Tag: Backpacking
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It’s time to upgrade your backpacking meals
There’s only so many times you can mix ramen, instant mashed potatoes, and tuna before it gets old. (Ask me how many times I’ve gagged at the thought of instant mashed potatoes since coming home from the AT.) Trying to get the calories, nutrients (what are those?), and easy cooking for those backpacking meals can…
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How to backpack on a budget
The mountains are calling but the price tag is high. Or so it may appear at first glance. It only takes one look at REI’s website to feel overwhelmed by all of the expensive options. If you’re looking for ways to backpack cheaply or what’s some of the best affordable camping gear, here are some…
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Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Trail
The Virginia Triple Crown backpacking trail takes you past three of Virginia’s jewels: Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee’s Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. This three-day, 30-mile loop is moderately difficult but the views are well worth the effort. Trail facts Itinerary This trek of the Virginia Triple Crowns is a three-day trip starting from the Dragon’s Tooth trailhead.…
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Your Guide to Appalachian Trail Permits
There’s no Appalachian Trail permits required to thru hike, unlike the PCT. However, there are a couple of parks that require permits to hike through them. They’re not hard to get but make sure you know where they are, how to get them, and when you need to get them as your planning your Appalachian…
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Best backpacking sleeping bags for 2026
I hate cold nights. You know, the ones where you toss and turn, unable to rest because no matter how you shift, there’s a cold draft snaking down your back or your toes are numb or your mat isn’t insulating you from the frozen ground beneath your tent. That’s why your chosen backpacking sleeping bags…
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How to plan a backpacking trip
So you want to go backpacking. But before you step foot on the trail, it’s important to know how to plan a backpacking trip. While there’s fun and adventure in spontaneous trips, often it’s equally enjoyable to have done research ahead of time to know where you’re going, what you want to see, and what…
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Stratton Mountain Backpacking Loop
Stratton Mountain, resting securely in the Green Mountain range of Vermont, is well known for its ski resort. It’s also an incredible backpacking destination. Hike through the Lye Brooks Wilderness to visit Stratton Pond, Bourn Pond, and the Stratton Mountain fire tower. Trail facts Itinerary This loop of Stratton Mountain is a three-day loop starting…
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Maine: Hiking the last state on the Appalachian Trail
Entering Maine felt surreal. Four and a half months, 1,900 miles of hiking, and three pairs of shoes, and we were now at the border of the last state left. It was a 17-mile day to get to the border, and our shelter was just across the state line. Earlier that day we’d run into…
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White Mountain National Forest: Appalachian Trail edition
The White Mountain National Forest (or the Whites as we hikers refer to them) may very well have won the spot of “most terrifying to NOBO hikers.” Much like ‘Rocksylvania,’ we’ve been hearing about this section of the trail since we’ve begun. Reportedly, it’s the hardest section of the trail. New Hampshire and the Whites…
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Vermont: Rain, mud, and the Long Trail
Since Vermont, I’ve been sleeping in almost every morning. By sleeping in, I mean sleeping until about 5 am when we start sliding out of sleeping bags, rolling up mats, and packing up our gear for the day. For the majority of the trail, I’ve been awake around 3-4 am, decidedly unable to sleep beyond…