The Shenandoah Valley is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of adventures for all skill levels. While many associate the valley with Shenandoah National Park, the area is far more expansive, nestled between Shenandoah National Park to the east and the George Washington National Forest to the west.
Exploring the Best Hiking Trails in Baja California Sur
Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Baja California Sur is a vibrant...
Today, we're diving into a topic that's been on my mind for a while now: hiking clothing. Specifically, those expensive t-shirts and whether or not they're worth the hype.
My passion for nature and storytelling has taken me from the serene forests of the Appalachians to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, where I've worked as a filmmaker and volunteered with outdoor organizations and wildlife conservancies. Now, I'm back in the mountains, ready to share another thrilling experience: the via ferrata at Nelson Rocks, West Virginia.
Raised in the Appalachian Mountains, I’ve encountered many challenges in the wilderness, from navigating treacherous trails to facing unpredictable weather. Yet, one of the most dangerous threats hikers face is often overlooked: the sun.
As someone raised in the Appalachian Mountains, I can tell you just how surprisingly easy it is to get lost in the woods. In fact, I've done it multiple times. I'll probably do it again someday.
Backpacking requires carrying a pack.... on your back (wild, right?). This is an issue for a lot of people! Back pain seems to be an issue for more and more people each year, and can greatly interfere with your time on the trail.
Today, we're talking day hiking! Just because you're not planning on sleeping in the woods for three days doesn't mean you shouldn't bring enough gear to stay comfortable on the trail.
Hey everyone, Mike Fink here. If you’re considering taking your first plunge into the world of backpacking and camping this summer, you're in for an adventure. As someone who’s guided numerous groups on the Appalachian Trail, I’m here to share some key tips that will make your first overnight backpacking trip more enjoyable, easier, and a whole lot of fun.
Last month, I and my good friend/fellow YouTube Backpacking Guru embarked on a 5-day, 50-mile, winter trudge across the Grand Canyon. Now, it would be an understatement to say this Grand Canyon winter backpacking trip did not go as planned.
West Virginia is one of the most underrated states. It sits inauspiciously at the center of the most populous region of the US, while simultaneously being isolated and quiet.
Today's topic is a fun one, and something I've had in the chamber for a while now. So pop a squat, take a breath, and allow me to walk you through a certain backcountry call that sooner or later must be answered.
Selecting cold weather backpacking gear can be an extreme challenge for a lot of people. It's important to have the right skill set, but all the know-how in the world still isn't worth much without the proper gear.
After several decades of backpacking, I'm still learning new ways to enhance this awesome pastime. Every year I'm fortunate to be able to test loads of new gear. This year, in particular, unveiled some major stand-outs.
Your backpack is the foundation of all your hiking adventures. If it's well fitted appropriately-sized, functional in a way that's specific to your needs, it can feel like a welcomed extension of your body. The backpack gives you total freedom to explore the outdoors.
An inescapable, or welcomed, part of backpacking is sweating up a storm. Hikers are getting down in the dirt. We are tossing yesterday's clothes back into the mix. Backpackers are forgoing a formal toilet or hot shower for days on end.
If you're just getting started in the exciting (but also somewhat overwhelming) world of backpacking, allow me to offer some beginner hiking and overnight tips. Here are the top five things that I wish someone would have told the younger me.
I'm pumped to tell you about Sea to Summit's (relatively) new Telos TR2 tent in this review. These guys have been making killer gear for a long time, but this was their first foray into the tent game.
Camping and/or backpacking in the winter can be a fun challenge, and a great way to stave off those indoor doldrums, but there are also plenty of pitfalls to watch out for.
Welcome to another round of Fresh Gear Fridays! Today I've got a nifty new lightweight stool to tell you about, a winter-worthy sleeping bag to add to your radar, and another tasty meal to keep you satiated on those chilly overnighters. Let's get into it.
Having a backpacking packing list can be handy when you are preparing for the trip. Have you ever laid out all of your gear for an upcoming backpacking trip, and then turned to your pack and wondered how it could possibly all fit?
Welcome to another edition of my semi-regular “Fresh Gear Friday” series. Let’s continue our exploration of some brand-spankin’-new backpacking goodies. Today I want to...
