Staying hydrated when backpacking and thru-hiking is crucial and the right water filter or purifier can make all the difference. In this post, I break down the best options—Sawyer Squeeze/Micro Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, and Aquamira—sharing when I use each and why they’re my go-to choices for backpacking and thru-hiking.

Looking for the best Black Friday and Cyber Week deals to gift to an outdoor lover you know or update your backpacking, hiking, or camping gear? Look no further! You can score some huge discounts on gear this time of year. I share some of the best deals you can get this holiday season.

This is all the ski gear I’ll be using this winter!

Here are the best deals during the REI Winter Sale 2024, running from November 15 to November 25! Save up to 50% on top-quality hiking, camping, backpacking, and winter gear just in time for the holidays. This sale offers amazing discounts on essential outdoor equipment. In this post, I provide a curated list of gear that is now on sale. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers during REI’s Winter Sale 2024!

Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor lover in your life? This Outdoorsy Gift Guide has over 50 gift ideas for adventurers of all kinds, from hikers and backpackers to campers, photographers, skiers, National Park lovers, and more. Whether you're searching for budget-friendly gifts under $100 or splurge-worthy items, you'll find plenty of inspiration here to find that perfect gift for the outdoor lover in your life.

Looking for the perfect camera bag for your hiking adventures? Here is my comprehensive review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) Camera Pod. The HMG Camera Pod is an ultralight, weatherproof camera bag specifically designed to protect your camera during outdoor adventures. I break down its specs, features, and how it performed during my recent thru-hike on the Wonderland Trail. With its waterproof design and easy access, learn why I love this camera bag for hiking and backpacking.

Learn about the ultralight backpacking gear I used on my 2024 Wonderland Trail thru-hike in this detailed gear and packing list. The Wonderland Trail (WT) is a 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier, also known by its original name, Tahoma, given by the native Puyallup Tribe. This iconic trail is known for its challenging terrain, featuring over 23,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Whether you're planning your own WT adventure or curious about ultralight gear for long-distance hikes, this post covers everything I brought with me on my thru-hike of the Wonderland Trail in Washington State.

Complete Arizona Trail (AZT) Resupply Guide: Mile markers, towns, tips for Southbound (SOBO) and Northbound (NOBO) thru-hikers. Includes locations, transportation, grocery options, lodging, information on showers and laundry, and insights from my 4-week thru-hike.

Learn about the best deals on backpacking, camping, and hiking gear during REI’s Labor Day Sale and save up to 40%! Explore top discounts and savings on outdoor gear, including tents, hiking boots, sleeping bags, and more. Shop the REI sale now through September 2nd for quality outdoor gear perfect for your summer adventures. Explore my curated list of the best REI Labor Day deals!

I've compiled a list of some of the best current sales on outdoor gear this summer, all in one place! Score amazing deals on camping, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor gear for your summer adventures. The featured sales include top outdoor gear retailers like REI, Backcountry, Public Lands, Rumpl, and Outdoor Research. I'll update this list if new sales come up throughout the summer.

Discover the best deals on backpacking, camping, and hiking gear during REI’s 4th of July Sale and save up to 40%! Explore top discounts and savings on outdoor gear, including tents, hiking boots, sleeping bags, and more. Shop the REI sale now through July 4th for quality outdoor gear perfect for your summer adventures. Don’t miss out on these unbeatable savings—explore my curated list of the best REI 4th of July deals today!

Complete Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Resupply Guide: Mile markers, towns, tips for Northbound (NOBO) and Southbound (SOBO) thru-hikers. Includes locations, transportation, distance off trail, grocery options, lodging, information on showers and laundry, and insights from a sub-100 day thru-hike.

Learn about the best lightweight camera gear for thru-hiking, based on my personal experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Arizona Trail (AZT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). Learn about the mirrorless camera, ultralight lens, mini tripod, and accessories I use to capture high-resolution images while keeping my pack weight down.

Discover the best deals at the REI Anniversary Sale 2024 from May 17th to May 27th! Save up to 30% on hiking, camping, and backpacking gear during REI Co-op’s biggest sale of the year. Whether you're a beginner or upgrading your equipment, this sale is the perfect time to invest in top-quality outdoor gear. Explore amazing discounts on your favorite items in this blog post. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers during the REI Anniversary Sale 2024!

In this backpacking quilt guide, discover what quilts are, learn about quilts vs. traditional sleeping bags, and explore the advantages of quilts for backpacking and thru-hiking. I go over technical aspects like footboxes and fill power, and also provide my top recommendations for backpacking quilts.

In the world of ultralight backpacking, the philosophy is to carry only what you need and nothing more. In this blog post, I'll explore the various options for ultralight backpacking gear available at REI Co-op, a trusted retailer for outdoor lovers. For those new to ultralight backpacking or transitioning from a traditional heavier setup, REI is a great starting point due to its wide selection of quality gear, customer-friendly return policies, and knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a seasoned ultralight backpacker or just starting to lighten your load, this guide will help you navigate the essentials for a more enjoyable and efficient hiking experience.

Discover the best winter hikes near Seattle, Washington, with this comprehensive guide. From breathtaking mountain vistas to serene forest trails, find a variety of scenic hikes suitable for all skill levels. Get detailed information on hike lengths, elevation gains, and required permits. Explore the diverse landscapes of Washington's winter wonderland and embark on your next outdoor adventure.

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 210-mile trail through the the Sierra Nevada in California. This guide provides information on potential resupply stops for both southbound and northbound thru-hikers, including mile markers from three popular starting points. Additionally, I share insights from my August 2021 northbound (NOBO) thru-hike of the John Muir Trail.

Embarking on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) demands gear that matches the ruggedness of its terrain and challenges. When I set out to thruhike the 3,000-mile-long Continental Divide Trail, I knew I needed just the right pack for this adventure, and for that, I chose the Nashville Pack Cutaway 30L Backpack. This review goes over the Nashville Pack Cutaway specs and how it performed throughout my thruhike of the Continental Divide Trail.

The winter wilderness offers a magical experience that is both challenging and rewarding. However, venturing into the cold requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to choosing the right winter hiking clothes and gear. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential winter hiking gear, from layering techniques to insulated outerwear, waterproof gear, and accessories. The goal with winter hiking gear is to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and safe.