Blog
Gear guides, brand spotlights, and thru-hiking tips.
From the Trail
I Hiked 100 Miles Across Madeira Carrying 45 Pounds. Here's What I Learned.
Ten days, one Atlantic island, and a pack that was way too heavy. My Madeira hiking adventure — a lost bag, the Fanal forest, an old woman carrying water buckets faster than me, and the gear lessons that changed how I pack.
Read →The Kalalau Trail: What Nobody Tells You About Kauai's Most Notorious Hike
Eleven miles of heat, beauty, and Crawler's Ledge — then a beach that makes it all worth it. I've hiked the Kalalau Trail multiple times, including once finishing the whole thing in the dark at 2am in the pouring rain.
Read →Guides & Comparisons
What Is Cottage Gear? A Thru-Hiker's Guide to Small-Batch Backpacking Brands
Cottage gear means handmade, small-batch backpacking equipment from independent makers — the brands REI will never carry. Here's why thru-hikers swear by it.
Read more →The Best Ultralight Quilts from Cottage Gear Makers
Cottage makers build the best backpacking quilts in the world — lighter, more customizable, and often cheaper than mainstream brands. Here's who to buy from.
Read more →Best Cottage Gear Shelters for Thru-Hiking
Cottage shelter makers build the lightest, most packable tents and tarps on the market. Here's who makes the best ultralight shelters for long-distance hiking.
Read more →Zpacks vs Enlightened Equipment: Which Cottage Brand Is Right for You?
Zpacks vs Enlightened Equipment — a complete 2026 comparison of shelters, quilts, and packs. Which ultralight cottage brand should you buy?
Read more →Katabatic Gear vs Enlightened Equipment: Which Quilt Should You Buy?
Katabatic vs Enlightened Equipment quilts — warmth ratings, draft protection, weight, and price compared. Which backpacking quilt is right for your sleep style?
Read more →Tarptent vs Zpacks Duplex: Which Ultralight Shelter Should You Buy?
Tarptent Notch Li vs Zpacks Duplex — weight, price, materials, and weather protection compared. Which ultralight shelter is right for your thru-hike?
Read more →The Best Starter Cottage Gear Kit for Thru-Hikers (Under $1,000)
Your first cottage gear setup doesn't need to break the bank. Here's a complete recommended starter kit using the most trusted cottage brands — and where to spend vs. save.
Read more →DCF vs Silnylon: Which Shelter Material Is Right for You?
DCF (Dyneema) and silnylon are the two dominant ultralight shelter materials. Here's what actually matters in the comparison — and which one belongs in your kit.
Read more →Cottage Gear Lead Times: Current Wait Times for Major Brands (2026)
Planning a thru-hike and need to know when to order? Here are typical lead times for the major cottage gear brands — and which ones ship from stock.
Read more →