Looking for the best sun hoodies and long-sleeve shirts for hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking? In this guide, I share my top picks based on 6+ years of testing. From lightweight, breathable options to durable, sun-protective fabrics, find the perfect sun hoodie or shirt for your next outdoor adventure.

Staying hydrated when backpacking and thru-hiking is crucial and the right water filter or purifier can make all the difference. In this post, I break down the best options—Sawyer Squeeze/Micro Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, and Aquamira—sharing when I use each and why they’re my go-to choices for backpacking and thru-hiking.

I’ve backpacked over 6,500 miles and put a lot of time into finding the best backpacking gear that is durable, quality, and ultralight. In this post, I provide an overview of both ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear, along with budget-friendly options and some higher-priced items.

Are you interested in hiking, but not sure what to bring with you? Safety and comfort are my top priorities when choosing what to pack. This guide goes through everything I bring with me on a day hike, from the gear I bring to my favorite backpack to what I wear and more!