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
Best Hiking Underwear of 2023 [Men’s & Women’s Options]
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 or two. But for longer … Read more
47 Best Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers
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 movies spanning everything from decades-old … Read more
14 Best Hikes Near San Diego (Eagle Rock, Oak Canyon & More)
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 scene offers trails with diverse … Read more
17 Backpacking Tips for Women (from an AT Thru-Hiker)
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 in the woods. Don’t let … Read more
59 Best Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers 2023 [Unique Ideas]
It isn’t easy to buy gifts for hikers and backpackers in 2023. I get it. We’re a gear-hungry bunch who spend far too much of our free time searching for products that’ll take our trail game to the next level. Buying something for an avid hiker that’s unique and worthwhile can get overwhelming because we … Read more
11 Best Ultralight Tents of 2023 [Backpacking & Thru-Hiking]
Gone are the days of toting bulky six-pound Eureka tents around the woods — backpacking shelters today save hikers every possible ounce. But with so many options on the market in 2023, it can be tough to decide on the best ultralight tent for your next backpacking or thru-hiking trip. Your tent is one of … Read more
Best US Cities for Hikers: Visit (or Live) Here for Primo Hiking
I had two must-haves when putting together this list of the best US cities for hikers: 1) larger, vibrant cities; and 2) close proximity to natural wonders. That’s my dream — to commune with nature by day, then wash off the trail dust in a big city spa before exploring the nightlife. I looked for … Read more
Hiking Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu [2023 Guide]
“Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!” That’s Rudyard Kipling talking about exploration in general, but for me, it’s a specific command to explore Peru’s Sacred Valley and its crown jewel, the lost city of Machu Picchu. I’ve hiked Peru’s Inca Trail region seven times and can’t wait to do it … Read more
18 Best Hiking & Backpacking Snacks for Energy on the Trail
Hiking snacks are as essential as sunscreen, trekking poles, or rain gear. After all, it won’t always rain nor is the sun guaranteed to shine, but I’ll always need calorie-dense hiking fuel. That logic is what inspired me to create this list of the best hiking and backpacking snacks. As hiking fuel, snacks should be … Read more
13 Best Waterproof Backpacks of 2023 [Keep Your Gear Dry]
Ever hiked in the rain, eager to change into the dry clothes inside your pack… only to find out they were soaking wet? I sure have, which is why I created this list of the 13 best waterproof backpacks of 2023. These weatherproof packs are a match for any humid or wet-weather adventure out there. … Read more
7 Winter Camping Tips from an Avid Cold-Weather Camper
As the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, most people put away their camping gear for the winter and wait until warmer seasons to venture into the wilderness. But for those of us who love the thrill of cold-weather camping, the chillier months offer a unique and challenging experience that can’t be matched by … Read more
17 Best Hikes Near Portland (Mount Hood, Tillamook & More)
Flanked by volcanic peaks, deep gorges, and old-growth forests, Portland, Oregon is home to many of the best hikes near any major American city. Whether visiting the Pacific Northwest for the first time or exploring as a long-time resident, these trails need to be on your list whenever pass through The Rose City. Searching for … Read more
7 Best Ditty Bags for Backpacking & Travel Gear in 2023
The last thing you need when taking a trip is to stress over completely preventable inconveniences. Careful packing and storage planning is a big part of that, so do yourself a favor and check out the best ditty bags to organize your travel and backpacking gear in 2023. What’s a ditty bag used for in … Read more
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 20 Tips from an AT Thru-Hiker
Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be the experience of a lifetime, a muddy slog, or something in between. So whether you’re looking to section hike, day hike, or are aiming to thru-hike all 2,200 miles, it’s crucial to be prepared. I completed a northbound thru-hike in 2021 and am a proud member of the “experience … Read more
11 Best Camp Showers to Stay Fresh & Clean in 2023
Sure, there’s a rugged charm to that all-natural, musky scent after a long day’s hike. More power to you if that’s your thing, but take it from a seasoned outdoorsman – you’ll have a much more comfortable time out in nature with one of the best camp showers of 2023. Life can get a little … Read more
16 Best Hiking Hats for Men, Women & Hikers of All Stripes
If you hit the trail without a proper hiking hat, what’s your plan? Will you trudge through the wilderness like a masochist as the sun beats down on your face without mercy? Are you going to squint, grimace, and shield your eyes from the harsh UV rays as you pray for the next stretch of … Read more
8 Best Dog Backpacks of 2023 [Hiking Harnesses & Carriers]
“This dog needs to get a job,” I think as I look down at my lazy puppy curled up in a puddle of fur. She gets to go with me to all the places and do all the things. Yet, here she lays without a care in the world as I write this piece about the … Read more
9 Best 0-Degree Sleeping Bags 2023 [for Winter’s Cold Weather]
Going camping this winter? If so, seriously consider packing a sleeping bag rated down to 0° Fahrenheit. Why? Two good reasons: 1) Plummeting temperatures often catch people off guard, with 500 Americans dying every year of hypothermia; and 2) Many thousands more survive freezing temperatures but shiver miserably through the night! Here are our picks … Read more
12 Best Minimalist Barefoot Sandals for Running in 2023
I’ve been searching for a more minimalist approach to footwear for years since I bought my first Vibram Five Finger style back in 2005. From my years of research, I’ve put together my list of the best minimalist barefoot running sandals for men and women in 2023. What are minimalist barefoot sandals? They’re typically lightweight, … Read more
8.0 lb Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 2023 Optimal Setup
I’ve spent years assembling my best ultralight backpacking gear setup for multi-day hikes into the wilderness, and I’d love to share my 2023 list with you. Because what you bring along backpacking will make or break your trip. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. On an attempted trek of the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland … Read more