The Backpack Almanac Archives
The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2 mile round trip trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside of Seward, Alaska. At only 4 miles to the end of the trail, hikers might assume that it is an easy hike; it’s not. Travelers gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation with each mile, putting this day hike firmly into the “strenuous” category. I am putting this hike into our success bucket, because we kicked… Read More
“Ok Backpack” I said as I fastened the clips and tightened the straps on my 65 liter bag “I’ll see you on the other side. Be safe” With a final check and one last pull to tighten the straps, I kissed the tips of my fingers, rested them on the top of my bag and let out a deep breath before turning from the counter. As I headed for security, I chanced… Read More
Let’s just get this out of the way: this is not an easy backpacking trip. If you’re looking for a serene walk through a slot canyon ending in a nice beach with fishing access, look somewhere else. If you’re looking to test your grit, your skill and muscles you didn’t even know existed, then welcome to the post you psycho. I’ve written about the Owyhee Reservoir before, and still think of… Read More
Komodo and Rinca are the two largest islands in Komodo National Park. They are home to a plethora of wildlife, including komodo dragons, wild boars, monkeys, water buffalo, deer, flying foxes and hundreds of bird, lizard and snake species. I’m going to preface this by saying that our experience was more of a nature walk than an actual hike. In touristy places like Indonesia, there is a give and take – we… Read More
Pulau Padar (Padar Island) is the third-largest island in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, after Komodo and Rinca Islands. It’s famous for the breathtaking views it provides of the Komodo archipelago. For those willing to wake up early, the sunrise from the top of Padar Island turns the entire horizon into a fiery orange blaze. As the sun rises, the mirrored water softens to reveal pristine turquoise bays and beaches with three distinct… Read More
When our dogs see their backpacks, they have a tendency to freak out a little. After a long winter of casual walks and backyard fetch games, getting into the mountains and exploring is the only thing they want to do! Luckily for us, spring is here and although Idaho has a tendency to throw surprise two-minute snow flurries our way, we are getting our supplies ready and brushing up on our wilderness… Read More
Check out Vacation Chronicles: Anchorage, Alaska for more info about things to do in AK! Seward is a small city located in the Kenai Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to its position; fishing, hiking, sightseeing, whale watching, etc. are all easily accessible, while the small town feel keeps the wild vibe of the state in tact. We took a day trip here and it was the perfect combination of outdoor activity… Read More
The one word that comes to mind when I think of Alaska is WILD. That might just be some very successful state marketing, but it truly is the most wild place I’ve ever been. Moose wander down the highways, bears hang out on bike paths around cities, whales enjoy the warm shallow waters of ports; when you’re in Alaska, there is simply no escaping nature. Last summer we spent 10 days visiting… Read More
The Backpack Almanac 