When you hear the term “backpacking”, many images come to mind: snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and, of course, a starry night sky. One thing that many people don’t think of is where they will sleep while they’re backpacking –… Read More »Where do you sleep when Backpacking? Wilderness sleeping, explained
UPDATE 06/02/22: The Cascade Highway is officially open as of May 10. A very snowy April and May means that there is still over 8 feet of snow in many places. I wouldn’t expect trails to be fully clear of… Read More »Is North Cascades Good to Visit in June? Best Time to Visit [June 2022 Update]
I’m afraid of bears. There are a lot of people who would thoroughly enjoy a far-off bear encounter, but I’m not one of those people. When I’m backpacking, I carry bear spray, because I am 0% interested in making either… Read More »The Best Bear Spray for Backpackers, Hunters, and More [2022]
There are few things that can connect you to nature like a backpacking trip, especially in the 21st century. As it gets harder and harder to get away from the hectic life we all seem to be living, outdoor pursuits… Read More »Backpacking: The Greatest Way to Be with Nature
These days, the summer heat comes earlier and stays longer than it ever has, and that makes it more difficult to plan a hike that won’t kill you. Because that heat isn’t going away any time soon – if ever… Read More »7 Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather
Cooking while on a backpacking trip can be pretty intimidating – only the truly dedicated are able to cook full-on pancake breakfasts deep in the wilderness, and I think those people are wasting weight and energy. What I like better… Read More »Jetboil Flash Review: The Best Backpacking Stove for Most People
Carrying bear spray into the mountains or backcountry is a common practice for safety-minded hikers, backpackers, and hunters. That said, most of us have never had a chance to use it, which leads lots of people to wonder whether or… Read More »Bear Spray On Humans: Safe? Legal? Smart? [Answers Here]
“I could have sworn I had nicer clothes than this… this is 80% old gym stuff!” Packing for a 3-week trip that evenly splits city adventures and backpacking is no easy feat. I learned that first-hand when trying to pack… Read More »Trip Diary: 3 Weeks in Washington (Day 1)
In most parts of the country, the month of May is when life springs into action. Heavy winters and rainy Aprils give way to sunshine, warm temperatures, and endless outdoor fun. But, is that true in the Rockies? Mountain areas… Read More »Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in May: Good Idea?
If you’re like me and grew up in an area without bears, the prospect of meeting one on the trail is just as terrifying as it is exciting. There is nothing that can take a camping or backpacking trip from… Read More »Does Cayenne Pepper Keep Bears Away?