Backcountry Dispatch
I'm a thru-hiking photographer who loves backpacking, camping, road trips, and geeking out on outdoor gear. Join the backcountry crew for expert outdoor tips, personally tested gear reviews, and adventure travel insights.
it's 3:02 am and I'm still booking...
Hey Reader, Well I can't lie to you - I thought I'd be announcing some exciting news about my hiking plans next summer, but some booking websites didn't want to divulge what time they were opening reservations, so cross your fingers for me that staying up until past midnight Pacific Time did work and I'll be hiking a very popular hut to hut route next summer 🤞🤞🤞🤞 And if you are in the same boat, I see you and I hope we both still got some decent sleep last night. It's the Tour du Mont Blanc...
the most painful part of my PCT hike?
Hey Reader, The most pain I was in on the entire Pacific Crest Trail? Sunburn. I switched from a long sleeve sun shirt to a short sleeve one, and my arms were NOT happy about it. I ended up spending an extra night in town, then hiking in my rain jacket (in 80-100F weather) to keep them covered. Not exactly the reason you want to be wearing a rain jacket. 😅 I’ve hiked 5,000+ miles, and some of my strongest gear opinions have come from things I really wish I’d done differently (like wearing...
Last chance: REI sale ends Monday!
Hey Reader, Hope you have some exciting holiday weekend plans! I can't believe we're in the 'ber months already - where has the time gone?! REI's Labor Day Sale is in full swing and ends this Monday: so if there's something you wish you had this summer or need to replace something: now might be the best time! Here's what I think is the best bang for your buck: Affiliate Disclosure: Backcountry Emily contains affiliate links and I may receive compensation - at no extra cost to you! See my...
we can't let this happen 🌲
Hey Reader, I wanted to focus today on something actionable and really important. The USDA has announced plans to revoke the 2001 Roadless Rule. This has been happening in the background for about a year now, but a FINAL comment period is now open, beginning today. Submit your comment here The Roadless Rule established prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting on nearly 45 million acres of U.S. Forest Service land. These protections allow for healthy...
watching bears and earning points
Hey Reader, I hope you've had a great week and have some outdoor fun planned this weekend! I'm keeping this one short today because I've been all over the place - mentally and physically - getting ready for my Grand Canyon rafting trip next week. 🤩 So I want to share something that has been bringing me endless joy the last 2 weeks: the Katmai National Park Brooks Falls bear cams. In case you don't know: Brooks Falls at Katmai in Alaska has one of the healthiest brown bear populations in the...
you’re the first to hear this!
Affiliate Disclosure: Backcountry Emily contains affiliate links and I may receive compensation - at no extra cost to you! See my Privacy Policy for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Hey Reader, Ok I have a fun update and you all are the FIRST to know about it: I'm partnering with OARS to raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon at the beginning of August! I get to raft the northern half and have to hike out the Bright Angel Trail to the south...
the gear I seriously love is on sale right now
Hey Reader, I hope your summer is off to a great start and if you're USA based: have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend! When you're reading this, I'll be in the backcountry - celebrating the best part of the USA: our public lands! I don't know if you knew, but REI actually has a 4th of July sale right now (I lowkey forgot until I ended up in the store on Sunday - life of a former employee! 😆) But there's actually some great deals and I wanted to share the ones I think are BEST - in case you...
How to actually enjoy Yosemite in the summer
Hey Reader, I just finished up a quick 2-night trip in Yosemite National Park - and wasn’t impacted by crowds - at all. And I want to share some tips and tricks with you. Because I think a lot of us saw the scary videos over Memorial Day weekend and vowed to not visit the park this summer. But I’m here to dispel that and give you some ideas if you still want to go this summer - just maybe avoid the Mist Trail at peak hours. Tip #1: Avoid Weekends Listen, I know this is easier said than done....
I’m not saying alltrails is wrong but…
Hey Reader, Summer hiking season is officially here, which means my brain has fully entered “how many alpine lakes can I reasonably fit into one season?” mode. And I want to talk about something that can make your trips way better and safer. Topo maps. Or as I used to think of them before I really learned how to read them… Very intimidating squiggly line art. But once you understand the basics, topo maps become SO helpful for figuring out what a trail is actually going to feel like before...
Time to stock up on that summer gear with sales!
Hey Reader, It's a big weekend: REI's Anniversary Sale started today and lasts through Memorial Day, May 25th! As an ex-employee, "A Sale" was simultaneously a blast and pure craziness that always made me want a spa day afterwards 🧖🏼♀️ But it is one of the best times of the year to get good deals on outdoor gear going into the busy season of hiking, camping, and backpacking! I'm sharing some of my top picks this year below and a few extra sale treats from other vendors! Affiliate Disclosure:...
I'm a thru-hiking photographer who loves backpacking, camping, road trips, and geeking out on outdoor gear. Join the backcountry crew for expert outdoor tips, personally tested gear reviews, and adventure travel insights.