My Complete Day Hiking Gear List
This hiking gear list covers what I typically carry on day hikes, along with how I adapt it for hot or cold-weather conditions.
Oregon and Washington Public Lands: Hiking & Backpacking Resources
Planning a hiking or backpacking trip? This complete list of links to national forests, wilderness areas, and national parks in Oregon and Washington brings public land resources together in one place.
Tarp Setups for Rainy Trips & Emergencies
Practical tarp setups for rainy camping and backpacking trips, plus simple emergency shelters using trekking poles, guylines, and stakes.
Review: Nitecore NB10000 Gen 4 Power Bank
The Nitecore NB10000 is an ultralight, trail-friendly power bank that packs strong charging capability into a compact design built for backpacking, hiking, and everyday carry.
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: 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.
My Top Picks for REI Brand Hiking Gear
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of hiking, backpacking and camping gear. These are all high quality REI brand items that I regularly use and recommend.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites on Outdoor Adventures
Heading out during mosquito season? These tips help prevent bites while hiking, camping and backpacking, with gear and strategies that make a noticeable difference in buggy areas.
Review: Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix — Electrolytes for the Trail
After dealing with electrolyte imbalance issues, I tested Skratch Labs Hydration Mix to see how it performs for hydration, recovery, and replacing electrolytes on the trail.
Explore Central Oregon’s Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are located in northeastern Oregon’s John Day National Fossil Beds Monument, home to over 40 million years’ worth of fossils, providing vast insight into the Age of Mammals.
Best Oregon Coast Day Hikes
The hikes listed here are my favorites on the Oregon Coast, including trails to secluded beaches, through coastal rainforests, to summits with panoramic views.
Review: Berghaus Fast Hike 15 Daypack
The Berghaus Fast Hike is a frameless 15-liter daypack with a vest-style harness, designed for a stable, minimal feel on trail.
What’s in My First Aid Kit for Hiking
Accidents happen... be prepared to deal with them by taking a first aid kit with medical supplies. This is what I carry.
Review: REI Trailmade Hydration Sling
The Trailmade Hydration Sling is made for short outings, with room for essentials and an included water bottle that stays secure in an outer pocket so you can stay hydrated on the go.
The Landmark Project: Outdoor-Inspired Gifts with Purpose
Meaningful gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, including apparel made with sustainable materials — all from a brand that supports conservation efforts and gives back to protect the places we explore.
Review: One Bottle Hydration System
In order to stay hydrated while hiking, I like the ease of using a hydration hose so I can take frequent sips without stopping. The One Bottle Hydration System works with wide mouth Nalgene bottles that can be carried in the side pocket of a backpack.
Professional-level Camera Gear for Hiking & Backpacking
In order to capture the beauty of the scenic places that I hike to, camera gear is one of the few items that I'm willing to carry extra weight for.
Trekking Poles for Hiking
I always hike with trekking poles, no matter the trail. Among the many benefits, they provide stability and help to reduce strain on your lower body by distributing some of the work to your upper body.
How to Check Backcountry Weather Forecasts
Weather conditions can have a big impact on trip plans – sometimes necessitating the need for a backup plan to a different destination. Use these resources to check conditions before heading out.
The Ten Essentials for Hiking
The ten essentials are all about being prepared. While you may not need all of these items on every trip, they can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.
Best Day Hikes in Oregon’s North Coast Range
Oregon’s Coast Range is often overlooked by hikers, but the trails here are some of my favorites. I love the massive ferns that fill the forest understory, and the moss and lichens add to the rich green scenery.
Holiday Gift Guide for Outdoor Adventurers
Need gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiast in your life? Here are the high-quality gear items I’ve personally tested in 2025 and recommend.