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Latest
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.
Backpacking Mount Assiniboine via the Marvel Pass Trail: Part 4
The Marvel Pass Trail is one route for backpacking Mount Assiniboine. Read this journal to learn about bears, gear, and more.
The Marvel Pass Trail to Mount Assiniboine: Part 3
Second day of an eventful trek to Mount Assiniboine via the Marvel Pass Trail in BC and Alberta, Canada. Today: grizzly bears.
The Marvel Pass Backpacking Trail to Mount Assiniboine: Part 2
Day 1: An unexpected day of adversity and uncertainty as the author begins the obscure Marvel Pass Backpacking Trail en route to Canada's iconic Mount Assiniboine.
Mount Assiniboine Backpacking (Marvel Pass Trail): Part 1
The author tests out some lightweight gear on obscure Marvel Pass Trail en route to Canada's iconic Mount Assiniboine.
Hiking Big Bend Ranch State Park: Rancherias Loop Trail
The Rancherias Loop Trail in Big Bend State Park is one of the last wild places in West Texas. With few visitors and stunning scenery, it is not to be missed.
