Explore the Blog
Best Women’s Hiking Shoes and Boots
Looking for the best women’s hiking shoes or boots? After thousands of miles of hiking, I'm sharing my favorite hiking shoes, hiking boots, and trail runners for day hikes, backpacking, and thru-hiking.
Best Sun Hoodies and Sun Shirts for Hiking, Backpacking, and Thru-Hiking (2026)
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.
The Best Water Filters and Purifier for Hiking, Backpacking, and Thru-Hiking
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.
Backpacking Gear Guide: What to Pack for a Backpacking Trip
Wondering what to pack for a backpacking trip? This post has you covered. I’ve backpacked over 7,000 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.

