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Exploring Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Range

A quick, weekend trip into the Medicine Bow Range creates the background for this story of navigation technique and philosophy.

Field Notes: Wet, Snowy, Cold – Spring Backpacking with my Son in Wyoming with Lightweight Gear

Unseasonably cold May temperatures and a winter storm warning were too much to pass up, so we set out for an overnighter in SE Wyoming.

Field Notes: Retreat from a Spring Alpine Storm

On the leading edge of the last bomb cyclone storm cycle that hit the Rockies and Midwest this spring (April 2019), I was hoping to get in a quick 24-hour trip up in the high country of Wyoming's Snowy Range.

Fatbiking Iceland’s Volcanoes

My intention was to link the most active volcanoes of the island. I would travel 410 miles on my fat bike, carrying all of my own food and gear, combining mountaineering and fat biking in the traverse.

24: Idaho (Video – Couples Backpacking)

Ryan and Stephanie Jordan venture into Idaho's Sawtooth range for a couples backpacking trip.

Field Notes: Winter Backpacking in Southeast Wyoming

Lightweight backpacking in winter: field notes from SE Wyoming - tarp camping, firebuilding, wood stove cooking, and more (VIDEO).

Crossing the Adirondacks

Ari Jutkowitz goes backpacking in the Adirondacks to the tune of 161 miles over the span of 8 days. He shares his thoughts and experiences.

Wilderness Adventures 2018 Whitetail Trek (Photo Essay)

As part of the Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventures program, Trek Director Kevin Fletcher and I led a guided trip across the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana in September 2018. This photo essay tells the story of that trek.

Vancouver Island: Trauma on a West Coast Trail Backpacking Trip

Vancouver Island and I are on a collision course for a rematch. Here's a story about my recent trials on a West Coast Trail backpacking trip.

The Skyline Trail: A Canadian Rockies Gem

The Canadian Rockies are full of backpacking opportunities which are well-traveled but secluded. One scenic route is the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. I have had the benefit of backpacking many of the trails in the Canadian Rockies. However, I have never managed to make it out to the Skyline Trail. Also, the limited number of backpackers permitted on the trail at one time ensures a relatively private trip, and the elevation of the trail provides unparalleled views.

Mountains, Waterfalls and Rivers: Exploring Monkman Provincial Park, British Columbia

So when Ben texted me that he and two other guys had lined up a brand new "epic" trip in Monkman Provincial Park, British Columbia, I probably should have thought about what I was getting into. But I was up for some excitement so I joined the trip.

Rae Lakes Film (Documentary / Video)

Chris and Muzzy go to Rae Lakes (film!) during the High Sierra's most biggest snow season on record! Arg! What about their marriage?

Escalante Packrafting and Technical Canyoneering

Packrafting and canyoneering in Escalante multiple activities on the same expedition.

Alcove (Film)

Alcove is a story about a backpacking trip that Chris Smead and Ryan Jordan took during the Spring of 2017. It explores Chris's perspective on doing something different than what he's used to - hiking in remote canyons on the Colorado Plateau.

Hiking Big Bend National Park: Outer Mountain Loop

Hiking Big Bend National Park's Outer Mountain Loop gave the author an opportunity to get out and see deserts and mountains on the same route.

Packrafting Southwest Alaska: Togiak NWR and Wood-Tikchik SP

Morry Steinbach, Vince Jajuga, and I completed a trip packrafting Southwest Alaska from Heart Lake in Togiak National Wildlife Refuge to Tikchik Lake in Wood-Tikchik State Park from July 29-August 5, 2016.  We ran Milk Creek, paddled Chikuminuk Lake, and backpacked into the Tikchik River which we floated to Tikchik Lake. We covered approximately 82 miles (132.0 km) total over seven days of packrafting and backpacking.

Hiking the Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail: Trial and Tribulation in Ontario, Canada

Hiking the Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail, one of Ontario's gems - is not without its challenges. Leanne tells us about its rewards, too.

Snowshoeing Yosemite Point (Film)

Chris Smead presents "Snowshoeing Yosemite Point", a film in 4K about a beautiful winter trek accomplished in lightweight style!

Video: The John Muir Trail (According to Chris)

Christopher Smead tells his story in this John Muir Trail Movie - the JMT according to Chris. Read the backstory & gear notes, too.

Backpacking to Mount Assiniboine via the Marvel Pass Trail: Part 5

Backpacking to Mount Assiniboine through grizzly bear country requires you to pay attention! Enjoy the final day of our journal.

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