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Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Your Southwest Hiker Pal

an ultralight backpacker heads up a steep section of slick rock, happy to hae minimal gear and a lightweight setup!

What Is Ultralight Backpacking? A Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures

And let's face it, most of us use ultralight gear to cut down weight, but we will never get below 20 pounds! Which is totally a-okay and normal! 20 pounds is better than 30 or 25! Every little bit of weight saved matters a lot.

two hikers on a backpacking trip in grid fleece hoodies they picked up during the 2024 holiday sales

Best Holiday Sales for Hikers and Backpackers 2024: Unmissable Deals on Outdoor Gear

Gear up for less this holiday season! Explore the best Christmas and New Year’s sales on backpacks, tents, and outdoor essentials for hikers and backpackers.

the TOPO Deisgns rover mini backpack sitting in a high desert landscape of the southwest during a hike

Gear Review: TOPO Designs Rover Mini Backpack

I didn't actually know how much I would use this mini backpack when I first bought it. I just thought it was cute and was tired of always having a 20 liter+ backpack on. As it turns out, I use the Rover Mini a ton and really love it!

Scenic southwest trail with a hiker carrying an ultralight backpack, surrounded by canyon walls and steep slopes

30 Ultralight Backpacking Tips: Expert Advice to Lighten Your Load

Ultralight backpacking is about hiking smarter, not harder. With the right strategies, you can reduce pack weight without sacrificing comfort or safety. From choosing multi-purpose gear to packing calorie-dense foods, these 30 tips will help you streamline your setup for your next adventure.

outdoor vitals CS40 Ultra Backpack sitting by an icy river in the southwest loaded up for backpacking through the mountains

Gear Review: Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra Backpack

If you're looking for a versatile and well built ultralight backpack for any adventure, the CS40 Ultra Backpack by Outdoor Vitals is a pack you need to check out! Read our review for a full rundown of why it's great.

Top Gift Ideas for Neurodivergent Hikers: Thoughtful and Practical Picks for Outdoor Adventures

Top Gift Ideas for Neurodivergent Hikers: Thoughtful and Practical Picks for Outdoor Adventures

Hiking is a deeply personal and freeing experience, and finding a gift that aligns with your loved one’s unique needs and passions is a beautiful way to celebrate their adventures.

a woman wearing patagonia nano-air light bottoms for a hike in the southwest

Gear Review: Patagonia Nano-Air Light Bottoms

I cannot express enough how much I love the sweatpant-like fit of these. That does not exist in the weird world of women's pants. So Patagonia has seriously changed the women's pants game with the way they designed these!