Ultralight Hiking Blog

Embracing the Solitude: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Backpacking by Brandon Armstrong

Embracing the Solitude: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Backpacking by Brandon Armstrong

At 16, I ventured into Washington's wilderness for my first solo backpacking trip, spanning three days and 30 miles. Initially, the silence and isolation stirred a deep-seated anxiety within me, wi...

How To Start Hiking in Southern California by Jason Huckeba

How To Start Hiking in Southern California by Jason Huckeba

Southern California is a hiker’s paradise.  It’s the land of sun-kissed beaches, sprawling deserts, and majestic mountains which beckons adventurers from far and wide.  If you're looking to fully e...

Hiking Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route by Dave Stamboulis

Hiking Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route by Dave Stamboulis

The Kii Peninsula of Japan’s Wakayama Province contains some of the country’s most remote terrain, home to endless mountain ranges, deep cedar forests, wild bears, and some excellent trekking. It’s...

Gatewood Cape Review by Jada Lippincott

Gatewood Cape Review by Jada Lippincott

If you’re an avid backpacker or outdoors person, you know the importance of multi-use items. They make life easier, your pack lighter, and you happier. When you’re in the market for a new tent, it’...

Rocky Mountain National Park Trip Report by Monica Stapleton

Rocky Mountain National Park Trip Report by Monica Stapleton

Back in 2022, I spent a summer working at Rocky Mountain National Park as a Wilderness Ranger. The work was enjoyable, largely in part due to the group of people I worked alongside and the post-wor...

A Beginner's Guide to Thru-Hiking the PCT by Dave Stamboulis

A Beginner's Guide to Thru-Hiking the PCT by Dave Stamboulis

Hiking the entire 2654-mile Pacific Crest Trail is an adventure of a lifetime. Very few people are fortunate enough to be able to spend roughly half a year of their lives walking, living, and breat...