Budget & Backpacking Ptarmigan Fire Forces Closure of Northernmost 50 Miles of Pacific Crest Trail, Threatening Thru-Hiker Dreams July 30, 2026 Ronny Sianturi The majestic and often solitary northernmost 50 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a legendary segment that culminates at the Canadian border, have been effectively rendered impassable due to…
Budget & Backpacking Navigating the Haze: Expert Advice for Hiking Safely Amidst Wildfire Smoke July 29, 2026 Ronny Sianturi Published July 29, 2026 11:43 AM As the acrid scent of wildfire smoke increasingly becomes an unwelcome summer companion across the Western United States, outdoor enthusiasts find themselves at a…
Budget & Backpacking Craft Your Own Ultralight Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad: A DIY Guide to Vintage Comfort July 29, 2026 Ronny Sianturi Updated July 28, 2026, 04:57 PM. For decades, the allure of DIY camping gear has captivated outdoor enthusiasts, and at Backpacker, we’ve consistently championed this resourceful approach. Our archives are…
Budget & Backpacking French Ultrarunner Aurélien Sanchez Shatters Pacific Crest Trail Fastest Known Time by Over 16 Hours. July 29, 2026 Ronny Sianturi Published July 28, 2026, 05:29 PM PST In a feat of extraordinary endurance and strategic pacing, French ultrarunner Aurélien Sanchez has officially claimed the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the…
Budget & Backpacking Accidental Shooting on Appalachian Trail Sends Hiker to Hospital July 28, 2026 Ronny Sianturi One person was hospitalized on Monday following an accidental shooting that occurred on the Pennsylvania section of the renowned Appalachian Trail, local authorities confirmed. The incident, described by the Washington…
Budget & Backpacking Beyond the Bougie: A Dirtbag’s Guide to Gritty Western Towns with Untamed Outdoor Access July 28, 2026 Ronny Sianturi Published July 27, 2026, 03:17 PM In an era where the allure of the West is increasingly packaged into curated experiences, genuine grit and untamed wilderness are becoming rare commodities.…
Budget & Backpacking REI’s Flash Air 1 Tent: A Lightweight Champion for Aspiring Ultralight Backpackers on a Budget July 27, 2026 Ronny Sianturi For seasoned backpackers, the pursuit of shaving precious ounces from their gear is an ongoing obsession. Every gram saved can translate to miles gained and a more enjoyable experience on…
Budget & Backpacking Battling the Unseen Foe: Expert Advice on Tackling Mildew on Your Sleeping Pad July 27, 2026 Ronny Sianturi The unforgiving reality of the backcountry often forces adventurers to confront unexpected challenges, and for one seasoned backpacker, the foe wasn’t a treacherous trail or a sudden storm, but a…
Budget & Backpacking Chainsaw Controversy Roars Through Idaho’s Wilderness: A Deep Dive into the Debate July 27, 2026 Ronny Sianturi A contentious decision by the United States Forest Service to permit the use of chainsaws for trail maintenance in Idaho’s Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness has ignited a firestorm…
Budget & Backpacking Montana Nurse’s Trekking Pole Impalement on Granite Peak Leads to Remarkable Self-Rescue July 27, 2026 Ronny Sianturi On July 20, 2026, a harrowing ordeal unfolded on the rugged slopes of Montana’s Granite Peak, a challenge that tested the resilience and expertise of David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse…