Hostel vs Hotel: Differences, Safety & What’s Right for You
If you’re a worn-out traveler, you’ll need a place to rest your weary bones at the end of the day. This biological necessity comes with a price tag and a slew of options, chief amongst which lies the decision between picking a hostel vs hotel. It seems like an easy decision, right? Not so […]
Van Life: 13 Good, Bad & Strange Realities of Living in a Van
During my six years of on-again-off-again van life in my 2005 Chevy Astro, I’ve ventured down countless roads in search of riveting and unconventional experiences. I’ve bumped down rutted-out backcountry trails, cruised across barren deserts, navigated congested city streets, flown through miles of endless plains, and hopped aboard ferries to remote islands. I’ve slept […]
Polyester vs Cotton: Which Material is Best for Traveling?
Each day we’re faced with the choice of what to wear to best suit our needs, and this decision becomes even more magnified when we’re traveling. Catching trains, navigating airports, exploring crowded city streets – the movement of life on the go requires comfort, functionality, and confidence. If you’re reading this article, then you […]
Patagonia R1 Review: Regulator Fleece Pullover Hoody
Price: $159 MSRP – Check Price on REI | Backcountry | Patagonia Connor’s Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars Pros: Comfortable, versatile, easy to layer with Cons: Not very weather-resistant, not super packable Weight: 11 oz | 312 grams Women’s Model: R1 Pullover Lighter Option: Patagonia R1 Air Crew – 9.7 oz | 275 grams […]
Essential Backpacking Gear: 15 Items I Can’t Hike Without
If you’re on a quest for essential backpacking gear — the top-notch items that’ll enrich your life on the trail — you’ve come to the right place. Why? Because I’m a hopeless ultralight backpacking junkie, and I’m itching to nerd out over my 15 all-time favorite pieces of gear. Health, happiness, and comfort in […]
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
Price: $199 MSRP – Check Price on Montbell Noel’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Pros: Lightweight, packable, full-featured, great fit, breathable Cons: Wets out after long rain exposure, pricey Weight: 6.4 oz | 182 grams Women’s Model: Versalite Jacket Lighter Option: Enlightened Equipment Visp – 4.9 oz | 140 grams Budget Alternative: Outdoor Research Helium […]
Budget Backpacking Gear: Cheap 10 lb Ultralight Kit [~$500]
Quality backpacking gear has a reputation for being pricey, but I’m here to show you that it’s entirely possible to put together an affordable ultralight setup on a $500 budget. That’s right; you can get your hands on a brand-new backpacking gear kit with a 10-pound base weight without having to max out your […]
Columbine Lake Trail: Superb Hiking Near Silverton, Colorado
Columbine Lake Trail in San Juan National Forest My step-for-step route I arrived at Silverton’s Columbine Lake Trailhead on an ominously overcast afternoon with dull thunder rumbling overhead and cold rain sprinkling down. I started the high-elevation hike against my better judgment, unsure of what the weather would bring. But the dark clouds […]
Road Trip Essentials: Interactive Packing List + 55 Must-Haves
I’ve been learning the ins and outs of road trip essentials and perfecting my packing list since I was old enough to get behind the wheel. The open road had me hooked at a very young age and will continue to draw me in for the rest of my days. As an eager teenager, […]
Herman Gulch Trail: Incredible CDT Day Hiking Near Denver
Herman Gulch Trail in Arapaho National Forest The Herman Gulch Trail is undoubtedly one of the best day hikes near Denver. With its trailhead situated just an hour’s drive from the heart of Colorado’s bustling capital, this Arapaho National Forest hiking gem is as beautiful as it is easy to reach. Over its […]