Best Backpacking Tents for One Person
If you are looking for a new backpacking tent for one person, these are the tents that I've used and recommend – including options for freestanding, easiest setup, budget, ultralight, and most spacious tents.
Your Guide to Hiking, Backpacking & Camping in the Pacific Northwest
Review: Bowl & Kettle Backpacking Meals
Bowl & Kettle brings a noticeably elevated approach to backpacking meals, with unique recipes, rich flavors, and a level of quality that sets them apart from most brands.
Review: Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress
The Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress has a high comfort to weight ratio, plus it packs down smaller than most mattresses, making it one of my favorite options for backpacking trips.
Review: Ignik Firecan Fire Pit
A warm fire can make camping more enjoyable, but wet conditions and fire bans can make traditional campfires impractical. The Ignik Firecan is a reliable, smokeless alternative that provides heat and ambiance without the hassle.
Review: Altara Arcadia Tent
The Altara Arcadia is a unique four-person tent with doors on all sides, dual convertible awnings, and an open design that provides exceptional views, ventilation, and living space.
Sheep Lake & Sourdough Gap Backpacking Trip
Sheep Lake is an easy backpacking destination near Mount Rainier, offering subalpine scenery and a short hike to sweeping views from Sourdough Gap.
My favorite trail snacks for hiking
These are the snacks that I stuff into my hip belt pockets (or fanny pack) so I can easily reach them when I need a boost on the trail.
Ultralight Water Bottles for Hiking and Backpacking
These reusable bottles replace disposable ones with more durable and safer plastics than traditional water bottles, making them a reliable option for hiking and backpacking.
Review: Nortiv8 Whitney Trail Running Shoes
A surprisingly capable budget trail running shoe with a wide toe box, breathable mesh uppers, and good traction at a price that's hard to beat.
McNeil Point Hike (longer version) – Mount Hood
Hike along the Bald Mountain ridge on Mount Hood’s northwest side, passing through wildflower-filled alpine meadows to the McNeil Point stone shelter just below the Sandy and Glisan glaciers
Best Backpacking Stove Systems
Whether you prefer to boil water for packaged meals, or simmer food in a pot, these backpacking stove and pot combinations include a range of features, from fast boil times to ultralight packability.
Review: Zenbivy SoftTop Pillow
A modular three-piece backpacking pillow that balances support, height, and softness with adjustable comfort for better sleep at camp.
Eagle Creek hike – Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness
A peaceful forest hike through the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, featuring lush scenery, Eagle Creek, and far more solitude than its better-known namesake in the Columbia River Gorge.
Ecola Point to Indian Beach Hike
Beginning at Ecola Point, this Oregon Coast Trail hike combines lush coastal forest, sweeping ocean views, and a scenic descent to Indian Beach.
Ghost Ridge hike via Barlow Pass – Mount Hood
A scenic forest hike on Mount Hood that follows the Pacific Crest Trail along Ghost Ridge, with side trails that lead to Twin Lakes and Palmateer Point.
Best Hiking Socks for 2026: Stay Comfortable, Dry, and Blister-Free on the Trail
The type of socks worn while hiking can have a big impact on the comfort of your feet. Learn what to look for and view a list of my favorite socks.
Review: Flextail Zero Power Bank
The Zero Power is an ultralight, slim power bank with fast charging and efficiency modes, making it a reliable option for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor adventures where space and weight matter.
William O. Douglas Wilderness – American Lake & Big Dewey Lake Backpacking Trip
Starting at Chinook Pass, we hiked south on the Pacific Crest Trail and camped at American Lake and Big Dewey Lake, both of which are just outside of Mount Rainier National Park.
Upper Palisades Lake Backpacking Trip – Mount Rainier National Park
On this three day backpacking trip to Upper Palisades Lake in Mount Rainier National Park, we hiked through subalpine beauty filled with lakes and meadows to a scenic lake below peaks of The Palisades.
Camping at Tillicum Beach During King Tides & Hiking at Cape Perpetua
On this two-night camping trip, we stayed at an oceanfront campground, watched king tides crash against the rocky shore, and hiked through an old-growth coastal forest.
Heceta Head & Hobbit Trail Loop Hike – Oregon Coast
While camping at Washburne State Park, I did a loop hike from the campground to Heceta Head lighthouse and back to camp via the Hobbit Trail and beach.
My Top Picks for REI Brand Backpacking Gear
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of backpacking gear. These are the high-quality REI items I regularly use and recommend for lightweight backpacking trips.
My Top Picks for REI Brand Camping Gear
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of camping gear. These are the high-quality REI items I regularly use and recommend for car camping trips.
Review: REI Westward Shelter
The REI Co-op Westward Shelter is a screened canopy that keeps bugs out while letting you cook, eat, and relax at camp with an open view of your surroundings.