Fastpacking is the next evolution of wilderness trips for those who want to go farther and faster. Practically speaking, such an endeavor entails jogging the descents, shuffling the flats, power-hiking the hills, and eating a lot of snacks, all while carrying a minimalist pack. Here’s how to get started.
Adventures
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Finding your way in the backcountry may be as simple as paying attention to the natural world around you. Raging rIvers, prevailing winds, and moss growing on tress can help you stay on course. Learn these top natural navigation clues to stay found even when you don’t have a compass handy.
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Looking for a peaceful (and free) escape to the outdoors? Many National Forests across the United States allow free dispersed camping. Use Gaia GPS to find those free camping spots before heading out and navigate when you get there.
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On a high avalanche danger day last February, two parties sought out safer, low angle-terrain in Utah’s Wasatch mountains. A colossal avalanche swept through the zone. Four of eight people died. Avalanche Forecaster Nikki Champion of the Utah Avalanche Center, who investigated this tragic accident, gives the low down on what went wrong and what we can learn.
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Ashley and Richard Giordano were the picture of success in 2013. But deep down, they were burned out from city life. Find out how a little red Toyota pickup truck and a leap of faith sent them to the Arctic Ocean in the dead of winter.
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Some national parks are best visited in winter. From desert adventures to tropical getaways, these 10 destinations will keep your adventures stoked through the offseason.
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Once a year, fleeting reds, yellows, and oranges light up national parks across the country. How do you choose which of the 61 national parks to visit? Learn about the best national parks for leaf peeping this October, along with their top hikes and tips for the trail.
Adventuring with your partner can be challenging to say the least. But don’t give up when tensions run high. Tim and Marisa Notier are living proof that it can be done — even when you share a seat on a motorcycle for five years. From Illinois to Argentina, the top of Africa to the bottom, the Notiers have explored the natural world and their relationship’s limits. Get their insights on how they make it work and manage to have some fun along the way.
Alaska adventurer Luc Mehl ice skated 125 miles along the Arctic Circle. Learn why wild skating has become Luc’s favorite winter pastime. Plus, get a crash course in using Gaia GPS to find smooth skating lanes in the wildest places.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the gear options for car camping and overlanding? Self-proclaimed “professional car camper” Jason Specht from Mountain State Overland is here to help. Jason joins us on the Gaia GPS Offroad podcast this week to sort through the gear you actually need versus the gear you just want. From rooftop tents to camp cookware, Jason gives his best advice for building out the overlanding vehicle of your dreams. Plus, get his super easy, go-to dinner recipe for camp cooking and his mess-free hack for the best s’mores.