Stories by the Author

Smiling woman lying on sleeping bag surrounded by backpacking gear laid out on wooden floor.
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The Trek: The Backpacking Gear I Actually Use as a Professional Gear Tester
Here is the backpacking kit I’ve put together after three years of gear reviewing, thousands of miles of backpacking, and a lifetime of strong opinions.
Katie Jackson
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July 23, 2026
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Text '7 alternatives to Smartwater bottles' with three different water bottles and hiker in a mountainous landscape.
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The Trek: Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives
Smartwater bottles are made from PET1 plastic, which is a food-safe plastic designed for single use.
Katie Jackson
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June 27, 2026
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Two hikers walking on a mountain trail with snow-capped peaks and green shrubs around them.
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The Trek: The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Dads Who Love Hiking
Finding a good Father’s Day gift can be tricky.
Katie Jackson
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June 18, 2026
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Person in purple sweater and glasses taking selfie with outdoor gear laid out, including yellow shoes and jackets.
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The Trek: She’s Hiking 10,000 Miles This Year — Here’s Everything She’s Carrying
We asked Sparkle to break down her gear, how it’s been working for her, and if there are any changes she wishes she could make.
Katie Jackson
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May 4, 2026
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Pie chart showing 87% of AT hikers always filter water, 5% most times, 5% always unless spring.
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The Trek: Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2025 Thru-Hiker Survey
In this final installment, we’re diving into water filters, stoves, rain gear, and the essential small gear choices.
Katie Jackson
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February 2, 2026
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Black puffy jacket with horizontal quilting and REI Co-op logo on the chest on a white background.
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The Trek: The Best 2025 Cyber Monday and Cyber Week Deals for Backpackers
Huge discounts on your favorite pieces of gear!
Katie Jackson
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December 2, 2025
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Woman with sunglasses and braids drinks from white water bottle near rocky stream outdoors.
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The Trek: The Perfect Smartwater Bottle Replacement for Thru-Hikers
I’ll go ahead and spoil this one in advance: the brand new Cnoc ThruBottle is the perfect Smartwater bottle replacement.
Katie Jackson
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October 21, 2025
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A collage of outdoor gear review illustration
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Travel + Leisure: I’m Tying the Knot in Thailand — These Are the 15 Items I Told My Southeast Asia First-timer Guests to Pack
A review of items that are helpful to pack when traveling to Southeast Asia.
Katie Jackson
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April 10, 2025
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Sunlight shines through tall trees on colorful tents pitched on green grass in a forest campsite.
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Blog KOA: 9 maneiras pelas quais os campistas estão a esforçar-se para reduzir a sua pegada de carbono
There are hundreds of ways to be more eco-conscious when you camp.
Katie Jackson
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June 1, 2022
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