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.

The winter wilderness offers a magical experience that is both challenging and rewarding. However, venturing into the cold requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to choosing the right winter hiking clothes and gear. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential winter hiking gear, from layering techniques to insulated outerwear, waterproof gear, and accessories. The goal with winter hiking gear is to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and safe.

In this post, learn about all the ultralight backpacking gear I used on my southbound thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail in 2023.

In this post, learn about all the ultralight backpacking gear I’m taking with me on my southbound SOBO thru-hike of the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail in 2023.

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.

Are you interested in hiking, but not sure what to bring with you? 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! The key to being a happy hiker is having gear that is comfortable and being prepared for any situation or weather. Safety and comfort are my top priorities when choosing what to pack. Keep reading to learn about everything I wear and bring on a day hike!

Learn about everything I ate and put in my resupply boxes on my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. I break down all the food I ate by breakfast, lunch/snacks, and dinner, along with the total calories of each item.

In this post, learn about all the ultralight backpacking gear I took with me on the Arizona Trail in fall 2022.

In this post, learn about all the ultralight backpacking gear I finished my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike with in 2022.

In this post, learn about all the backpacking gear I’ll be starting my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike with.

In this post, learn about all the backpacking gear I took with me on my thru-hike of the John Muir Trail.

In this post, learn about all the photography gear I use as a travel and landscape photographer. I get asked a lot about what my camera setup is, so I’ve compiled all that information in this post to share with you along with some other recommendations!

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.