Eberlestock Backpacks: Customizing Your DIY Hunting Loadout

Eberlestock Backpacks featured image showing the author with pack on his back standing next to the South San Juan Wilderness Trail Marker.

Eberlestock backpacks have built a following with their EMOD (Eberlestock Modular) system, giving hunters like me the flexibility to build a personalized and dynamic loadout that matches changing needs as you go from quick day hikes to multiday hunts. If you spend any serious time in the backcountry hunting or scouting, the way you pack … Read more

How To Pack A Lightweight Backpack For DIY Backpack Hunting Trips

How to Pack a light-weight Backpack for a DIY Hunt featured image showing the author with a fully loaded backpack, getting ready to cross a mountain stream.

Packing my backpack for a DIY hunting trip takes planning, especially if I want to keep everything lightweight and super efficient. The way I map out my packing strategy impacts how comfortable I am on the trail and how easily I can grab essentials during a big backcountry day. Here, I’m breaking down my practical … 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

Budget-friendly Backpacking Fly Rod Combos

Budget Fly Rod Combos for Backpacking featured image showing a lady angler with a nice rainbow trout as she stands in a stream next to an image of Gerald Gerwick backpacking in the mountains.

Backpacking with a fly rod is a rewarding way to access overlooked fishing spots without breaking the bank or your back. As someone who spends a lot of time hiking into hidden creeks and high mountain lakes, I know it can be overwhelming to choose a rod and reel combo that fits both your pack … 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

6 High-Performance Hiking Boots For Backpackers

High-Performance Hiking Boots featured image showing a hiker sitting down and adjusting his hiking boots.

Backpacking in the outdoors puts every part of my body to the test, but nothing works harder than my feet. I’ve learned the value of high-performance hiking boots after a few long trips that left me dealing with blisters, sore arches, and wet socks. QUICK LOOK: High-Performance Hiking Boots for Backpacking The right pair of … Read more

8 Best Apps For Hikers And Backpackers

Apps for Hikers and Backpackers featured image showing a lady hiker standing on a boulder overlooking a lake in the mountains with an overlay image of 3 smartphone screens showing various hiking apps.

Since there are countless choices, narrowing down the absolute best apps for hikers and backpackers is super helpful for anyone who wants to get started or step up their outdoor experience. Hiking and backpacking bring a unique sense of adventure and freedom. QUICK LOOK: Apps for Hikers and Backpackers I’ve always found that using the … Read more