The Backpack Almanac Archives
Even though I grew up here, Idaho continually knocks my metaphorical socks off with how pristine and beautiful it is, especially if you’re willing to travel a little off of the beaten track. Blue Lake is one of those pristine beautiful places that is more well known but still manages to feel secluded and magical – and it’s only a two hour drive from Boise. Getting there was so easy; directions… Read More
I don’t own a telephoto lens because: They’re expensive I’m a klutz My backpack is heavy enough without a whole bunch of camera equipment in it Luckily for me there’s an easy way to get clear, close up pictures! I learned this trick on my first trip to Alaska, when we visited Potter Marsh; we could see a young bull moose waaaaaay in the distance but I couldn’t get a clear picture… Read More
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
I’ve lived in Boise for most of my life, and only just recently hiked Stack Rock for the first time. I had no idea just how huge and imposing the actual rock is, and the hike to it is a perfect example of what hiking in the Boise National Forest is all about. The Trailhead The trail starts about 45 minutes up Bogus Basin Road, just after mile marker 13. There is… Read More
WARNING: This is NOT a substitute for proper filtration. This method is to be used in conjunction with a water filter in cases where water sources have a lot of sediment or large particles that would cause clogging or improper filtering with just a regular water filter. I recently used this method on the trail when we backpacked The Honeycombs near the Owyhee Reservoir in Oregon. I am happy to report that this worked… 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
Note: This trail is closed until the beginning of 2019 due to fire damage. The Crooked River Trail is a very easy trail located in the Boise National Forest. This whole area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of any sort. In the summer, hiking, backpacking, fishing and a variety of motor sports all have dedicated space, and in the winter, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are popular ways to enjoy this… Read More
Quick note: I link to a lot of stuff in this article but this is not a sponsored post, these are the products we’ve had success with and I’m including links to help you and your fur babies get geared up for your adventures! How do you make the best things in life better? Dogs. The answer is always dogs. The Gear Doggie Backpacks: The rule in our pack is that you… Read More
We all have those formative life experiences, the ones that either teach us a lesson about ourselves or the world around us, or maybe both at the same time. Sometimes these are stressful situations (like our trip to Echo Rock) but sometimes these experiences are so positive that they change your outlook on yourself, your partner and your life goals. This trail has so much to offer for all types of adventurers. … Read More
Ok, ok; that title is the most cheeseball thing I’ve ever written, but bear with me. Valentines Day is for being gushy and ridiculous about the people we care about, so I wanted to channel that energy into the thing I love enough to start a blog about: BACKPACKING. My Body, My Choice Backpacking is such an empowering adrenaline rush. Every time I put on my fully loaded pack and hike up… Read More
The Backpack Almanac 