Category: Backpacking

I’ve been lucky enough to hike to Havasu Falls twice, and each trip was an unforgettable adventure. The waterfalls are absolutely magical and worth every ounce of effort it takes to get there. This iconic Havasu Falls hike, located on Havasupai tribal land, is a bucket list destination for many outdoor lovers. The trail is 10 miles each way, departing from Hualapai Hilltop in Arizona where you descend into a steep canyon and travel through a dry sandy wash all … Continue reading “Havasu Falls Hike: Your Complete Trail Guide (with map!)”

I’ve been to Havasu Falls (formally known as Havasupai Falls) twice now, so I know how difficult it can be to get a Havasu Falls permit. While it may not be as tough as Taylor Swift tickets, Havasu Falls permits sell out immediately for the entire year, so you need to do your research on how to get a permit ahead of time. That way when they go on sale, you’re ready to go and will have the best chance … Continue reading “How to Get a Havasu Falls Permit: My Step-by-Step Guide”

Havasu Falls and the surrounding area on the Havasupai Reservation is one of the most special places I have ever visited. I’ve been twice now, and both times my mind was blown. The creekside campground is central to five incredible and massive waterfalls with turquoise swimming holes around every corner – all surrounded by vibrant orange cliffs that the Grand Canyon region is known for. If camping at Havasu Falls is on your bucket list, there are some important things … Continue reading “Havasu Falls Camping: Must-Know Planning Tips”

Every November, the REI has a huge winter sale that I think is one of their best sales of the year. This year’s sale is taking place November 15-25, and it’s a great time to stock up on winter gear, holiday gifts, or outdoor products that you want for next summer. In this post, I’ve scoured the REI website and handpicked the best REI Winter Sale deals with discounts up to 40% off. Everything I recommend here I’ve personally tried. … Continue reading “2024 REI Winter Sale: These are the 15 Best Deals!”

I’ve been wearing Oboz hiking boots for the last 8 years, and I’ve tried almost every shoe in their lineup. Whether I’m tackling a rugged backcountry trail, on a quick hike with my dogs, or looking for a stylish option to transition seamlessly from trail to town, there is a pair of Oboz that fits the bill. If you’re trying to figure out which pair of Oboz hiking shoes is for you, in this post, I’ll share my favorite Oboz … Continue reading “My Favorite Oboz Hiking Boots – Reviewed”

Are you looking for an awesome gift for your favorite hiker or backpacker? I’ve been hiking and backpacking for the last two decades, and in this hiker and backpacker gift guide, I share my most used gear of 2024. Whether it’s a new ultralight tent, a water filter, or important safety gear, the gifts featured here are lightweight, practical, and well-made so they will last many seasons of adventuring. Looking for more gift ideas? Ultimate Outdoor Gift Guide Gifts for … Continue reading “20 Ultralight Gifts for Hikers and Backpackers”

Arc’teryx just released the brand new Arc’teryx Beta SL rain jacket – their lightest Beta rain jacket to date. This summer I’ve been testing it while hiking in heavy thundershowers, and it’s performed beautifully. It’s kept me bone dry, is comfortable to wear, and has all of the features that I look for in a solid rain jacket. Arc’teryx is also making environmental strides with the Beta SL by eliminating the use of forever chemicals (PFCs) that are almost always … Continue reading “Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Review: Is it worth the price?”

Back in 2014, I spent 22 days hiking the John Muir Trail. Prior to that, the longest backpacking trip I had been on was 5 days, so there was a lot I didn’t know. One of those things was knowing how to deal with peeing and wiping on the trail. Using toilet paper and packing it out was not a good option since I’d have to carry a ridiculous amount of TP for 22 days. So it seemed the only … Continue reading “Kula Cloth Review: Why I Love this Reusable Pee Rag”

After a long day of carrying a heavy backpack on the trail, I know what it’s like to just want to set up your tent, make dinner, and fall asleep. When you finally reach the point where you’re going to set up camp for the night, you might be tempted to just take whichever spot is closest without a second thought. If you’re new to backpacking, you might also wonder: Is it ok to camp next to the water? What … Continue reading “How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite (that follows Leave No Trace)”

Backpacking is my favorite way to get outside. Backpacking gives you the opportunity to completely unplug, immerse yourself in nature, challenge yourself physically, and forget about the worries of everyday life. If you’ve never been backpacking before, it’s likely one of these things that is inspiring you go on your first backpacking trip. My first time backpacking was in 2005, and when I started backpacking, I made a lot of common backpacking mistakes. The weren’t a ton of backpacking 101 … Continue reading “Backpacking 101 for Beginners: My Tips for Your First Trip”