West Side Hiker Blog
The Trail Doesn’t Care | A Trail Running Essay
A Work In Motion This is a piece I’ve rewritten three times now. Once after
Review: Hoka Speedgoat 5
Bottom Line It’s fair to say that a lot of today’s trail running shoes have
Essential Guide: Choosing the Best Backpacking Tent
From construction to packability, we’ll help you find what to look for in a backpacking tent.
The 5 Best Backpacking Tents in 2025
We’ve spent countless nights in all sorts of weather conditions, from scorching desert heat to
Hyperlight Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Review
Lightweight and comfortable, Hyperlite’s sub-2-pound backpack truly shines in the world of ultralight gear.
Zoleo GPS Satellite Communicator Review
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator turns your cell phone into a reliable, and easy to use satellite phone.
Best Backpacking Stoves in 2025
After spending a whole day on the trail, you need a backpacking stove that is
The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist | Printable Version
I’ve spent years finding the perfect assemblage of gear to carry with me on a
Top Mistakes Backpackers Make and How to Avoid Them
It’s tempting to just buy yourself a pack, pick a trail, and head out but
Hey, I’m Ben, and this is West Side Hiker. What started as a way to track my favorite gear has turned into a journal of the trails I’ve run, the mountains I’ve hiked, and the weekends I’ve spent outside. I write about backpacking, trail running, and the moments in between, with the goal of helping others get out there, stay safe, and find their own rhythm on the trail.
West Side Hiker
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