Thru-Hiking Tips, Planning, Advice, Gear & More Maybe adventure and exploration movies are your thing. Perhaps you live near a long trail and have spent years daydreaming about hiking it. Or you’ve quit your day job and want to savor your new freedom. Whatever your reason, you’re fired up and ready to plan a thru-hike. There’s just one problem — you have no idea where to start. That’s why we’re here to talk thru-hiking 101. I hiked the Appalachian Trail end-to-end (2,200 miles) two years ago, and I’ll be your guide today, sharing what you need to know to complete a successful thru-hike. Co ..read more

Reviewing the Zpacks Offset Trio ZPacks’ ultralight tents have long reigned supreme in the backpacking shelter world. But rather than resting on their laurels, the good folks at ZPacks have continued to raise the bar with their recently released Offset Duo and, now, the three-person Offset Trio, which I was recently able to test out and review. The Duo already boasted an impressive interior space due to asymmetrical peaks and a carbon fiber pole at the tent’s foot. The Trio is even roomier, with a second pole above the head and increased bathtub dimensions — all while weighing less than 1.5 po ..read more

The 20 Best Hikes in (and Near) Los Angeles Featuring sunset views, dense forests, and ocean breezes, the best hiking in and near Los Angeles will challenge everything you think you know about the city. Let’s face it — the Walk of Fame is far from the best walk L.A. has to offer. When I moved to the Los Angeles area nearly 10 years ago I, too, thought of it as an overcrowded metropolis. But I’ve since found plenty of fun day hikes within the city and less than an hour’s drive away (just don’t forget about the traffic). I’m sharing my top picks for L.A. day hikes, plus a few bonus backpacking t ..read more

Zpacks Triplex Review I welcomed the chance to review the Zpacks Triplex ultralight backpacking tent. Its versatile trekking pole setup and Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) make it one of the lightest, thinnest, and most reliable tents for staying dry and out of the elements. Here’s my in-depth look at its features, specifications, setup, and its upsides and downsides. I’ve included lots of photos as the next best thing to having you set up camp yourself. But is it the right tent for you? Let’s dive in. Zpacks Triplex Backpacking Tent Review Price: $779 MSRP – Check Current Price on Zpa ..read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Portugal I’m here today to share the best things you can do in Portugal, that little rectangle in the southwest corner of Europe. I’m a local, so you’ll get the inside scoop, not just generic tour advice. This post will be a bit of a love letter to an extraordinary place that once was a vast empire that ruled the world. It’s easy to think of Portugal as a seaside country, stretching from Lisbon and Porto in the north to the stunning beaches of the Algarve down south. But there’s so much more to it — pristine national parks, bustling cities, rolling countrysides, and ..read more

Our Favorite Men’s & Women’s Underwear of 2023 Upon walking into an REI, it’s easy to get dazzled by all the big, shiny items on display, such as packs, trekking poles, and tents. But don’t overlook that humble but crucial piece of gear — your hiking underwear. Sure, your favorite cotton undies will do for a short jaunt or two. But for longer trips, consider upgrading to hiking underwear from one of our favorite brands like ExOfficio, Mack Weldon, Icebreaker, or Patagonia. After all, who doesn’t want to stay comfortable ‘down there’ while tackling those hot, dusty trails out there? We’ve a ..read more

Our Favorite Hikes Near San Diego, California San Diego is one of the most popular U.S. travel destinations for several reasons. For some, it’s a good base for visits to that world-famous zoo. For others, it’s the perfect beach escape. And, if you’re into outdoor adventure, the best hikes near San Diego won’t disappoint. San Diego’s hiking scene offers trails with diverse landscapes you wouldn’t expect such a laid back city. That includes easy urban escapes at Mission Trails Regional Park, imposing rock formations at Eagle Rock, or wildflower-spotting at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. I spent ..read more

Best Travel Jobs & Side Hustles of 2023 [Pictured: Noel guiding a hiking tour in Torres del Paine, Patagonia]There’s nothing like a quality vacation after working hard all year, but what if you could find a travel job and get paid to explore the world? There are loads of jobs and side hustles out there that are directly related to travel, and landing one is a lot more doable than one might think. Of course, remote work and the digital nomad life are great, but we’re here to show you jobs that require travel as a prerequisite. In other words, if you play your cards right, you can make trave ..read more

My Best Backpacking Tips for Women from Thousands of Miles of Experience Whenever I talk about backpacking or thru-hiking, I tend to get a lot of skeptical questions from curious friends and family. But as a 5-foot-tall woman, I frequently hear well-meaning people ask: Aren’t you scared out there? Personally, I find walking in big cities to be much scarier than walking in the woods. Don’t let online horror stories fool you; countless women successfully hike and camp alone every year. With a little bit of prep and motivation, you, too, can join their ranks. If you’re wondering how to venture in ..read more

Our Top Travel Jeans of 2023 for Men & Women The term “travel jeans” might feel like an oxymoron. Traditional denim is stiff, adds considerable weight to your bag, and doesn’t pack well. However, our list of the best travel jeans for 2023 turns these old-school notions upside-down. With eight stretchy, lightweight, and well-fitting jeans at your fingertips, you can now wave goodbye to old-fashioned denim that restricts your movement, doesn’t breathe well, and bulks up your backpack. The denim on this list was made for airports, train stations, sightseeing around the city, and everywhere in ..read more