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Summer Backpacking Gear Favorites 2017

Summer Backpacking Gear Favorites 2017

We’ve spent the last few months hiking hundreds of miles through Oregon, Utah, Peru, Bolivia, and California testing a bunch of new gear. We were surprised by how much we liked some of our new equipment, so we thought we’d put together a post to highlight our favorite summer backpacking gear, big and small.
How One Man Removed 1,720 Pounds of Backcountry Trash

How One Man Removed 1,720 Pounds of Backcountry Trash

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.
Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide

Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide

Nepal is one of the most spectacularly beautiful countries on the planet. It’s a place where towering white peaks touch the sky, monks peacefully meditate in ancient mountainside monasteries, and lumbering yaks haul goods to quaint villages largely disconnected from the outside world. To put it simply, Nepal is a backpacker’s dream come true.
Nepal Trekking Gear Checklist – What To Pack

Nepal Trekking Gear Checklist – What To Pack

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.
Top 12 Beginner Backpacking Blunders

Top 12 Beginner Backpacking Blunders

If you’ve spent any time in the woods, you’ve probably made some epic backcountry blunders. I certainly have. In fact, the only reason I’m able to give any “clever” hiking advice is because of all the laughably bad mistakes I’ve made over the years. At one point or another I’ve fallen victim to every one of the blunders listed below (and then some!).
Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide

Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide

Washington’s Enchantment Lakes are a truly magical sight to see. They reside in an area where immense granite peaks, majestic mountain goats, and crystal clear alpine lakes are hidden around every corner. If you haven’t had a chance to experience this captivating place, put it on the top of your list.
ZPacks Arc Haul vs. ULA Circuit Backpack Review

ZPacks Arc Haul vs. ULA Circuit Backpack Review

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

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.
Mid-Range Gifts

Mid-Range Gifts

Mid-Range Gifts GIFT GUIDE SECTIONS STOCKING STUFFERS MID-RANGE GIFTS BIG TICKET GIFTS POPULAR CONTENT: Need a new tent, backpack, sleeping bag/pad, etc? Find our favorites in the CleverHiker Gear Guide. Steripen Ultra The SteriPEN Ultra uses UV light to purify 1L of water in 90 seconds without any pumping, squeezing, or chemicals, which is really nice. It’s light, compact, […]
CleverHiker Gift Guide 2016 is Live!

CleverHiker Gift Guide 2016 is Live!

Outdoor adventure gifts are the best kind around. The gift ideas listed in the CleverHiker Gift Guide are can’t miss recommendations for anyone that enjoys backpacking, hiking, and camping. So give a gift that gets someone outdoors this year. Give the gift of adventure!
Nepal Trekking Update

Nepal Trekking Update

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.
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L Daypack Review

Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L Daypack Review

Cotopaxi’s mission is creating innovative outdoor gear and making meaningful strides toward reducing global poverty.
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV Sleeping Pad Review

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

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

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.
10 Great Ways to Spend Your REI Dividend

10 Great Ways to Spend Your REI Dividend

Starting this Friday (March 18th – April 4th), you’ll be able to get 20% off one full-price item at REI. Here are 10 of my favorite big-ticket REI products that will make excellent discount purchases. 
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