Review: Nitecore AP01 Air Pump
The Nitecore AP01 is an ultralight air pump that uses a USB-C power bank, making it easy to inflate my sleeping pad and pillow without adding much weight to my pack.
Your Guide to Hiking, Backpacking & Camping in the Pacific Northwest
Review: BRANWYN Merino Wool Underwear & Bras
BRANWYN’s seamless merino wool underwear and bras offer soft comfort with effective moisture management and odor resistance, making them a strong choice for outdoor activities.
Goat Rocks Backpacking Trip: Lily Basin Trail & Goat Lake
A late-season backpacking trip with spectacular fall color, expansive mountain views, and a scenic day hike to Goat Lake and the saddle below Hawkeye Point.
Review: Pinnacle Foods Backpacking Meals
Pinnacle Foods freeze-dried meals are a cut above the rest, with a solid lineup of great tasting options that provide plenty of calories for outdoor adventurers.
Royal Basin Backpacking Trip – Olympic National Park
Royal Basin includes some of the best subalpine and alpine scenery in the Olympic Mountains. We began our trek camping next to Royal Creek before continuing on to basecamp at Royal Lake and explored the Upper Royal Basin on a day hike.
My Top Picks for Backpacking Quilts (2026)
Backpacking quilts are generally 20-30% lighter in weight than sleeping bags and allow more room to move around, so for those who don't like being confined in a mummy-style bag, a quilt might be a better option.
Tips for Camping in Cold Weather
I used to think that camping was only for warm weather, but now I've become a regular camper in the winter. The key to making this transition was to learn how to stay warm in colder conditions.
My Top Picks for New Outdoor Apparel & Footwear (2025)
As an outdoor gear reviewer, I test new items year-round. These are my top outdoor apparel & footwear picks from 2025 — favorites I’ve personally used and recommend.
My Favorite Women’s Hiking Pants & Leggings (2026)
These are my favorite pants and leggings for hiking, with options from Mammut, REI, Prana, Kuhl, and Smartwool.
Women’s Hiking Bras and Underwear I Recommend (2026)
Choosing the best women's underwear for you is a decidedly personal choice based on preferences. These are my favorite bras and underwear for hiking and backpacking.
My Top Picks for REI Brand Outdoor Apparel (2026)
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of outdoor apparel. These are the high-quality REI layers that I regularly use and recommend for hiking, backpacking and camping.
Rain Layers for Hiking: What I Look For (2026)
In the Pacific Northwest, waterproof rain gear is essential for hiking year-round. These are the pieces I personally use and recommend, with ultralight and four-season options.
My Camping Gear: A High Quality, Comfortable Approach
This camping gear list contains my recommendations for items that are high quality and built to last – as well as making the camping experience more comfortable.
Review: RTIC 32-quart Ultralight Cooler
The RTIC 32-quart cooler features 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation for keeping food cold on multi-day camping trips, in a lighter-weight and more affordable design than comparable coolers.
Bald Mountain Ridge via McGee Creek Hike
Exploring the McGee Creek Trail for the first time on the way to the tarns below McNeil Point, a favorite spot along the Timberline Trail.
Camping at Harris Beach and Exploring the Scenic Southern Oregon Coast
Harris Beach State Park is a great base for camping and exploring the dramatic scenery of the southern Oregon coastline.
Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Trip
On my eighth Goat Rocks backpacking trip, we camped next to the PCT, hiked to Cispus Pass, and departed early due to wildfire smoke and thunderstorms.
Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Backpacking Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness
With high temps, biting black flies, and wildfire smoke, we cut this trip short after two nights but still had a great time in this scenic location.
Snowgrass Flat & Cispus Basin Backpacking Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness
On this three night backpacking trip, we camped near the Pacific Crest Trail and did day hikes on the PCT from Old Snowy to Cispus Pass.
Pacific Crest Trail & Cispus Pass Backpacking Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness
One of my favorite places to backpack is Goat Rocks Wilderness. On this trip, we had cooler temps and foggy conditions, saw shooting stars during the Perseids, and day hiked on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Snowgrass Flat, Goat Lake & Bypass Loop Backpacking Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness
On this three night trip during stormy and buggy weather, we camped near Snowgrass Flat and hiked to ice-covered Goat Lake and did a loop hike on the Bypass Trail.
Snowgrass Flat, PCT & Bypass Trail Backpacking Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness
On my first trip to Goat Rocks, we camped near Snowgrass Flat and did a loop hike on the PCT and Bypass Trails. We attempted to reach Goat Lake and Old Snowy, but snow levels were still high this early in the season.
Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Backpacking Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness
On this two night trip, we camped near Snowgrass Flat and did a day hike to Goat Lake where wildflowers were in abundance and the lake was completely melted out.