
HIKING & BACKPACKING
Hiking is perhaps the most intimate and immersive way to experience nature. When we carry everything we need into the wilderness, we come to appreciate the planet and our own bodies and minds in equal measure.
My goal is to help more people discover the benefits of hiking, overcome barriers to getting started (I promise it’s not that hard), and grow their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned thru hiker or brand new day hiker, I hope you’ll find something useful in this collection of resources inspired and informed by thousands of trail miles.
Explore Topics
Explore Trails
Newest HIking Posts
Day Hiking Lunch Ideas (Quick and Easy)
8 Merino Sun Hoodies For Outdoor Adventure
Review: Wūru’s Nuyarn Lightweight Merino Sun Hoodie
Scrambling: A Hiker’s Guide
What Size Backpack Is Best For Your Hike?
Bear Canister vs. Bear Bag (Ursack): Which is Best for Backpacking?
Flying With Backpacking Gear: How to Not Get Your Stuff Confiscated
Titanium Cookware for Backpacking: Pros, Cons, Top Picks
JetBoil MiniMo vs. MicroMo: Differences Explained
How to Wash Clothes While Backpacking, The Easy Way


Hi there, I’m Alissa. Since falling in love with the great outdoors I’ve had the pleasure of walking the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and countless shorter amazing trails throughout the US and abroad. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup.
I love spending nights under the stars, but a good day hike is satisfying too. I never hesitate to hike solo, but also enjoy company when my husband wants to join. I don’t always know what I’m doing – I just figure it out as I go! My other favorite ways of exploring are adventure travel and bikepacking. You can read more about me here.
BACKPACKING Basics
More Hiking Topics






Hiking resources in your inbox?
There’s more where this came from! Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about backpacking and hiking.






Giving Back
I’m proud to help support these organizations using a portion of revenue earned by this website. I hope to add more over time as this site continues to grow.