In this sleeping quilt guide, discover what quilts are, learn about quilts vs. traditional sleeping bags, and explore the advantages of quilts for backpacking and thru-hiking. I go over technical aspects like footboxes and fill power, and also provide my top recommendations for backpacking quilts.

In the world of ultralight backpacking, the philosophy is to carry only what you need and nothing more. In this blog post, I'll explore the various options for ultralight backpacking gear available at REI Co-op, a trusted retailer for outdoor lovers. For those new to ultralight backpacking or transitioning from a traditional heavier setup, REI is a great starting point due to its wide selection of quality gear, customer-friendly return policies, and knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a seasoned ultralight backpacker or just starting to lighten your load, this guide will help you navigate the essentials for a more enjoyable and efficient hiking experience.

Embarking on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) demands gear that matches the ruggedness of its terrain and challenges. When I set out to thruhike the 3,000-mile-long Continental Divide Trail, I knew I needed just the right pack for this adventure, and for that, I chose the Nashville Pack Cutaway 30L Backpack. This review goes over the Nashville Pack Cutaway specs and how it performed throughout my thruhike of the Continental Divide Trail.

In this post, I share a list of some of my favorite hiking, camping, and backpacking gear that is currently available at REI Co-op!

In 2022 alone, I backpacked over 3,450 miles between hiking the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the 800-mile Arizona Trail, and several backpacking trips in my current home state of Washington. I’ve put a lot of time (and I mean a lot) into finding the best backpacking gear that is durable, quality, and ultralight. Here, I hope to share some of my knowledge with you so you can create your own backpacking gear setup. I provide an overview of both ultralight and lightweight options of backpacking gear, along with some budget-friendly options and some higher-priced items.

In June 2019, I visited my 27th National Park: Isle Royale National Park. This post includes tips on planning your own Isle Royale trip, what gear to bring, and my experience backpacking the beautiful and rugged Isle Royale National Park.