, protecting my skin when I’m outdoors has become a much bigger...
Long gone are my days of wearing tank tops on the trail. With all of the time I spend outside, all of that sun exposure really adds up. Between painful sunburns, visible aging, and my concern over skin cancer, protecting my skin when I’m outdoors has become a much bigger...