Gift Guides, Gear Erin Gift Guides, Gear Erin

Outdoorsy Gift Guide 2024: Best Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, Campers, Skiers, Adventurers, & More

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.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod Review: My Experience with the HMG Camera Bag for Hiking, 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.

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Wonderland Trail Gear List 2024

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.

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Best Summer Sales on Outdoor Gear and Clothing

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.

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Best REI Deals for Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking Gear During 4th of July Sale

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!

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Thru-Hiking Camera Gear: Lightweight Camera Gear for the Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and John Muir Trail

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.

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The Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear Available at REI Co-op

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.

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Nashville Pack Cutaway 30L Backpack: 3,000 Mile Review

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.

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Winter Hiking Gear and Clothes Guide

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.

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Backpacking Gear Guide: All the Gear Essentials You Need for a Backpacking Trip

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.

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Day Hiking Essentials: What to Wear and Bring on a Day Hike

Are you interested in hiking, but not sure what to bring with you? This guide goes through everything I bring with me on a day hike, from the gear I bring to my favorite backpack to what I wear and more! The key to being a happy hiker is having gear that is comfortable and being prepared for any situation or weather. Safety and comfort are my top priorities when choosing what to pack. Keep reading to learn about everything I wear and bring on a day hike!

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