Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
Sierra Designs Nitro UL 20 Sleeping Bag Review
Sierra Designs Nitro UL 20 Sleeping Bag Review
Published:
October 9, 2017
Sierra Designs just launched their new Nitro UL 20 Sleeping Bag (available in 0°F, 20°F, 35°F, Women’s 0°F, and Women’s 20°F models) and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on a pre-launch model to test it out. We’ve been using the Nitro UL 20 for a few weeks now and we think it’s a solid offering in the sleeping bag world.
Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – A Guide to Hiking the Cordillera Blanca
Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – A Guide to Hiking the Cordillera Blanca
Published:
October 8, 2017
Nestled in the white-peaked Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes, the classic 4-day Santa Cruz backpacking trip may be one of the most beautiful treks in the world. While many people flock to the trails near Machu Picchu, this overlooked hiking mecca north of Lima has a fraction of the visitors, allowing for a relative amount of solitude for such a spectacular place.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Backpack Review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Backpack Review
Published:
October 3, 2017
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest is one of our all-time favorite lightweight backpacks. We’ve been hiking with HMG…
Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide
Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide
Published:
September 29, 2017
If we had to choose one location to illustrate the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies, the Lake O’Hara backcountry would be the place. Eighty kilometers of well-maintained trails wind through this breathtaking alpine wilderness filled with turquoise lakes, stunning meadows, and expansive views.
Mount Margaret Backpacking Guide, Mount St. Helens
Mount Margaret Backpacking Guide, Mount St. Helens
Published:
August 29, 2017
Lying just north of the Mt. St. Helen’s National Volcanic Monument, the Mount Margaret Backcountry provides sweeping views of the blast zone caused by the 1980’s eruption and the surrounding peaks of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. With spectacular views, abundant lakes and wildflowers that persist into early August, the Mount Margaret Backcountry provides an incredible chance to get away without having to travel far from either Portland or Seattle.
Summer Backpacking Gear Favorites 2017
Summer Backpacking Gear Favorites 2017
Published:
July 30, 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
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.
Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide
Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide
Published:
March 21, 2017
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
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.
Top 12 Beginner Backpacking Blunders
Top 12 Beginner Backpacking Blunders
Published:
March 5, 2017
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
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.
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.