Trees and Tents

Ten essential and inexpensive pieces of gear for day hikers

Essential Gear for Day Hikers

Being prepared doesn’t require you to carry a heavy pack or buy a bunch of expensive gear. Here’s what I consider to be essential gear for day hikers- gear that could help save your life. When I was new to hiking I’d often hit the trail with nothing but a water bottle. I soon upgraded […]

Five Ways to Save Money on Backpacking Gear

There’s no way around it, backpacking, hiking, and camping gear is pricey, but there are easy ways to save money on backpacking gear. I’m a coupon-clipper, sales rack peruser, and a dedicated deal hunter. In my normal life I wouldn’t dream of paying full-price for anything, but when it comes to backpacking clothing and gear […]

The MyCharge HubPlus portable charger powering an iPhone and an InReach SE

Gear Review: myCharge HubPlus Portable Charger

Backpacking is all about escaping technology and returning to the basics. But, for safety reasons I can’t escape completely. I use my Garmin InReach SE paired with my iPhone as my GPS navigation and emergency transponder. When I’m backpacking I try to use electronics as little as possible, but I always bring a back-up portable […]

Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Hikers

Need some gift ideas for your favorite hiker? Thrill the hikers on your gift list with these inexpensive stocking stuffer ideas. Each of these items are under $20 and will easily fit into their hiking daypack. Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of my links I […]

3-Day backpacking menu for meals that don't need a stove.

Menu for 3-Day Grand Canyon Backpacking

When we were planning for our 3-day Grand Canyon backpacking trip I just knew that I was going to have to break away from my standard backpacking menu of dehydrated and instant foods. The weather predicted a heatwave and temperatures at the bottom of the canyon were going to be over 100 degrees. I knew […]

Packing List for Beginner Backpackers

Wondering what to pack for your first backpacking trip? This basic packing list for beginner backpackers has the essential gear to make your first backpacking trip a success. Hiking and backpacking are two of my favorite things in the world. While I’ve always enjoyed hiking it took me a bit longer to get into backpacking. […]

Ten Easy Tips to Stay Warm on Fall Backpacking Trips

You don’t need to stop backpacking, just because summer is over. There are many reasons to bundle up and embrace the cold nights and brisk mornings this season. Backpacking in the fall means less crowds, no pesky mosquitos, and beautiful scenery. And the mild daytime temperatures mean you can reach the peak without being drenched […]

Snowshoes are a necessary piece of hiking gear for winter. Man snowshoeing through a snowy field.

Winter Hiking Gear for Snowy Adventures

Don’t let a cold, snowy day keep you from hiking! Hiking in the winter is an amazing experience and there’s nothing more beautiful that hitting the trail after a fresh dusting of snow. Quality winter hiking gear will keep you warm and dry during all your cold weather adventures. I’ve included my favorite gear and […]