Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review
Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Z poles are as light and compact as can be, but they do have some tradeoffs. Here’s a detailed review to help you decide if they’re right for you.
Lightweight Backpacking
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket Long-Term Review
The Ghost Whisperer down jacket is legendary in the ultralight hiking world. I’ve been using it on and off for years, and in this detailed review I explain what I love about it and why I sometimes reach for a different jacket.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Long-Term Review
The Helium Rain Jacket has been keeping ounce-counting adventurers dry and warm for over ten years. This detailed review shares how mine held up to heavy use and what I like and dislike about the latest version.
12 Things I Don’t Bring Backpacking Anymore
To show you how backpacking gear lists can evolve, here’s a list of items I stopped using as my preferences, skills, and experience level changed.
ULA Circuit Versus Granite Gear Crown: Comparison and Review
The ULA Circuit and Granite Gear Crown are both popular lightweight backpacking packs with similar features. This side-by-side review explains how they compare.
Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp: Gear Review After 1300 Miles
The Haven Tarp by Six Moon Designs is a lightweight two person trekking pole tarp. Here’s how we feel about it after 1300 miles on the Colorado and Arizona Trails.
ULA Circuit Backpack Review After 1300 Miles
Detailed review and description of the ULA Circuit 68 liter pack, the lightweight backpack I used on the Arizona and Colorado Trails.
Arizona Trail Thru Hike Gear List: What Worked and What Didn’t
My complete Arizona Trail thru hike gear list, including what worked well and what could have been better.
What’s in My Lightweight Toiletries Kit For Backpacking and Bikepacking
Here’s what to include in a simple lightweight toiletries kit for backpacking, plus hygiene tips and other backcountry toiletries how-to’s.
Lightweight Solo Tents Ranked by Price and Weight (2023 Visual Guide)
Sorting through the options for the best lightweight solo tent? This visual chart organized by price and weight will help you see which 1 person backpacking tents stand out for their weight, value, and design.
Colorado Trail Thru Hiking Gear List: What Worked and What Didn’t
A moderately lightweight and comfortable gear list for thru hiking the stunning Colorado Trail, with notes on what worked well and what didn’t.
My Favorite Backpacking Gear: A Peek Into My Garage
After years of trial and error, here is the backpacking gear and clothing that I return to over and over again.
Bearikade Expedition Bear Canister – Gear Review
If you need a really big bear canister, the Bearikade Expedition should be at the top of your list. Here’s a review to help you decide if all the fancy carbon fiber is worth your money.
Tahoe Rim Trail: 7 Day Lightweight Backpacking Itinerary and Tips
The 170 mile Tahoe Rim Trail makes a fantastic lightweight backpacking route. Here’s a 7 day TRT itinerary, plus gear and logistics notes, from my TRT thru-hike.
Borah Gear Cuben Bivy – Gear Review After 100+ Nights
The Borah Gear Cuben bivy is an ultralight, ultra-packable, water resistant bivy with bug netting top. It’s not right for every adventure, but here’s where it shines.
Review: Big Sky Soul 1P Tent – Four Years of Bikepacking, Backpacking, & Travel
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.
Clothes For Backpacking: A Lightweight Full-Comfort Packing List
Choosing your backpacking clothes wisely can shave pounds off your pack weight and keep you comfy in any weather. Here’s an overview of what to wear backpacking and my personal favorite items.
Should You Be Hiking in Trail Running Shoes?
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.
Lightweight Backpacking: Gear and Tips to Lighten Your Load
Say goodbye to sore shoulders and cranky knees. These lightweight backpacking tips will cut pounds from your pack weight so you can hike farther, faster, or just more comfortably.
