Volcanic mountain ranges, hot springs, and world-class powder skiing are enough to put Japan on any adventure traveler’s map. Next time you’re considering an international vacation, here are a few reasons Japan should make your short list. 1) You get to use the Japan Topo base map. It’s beautiful, accurate, and brand-new to the Gaia… Read More »
Winter hiking might just be the fourth season’s best kept secret. Don’t let a chilly forecast keep you indoors. Learn the facts, and use them to master your gear, fueling, and layering systems. Do that, and you can have just as much fun winter hiking as you would in summer. Honest. Capitalize on the fourth… Read More »
A city ringed by emerald waters, glaciated volcanoes, and jagged peaks, Seattle has no shortage of great hikes within a short drive of downtown. But with so many options, the biggest challenge is deciding where to start. Save yourself some time and reference this guide for the best trails and views within a 3-hour drive… Read More »
After months of waiting, waxing, tuning, and pretending to enjoy trail running, we’re finally on the verge of winter. But as new snow settles into the couloirs and glades, it’s easy to get caught up in the stoke without doing your homework—a potentially fatal mistake when you’re backcountry skiing in avalanche terrain. To get the… Read More »
Early summer is here. The days are long, warm, and gorgeous. But for those of us looking forward to backpacking season in the Pacific Northwest, summer won’t truly arrive for another two months. Snow still abounds in the Cascades and Olympics, covering some of the best backpacking routes in the state: Seven Lakes Basin in… Read More »
For many of us, menu planning for a backpacking trip is a last minute consideration. Stop off at a grocery on the way up to the mountains and grab the essentials: mac and cheese, ramen, oatmeal, and, of course, bars, bars, and more bars. But the longer your hike (around the third day of a… Read More »
Smartphones may be the best piece of outdoor gear you can take with you into the backcountry. In this article, learn how to use mobile apps both online and off to plan an unforgettable backcountry ski trip this winter. Start the planning process by determining the best location to backcountry ski based on weather, avalanche… Read More »
When it comes to layering for winter hiking, seemingly tiny decisions can make or break a trip. Sure, snowy landscapes and crisp mornings sound great in theory, but in cold weather, the stakes are higher, and wearing the wrong clothes can leave you either too cold or too damp from sweat—both of which can lead… Read More »
Many National Forests across the United States allow free dispersed camping. This post will show you how to use Gaia GPS to find free camping spots before heading out and navigate when you get there. Dispersed camping refers to camping outside of established campgrounds, typically with no amenities like bathrooms or running water. Sites vary… Read More »
Gaia GPS user and self-proclaimed professional camper Emma Walker hates crowds. “You couldn’t walk 20 yards without stumbling into somebody’s campsite,” Walker said of her hike in the James Peak Wilderness this summer, “So we opened up the app, found the nearest lake without a trail leading to it, and made our way there.” Walker… Read More »
