Explore the top 4 methods for carrying your camera while backpacking and thru-hiking, including the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod, Peak Design Capture Clip, fanny packs, and storing your camera inside your backpack. Find the best camera carrying storage for protection, accessibility, and convenience when hiking.

In this Kari Traa base layer review, I go into detail about the best women’s merino wool base layers for winter activities, from skiing to hiking and more. From comfort to style, I break down the features of Kari Traa's base layer tops, pants, and accessories.

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 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.

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.

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.

In this post, I share a list of some of my favorite hiking, camping, and backpacking gear that is currently available at REI Co-op!

In 2022 alone, I backpacked over 3,450 miles between hiking the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the 800-mile Arizona Trail, and several backpacking trips in my current home state of Washington. I’ve put a lot of time (and I mean a lot) into finding the best backpacking gear that is durable, quality, and ultralight. Here, I hope to share some of my knowledge with you so you can create your own backpacking gear setup. I provide an overview of both ultralight and lightweight options of backpacking gear, along with some budget-friendly options and some higher-priced items.

In June 2019, I visited my 27th National Park: Isle Royale National Park. This post includes tips on planning your own Isle Royale trip, what gear to bring, and my experience backpacking the beautiful and rugged Isle Royale National Park.