Ultralight Hiking Blog

Lessons from the John Muir Trail by Lauren Ruhe

Lessons from the John Muir Trail by Lauren Ruhe

The John Muir Trail taught me many lessons, one of the biggest being that you can prepare as much as possible, but sometimes life throws you unexpected challenges, and you have to adapt. What initi...

Three Friends’ Journey Along Olympic National Park’s North Coast By: Jason Huckeba

Three Friends’ Journey Along Olympic National Park’s North Coast By: Jason Huckeba

A trip along the northern coastline of Olympic National Park is a dream for many backpackers. For Monica, David, and I, this adventure from Shi-Shi Beach to Cape Alava offered a blend of stunning s...

Trekking For Trout on the Grand Mesa of Colorado: The Return of the Hawkeye by Michael "Hawkeye" Johnson

Trekking For Trout on the Grand Mesa of Colorado: The Return of the Hawkeye by Michael "Hawkeye" Johnson

This second 10-day adventure began August 7, 2023, in the Trickle Lake region on the eastern side of the Grand Mesa. Last month I explored the western side by foot and packraft visiting 15 lakes in...

Minimalist V2 Review by Monica Stapleton

Minimalist V2 Review by Monica Stapleton

It’s been a few months since my season started back in Zion. With half of my workdays being patrol-based, a good backpack is a crucial part of my day-to-day operations. I’ve been hiking exclusively...

Make Your Own Bike Panniers by Jim Sutherland

Make Your Own Bike Panniers by Jim Sutherland

Last winter I learned how to choose the right fabric, work a sewing machine and make my own, semi-packable bike pannier.  This short piece is about how it went for me, what I learned, and what I’d ...

The Best Day Hikes Along the Pacific Crest Trail By Dave Stamboulis

The Best Day Hikes Along the Pacific Crest Trail By Dave Stamboulis

What sets the PCT apart from most long-distance trails is just how much continuous stunning natural beauty there is on the entire trail. Long thru-hikes often suffer from long road walks, or stretc...