I remember the first purchases that really defined me—those I bought with my own “hard earned cash” such as my first CDs, first car, first snowboard, and probably most importantly—my first backpacking pack. In 1995 I was 15 and in awe of a green Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) 55-liter internal frame. Before that monumental purchase, […]
That First Green Backpack Read More »
For most people, this 24-mile hike is a multi-day backpacking trip. A few hearty souls can hike the Enchantments in a day. But it’s well known for its physical challenges and roughly 5,000 feet of vert that include boulder hobbling, scree bounding, and a lot of nasty roots that make it quite an adventure. At
Anja Petterson Blazes through the Enchantments Read More »
The day before Mother’s Day in 2016, I decided to go for a 16-mile overnight backpacking trip with my friends Chris and Alex (plus my dog, Remi) to celebrate the beginning of the season and to make sure all our gear was in order for future trips. We decided on a thru-hike from Cashmere to
Acid Mountain Rescue Team Read More »
It was late fall in North Cascades National Park, and snow was already coating the high peaks. But on this particular day, the sun was shining. Temperatures were climbing into the 50s. Best of all, the hordes of summer backpackers who flock to the alpine glory of Copper Ridge were gone. The weather forecast called
Epic in a Day: Crushing the Copper Ridge Loop Read More »
I spent what seemed like an hour one night trying to get a rock tied to a length of cord lobbed over a branch from which to hang a sack of jerky, peanut butter, and other treats a bear would have loved to devour. After endless attempts and nearly beaning a buddy with a rock
Gear Review: Rock Sok Food Hanging System Read More »
While my go-to camp mattress has long been of the super-light, puncture-proof closed foam variety, many camping enthusiasts rightfully complain about limited comfort such pads provide. And for backcountry journeys where packing space is limited, like extended backpacking trips, fastpacking adventures, or bikepacking excursions, bulky foam pads can create packing challenges. Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir UberLite Mattress,
Gear Review: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir UberLite Mattress Read More »
The two things that sold me on this single-person bikepacking tent vs carrying my standard ultra-light backpacking tent were two innovative features: shorter pole segments (12”) that make packing in panniers or lashing on handlebars easier, and a stuff sack with integrated daisy chain that means you can secure the tent in various ways without
Gear Review: Fly Creek Bikepacking Tent by Big Agnes Read More »
Spectacular landscapes and stunning sunsets. Huge, majestic lakes resembling small seas. Uncrowded, rocky-sand beaches. Massive national forests with alpine lake gems. This is what sets Inland Northwest lake country apart from our coastal counterparts, with destinations for all types of water-loving adventurers. Our 4thannual lake guide can help you decide where to go and what
Inland Northwest Lake Guide – 2019 Read More »
There’s nothing quite like starting a hike low in the drainages and walking up high to gain the viewpoint. It’s also a lot easier on hikers’ cars when the trail starts just off the highway. So try this challenging hike with a backpacking option as a way to save wear and tear on the trailhead
Hike of the Month: Halliday & North Fork Trails Read More »
I stopped carrying fire starters in my pack a few years back with the increase in fire restrictions during the peak backpacking season. But a few cold, wet backcountry camping experiences in recent years—where getting a proper fire going in hypothermic conditions was a challenge—plus a renewed interest in backyard fires, car camping, and traditional
Gear Review: Mickwick All-Natural Fire Starters Read More »
