Dispatches between trips
Short notes from the road — gear we're testing, trails on the shortlist, lessons learned the hard way, and the small wins that make us keep going back out.
West Coast Trail: A Complete Guide for 2026
Planning to tackle Canada's legendary West Coast Trail in 2026? Our complete guide covers permits, logistics, section-by-section details, and essential gear.
Best Softshell Jackets for Spring Hiking (2026)
Tired of swapping layers on windy, unpredictable spring hikes? We tested the top softshell jackets of 2026 to find the most breathable, weather-resistant options for the thaw.
Complete Guide to the Four Pass Loop: Your 2026 High Alpine Adventure
Dreaming of the iconic Four Pass Loop in Colorado's Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness? Our complete guide for 2026 covers everything you need for a safe and unforgettable backpacking trip, from permits to gear.
Blister-Proof Your Feet: A Hiker's 2026 Guide
Nothing ruins a long hike faster than a blister. Our 2026 guide shows you how to prevent blisters with the right gear, prep, and on-trail tactics.
Osprey Atmos vs. Gregory Baltoro: 2026 Pack Duel
Choosing between the Osprey Atmos and Gregory Baltoro? Our 2026 field test breaks down fit, comfort, and load-hauling to help you pick the perfect pack.
Build a Beginner Hiking Kit Under $150 (2026)
Ready to hit the trail but intimidated by gear costs? We'll show you how to build a complete, safe beginner hiking kit for under $150 in 2026.
Presidential Traverse Guide (2026)
Planning to hike the Presidential Traverse? Our complete 2026 guide covers itineraries, gear, and pro tips for conquering this iconic White Mountains ridge.
How to Use Trekking Poles Correctly (2026 Guide)
Feel awkward with your trekking poles? This 2026 guide unlocks their true power. Learn to set the right length, use straps correctly, and float up hills to save your knees.
The Art of Sharing the Trail: Leave No Trace for the High Season
As our favorite trails become more popular, our collective responsibility to protect them grows. This guide offers practical, expert advice on applying Leave No Trace principles to crowded summer landscapes, ensuring they remain wild and beautiful for all.
Essential Gear for The Narrows in Zion (2026)
Planning to hike The Narrows? Don't get caught with the wrong kit. Our 2026 guide covers the essential gear you need to stay safe, dry, and comfortable.
The Enchantments Guide: Thru-Hiking in 2026
You won the lottery for The Enchantments. Our complete 2026 guide covers permits, shuttles, gear, and a mile-by-mile plan to conquer this iconic thru-hike.
Hoka Speedgoat vs Altra Lone Peak: 2026 Trail Shoe Duel
Torn between the pillowy cushion of the Hoka Speedgoat and the zero-drop freedom of the Altra Lone Peak? We help you choose the best trail shoe for your feet.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim: A Complete Guide for 2026
Planning the epic Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike in 2026? Our complete guide covers permits, routes, training, and the gear you need to cross this natural wonder safely.
Beyond the Footprints: A Summer Guide to Loving Our Crowded Trails
Summer brings glorious weather and crowded trailheads. This guide offers a fresh perspective on Leave No Trace ethics, helping us all protect the wild places we love during their busiest season.
Hiking the Four Pass Loop: A Complete 2026 Guide
Planning to tackle Colorado's iconic Four Pass Loop? Our 2026 guide covers permits, routes, gear, and pro tips to conquer this bucket-list trek.
How to Prevent Blisters Hiking: Your 2026 Guide
Stop letting painful blisters ruin your hikes. Our 2026 guide breaks down the pro-level gear and techniques you need to keep your feet happy on the trail.
Osprey Atmos vs Gregory Baltoro: Which to Buy in 2026?
Stuck between the Osprey Atmos and Gregory Baltoro? Our 2026 field test breaks down fit, comfort, and load-carry to help you choose the right pack.
The Quiet Season's End: A Hiker's Guide to the Summer Rush
As trails transform from quiet paths to bustling summer highways, our preparation must also evolve. This is your guide to embracing the high season with grace, intention, and respect for the wild places we love.
How to Pack a Backpack for Hiking Comfort in 2026
Stop fighting a top-heavy, swaying pack. Our step-by-step guide on how to pack a backpack correctly will make your load feel lighter and your hike more enjoyable.
The Four Pass Loop Trail Guide (2026)
Planning to hike the iconic Four Pass Loop? Our 2026 guide covers permits, trail sections, gear, and pro tips for conquering this Colorado classic.
Osprey Atmos vs. Gregory Baltoro (2026)
Osprey Atmos or Gregory Baltoro? We pit two legendary backpacking packs against each other to find the best fit for your 2026 adventures. Read our verdict.
The Art of the Ramp-Up: Training for Big Summer Miles Without Burning Out
As long summer days beckon us toward bigger adventures, the key to a successful season lies not in raw ambition, but in smart preparation. Here’s how to build your body and mind for epic trips without succumbing to injury or burnout.
Complete Guide to the Kalalau Trail (2026)
Planning to hike Kauai's legendary Kalalau Trail? Our 2026 guide covers permits, mile-by-mile beta, gear, and pro tips for tackling this epic coast.
How to Fix Broken Hiking Gear in the Field (2026)
A snapped pole or torn pack can end a trip. Our 2026 guide shows you how to fix broken hiking gear in the field with a smart, minimalist repair kit.
Mastering Water Crossings: A Field Guide for Hikers (2026)
Learn how to safely navigate water crossings on your hikes in 2026, from gentle streams to roaring rivers, with expert techniques and gear essentials.
Sawyer Squeeze vs Katadyn BeFree: Filter Showdown (2026)
Choosing a water filter? We pit the Sawyer Squeeze vs the Katadyn BeFree in a head-to-head test of flow rate, durability, and field use. Find your winner.
The Art of the Descent: How to Train for Hiking Downhill
Most hikers focus on building cardio for the uphill climb, but mastering the descent is the real key to preventing injury and finishing your adventure strong. Here’s how to train for it.
The Thaw Ritual: A Pre-Season Gear Shakedown
As the trails open up, it's time for the essential ritual of the season: pulling your gear from the closet. This is our expert guide to cleaning, repairing, and optimizing your kit for the adventures ahead.
The Bloom and the Boom: How to Love Alpine Wildflowers Without Leaving a Trace
As high-country trails melt out, a fragile explosion of color blankets the alpine tundra. Here’s how to be a steward of these incredible, short-lived ecosystems while you soak in their beauty.
Your First Hiking Kit Under $150 (2026)
Getting into hiking shouldn't break the bank. Our 2026 guide shows you how to build a quality beginner hiking kit under $150 with gear that lasts.
Lost Coast Trail: A Complete Guide for 2026
Planning to hike California's legendary Lost Coast Trail in 2026? Our guide covers permits, tides, shuttles, and mile-by-mile beta for this epic trek.
How to Sleep Warm While Camping: A 2026 Field Guide
Tired of shivering through cold nights? Our 2026 guide explains why you really get cold and provides proven steps & gear picks to help you sleep warm while camping.
Complete Guide to the Four Pass Loop (2026)
Planning the epic Four Pass Loop? Our 2026 guide covers permits, trail sections, campsites, and pro tips to conquer this iconic Colorado backpacking trip.
The Urban Hiker's Guide: Get Mountain-Ready, No Matter Where You Live
Dreaming of summit views but stuck in the city? Here’s how to build serious mountain fitness without ever leaving your neighborhood, so you're ready for that big summer adventure.
The High Sierra Trail: A Complete Guide for 2026
Plan the ultimate trans-Sierra adventure with our complete guide to the High Sierra Trail. Get permit strategies, itineraries, and logistics for 2026.
The Wonderland Trail: A Complete Guide for 2026
Dreaming of circumnavigating Mount Rainier? Our complete Wonderland Trail guide has everything you need to plan, train for, and conquer the iconic 93-mile loop.
How to Stop Tent Condensation: A 2026 Field Guide
Tired of waking up to a wet sleeping bag? Our guide explains why tent condensation happens and gives you step-by-step methods and gear choices to stay dry on the trail.
Osprey Atmos vs Gregory Baltoro: Pack Showdown (2026)
Can't decide between the Osprey Atmos and Gregory Baltoro? Our 2026 field-test compares fit, carry, ventilation, and features to declare a winner.
How to Prevent Blisters on Long Hikes (2026)
Nothing ruins a hike faster than a blister. Learn our field-tested system for how to prevent blisters, from boot fit to on-trail taping, and keep your feet happy.
Guide to the Teton Crest Trail (2026)
Planning to hike the iconic Teton Crest Trail? Our complete 2026 guide covers permits, logistics, a mile-by-mile breakdown, and the essential gear you need.
The Four Pass Loop: A Complete Guide for 2026
Planning to hike Colorado's iconic Four Pass Loop? Our 2026 guide covers permits, trail strategy, gear, and pro tips for conquering this epic trip.
Beginner Hiking Kit Under $150 (2026)
Think you need a fortune to start hiking? Think again. We built a complete, reliable beginner hiking kit for under $150 to get you on the trail safely.
Best Hiking Boots for Rocky Terrain (2026)
Tired of bruised toes and unstable ankles on talus fields? We tested dozens of boots to find the most protective, grippy, and durable options for 2026.
The Art of the Shoulder Season: Finding Solitude Before the Summer Rush
Escape the crowds and discover the magic of the mountains in transition. Our guide to mastering the shoulder season covers the essential gear, LNT ethics, and planning secrets for your best adventures yet.
The Shakedown: Your Secret Weapon for a Perfect Backpacking Season
Don't let gear failures or discomfort derail your dream trip. Discover the shakedown hike, a crucial dress rehearsal that transforms good plans into great adventures.
The Overlooked Art of the Post-Hike Hang
The adventure doesn't end at the trailhead; it culminates in the glorious, essential ritual of the post-hike hang. Here's how to master the art of winding down.
The Quiet Etiquette: A Modern Guide to Sharing the Trail
As more people discover the joy of the outdoors, our trails are getting busier. This is a guide to a modern, mindful backcountry etiquette that preserves both the wildness of the place and the quality of our shared experience.
The Pre-Season Shakedown: Dialing In Your Systems for a Summer of Adventure
Summer's big adventures are calling, but before you answer, it's time for a pre-season shakedown. Fine-tune your gear, fitness, and skills now for smoother, safer, and more joyful days on the trail.
Why Slow Hiking Might Be the Most Underrated Skill in the Outdoors
In a world obsessed with speed and achievement, we often overlook the profound beauty of deliberate, unhurried movement in nature. Slow hiking isn't just about pace; it's a philosophy that enriches every outdoor experience.
Wildlife Encounters Done Right: Bears, Moose, and Keeping the Distance
There's a thrill that comes with spotting wild animals in their natural habitats. But respecting these magnificent creatures and their space is paramount to ensuring both our safety and theirs.
Navigating Without Cell Service: Map, Compass, and the Confidence to Use Them
In an age of constant connectivity, the art of traditional navigation offers a profound sense of independence and connection to the wild. Rediscover the timeless tools that empower true outdoor exploration.
Trail Journaling: A Simple Practice That Changes How You Remember a Hike
Discover how the simple act of trail journaling transforms transient moments into vivid, enduring memories, deepening your connection to the wild around you.
Foot Care on Long Trails: Blisters, Tape, and the Truth About Wool
Hats off to those who dream of long trails! As the editor of Bucketlist Field Guide, I know the magic that unfolds with each step across vast landscapes, but that magic can quickly dissipate, replaced by agony, if your feet aren't given the royal treatment they deserve.
The Quiet Magic of Off-Season Backpacking in National Parks
Discover the profound beauty and unparalleled solitude of America's national parks when the crowds recede. Off-season backpacking offers a unique, intimate connection with nature.
Layering for Shoulder Season: Avoiding the Sweat-Freeze Cycle
Embrace the capricious beauty of shoulder season with confidence and comfort. Learn the art of layering to stay warm, dry, and always ready for whatever nature throws your way.
Cold-Soaking 101: No-Cook Backpacking Meals That Actually Taste Good
Discover the backcountry game-changer: cold-soaking! Say goodbye to cooking gear and hello to delicious, rehydrated meals on your next adventure.
Leave No Trace 2026: What Has Changed and Why It Matters
Five years on, the Leave No Trace principles have evolved. Let's delve into the crucial updates and understand their impact on our cherished wild spaces.
How to Train for Your First Thru-Hike: A 12-Week Plan
Dreaming of the open trail? Embarking on a thru-hike is a transformative journey, and with proper preparation, it's an achievable goal. This 12-week plan from Bucketlist Field Guide will set you on the path to success.