Safety Tips For Hiking In Bear Country

Safety Tips for Hiking in Bear Country featured image showing a small group of hikers on a mountain trail, with a large bear coming down the trail toward them.

Hiking in areas where bears live can be memorable, but it also calls for a little extra planning. I find it really important to prepare for both the fun and the unexpected moments. Knowing how to keep myself and those with me safe helps everyone relax and enjoy the trail even more. QUICK LOOK: What … Read more

Camping And Hiking In The South San Juan Wilderness Of Colorado

Camping and Hiking in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado featured image showing our backpacking tents set up on a hillside overlooking a mountain meadow.

The South San Juan Wilderness in southern Colorado stands out as one of my favorite places for outdoor adventure. Its rugged volcanic peaks, remote valleys, and hidden lakes give an experience that’s rare on busier trails elsewhere. Hiking and camping here means stepping into one of Colorado’s wildest corners, with 158,790 acres of protected wilderness … Read more

Camping And Hiking In The Texas Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park featured image showing the Author standing in front of the Solitario Bar.

Camping and hiking in Big Bend Ranch State Park is an adventure unlike anywhere else in Texas. Most people come here for the solitude, rugged desert scenery, and wild remoteness that you just can’t find in more popular parks. QUICK LOOK: Recommended Hikes in Big Bend Ranch State Park I always get an honest sense … Read more

7 Tips For Hunting The Elk Migration

Hunting the Elk Migration featured an image of a large herd of elk migrating through a valley with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Following elk migration during hunting season brings both excitement and new challenges. These large animals move across vast landscapes as the seasons change. Being able to predict where and when you’ll find them makes a huge difference in your success. QUICK LOOK: Tips for Hunting the Elk Migration Elk are highly adaptable, but migration routes … Read more

6 Key Features of Ultralight Telescopic Fishing Rods For Backpackers

Telescopic Fishing Poles for Backpacking Feature Image showing a lady angler wading in a stream and fly fishing.

Ultralight telescopic fishing rods have become a favorite for backpackers who love both hiking and fishing. I enjoy how these rods collapse down to a size that fits comfortably in my pack, letting me explore new waters without carrying heavy, awkward gear. I want to share what makes these rods so practical and why they … Read more

5 Things To Look For In A Backpacking Sleeping Bag

What to Look for in a Backpacking Sleeping Bag featured image showing a lady backpacker in her sleeping bag in the middle of a snow field.

Finding a sleeping bag that fits your backpacking needs can have a big effect on how much you enjoy your nights outside. I remember my early trips, shivering through cold nights or fighting with bulky gear that wouldn’t fit in my bag. After a few seasons, I learned the value of paying attention to every … Read more

7 Tips on Fishing Gear For Backpacking

Fishing Gear for Backpacking featured image showing lady angler with a large trout as she kneels in a mountain stream, next to an image of Gerald Gerwick checking his GPS while backpacking in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado

Fishing while backpacking gives me a special kind of freedom. Nothing beats casting a line into a quiet stream after a long day on the trail. To pull this off, I need compact, lightweight fishing gear that fits easily in my pack. QUICK LOOK: Fishing Gear for Backpacking Tips Getting my setup right from the … Read more

6 Tips on How To Choose A Backpacking Tent

The How to Choose a Backpacking Tent featured image shows a man standing on a hillside just outside his backpacking tent and watching the sunrise over the mountain.

If you enjoy hiking into remote places or simply love sleeping under the stars, finding the right backpacking tent will make your trips a lot more comfortable. There are plenty of options out there, and choosing the right one comes down to a handful of practical details. I’ll walk you through everything I look for … Read more

5 Durable Hiking Boots Under $100 For New Hikers

Durable Hiking Boots Under $100 featured image showing the feet of a dad and a toddler both wearing hiking boots.

If you’re just getting into hiking and want durable hiking boots that won’t fall apart after the first few trails, without dropping more than $100, your options might seem limited at first glance. The good news is, you don’t have to settle for cheap boots that wear out fast. With some practical tips and careful … Read more

5 Top Hiking Boots with Performance Reviews And Comparisons

Hiking Boots Performance Comparison: Featured image showing two sets of hiking boots on the feet of two hikers overlooking a mountain hiking trail.

Finding the right pair of hiking boots can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your time outdoors will be. I’ve spent years hiking on trails ranging from easy walks in local parks to multiday treks over rocky mountains, and I want to share what I’ve learned from trying and comparing different boots. QUICK LOOK: … Read more