Erik The Black's Backpacking Blog

In this video I’ll show you what kind of foods I pack and how much I eat on a long distance backpacking trip such as a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

In this video I show you everything in my backpack and what gear I pack for a long distance backpacking trip such as a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

I’ve used this clothing system in daytime temps ranging from 110 degrees down to 15 degrees including freezing cold rain and snow – and it weighs just 2 lbs!

Download my free custom Backpacking Itinerary Planner Spreadsheet tool. This will help you plan a long-distance hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail or any other long trail.

Trail runners, cross trainers, lightweight boots, sandals… Which are the best hiking shoes for long distance backpacking? In this article I discuss the pros and cons of hiking footwear and give my recommendations.

Choosing the right backpacking shelter is a crucial gear decision. You want something lightweight and easy to set up, that provides adequate protection from the elements without weighing you down.

In this article I share my 5,000 calorie thru-hiking trail diet and tips for choosing the right foods for your long distance backpacking adventures.

Planning a backpacking trip? I designed this free tool to help you calculate the cost and weight of all your backpacking gear.

Why water is so important
Water is essential for survival in the backcountry, but it is also one of the heaviest things you will have to carry in your pack. One quart of water weighs in at a whopping 2 lbs! So, it doesn’t make much sense to spend so much time and money reducing your [...]

I just finished filling out my permit applications to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail again this year. Here is some information about the various permits you will need to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail:
Thru hiking permit
Thru hikers can get a permit that covers camping in all of the different jurisdictions the Pacific Crest Trail [...]