Thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon? Read on for our top-to-bottom guide with photos, maps, tips, highlights, and more. It’s ridiculous that I waited over a year after moving to Oregon to hike the Trail of Ten Falls, but I finally made it at long last. This … Read more
Drawing millions of spectators, featuring heart-pounding competitions, and centering on incredible athleticism, one sporting feat wows audiences worldwide. That’s right — we’re talking about FKTs. Those three letters stand for Fastest Known Time, the shortest time taken to finish a hike or race. FKTs break down further into unsupported, self-supported, and supported records. If you’re … Read more
I’ve spent several years and thousands of miles on the trail earning my stripes as a backpacker, and I’m here to share my 2026 ultralight backpacking gear list with you. Because the gear you bring along can decide the fate of your backpacking trip. Believe me, I’ve overpacked and returned home a broken man enough … Read more
Even the most outdoorsy among us enjoy a good movie night. But with millions of different titles available, deciding what to watch often feels impossible. Luckily, the best hiking movies and documentaries allow us to experience an adventure from the comfort of our couches. These films cover every genre, from awe-inspiring to feel-good, cautionary tale … 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
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