Budget & Backpacking The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in February 2026 February 28, 2026 Ronny Sianturi Published February 27, 2026, 07:25 PM. The closing weeks of the winter season in 2026 presented a starkly bifurcated climate across the United States. While the Eastern seaboard grappled with…
Budget & Backpacking Utah Lawmakers Seek to Undermine Grand Staircase-Escalante Protections, Opening Door to Resource Extraction February 28, 2026 Ronny Sianturi In a significant legislative maneuver that could reshape the future of one of Utah’s most iconic natural landscapes, U.S. Senator Mike Lee and Representative Celeste Maloy have unveiled a new…
Budget & Backpacking Frameless Rucksacks: Still a Compelling Choice in the Age of Ultralight Evolution February 27, 2026 Ronny Sianturi In the ever-evolving landscape of outdoor adventure gear, the internal-frame backpack has undergone a remarkable transformation, boasting lighter materials and increasingly sophisticated designs that enhance both capability and comfort. Yet,…
Budget & Backpacking Garmin inReach Data Reveals Who’s Calling for Help in the Backcountry Most Often and Why February 26, 2026 Ronny Sianturi The Garmin inReach has become an indispensable tool for backcountry adventurers, its familiar silhouette adorning countless backpacks across North America. While the burgeoning presence of Apple’s integrated SOS feature presents…
Budget & Backpacking Backpack Evolution: How Modern Ultralights Tackle Heavier Loads with Real-World Comfort February 26, 2026 Ronny Sianturi Published February 25, 2026 06:59PM The landscape of ultralight backpacking packs has undergone a significant transformation, moving beyond the minimalist, frameless designs favored by some purists, like this editor’s well-worn…
Budget & Backpacking The Hoka Speedgoat 6: Conquering Trails with Unmatched Cushion and Tenacious Grip, Without the Weight. February 26, 2026 Ronny Sianturi In the demanding world of trail running and long-distance hiking, where every ounce matters and the terrain can shift from buttery smooth to brutally rocky in an instant, the Hoka…
Budget & Backpacking Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Unfolds on Georgia’s Appalachian Trail as Hiker Falls Ill February 25, 2026 Ronny Sianturi The rugged beauty of Georgia’s Appalachian Trail, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solace and adventure, proved to be a challenging environment this past weekend when a 46-year-old man found…
Budget & Backpacking Continental Divide Trail Southern Terminus Prepares for Barrier Construction as Government Graded 26-Mile Access Road February 25, 2026 Ronny Sianturi As the annual thru-hiking season for the iconic Continental Divide Trail (CDT) approaches, significant developments are underway at its southern terminus, signaling a new era of accessibility and security challenges…
Budget & Backpacking Hiker Rescued from Grizzly Peak After Microspike Failure Underscores Critical Need for Preparedness and Gear Repair February 25, 2026 Ronny Sianturi On Valentine’s Day, a potentially perilous situation unfolded on the rugged slopes of Colorado’s 13,435-foot Grizzly Peak when a young hiker found himself stranded, his journey cut short by a…
Budget & Backpacking Catch the "Blood Moon" Closer to Home: Your Guide to the March 3rd Total Lunar Eclipse February 24, 2026 Ronny Sianturi While the celestial event of August’s total solar eclipse has captured global attention, drawing tourists to far-flung destinations for months, a more accessible astronomical spectacle is gracing our skies next…