Split is an absolute gem of a port city on the Adriatic Sea, known for its ancient city core, beautiful beaches, and high-season nightlife. I spent weeks there in November, exploring the city’s rich history and the Dalmatian region. Thanks to the area’s temperate Mediterranean climate, Split is famous as a summer getaway (and it’s … Read more
When you’re backpacking or thru-hiking, a few days of sweat, insect bites, dirt, and sunscreen all add up to one thing: hiker stink. Believe it or not, that stench is actually a badge of honor among the trail crowd — but there are many different ways to manage it. Though staying clean in the wilderness … Read more
Today, in our Hiker Profiles series, we highlight Jonny Waldman, a backpacker, cyclist, rock climber, skier, and all-around outdoor adventurer. He founded Mayfly Ultralight Equipment, an online shop where he sells handmade ultralight camp shoes that weigh just a couple of ounces. Tell us a little bit about yourself I’ve been obsessed with outdoor adventures … Read more
Imagine carving through deep powder for hours before pausing to enjoy fresh, hot ramen and a cold beer for less than $10 USD. You click back in to enjoy even more powder lines after lunch, and at the end of the day, you beeline to a nearby hot spring for a long, relaxing soak. No, … Read more
Searching for your next travel backpack? Read our in-depth review of the TOM BIHN Techonaut 30, which covers its materials, design, durability, and more. I’m a bit of a backpack nerd if you haven’t figured it out by now. I’ve spent more hours (days?) of my life geeking out over bags than I’d like to … Read more
Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the different backpack fabrics and materials that make up modern-day bags. We’ll start by looking at the most popular synthetic fabrics on the market: nylon (Ripstop, Ballistic, Cordura, and Robic), polyester, neoprene, Dyneema/DCF, ULTRA, X-Pac, and ECOPAK. After that, we’ll look at tried-and-true traditional fabrics, like cotton canvas … Read more
Today, in our Traveler Profiles series, we highlight Tanner Cibula, a backpacker, traveler, and self-reliance expert with an incurable urge to thrive and survive during challenging situations in the middle of nowhere. Tell us a little bit about yourself Tanner Cibula is the name, and wilderness adventuring is the game! In the last five years, … Read more
Hiking the Colorado Trail is no easy feat, so you must assemble a lightweight and functional gear list for your 2025 thru-hike, backpacking trip, or section hike. Dialing in your ideal setup is essential, so get prepared well before arriving at the trailhead. In this post, I’ll give you an easy-to-follow checklist and share some … Read more
When I tell people I’m a backpacker, they sometimes ask, “Well, what is backpacking, exactly?” Maybe they sense a complicated lifestyle choice, so I offer a simple explanation: “Hiking or traveling for extended periods of time with everything I need packed into my backpack.” Let’s dive deeper and discuss the two distinct styles of backpacking: … Read more
My favorite hammock tarp is the Zpacks 8.5′ x 10′ Flat Tarp, a top choice for ultralight enthusiasts in search of single-digit base pack weights. It’s light and versatile enough that I take it everywhere, including day hikes and car camping trips. I mostly use tarps as hammock rain covers, but they’re also popular for … Read more