Helinox Chair One (re): Same Legendary Chair, Now in Two Versions — and Both Are Worth Talking About
Helinox just reimagined their legendary Chair One — and the upgrades are more than skin deep. The new (re)Tension Design adds a second tension line to distribute weight around the frame for a noticeably more comfortable sit, plus a taller seat height, redesigned hubs, an integrated side pocket, and recycled materials throughout. At 2 lbs 7.5 oz and $139.95, it’s still firmly in ultralight territory. Here’s the full breakdown on what changed and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
Sasquatch Camping Road Trip: Washington’s Best Routes
There’s something about setting up camp in a Washington forest at dusk, with the fog rolling in and the trees
YETI Just Dropped a Hiking Pack and It’s Not What I Expected
YETI’s new Skala hiking pack borrows Mystery Ranch DNA and Osprey leadership, but is it worth the premium over proven trail favorites? Here’s what impressed us, what fell flat, and who should actually buy one.
Latest from the Trail
This Popular Trail Near Seattle Just Had 5 Rescues in 7 Days (And SAR Is Done)
King County’s search and rescue teams are begging hikers to stop making the same dangerous mistakes The call came in
Finally! Someone Gets Why Truck Stops Suck for RVs (New Company Has a Better Idea)
You know that 9 PM truck stop feeling when you desperately need to dump tanks but the place is packed tighter than a Seattle coffee shop? A fellow full-timer named Adam Corlin got so fed up with the truck stop shuffle that he’s starting Overland Oasis—RV-only service centers designed specifically for people like us. No more squeezing between semis or wondering if your rig will fit. Here’s what these western U.S. locations promise and why this actually matters for PNW travelers.
Backpack Calculator
Calculate the perfect backpack weight and size for your hiking adventures. Our free tool provides personalized pack recommendations based on your body weight, experience level, and trip conditions—from day hikes to multi-day expeditions.
This Pacific Northwest’s Hidden Gem is Absolutely Stunning – But You’ve Got To Go Now!
The deciduous bonsai at Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way are absolutely on fire right now with fall colors. I just visited yesterday and was blown away by 500-year-old trees showing off their autumn magic. But you’ve got maybe 2-3 weeks to catch this show at its peak – and this weekend’s Fall Foliage Festival (Oct 22-23) is the perfect time to experience it. Free admission, guided tours, and expert insights into one of the most diverse bonsai collections in North America.
I’ve Been Camping For 40+ Years. Here’s What This REI List Gets Wrong
I recently stumbled across a Food & Wine article claiming to list the top 12 essential REI camping items based on “over 10 years” of experience. As someone who’s been camping throughout the Pacific Northwest for four decades, I need to be direct: this is affiliate marketing disguised as camping advice.
The author lists $1,271 worth of “essentials” including a 14-liter Yeti cooler (too small for actual camping), a $275 Coleman stove (massively overpriced), and a tent marketed for people who want to “sleep in” (not a real camping problem). Either the author is exaggerating their experience or they were assigned a hack piece to drive affiliate sales.
I’m going through each of their 12 recommendations to show you what’s actually wrong and what you should buy instead. Real camping gear that works, for a fraction of the price.
17 Essential End-of-Season RV Tasks: Your Complete Pre-Winterization Checklist
As summer camping adventures wind down, smart RV owners know that thorough end-of-season preparation is the difference between a smooth spring launch and costly repairs. This comprehensive 17-task checklist goes beyond basic cleaning to address critical details that protect your investment during storage. From interior deep cleaning and pest prevention to advanced protection strategies, these essential tasks will save you time, money, and frustration when camping season returns. Each section includes expert tips and carefully selected product recommendations to help you complete every task efficiently and effectively.
When Three Worlds Collide: The On × BEAMS × REI Co-op Collection Is Finally Here
Well, this is something special. After months of anticipation, the limited-edition On × BEAMS × REI Co-op collaboration officially dropped
13 Spooky Spots in Washington for Thrill-Seeking Travelers
Washington State is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant coffee culture, but it’s also home to some seriously eerie
Bullitt Fireplace History: A Forgotten Cabin in Issaquah’s Squak Mountain
Step into Issaquah’s past at the Bullitt Fireplace. This lone stone relic on Squak Mountain tells a story of family retreats and conservation. Hike the trail any season for views and history.