McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Guide

McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Guide

The McKenzie River Trail ventures through old lava flows, past views of crystal-clear blue waters, and traverses lush old-growth forests. It’s a relatively short and easy backpacking trip that you can hike over a long weekend if your time is limited, and it’s one of the few routes that’s accessible in spring and early summer in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, it offers a tempting opportunity to take a dip in a hot springs pool towards the end of your trip.

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Half Dome Hiking Guide - Yosemite National Park

Half Dome Hiking Guide - Yosemite National Park

Standing 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is without a doubt a US National Park icon. The route to the summit traverses some of the park’s most popular and spectacular hiking trails. The most exhilarating part of the hike — hauling yourself up the cables to the summit of Half Dome — is a challenge you won’t soon forget. The ultimate reward for all your hard work is one of the best views in Yosemite Valley.

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How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

One of the most common problems hikers and backpackers experience are blisters. They may be small, but they can easily be painful enough to end your trip. We put together this guide to help teach you how to prevent blisters entirely, to learn how to treat them, and to provide general foot care tips to keep your tootsies happy and healthy on the trail.

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A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada and is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. It’s the highest, most remote, and, in many ways, most challenging of our National Scenic Trails. Thru-hiking the CDT is an adventure of a lifetime, but it’s not for the faint of heart. That said, the effort it takes to overcome the challenges the Trail presents are rewarded with unending panoramic views, deep solitude, and an opportunity to be immersed in true wildness.

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A Guide to Hiking in Torres del Paine: W, O, and Q Treks

A Guide to Hiking in Torres del Paine: W, O, and Q Treks

If it’s your first time visiting Patagonia, a visit to Torres del Paine will most likely be on your itinerary, and for good reason. This spectacular Chilean region offers some of the best trekking in the world -  dramatic granite spires, immense glaciers, glistening turquoise lakes - all the ingredients for an unforgettable and rugged adventure.

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35 Great Deals at REI's Member Rewards Sale

35 Great Deals at REI's Member Rewards Sale

REI has shut its doors for the time being for the safety of retail employees (who are still being paid), members, and guests. That said, REI.com is still open and all REI members should have just received their dividends. REI’s annual Member Rewards sale goes from March 20-April 6th and it’s chock full of good online deals.

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Cirque of the Towers 3-Day Backpacking Loop - Wind River, WY

Cirque of the Towers 3-Day Backpacking Loop - Wind River, WY

The Wind River Range in Wyoming is a place you truly have to see to believe. It’s an outdoor adventurer's dream come true. Where immense glacier-carved granite spires tower over crystal-clear lakes, rolling meadows, and fields choked with high-alpine wildflowers. 

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Backpacking & Hiking Clothing 101: Tips for Creating the Perfect Ultralight Clothing System

Backpacking & Hiking Clothing 101: Tips for Creating the Perfect Ultralight Clothing System

As hikers, we expect a lot from our clothing. It has to insulate us from the cold, breathe well, dry quickly, and protect us from rain, snow, wind, and intense sun. We need to be able to deal with all types of changing conditions under variable temperature ranges that fluctuate with aerobic activity.

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Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing? The Pros & Cons of Hiking & Backpacking in Sandals

Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing? The Pros & Cons of Hiking & Backpacking in Sandals

Hiking boots are becoming a less common sight on trails as more and more people opt to hike in trail runners instead. Well, there’s a new trend gaining traction on the trail that might surprise you - hiking in sandals. There are a wide variety of technical sandals with lugged soles, arch support, and all the things that make a trail-worthy piece of footwear. Not a believer yet? Well, your author thru-hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Chaco sandals.

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CleverHiker Sustainable Gift Guide

CleverHiker Sustainable Gift Guide

We love giving and receiving gifts during the holiday season as much as anyone. However, this year, instead of adding to the mountain of garbage the holidays create, let’s look for ways to show some real kindness and connection to those closest to us. Be an inspiration to your family and community this year by joining us in promoting sustainable gifting and taking action in caring for the places you love.

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How to Stay Clean While Backpacking

How to Stay Clean While Backpacking

While you may be in the “embrace the stink” camp, there are a few tips and tricks to make yourself feel fresh in the backcountry. After all, nobody likes going to bed sticky with sweat from the day. In this post, we’ll outline what hygiene essentials to pack, which ones to leave at home, how to keep as clean as you can in the wild, and how to deal with certain health hazards resulting from letting things slide a bit.

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Titcomb Basin Backpacking Guide - Wind River Range, WY

Titcomb Basin Backpacking Guide - Wind River Range, WY

With dense forests, granite slabs, high alpine meadows and lakes cradled beneath craggy granite peaks, The Wind River Range, or The Winds, as they're called by fans, are jammed with bucket-list day hikes and backpacking trips that reward you with epic views and unbelievable beauty.

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North Coast Route Backpacking Guide - Olympic National Park

North Coast Route Backpacking Guide - Olympic National Park

The North Coast section of Olympic National Park - from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach - is not your ordinary walk on the beach. This route features some of the most rugged and isolated coastal landscapes in the country. From tidepools full of life to sea stacks miles out in the ocean, every headland you round offers another breathtaking view.

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30 Great Deals in REI's Anniversary Sale

30 Great Deals in REI's Anniversary Sale

Gear Nerds Rejoice! REI’s biggest sale of the year is upon us. Running from May 17th-27th, REI’s Anniversary Sale includes deeps discounts on some of our favorite backpacking, camping, and hiking gear. In addition to sale items, REI members also receive 20% off one full-priced item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with coupon code ANNV19.

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16 Great Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon

16 Great Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon

It’s Member Rewards time at REI! That means, if you’re an REI member, you’ve just received 10% of your annual purchases back in one lump sum dividend. To sweeten the deal, from 3/22 to 4/8 REI Members save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with coupon code MEMPERK2019.

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How to Use your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking

How to Use your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking

One piece of gear has recently revolutionized navigation in the backcountry and it’s right there in your very pocket. Your smartphone can easily double as an excellent wilderness GPS device. This guide will teach you how to stay safe and found on your next trip.

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