Icelandβs Laugavegur Trail takes you from rainbow rhyolite mountains to volcanic deserts to moss-covered canyons, crossing some of the most surreal and otherworldly terrain in the world. With unpredictable weather, river crossings, and fully exposed campsites, your gear needs to be read[...]
Famous for its jagged spires, relentless winds, and show-stopping views,Β Torres del Paine National ParkΒ is Patagonia at its most iconic. Whether youβre hiking theΒ 5-day W-TrekΒ or committing to theΒ full 8-day O-Circuit, youβll need gear that can handleΒ everything from sideways rain to blaz[...]
Circling the base of Western Europeβs highest peak, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a long-distance classicβ traversing three countries, multiple cols, and some of the dreamiest scenery in the Alps. With long trail days, big elevation gain, and fickle mountain weather, your gear needs[...]
For serious hikers and those hoping to discover unrivalled natural beauty in Peru, the 135km Huayhuash Circuit is one of the most spectacular alpine trekking routes in the entire world. Itβs definitely a challenge, taking most hikers 8-12 days to complete the full loopβ but the feeling of[...]
With its alpine passes, glacial valleys, and some of the best wildflower displays in the Rockies, theΒ Teton Crest Trail easily earns its place as one of Americaβs most iconic hikes. I hiked a custom adventure route of the Teton Crest Trail in August 2022 over 5 days and this post breaks down exa[...]
Mexicoβs third-highest volcano, IztaccΓhuatl (5,230m) is an absolute stunnerβ an endlessly scenic ridgeline climb with panoramic views over the Valley of Mexico and an up-close look at her active neighbour, PopocatΓ©petl. But with all that beauty comes a very long summit da[...]
Mexicoβs highest peak and the third tallest in North America, Pico de Orizaba (5,636m) is a striking stratovolcano known for its steep glacier, thin air, and panoramic summit views that stretch across half the country. But donβt be fooled by the short approachβ summit day on Orizaba[...]
At 4,392m (14,411ft), Mt Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the continental US and a serious proving ground for aspiring alpinists. Between crevasse fields, rockfall risk, extreme exposure, and a 12+ hour summit push, every item in your pack has to balance warmth, weight, and safetyβ especiall[...]
Straddling the border of France, Italy, and Switzerland, Mont Blanc (4,809m) is the undisputed monarch of the Alps. For all her dramatic beauty, climbing this mountain is no hike (and certainly not to be confused with the epic Tour du Mont Blanc trail). On a summit climb, you can expect substantial[...]
High winds, brutal cold, relentless sun, and up to 20 days of food and gear on your backβ Aconcagua isnβt just a mental and physical challenge, itβs one of the most logistically demanding expeditions youβll ever pack for. The margin for error shrinks with every metre of altitude gained, so[...]
Packing food for any backcountry trip is a balancing act between weight, space in your pack, nutritional needs, and the logistical realities of cooking outdoors. Needless to say, thereβs no one-size-fits-all backcountry food listβand this post isnβt an attempt to tell you exactly what yo[...]
When youβre hiking long distances, carrying weight, navigating scree fields, or climbing snowy ridgelines, the right pair of shoes can make or break your experience. And while no single boot will work for every trip, there are a few key things to understand when choosing the best option for your[...]
Hiking clothing is incredibly personal and obviously comes down to individual comfort and style preferences, but outdoor layers are something else entirelyβ layering is about essential safety, with base layers, mid-layers, jackets, and shells designed to protect you from the elements in[...]
Mountaineering pushes beyond the boundaries of backpacking into high alpine terrain, steep ascents, glaciated passes, and snow-covered or mixed rock routes. Itβs demanding, remote, and usually involves technical gear, cold exposure, and long days with little margin for error. Whether youβre cli[...]
Backpacking is the purest form of backcountry freedomβ carrying everything you need on your back and heading deep into the wild for days at a time. For many, it can be an intimidating level-up from single day hikes, but thereβs nothing quite like watching the sun rise from your tent, cooki[...]
Multi-day hiking doesnβt always mean carrying a tent, stove, and 20kg packβ hut-to-hut hikes are the perfect middle ground between rugged backcountry and lightweight adventure. Whether youβre trekking through the Italian Dolomites, staying in alpine huts in New Zealand, or hiking between[...]
Whether youβre hiking to an epic viewpoint above Lake Louise, summiting a one-day peak in the Alps, or tackling a remote 20hr thru-hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, packing the right gear can make all the difference. The old adage "it's better to have it and not need it" holds incredibly true[...]
A good nightβs sleep can make or break a multi-day hikeβ you could be trekking through the most stunning mountains in the world, but if youβre cold, uncomfortable, and sleep-deprived, itβs hard to enjoy any of it. Over the years, I've tested everything from ultralight summer setups to -[...]
Your home on the trail, your gear storage zone, your shelter from alpine storms, and sometimes your only escape from the elementsβ the right tent can make or break an outdoor adventure. But with so many designs, materials, and specs to consider, how do you know which tent is right for y[...]
Choosing the right backpack for an outdoor adventure is one of the most important gear decisions youβll makeβ one with far-reaching implications for your body and the overall trip! But with dozens of sizes, shapes, and styles on the market, how do you know what will actually work for you?[...]