Blog
Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide
Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide
Published:
February 22, 2017
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
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.
Mid-Range Gifts
Mid-Range Gifts
Published:
November 17, 2016
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!
Published:
November 16, 2016
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
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.
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L Daypack Review
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L Daypack Review
Published:
August 23, 2016
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
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.
10 Great Ways to Spend Your REI Dividend
10 Great Ways to Spend Your REI Dividend
Published:
March 16, 2016
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.
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!
Updated Best Lightweight Backpacks List – Gear Guide
Updated Best Lightweight Backpacks List – Gear Guide
Published:
February 1, 2016
7 BEST BACKPACKS OF 2016 Last week I updated my Gear Guide to include the 7 Best Lightweight Backpacks of 2016. It’s a list of fantastic hiking packs for thru-hiking, long-distance trekking, or just getting more comfortable on shorter backcountry trips. I hope you find it helpful!
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.