Hiking by Country
A list of all the countries I’ve ever hiked in.
I haven’t written blog posts for many of the countries I’ve visited. If you have any questions about my hiking experiences in any of the countries below, feel free to reach out to me.
Argentina– Chile – China – Guatemala – Iceland– Mexico – Panama – Peru – South Korea– United States
Number of Countries I’ve Hiked in: 10
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Latest Posts About Hiking
Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park (Hiking Guide)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
FKTs 101: Exploring the Wild World of Fastest Known Times
Last Updated: August 27, 2024 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, … Read more
7.8 lb Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 2026 Optimal Setup
Last Updated: August 15, 2026 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 … Read more
14 Best Hiking Movies & Documentaries to Watch Right Now
Last Updated: July 2, 2024 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 … Read more
Backpacking Hygiene: 8 Tips to Stay Clean in the Wild
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
Hiker Profile: Jonny Waldman (Founder of Mayfly Ultralight)
Last Updated: August 25, 2024 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 … Read more
Backpack Fabrics: Understanding Nylon, Canvas, DCF & More
Last Updated: August 25, 2024 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 … Read more
Traveler Profile: Tanner Cibula (Survivalist, Backpacker, Traveler)
Last Updated: August 25, 2024 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! … Read more
Colorado Trail Gear List (Checklist + Tips for CT Thru-Hikers)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 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 … Read more
What is Backpacking? Hiking/Camping vs. Travel/Urban
Last Updated: August 31, 2024 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 … Read more
Zpacks 8.5’ x 10’ Tarp Review: The Ultralight Tarp to Carry?
Last Updated: August 8, 2025 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, … Read more
Thru-Hiking 101 (Tips, Planning, Gear, FAQs & More)
Last Updated: August 11, 2025 Maybe adventure and exploration movies are your thing. Perhaps you live near a long trail and have spent years daydreaming about hiking it. Or you’ve quit your day job and want to savor your new freedom. Whatever your reason, you’re fired up and ready to plan a thru-hike. There’s just … Read more
Zpacks Offset Trio Review: A Stellar 3-Person UL Shelter?
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Zpacks’ ultralight tents have long reigned supreme in the backpacking shelter world. But rather than resting on their laurels, the good folks at Zpacks have continued to raise the bar with their recently released Offset Duo and, now, the three-person Offset Trio, which I was recently able to test out … Read more
20 Hiking Trails & Backpacking Trips in & Near Los Angeles
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Featuring sunset views, dense forests, and ocean breezes, the best hiking in and near Los Angeles will challenge everything you think you know about the city. Let’s face it — the Walk of Fame is far from the best walk L.A. has to offer. When I moved to the Los … Read more
Hiking Mount Bierstadt (One of Colorado’s Finest 14ers)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 I started hiking more seriously this year and decided to climb my first 14er. But I had two requirements: It had to have easy to access and I didn’t want the mountain to destroy me. I decided on Mount Bierstadt. The problem was the weather didn’t cooperate. July and August … Read more
Zpacks Triplex Review: A Formidable 3-Person Backpacking Tent?
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 I welcomed the chance to review the Zpacks Triplex ultralight backpacking tent. Its versatile trekking pole setup and Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) make it one of the lightest, thinnest, and most reliable tents for staying dry and out of the elements. Here’s my in-depth look at its features, specifications, setup, … Read more
Best Hiking Underwear for Men & Women in 2025
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Upon walking into an REI, it’s easy to get dazzled by all the big, shiny items on display, such as packs, trekking poles, and tents. But don’t overlook that humble but crucial piece of gear — your hiking underwear. Sure, your favorite cotton undies will do for a short jaunt … Read more
47 Thrilling Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers
Last Updated: July 1, 2024 Are you eager to add some adventure to your life? First, use this list to find vicarious inspiration from the best adventure movies out there. I’ve gathered films and documentaries that are travel- and outdoor-themed adventures, to fit with the spirit of this blog. We’ll kick off this list with … Read more
14 Best Hiking Trails & Backpacking Trips Near San Diego
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 San Diego is one of the most popular U.S. travel destinations for several reasons. For some, it’s a good base for visits to that world-famous zoo. For others, it’s the perfect beach escape. And, if you’re into outdoor adventure, the best hikes near San Diego won’t disappoint. San Diego’s hiking … Read more
17 Backpacking Tips for Women (from an AT Thru-Hiker)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Whenever I talk about backpacking or thru-hiking, I tend to get a lot of skeptical questions from curious friends and family. But as a 5-foot-tall woman, I frequently hear well-meaning people ask: Aren’t you scared out there? Personally, I find walking in big cities to be much scarier than walking … Read more