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A backpacker in Fitz Roy.

Hi Friends!

We hope you're doing well. We just finished creating a brand new Best Backpacking Quilts list, which is now separate from our 10 Best Sleeping Bags list to make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for. We also added a bunch more simple recipes to our 20 Great Backpacking Meal Recipes & Food Dehydration Tips page. This is a great time to do some food preparation for any upcoming trips you’re planning.

It's also time to start thinking about permits if you have any big adventures on your agenda for 2021. Apply for John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail permits now for the best chances to get the itinerary you want. Do keep in mind that COVID-19 may still have an impact on trip plans at this point. Both links above provide up-to-date info on protocol and closures.

Take a minute to explore the content below to get inspired for future adventures and hit us up on social media to share what you have planned!

Happy Trails!

- CleverHiker Team

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A hiker jumping withe the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20.
Best Backpacking Quilts
If you’re a side sleeper or someone who likes a little extra wiggle room while you sleep, a backpacking quilt may be a perfect fit for your backcountry sleep system. We like to use backpacking quilts for most of our 3-season adventures, because they’re typically lighter and more versatile than traditional sleeping bags. Check out this list of the best backpacking quilts on the market.
The REI Co-op Magma 30 sleeping bag.
How to Repair, Wash, Store & Care For Your Sleeping Bag
A quality sleeping bag may be one of the biggest backpacking investments you ever make. In this article we'll show you a few tips and tricks that will make it easier to prolong the life of your sleeping bag. I you need a new sleeping bag, make sure to check out our lists of the Best Sleeping Bags & Backpacking Quilts.
CleverHiker Top Gear Picks.
Top Picks
Want a list of what we'd buy if we were starting from scratch? When we hit the trail, this is the equipment we carry in our packs. Unlike the CleverHiker Gear Guide, where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, this page is where we talk about our personal favorites. We cover everything from backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags, to clothing, and gadgets.
A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail
Planning for your thru-hike of the JMT can be a daunting and overwhelming task - not to mention the difficulty in procuring one of the coveted permits. In this guide we hope to break down every detail you'll need to begin preparing for what will surely be an adventure of a lifetime. You might also like ourJohn Muir Trail Gear List.
Homemade backpacking meals on a picnic table next to a backpacking stove.
20 Great Backpacking Meal Recipes & Food Dehydration Tips
Making your own backpacking meals can be fun and a great way to take control over your nutrition while saving money. Store-bought freeze-dried meals are convenient and lightweight, but they can be expensive and full of preservatives. Follow these steps to learn the basics of food dehydration, then try some of our favorite recipes.
Pacific Crest Trail thru hikers in California.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 
Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a fun, powerful, and rewarding experience. Long-distance hiking is a beautiful thing, but overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication. We put together this guide to help get you started. Below, you’ll find tips on buying gear, what to expect on the trail, and more.
GEAR PICK OF THE WEEK
REI Stormhenge Jacket

The REI Stormhenge 850 is an all-around excellent choice for active people who want a warm and waterproof coat for an affordable price. It’s packed with top-quality 850-fill-power down, which makes it exceptionally efficient at trapping body heat without feeling bulky or weighing you down. While it’s not as versatile as two separate jackets for backcountry trips, we found the Stormhenge to be very cozy and convenient for everyday outdoor wear in chilly, wet conditions. And, if you start to overheat, this is one of the few winter coats that has pit zips for ventilation. The Stormhenge is a unique two-in-one option and is hands-down one of the best values around. It’s one of our favorite winter coats for walks, fall/winter camping trips, and snow days in the mountains.

The Stormhenge is featured on our 10 Best Down Jackets,10 Best Winter Coats, and10 Best Women's Winter Coats lists.
View Men's at REI
View Women's at REI
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