Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides / Backpacking Trip Guides

Trip Guides

Zion Traverse Backpacking Guide

Zion Traverse Backpacking Guide

Also called the Trans-Zion Trek is a gorgeous full plate sampler of the Kolob Canyons, Hop Valley, Wilcat Canyon, Horse Pasture Plateau and the West Rim with Zion Canyon as its centerpiece.
Zion Narrows Top Down Backpacking Guide
A hiker wearing an Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultralight Backpack in a slot canyon in Utah

Zion Narrows Top Down Backpacking Guide

One of the nation’s deepest and longest slot canyons, The Narrows is the consummate epic adventure. Sheer walls of sandstone reach thousands of feet above the North Fork of the Virgin River, framing blue slivers of sky while lush hanging gardens pulsate from the canyon walls.
Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

Located in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness of Utah and Arizona, this spectacular and unique hike winds through one of the deepest and longest slot canyons in the world.
Skyline Trail Backpacking Guide, Jasper National Park

Skyline Trail Backpacking Guide, Jasper National Park

The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is a spectacular backpacking destination in the Canadian Rockies. Of the 44 kilometers of trail, nearly two thirds is above treeline with sweeping mountain views in all directions, beautiful glacial lakes, and wind-swept ridges.
Steens Mountain Backpacking Guide – Southeastern Oregon

Steens Mountain Backpacking Guide – Southeastern Oregon

As you head toward the southeast corner of Oregon a panorama of raw wilderness stretches across the horizon, beckoning solitude seekers. The Steens Mountain monolith  runs nearly 60 miles from northeast to southwest and 18 miles across, with its summit sitting at nearly 9,733 feet.
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Backpacking Guide

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Backpacking Guide

The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop is one of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done in Oregon. Out in this Eastern Oregon paradise, you’ll encounter crystal clear lakes, vibrant fields of wildflowers, ample opportunities to view wildlife, and sweeping views of the Blue Mountain Range.
Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide

Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide

The Rogue River Trail is one of the most scenic early season backpacking trips in Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest in general. The route traverses the north side of the Rogue River for 40 miles as it rolls through the lush and remote Rogue Valley.
Wallowa River Loop Backpacking Guide

Wallowa River Loop Backpacking Guide

Often referred to as the “Alps of Oregon”, the immense granite peaks of the Wallowas are best experienced on multi-day backpacking trips.
Oregon Coast Trail Backpacking Guide – Bandon to Port Orford
backpacker overlooking the expansive view of the oregon coast with haystacks and wide sandy beaches.

Oregon Coast Trail Backpacking Guide – Bandon to Port Orford

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful section of the Oregon Coast Trail with one of my best friends. The trip was a spectacular reminder of how rewarding and diverse backpacking can be. James and I were both blown away by the pristine seclusion of this 30-mile stretch of Oregon coast. I highly recommend placing this trip on your Oregon backpacking to-do list. You will not be disappointed. 
Three Fingered Jack Loop Backpacking Guide

Three Fingered Jack Loop Backpacking Guide

A roughly 24-mile loop circumnavigates the iconic three fingered jack in the heart of the Cascade Range of Oregon.
McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Guide

McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Guide

The McKenzie River Trail ventures through old lava flows, past views of crystal-clear blue waters, and traverses lush…
Three Sisters Loop Backpacking Guide

Three Sisters Loop Backpacking Guide

If you’re the type of backpacker that’s into big views, lush forests, stunning peaks, and craggy volcanic landscapes (and who’s not!), then you’ll absolutely love the 50-Mile Three Sisters Loop. Here’s a quick guide on how to make the most of your trip. 
Timberline Trail Backpacking Guide

Timberline Trail Backpacking Guide

The Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood is one of Oregon’s most iconic and scenic trails. This 40-mile loop is a fantastic way to experience the immense size and beauty of Mt. Hood.
Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide

Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide

With more than 700 miles of backcountry trails traversing lush alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, deep valleys, and moss-fringed cirques cradling stunning azure lakes, Glacier National Park is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is physically and mentally demanding.
Collegiate Peaks Loop Backpacking Guide

Collegiate Peaks Loop Backpacking Guide

Searching for an epic two-week Colorado backpacking adventure? Here’s what you’re looking for: The Collegiate Peaks Loop.This stunning 160-mile loop in central Colorado provides a perfectly balanced two-week backpacking adventure.  Follow along the pristine Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail as they wind through lush forests, meadows, and  valleys. Trek through vast fields of wildflowers that drape the rugged mountainsides. Scan the hills for a glimpse of an elk, mountain goat, or bighorn sheep. With huge sections of trail above tree line, you’ll get a healthy dose of craggy peaks and epic views.
Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Backpacking Guide – Death Valley NP

Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Backpacking Guide – Death Valley NP

Still very much a backpacking frontier, Death Valley National Park, at 3.4 million acres, is the largest national park in the US south of Alaska. Popular with desert-loving backpackers, this long and challenging hike is one of the few loop trails in Death Valley National Park. The route is undeniably beautiful, though a bit tricky to follow at times.
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