As the days get shorter, the thermometer inexorably inches lower. But just because t-shirt weather has long since passed (for us northern-latitude folks anyway), the afterglow of summer still begs to be enjoyed by well-stocked backpackers.
Those rainy day blues keep far too many potential backpackers hunkered-down inside. And when those clouds roll in mid-hike, it's easy to be caught off-guard - especially if you were expecting sunny skies.
Having a properly fitted backpack is a critical component of reducing discomfort on the trail. Because hiking with weight creates a cumulative strain, it can be hard to suss out all the intricacies while testing different packs out in a store.
Hey Everyone! My name is Kristi Rauckis. Some of you may know me from my recent BackpackingTV appearances. I've always been a big fan of the outdoors, and lately, I've had the chance to go on some pretty awesome adventures.
I bring you another in-depth review of a unique, multi-day pack: the Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65. I'll kick things off by saying that this is a hefty, hardcore backpack that is not for the faint of heart, but at- the same time, it's also one of my favorites.
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is one of the best-selling backpacks on the market. If you take any well-trodden trekking trail, you are likely to come across at least a few people using this bad boy.
For the last couple of seasons I have mainly been reviewing luxury, high-comfort trekking bags. So even though the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 is a tried-and-true thru-hiker's backpack, I thought it was high time that I shared my full breakdown of it.
Have you grown tired of subsisting primarily on dehydrated/freeze-dried meals while camping? I know I have! Heading into the backcountry delivers a wealth of fresh air, fresh smells, and fresh experiences.
I’m happy to report that I had a summer full of rewarding backpacking trips. From as far off as the mountains of Peru to familiar trails in my own backyard, there were no shortage of opportunities to do what I love most.
Some places have a certain magnetic pull to them, and I find myself pulled towards them like a compass needle. The Southern Gulf Islands of British Colombia have this magnetic attraction. It’s an allure you simply cannot resist.
A 3 night, 4 day trip is the classic backpacking adventure. You get a thorough taste of the hiking/camping experience, and it’s short enough that you can carry everything you need, without having to worry about resupplies.
I’ve been doing a lot of backpacking lately with people who are newer to the pasttime. This means that I’ve borne witness (bared witness? Ah whatever, you get the idea) to a number of cringe-worthy mistakes by my peers who mean well, but just aren’t in the know. I see flubs while hiking, faux-pas around the tent, and self-defeating practices that scare off that precious backcountry sleep.
Now that we're in the peak of the summer heat, I thought we should talk about hiking shorts! When the weather calls for it, nothing beats a trustee pair of shorts to keep the breeze flowing and that range of motion on-point.
A short flight northwards from Lima is the city of Jaen. Flying directly to the Amazonas region capital of Chachapoyas is also an option, but starting in Jaen allowed our team to see a bit more of the regional landscape during an adventurous 5 hour drive.
There are creative alternatives to tents that can help you save money and add some spice to your backpacking experience. Today, I'm going to walk you through three simple options that you can experiment with, depending on your comfort level. You can absolutely stay dry and happy throughout the night, without breaking the bank or solely relying on a classic shelter.
There are few places that truly stir my heart with a wild passion. Ancash, Peru is one of them. Ancash is a region north of Lima that is home to, in my mind, the most beautiful mountains in the world.
Selecting your water treatment method can be one of the most crucial decisions you make in regards to your backpacking gear. It's tough to think of a higher priority for a safe and fun hiking experience than clean drinking water. Thankfully, these methods/gadgets don't cost an arm and a leg, and most of them are exceptionally packable.
There are a few pieces of backpacking gear that I take with me no matter where I go (well, in the backcountry that is). Now, this isn't the obvious stuff like a tent/backpack/sleeping bag, etc. This is a list of things that I think are a bit overlooked, and yet, in my opinion, essential to have with you on every trip.
The other day I was sitting in my car, in the parking lot of an REI, reviewing the receipt from my purchases. I bought 5 items, including hiking shorts and a water filter. The grand total…$349 USD. Now, this is not a knock on REI. They are a specialty retailer and so those high-end prices are to be expected. You'll always get great gear with exceptional warranty.
