Back in 2013, before I moved to the foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, I realized I had to figure out how to plan a backpacking trip. What spurred the realization? Friends of mine had backpacked through The Enchantments and each…
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Over the last decade, I have hiked more than 20,000 miles on some of the most iconic trails in the U.S. But I have never seen a sunrise in the San Juan Mountains, never watched the ponies in Virginia’s Grayson…
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Get the tips you need for long hikes as avid thru hikers share their self-care secrets for keeping your sanity on the trail.
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With thru hiker season upon us for the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, everyone is wondering about cutting pack weight. Most seasoned thru-hikers have their packing lists dialed and first-time long-distance hikers learn as they…
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We understand that sleep is the unsung hero of great days in the outdoors. So when you choose your next camping mattress, there are a few crucial considerations to make.
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What are you subjecting yourself to when you decide to go on a thru-hike? The positives are fleeting and the negatives are slow to disappear. Despite some people’s rosy, glorious, and admirable view of thru-hiking, it is not all rainbows…
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It’s 3AM and properly raging outside. We’re on the North side of Pitchoff Mountain, in New York’s Adirondack Park. It’s a relatively short snowshoe from the car, but it feels like Alaska right now. It’s -4F inside the tent and…
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The definitive sleeping pad R-Value ranking of all Therm-a-Rest pads all in one place.
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While thru-hiking a trail your home becomes transient. Learn how to find stability in returning to it each night. We found our speck of familiarity along a vast, unfamiliar trail. So, go out and explore. Wander freely.
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My jaw dropped when I pulled into a popular Rocky Mountain National Park parking lot at 9:00 am and counted five other cars. On my last visit, this trail destination was packed to the brim—but that was in the summer….
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Don’t let a heavy pack suck all of the fun out of a trip into the backcountry. Here are a few easy tried-and-true ways to shave a bit of weight without losing too much comfort. Learn how to lighten up now.
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Planning ahead is crucial to, not only the enjoyment but the safety of your next backcountry adventure. Get our tips for better planning that lead to better times in the great outdoors.
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