Hiking and Backpacking

Knowledge, gear, and inspiration to explore wild places on foot.

Tips and How-To’s

Travel size toothbrush, paste, floss, and lip balm for backpacking

What’s in My Lightweight Toiletries Kit For Backpacking and Bikepacking

May 1, 2021

Holding Garmin InReach Mini against backdrop of leaves

How to Use Your Garmin InReach Mini (Without Driving Loved Ones Crazy)

April 19, 2021

Hiker does side steps with mini resistance band

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="Hiker does side steps with mini resistance band" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-600x400.jpg" >

Essential Morning Warmup Routine For Backpackers With Lazy Glutes

February 22, 2021

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-600x400.jpg" >

12 Stretches To Do in Your Tent For Better Sleep and Stronger Hiking

December 15, 2020

Hiker taking break

How To Hike Your First 20 Miler: Tips for Long Days on the Trail

August 9, 2020

Red tent at night by lake

12 Tips for Better Sleep While Backpacking

June 22, 2020

Backpacker huddled in sleeping quilt

38 Tips for Staying Warm While Backpacking

June 20, 2020

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-600x400.jpg" >

How to Choose (And Use) A Bear Canister for Backpacking in 2021

May 10, 2020

More Hiking Tips

Gear Advice

Best Lightweight Solo Tents by Price, Weight, and Style (Visual Guide)

February 8, 2021

Backpacking gear drying on rock

From The Gear Closet: My Favorite Backpacking Gear

May 18, 2020

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fully-packed-bear-canister-600x400.jpg" >

How to Choose (And Use) A Bear Canister for Backpacking in 2021

May 10, 2020

Trekking Poles: How to Choose and Use Them Like a Pro

April 30, 2020

Stream crossing in North Cascades

A Backpacker’s Guide to Water Filtration

February 2, 2020

Hiker backpacker on John Muir Trail

Hiking Gift Ideas Your Favorite Hiker Will Actually Use

October 11, 2019

The Most Popular Sleeping Pads for Backpacking: Lessons from the JMT

April 22, 2019

The Most Popular Backpacking Packs: Lessons from the John Muir Trail

April 8, 2019

More Hiking Gear

Clothing

Clothing For Lightweight Backpacking: A Minimalist Full-Comfort Packing List

April 3, 2019

Two pairs of hikers' feet in Altra Lone Peaks and Dirty Girl gaiters

Why and How to Swap Your Hiking Boots for Trail Running Shoes

March 27, 2019

PreCip vs. Helium II vs. Arc’teryx Beta AR: What’s the Best Rain Jacket for Outdoor Adventure?

July 22, 2019

Gear Reviews

Big Sky Soul tent bicycle touring in Patagonia

Gear Review: Big Sky Soul 1P Solo Tent

November 15, 2019

Bearikade with open lid

Bearikade Expedition Bear Canister – Gear Review

May 18, 2020

BigBlue solar panel on hiking backpack

Review: BigBlue 28W Solar Charger After 90 Days on the Trail

October 23, 2020

CNOC Vecto as Alternative to Sawyer Squeeze Bags – Gear Review

May 15, 2020

Borah Gear Cuben Bivy – Gear Review After 100+ Nights

May 15, 2020

Hiker wears lightweight backpack on Colorado Trail

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="Hiker wears lightweight backpack on Colorado Trail" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-600x400.jpg" >

ULA Circuit Backpack: Female Hiker’s Review After 1300 Miles

June 6, 2021

Hiking Food

Bag of granola, large can of Nido powdered milk and jar of instant coffee

4 Simple No-Cook Backpacking Breakfast Ideas

January 25, 2019

Image collage of high calorie protein bars

Comparing The Best High-Calorie Protein Bars for Backpacking

March 20, 2019

Training and Injury Prevention

Exercise bands, massage balls, water bottle: tools for fixing knee pain while hiking

Knee Pain While Hiking: Quick Fixes for Relief on the Trail

May 8, 2019

home workout gear for hikers

Essential Home Workout Equipment for Staying Fit While Stuck Indoors

March 25, 2020

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hiking-stretch-hip-flexors-600x400.jpg" >

12 Stretches To Do in Your Tent For Better Sleep and Stronger Hiking

December 15, 2020

Hiker does side steps with mini resistance band

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="Hiker does side steps with mini resistance band" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Resistance-band-side-steps-600x400.jpg" >

Essential Morning Warmup Routine For Backpackers With Lazy Glutes

February 22, 2021

Trails and Guides

Colorado Trail

Arizona Trail

John Muir Trail

Tahoe Rim Trail

Cactus on the Skyline Trail

Cactus to Clouds Hiking Guide (+ Must-Know Safety Info)

April 27, 2020

Backpacker on dirt ridge road through green hills

North Coast Ridge to Cone Peak: Epic Ventana Wilderness Ridge Hike

June 16, 2020

Colorado trail sign

Hiking the Colorado Trail: Answers to Essential Questions

August 28, 2020

Devils Dome Loop Washington

Devil’s Dome Loop Backpacking Guide | North Cascades, WA

July 11, 2020

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-600x400.jpg" >

Hiking the Arizona Trail: Answers to Essential Questions

May 21, 2021

How to Hike Cathedral Wash, A Fun Canyon Scramble in Northern Arizona

May 15, 2021

Lake Tahoe from TRT

Tahoe Rim Trail: 7 Day Lightweight Backpacking Itinerary and Tips

May 17, 2020

The Best Segments of the Colorado Trail

September 28, 2020

More Trails and Guides

Newest Hiking Posts

Interview: Dan Scarpino on Thru Hiking, Van Life, and Making Space for Big Adventures

June 9, 2021

Hiker wears lightweight backpack on Colorado Trail

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="Hiker wears lightweight backpack on Colorado Trail" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ULA-circuit-on-Colorado-Trail-600x400.jpg" >

ULA Circuit Backpack: Female Hiker’s Review After 1300 Miles

June 6, 2021

<img width="600" height="400" src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-600x400.jpg" class="attachment-gb-block-post-grid-landscape size-gb-block-post-grid-landscape" alt="" srcset="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-600x400.jpg 600w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-272x182.jpg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt="" data-jpibfi-post-url="https://exploringwild.com/hiking-backpacking-home/" data-jpibfi-post-title="Hiking and Backpacking" data-jpibfi-src="https://exploringwild.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Saguaro-and-canyon-view-near-Roosevelt-Lake-600x400.jpg" >

Hiking the Arizona Trail: Answers to Essential Questions

May 21, 2021

Arizona Trail Thru Hike Gear List: What Worked and What Didn’t

May 21, 2021

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