Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
How One Man Removed 1,720 Pounds of Backcountry Trash
How One Man Removed 1,720 Pounds of Backcountry Trash
Published:
April 11, 2017
Okay, so Packing It Out founder Seth Orme did have some help, but at it’s core, the Packing It Out initiative has a simple and effective strategy: When you see trash on the trail, pick it up, and pack it out. It’s really as easy as that.
Nepal Trekking Gear Checklist – What To Pack
Nepal Trekking Gear Checklist – What To Pack
Published:
March 15, 2017
Nepal is an unbelievably beautiful country with a radiant culture and some of the most fantastic scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on. Making a pilgrimage to this trekking mecca should be on every backpacker’s bucket list.
ZPacks Arc Haul vs. ULA Circuit Backpack Review
ZPacks Arc Haul vs. ULA Circuit Backpack Review
Published:
February 3, 2017
Reader Question: I am torn between the ZPacks Arc Haul backpack and the ULA Circuit backpack. The cost is the main thing but how does the Circuit do with the meshed back vs the Arc Haul gap between the pack and your back?
Therm-a-Rest Corus HD Quilt Review
Therm-a-Rest Corus HD Quilt Review
Published:
November 26, 2016
I recently had the chance to review Therm-a-Rest’s new Corus HD Quilt, and I think it has a lot of fantastic features. It’s extremely light and compact, it has one of the best pad attachment systems of any quilt I’ve ever tested, and it comes at a reasonable price.
Nepal Trekking Update
Nepal Trekking Update
Published:
October 19, 2016
Annie and I just got back from our first two big hikes in Nepal, the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits. In total we’ve been on the trail for about 25 days and we’ve been loving every minute of it.
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV Sleeping Pad Review
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV Sleeping Pad Review
Published:
April 10, 2016
In my opinion, speed valve technology is the future of sleeping pads. Therm-A-Rest’s new NeoAir XLite MAX SV is the most convenient air pad I’ve ever used by a landslide.
Hummingbird Single Hammock & Tree Straps Review
Hummingbird Single Hammock & Tree Straps Review
Published:
April 3, 2016
If you’re a backpacker who likes to pack light, but you still want to enjoy the comforts of a hammock in the wilderness, then the Hummingbird Single Hammock and Tree Straps are for you.
Therm-a-Rest Compack Chair Kit Review
Therm-a-Rest Compack Chair Kit Review
Published:
March 27, 2016
Most camp chairs are far too heavy and bulky for backpacking. At only 7oz, Therm-a-rest Compack Chair Kit is light enough to pack deep into the backcountry and comfortable enough to make all your buddies jealous while sitting around the campfire.
Updated Best Backpacking Tents – Gear Guide
Updated Best Backpacking Tents – Gear Guide
Published:
February 25, 2016
10 BEST BACKPACKING TENTS OF 2016 Earlier this week I updated my Gear Guide to include a list of the 10 Best Backpacking Tents. If you’re in the market for a new bombproof, spacious, and lightweight shelter, I highly recommend having a look. Enjoy!
Patagonia M10 Jacket Review
Patagonia M10 Jacket Review
Published:
December 15, 2015
The Patagonia M10 Jacket is a fantastic rain shell for any lightweight adventurer. It has quickly become my all-time favorite backpacking jacket, and I expect you’ll feel the same.
Mountain House Meal Review – 3 New Flavors
Mountain House Meal Review – 3 New Flavors
Published:
June 29, 2015
Mountain House recently released three new flavors – Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken Fried Rice, and Italian Style Pepper Steak with Rice and Tomatoes. We really enjoyed the new flavors, so I thought I’d write a quick post to spread the word and share our thoughts.
Trip Report: Mount St. Helens Loop – Ape Canyon to Smith Creek
Trip Report: Mount St. Helens Loop – Ape Canyon to Smith Creek
Published:
June 19, 2015
Earlier this week, Annie and I took a trip to the east side of Mount St. Helens to explore a 28-mile backpacking loop a friend had recommended. We were blown away by how remarkably beautiful, surprisingly diverse, and unexpectedly secluded the route was.
Reader Response: LightHeart Duo vs. SMD Lunar Duo vs. ZPacks Duplex
Reader Response: LightHeart Duo vs. SMD Lunar Duo vs. ZPacks Duplex
Published:
May 31, 2015
Hey Dave, I’m looking to buy the LightHeart Gear Duo tent. Could you elaborate on some the pros and cons you have experienced as well as how it compares with other two person single wall tents?
Trip Report: Elk Meadows & Elk Mountain
Trip Report: Elk Meadows & Elk Mountain
Published:
May 19, 2015
Short backcountry trips are a fantastic way to reboot your system and cleanse weekly stress. It’s always amazing to me how quickly I feel my body relax when I begin a hike. It often only a few steps before I start to feel the peace of the wilderness wash over me.
Reader Response: New Shoes, Same Blisters, What Gives?
Reader Response: New Shoes, Same Blisters, What Gives?
Published:
May 5, 2015
Below is an email from a reader I received this week. Den from Berkshire, UK brings up a problem I hear about all the time, so I thought I’d share my response. Also, if you want more info on the hiking boots vs. running shoes debate, check out my article 5 Reasons To Ditch Your Hiking Boots. A big thanks to Den for the great question!
Reader Response: Thru-Hiking Shelter Space and Size
Reader Response: Thru-Hiking Shelter Space and Size
Published:
April 24, 2015
I often get fantastic emails from readers with really great questions. I try to answer them to the best of my ability and I frequently wish that others could read my responses. So today I’m trying out a new idea and I’m going to publish a recent reader email. If you like this type of content – please let me know with a “like” or “comment” below. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful notes and questions. You guys rock!