Mineral King Loop: Four Gorgeous Backpacking Routes (With Maps)
Mineral King Loop refers to several amazing and lesser-known backpacking routes in Sequoia National Park. Here’s a trail guide to four possible Mineral King hikes.
Hiking and Backpacking
Quick Links: Gear and Clothing | Trails and Destinations | Tips and Skills
Here you’ll find hiking and backpacking resources of all kinds, from gear reviews to trail guides to important tips I’ve learned from years of exploring some of our planet’s most beautiful places on foot.
Sometimes I like to move fast on long day hikes, or experiment with minimalist gear on lightweight backpacking trips. Sometimes I like to relax and enjoy the views. And sometimes both!
However you hike, I hope these hiking and backpacking resources inspire you to hit the trail and take your adventures to a new level. Happy trails!
How Long Will It Take to Hike the john Muir Trail?
How many days does it take to hike the John Muir Trail? It depends! Here’s how to calculate the JMT hiking pace that’s right for you.
The Outdoor Lover’s Guide to Home Quarantine
Is home isolation raining on your outdoor adventure parade? Here are some ways to cope, from QuaranTraining to adventuring vicariously to trying to be productive.
Essential Home Workout Equipment for Staying Fit While Stuck Indoors
Stuck inside due to bad weather or, you know, a global pandemic? Don’t let your outdoor fitness slip away. These essential home workout tools are affordable, compact, and extremely effective.
Water Purification For Hiking and Backpacking: Here’s What You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about water filtration for hiking and backpacking: why and how to filter, what the risks are, and choosing a water filter, and more.
10 Backpacking Mistakes I Don’t Want to Make Again
I learned the hard way so you don’t have to! Here are 10 backpacking mistakes I hope to never make again.
Where to Go Hiking in West Africa
West Africa isn’t exactly a famous hiking destination, but for those drawn to this complex part of the world, these are the trails to check out.
12 Ways to Embrace Outdoor Adventure During Winter
Winter can be a tough time for outdoor recreation, especially if you don’t already love snow. Here are 12 ideas for making the most of winter if you love outdoor adventure.
Gear Review: Big Sky Soul 1P Solo Tent
Detailed review of the Big Sky Soul 1P, an affordable, lightweight, versatile freestanding solo tent. Here’s why I love it for backpacking, bikepacking, and travel.
Choosing the Best Kilimanjaro Route: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing a Kilimanjaro route might seem overwhelming, but when you look carefully, just a few good options stand out. This detailed comparison will help you choose the best Kili route for you.
Hiking Gift Ideas Your Favorite Hiker Will Actually Use
Finding the perfect gift for a hiker in your life, something they’ll actually use, can be a challenge. Fear not! These hiking gifts are universally useful.
The Peakbagger’s Guide to California’s 14ers
Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly California 14er hikes or want to climb the whole list, this guide to California 14ers has you covered.
How to Hike Mount Tallac in Gorgeous South Lake Tahoe
The Mount Tallac Trail in South Lake Tahoe is a gorgous, dramatic, challenging day hike with sweeping views. Here’s what to know before you go.
Three Top Rain Jackets Reviewed and Compared
How do the Marmot PreCip, OR Helium II, and Arc’teryx Beta AR compare? Learn how I rank these popular rain jackets for hiking and backpacking.
Knee Pain While Hiking: Quick Fixes for Relief on the Trail
Knee pain while hiking is a huge bummer. Try these tips to reset your biomechanics and find relief next time things start to go downhill.
Lost Sierra Adventure Guide: Outdoorsy Fun in California’s Secret Mountains
Your guide to hiking, camping, MTB, family fun, and small mountain towns in the Lost Sierra and Lakes Basin region near Downieville and Sierra City.
The Most Popular Sleeping Pads for Backpacking: Lessons from the JMT
Choosing a backpacking sleeping pad? Learn from the thru-hikers. Here’s how to select the best sleeping pad for your next night in the backcountry.
Laguna de los Tres – Detailed Hiking Guide (Argentina)
Here’s everything you need to know about hiking from El Chaltén to Laguna de los Tres and the base of Fitz Roy, one of the most spectacular day hikes in Patagonia.
The Most Popular Backpacking Packs: Lessons from the John Muir Trail
Finding the best pack for the JMT is no easy task. To help, here’s an analysis of the most common packs from JMT gear lists, and what they have in common.
6 Desert Destinations Perfect for a Southern California Roadtrip
Looking for some wide open space therapy? Look no further than these six California desert destinations, full of amazing camping, hiking, biking, climbing, and more.
Clothing For Lightweight Backpacking: A Minimalist Full-Comfort Packing List
Choosing your hiking clothes wisely can shave pounds off your pack weight. Here’s an overview of what to wear backpacking when you’re trying to keep your backpack light.
14 Ways to Pee Outdoors for Women (yes, I’ve tried them all)
You had no idea there were this many ways to pee outdoors as a woman. Here’s a roundup of creative options for any lady who finds herself amongst nature when nature calls.
Trail Running Shoes For Hiking: Tips & Top Picks
Tired of big heavy boots? Here’s how to decide if hiking in trail running shoes is right for you, plus how to transition safely and which shoe models to consider.
Hiking Argentina’s Vinciguerra Glacier Trail
Stroll through idyllic meadow and scramble up muddy forest trail to this alpine lake high above Ushuaia. Here’s everything you need to know to hike to Vinciguerra Glacier.
