

Meet Your Guide
Outdoor adventures and off-the-beaten-track travel have been my paths to confidence, contentment, and a deeper understanding of the world and myself. I created Exploring Wild to help others discover the power of these experiences.
Everything on this website is based on extensive personal experience and careful research. You can trust that I’ve been there, done that, and learned from some mistakes.
I’m introverted, nerdy, and more risk-averse than you might think. I have cranky knees and hate being cold. I used to think all this stuff was only for people braver and tougher than me. If I can do it, so can you! Read more here.
~ Alissa, creator of Exploring Wild
Latest Posts
7 Desert Bikepacking Routes Perfect for Spring
5 New Bikepacking Routes for Your Long Ride Bucket List
How to Resupply During Your Bikepacking Trip
5 Shorter Thru Hikes in the US for Your Backpacking Bucket List
Lightweight Bikepacking: 9 Ways to Cut Weight Without Sacrificing Comfort
Top Bikepacking Tents of 2023 (Every Category) + How to Choose
The Surly Preamble: Thoughts on an Affordable Steel “Gateway Bike” for Pavement and Gravel Adventures
Bike Routes Across America: Top Touring and Bikepacking Routes Compared
The Great American Rail Trail: Thoughts on a Cross-Country Bike Ride
12 Places to Buy Used Bikepacking Gear for Cheap(er) Prices
See All Posts
Explore by Bike
Bikepacking Gear Guides
Explore on Foot
Quiet trails, gorgeous views, dusty footsteps.
Explore the Trails
Backpacking Gear Guides
More Hiking Posts


Explore the World
More Adventure


Welcome, explorer!
If you pore over maps for fun, sleep better outside, and need to know what’s around the next bend,
if your mind grows calmer when your body is in motion,
if the world is vast and life is too short…
This is for you.
Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: