The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S is an expandable power station that's robust enough to be used as a home battery backup or, in my case, as the source of power in my van (until I can afford to install a more permanent solution). It's a two-piece system: the AC500 inverter and the B300S battery. You can
The Best Moments of the Pacific Crest Trail (2023 Survey)
As part of the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, I ask hikers to share their hikes' scariest and lowest moments. However, I recently began asking hikers to share the best moments from their PCT hikes as well. It's good to remember that there will be difficult times on the Pacific Crest Trail, but
Three-Season Backpacking Gear List for 2024
Three-season backpacking (i.e., backpacking outside of winter months) typically lends itself to summer and/or fair weather backpacking despite including both spring and fall. That said, here's everything you'll need - and everything I bring - for three-season success in the backcountry. I've
Continental Divide Trail Hiking Advice for 2024 (& Beyond)
Chances are that things won't go according to plan on a Continental Divide Trail thru-hike. One of the best things you can do to prepare for a CDT thru-hike is talk to CDT thru-hikers and see what they would do again, do differently, and suggest that others (i.e. you) do. Questions like What gear
The 2024 REI Co-op Member Coupon Moment
Today begins the Member Coupon Moment (but shouldn't it be Member Moment Coupon?) at REI. The focus of this sale is the member-only coupon, which gives REI Co-op members 20% off full-priced items and an additional 20% off outlet items. But there are some additional items on sale just for members
5 Awesome Socks That Aren’t Merino Wool
Don't let the title of this post mislead you; I am still a huge merino sock fan (and merino hoodie and shirt fan). That said, plenty of awesome socks aren't merino wool. And no, that doesn't mean you need to limit yourself to synthetic fibers or even forgo wool completely; yes, alpaca wool is a
Pacific Crest Trail Hiking Advice for 2024 (& Beyond)
Chances are that things won't go according to plan on a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. One of the best things you can do to prepare for a PCT thru-hike is talk to PCT thru-hikers and see what they would do again, do differently, and suggest that others (i.e. you) do. Questions like, What gear do I
The Tour Divide: What, Where, Why, and How?
The Tour Divide is an annual 2,700-mile (4,300 km) self-supported bikepacking race following the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). Most of the route follows dirt and gravel roads with a few sections of pavement or singletrack sprinkled in for good measure (along with the occasional