Blog
30 Great Deals in REI’s Anniversary Sale

30 Great Deals in REI’s Anniversary Sale
Published:
May 17, 2019
Gear Nerds Rejoice! REI’s biggest sale of the year is upon us. Running from May 17th-27th, REI’s Anniversary Sale includes deeps discounts on some of our favorite backpacking, camping, and hiking gear. In addition to sale items, REI members also receive 20% off one full-priced item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with coupon code ANNV19.
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tent Review

REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tent Review
Published:
May 9, 2019
REI recently launched the new Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent, which is almost a pound lighter than their popular Quarter Dome 2 model. The SL is a good fit for ultralight backpackers on a budget, as it’s among the most affordable options in the double-wall, ultralight tent world.
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
May 3, 2019
One of the newest jackets introduced by Arc’teryx for the 2019 hiking season, the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), is an excellent balance between quality, durability, and weight. The highly packable and versatile design of the SL is a great option for hikers looking to push through wet weather in rugged conditions.
Helinox Chair Zero Review

Helinox Chair Zero Review
Published:
April 3, 2019
Weighing just over a pound, the Helinox Chair Zero features a remarkably low weight, incredible packability, and durable construction unmatched by its competition. After some rigorous field testing of sitting around, we found the Chair Zero’s performance lived up to its reputation.
16 Great Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon

16 Great Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon
Published:
March 22, 2019
It’s Member Rewards time at REI! That means, if you’re an REI member, you’ve just received 10% of your annual purchases back in one lump sum dividend. To sweeten the deal, from 3/22 to 4/8 REI Members save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with coupon code MEMPERK2019.
How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking & Hiking

How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking & Hiking
Published:
March 20, 2019
One piece of gear has recently revolutionized navigation in the backcountry and it’s right there in your very pocket…
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review

Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
March 14, 2019
Arc’teryx has introduced two new ultralight shells to their already strong line of rain gear.
10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Published:
February 21, 2019
Joshua Tree National Park is aptly named after the tree-like succulents with stemless pointed leaves that only grow in a small…
Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Does Bear Spray Really Work?
Published:
January 21, 2019
You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back…
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide

How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
Published:
November 16, 2018
The problem of human waste in the outdoors was highlighted last May when a glacial geologist with the National Park Service…
15 Great Deals at REI’s November Sale

15 Great Deals at REI’s November Sale
Published:
November 9, 2018
Before REI shuts its doors and encourages everyone to #optoutside on Black Friday, they’re having a huge sale. The Gear Up-Get Out sale runs from November 9 – 19 and includes some of our favorite backpacking and hiking gear. Check out the gear we’re most excited about!
Henry’s Fork Lake Loop – Uintas Backpacking Guide

Henry’s Fork Lake Loop – Uintas Backpacking Guide
Published:
September 6, 2018
This loop explores a gorgeous alpine mountain basin with every enticement you dream of — misty mountain meadows, tall pines, small lakes and winding streams that tie it all together. And if that weren’t enough, the whole scene is framed by a massive mountain range with Kings Peak at its head.
17 Exciting New Backpacking Products from Outdoor Retailer

17 Exciting New Backpacking Products from Outdoor Retailer
Published:
July 27, 2018
We spent this week walking around the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new gear coming to the backpacking world in 2019. Outdoor Retailer is one of the largest gear conferences in the world and this week we were fortunate enough to meet up with some of our favorite companies to get a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations.
Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas
Published:
July 20, 2018
Moderately challenging, this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites options. The trail follows the Stillwater and Ostler Forks of the Bear River as it ascends about 2050 feet, passing beautiful waterfalls along the way, to a stunning cirque basin.
Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide

Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide
Published:
July 20, 2018
Similar to Rainer’s Wonderland Trail, Adam’s Round-the-Mountain Trail and Hood’s Timberline Trail, the Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is nothing short of spectacular. If you enjoy solitude, navigation challenges, eye-popping vistas, and fascinating geology, consider adding the Loowit Trail to your list.
Red Castle Lakes Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Red Castle Lakes Backpacking Guide – High Uintas
Published:
July 5, 2018
Gorgeous alpine meadows and pitch-perfect backcountry camping make this area, especially at sunset, a wonderland. It gets its name from the red castle-like peaks that stand like a fortress above the basin.