When preparing to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trails (AT & PCT), people tend to wonder just how much navigation skill is actually needed to stay on the right path and not get lost. I’m often asked how I found …

Raynaud’s Disease shouldn’t prevent you from hiking or backpacking even in cold weather. Preparation and prevention are the keys when temperatures drop. I have Raynaud’s and I’m going to share my tips for managing Raynaud’s in the outdoors. What is Raynaud’s? Raynaud’s …

The terms “cold-soak” and “no-cook” have become popular lingo amongst backpackers who opt for another way to eat on-trail without using a stove. Cold-soaking is a no-cook method where you simply soak dry food with water to prepare a meal. Sounds easy, …

Sun protection is always an important consideration when hiking or for any outdoor activity where there’s the potential to get a sunburn. Thankfully, there are many good options when it comes to covering up and taking care of your skin. How Much …

Female backpacking hygiene is important to stay healthy and comfortable on trips in the backcountry. But good trail hygiene isn’t just a woman thing; it’s essential to anyone who wants to be comfortable on the trail. We may have particular concerns that …

If you’re a woman who dreams of walking the Appalachian Trail as either a thru-hike or in sections, you probably have thoughts and questions you’d prefer answered with a female perspective. Based on my experience preparing for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike and …

The Gossamer Gear Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella is an 8 oz full-size trekking umbrella that provides sun and rain protection on the trail. It became a game-changer for me on my Pacific Crest Trail hike and it still reigns as one of …

The Sea to Summit Flame Fm IV 15 Degree Sleeping Bag is an exceptionally warm lightweight sleeping bag designed for women who care about both low pack weight and comfort. Because I chill easily by nature and sleep cold no matter what …

The Vargo BOT 700 is a lightweight, wide-mouth titanium bottle that can be used for cooking or cold-soaking meals on backpacking and camping trips. The BOT 700 lets me cook some of my meals and cold soak others, without the need to …

The label ‘Hiker Trash’ is a term of endearment for those in the long-distance hiking community who have chosen to ditch social norms and live another way while on a trail journey. That ‘another way’ can be both wondrous and freeing, yet …

The Tarptent Double Rainbow is a lightweight, two-person backpacking tent that is simple, effective, and budget-friendly. My boyfriend (Mark) and I started using it on our Pacific Crest Trail hike and it certainly did not disappoint. RELATED: 10 Best Two-Person Backpacking Tents …

What stealth camping actually is and why it’s practiced by thru-hikers and others on the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail isn’t always clear. In an attempt to better understand the motives behind why thru-hikers do what they do, to demystify …

The Kula Cloth is a pee rag (also called a pee cloth) used by many female backpackers and hikers as a zero-waste alternative to toilet paper when you have to pee. While you can use a bandana for this purpose, a Kula …

Here’s my simple guide to educate and encourage you to hike and camp with your period, while also addressing many common questions and concerns. Having your period doesn’t need to be a reason to keep you from hiking and backpacking. In fact, …