US-Made and Cottage-Industry Backpacking Gear Companies
A list of our favorite made-in-the-US backpacking gear from cottage companies and brands who got big but still make their gear right here in the US
New Montana Trail Connects 1,500 Miles of Existing Routes
The new Montana Trail connects 1,500 miles of existing Montana routes from the Continental Divide to the prairie.
Our Favorite (BEST??) Backcountry Coffee
We aren’t one of those places that tout “The Top 10 Best.” What we will say is that these are Katie’s *favorite* backcountry coffee brands, and she thinks they’re the best.
Three Lightweight Trail Shoes, and Which Might Be Best for You
Hikers shopping for new trail shoes face a bewildering array of choices. We compare three new models to help narrow down the choices
Zpacks Free Duo Tent Review
Final Verdict: The Free Duo Tent by Zpacks Exceeds Expectations The Overview The Free Duo is a two-person freestanding tent—one that can be further secured with four stakes to spread the bathtub floor most efficiently. Eight stakes can be used in very windy weather to offer the most secure pitch. Read more…
Coros Vertix 2 – A Watch Review
The Coros Vertix 2 is the second edition of the most robust watch in the Coros lineup. This new iteration has longer battery life, added features, and an improved screen.
The Best Time to Fine-Tune Your Backpacking Gear is During a Backpacking Trip
Next time you’re out on the trail, take note of what’s working and what isn’t in your backpacking gear. Then, work on fine-tuning it.
Biden Expands Bears Ears, Restores Grand Staircase to Full Size
Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah, two vast swaths of red rock canyons at the heart of land protection in the West, were restored to full size by President Joe Biden on Friday. Biden also used his executive authority to restore environmental protections covering the Northeast Read more…
Naked and Afraid with Reptar
Andrew “Reptar” Forestall is a thru-hiker and most recently was a contestant on Naked and Afraid. We were able to catch up with Andrew about the experience and whether or not thru-hiking had any relevancy to the experience
Thru-Hiking the Long Trail Over a Decade
Our editor has completed the Long Trail, a thru-hike 10 years in the making. Here are his reflections