#backpacking

#backpacking

In the summer of 2022, I quit my full-time job to spend 10 weeks backpacking through South America with my then-boyfriend (now-husband). Consumed by the travel bug, we packed up all our belongings and moved them from our Miami apartment to a storage unit before hitting the road, visiting 16 cities across eight countries. The whole trip was incredible, but four places hold a special place in my memory.

I've been camping my whole life starting with backyard campouts and local overnights and growing into longhaul RV vacations and backpacking trips. One thing I always bring with me is a hammock (and yes, we even had one set up for backyard camp nights.) I've never regretted the extra bit of weight when relaxing at camp after a long day of hiking in the sun.

The grasses have now dried and turned golden, the air filled with the scents of fall. Eszter stops, "A moose!" Down in the willows along the creek, a single moose munches on the plants. We are far enough away to pleasantly observe the stoic creature in its home, a lovely spot in a high meadow tucked between mountains with no one else around except for us.

Stretching from Richmond to Castro Valley, the nearly 60-year-old East Bay Skyline Trail covers over 30 miles of some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the Bay Area.

The lightweight fleece jacket, invented in the 1980s, remains a reliable companion for backpackers, providing durability and breathability for outdoor adventures.

When my younger sister took her first solo trip, I shared essential travel packing tips, emphasizing the importance of lightweight luggage for a more enjoyable experience.