Getting into backpacking can be an extremely expensive endeavor; one that unfortunately holds a lot of people back. By the time you shop from head to toe, backpack to tent and everything in between, that coveted disposable income can become but a faint echo of the past.
There are several pieces of gear that I rely on for every backpacking trip. Many of these are underrated and often completely overlooked by my peers. But given how useful and inexpensive they are, I think everyone should take another look at these 8 items. Let's get into it!
Are you tired of getting poor-quality sleep while on a backpacking trip? Well, those days are over my friend. Endless nights of tossing and turning and some solid research sessions have led me to completely overhaul my sleep system. I'll tell you about my new dynamic duo (ZORP!) that knocks me out better than I ever could have dreamed. No more counting sheep, just deep sleep, free of regreets.
Hello prospective adventurers! Today I want to share some of the backpacking-related wisdom I've garnered over the years. I've come up with three overarching rules that will help ensure you have a good time, that you're totally safe, and that you leave the wilderness intact for other people. These tidbits are geared towards folks who are newer to the hiking community, but even if you feel like a veteran, we can all use a little refresher from time to time.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the fair-weather is upon us, and therefore, the 2022 hiking season is in full swing. This means that it's time to sift through the closet or garage and put together your arsenal. Plenty of your equipment may be ready to rock, others things may be in need of repair, and there may be some gaps in your gear-list that require a shopping spree.
Shopping for the latest and greatest backpacking gear can be an exciting experience. But don't forget about your first loves too quickly. Just because your backpack has a hole, your down jacket has lost some insulation, your rain jacket has devolved into a normal jacket, or your sleeping pad deflates during the night, doesn't mean that they need to be replaced - they can also be repaired.
Packrafting has officially opened up a whole new world of adventure for me. I've been a lifelong hiker. Typically, I stay firmly on terra firma. Being from the desert, water-based adventures were far from my scope of expertise. But then something funny happened to me. A while back, Jacob Moon and his wife Natasha invited me to Montana to packraft the South Fork of the Flathead right after I had just stumbled into ownership of a packraft.
I recently flew to Mexico City to film an episode of Epic Trails. My girlfriend Kristi joined me and we met up with an old friend of hers, photographer Rob Woodcox. Rob has been living in Mexico City for more than four years, and he has become quite enamored with the country. When Kristi and I proposed that he join us on this adventure, he immediately listed off a dozen options for us to explore.
Astral is a brand that has been making excellent water shoes for a long time. So if you're a guy like Ken over at PaddleTV, or just someone familiar with watersports gear, then you're probably already aware of their reputation. But just because a manufacturer can make great gear for one sport, doesn't guarantee that proficiency will transfer over to others. So gather 'round my backpacking brethren, and I'll tell if the TR1 Mesh can go toe-to-toe with other dry-land trainers.
Today I want to offer you 9 simple, cheap (or free), and effective ways to enhance your comfort while backpacking. Most of these tips will be technique based, rather than plugs for additional gear. If you already have your basic backpacking setup, then you should be well-equipped for a comfortable experience.
Today is a tale of my personal woes in hopes that my mistakes can be your guide. Whether you're a beginner backpacker or someone who has been doing it your whole life, things get overlooked in our excitement, or delirious fatigue, or in the cases I'll tell you about today, excessive confidence. I've spent many years backpacking advanced trails and even 3 years as a guide. Though these experiences are largely an asset, my successes have also contributed to some boneheaded moves. I now humble myself before you, dear reader. Let's all take note and avoid these mistakes going forward.
Good gear makes such a difference in the backcountry. I'm always amazed at how my arsenal keeps progressing. Every year there are technological developments, and every year I get new tips that help me hone the backpacking craft. Today I'm going to tell you about the 8 items I bought this year that were such standouts, they made me wish I found them sooner. I'll give you my top picks (in no particular order) and then try to answer some common technical questions about each piece. Let's break it down!
The Grand Staircase Escalante region is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. It’s so rugged and remote that was the last area in the lower 48 to be mapped. It also happens to be a stone’s throw from my home.
I'm going to be pitting the three most badass backpacks (in my opinion) against each other in order to help you make the right decision for your upcoming adventures.
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