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    7 Hikes Near Hood River and Mt. Hood, Oregon (and Other Outdoorsy Fun)

    ByAlisha McDarris

    Until two years ago, when I attended PCT Days in Cascade Locks and then spent a few days on the Pacific Crest Trail with a thru-hiker friend of mine, I had never been to the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood area. But it was perhaps even more captivating than what I had seen and experienced in other areas of Oregon. So I couldn’t wait to return and explore the outdoor adventure opportunities and hikes near Hood River and nearby Mt. Hood. After all, the Columbia River is wide and impressive, the sun bright, the mountain views pretty dang spectacular, and the trails abundant. So we recently spent a few days exploring, hiking, biking, and discovering some of what there is to do in the region (mostly where trails are concerned). Spoilers: we found plenty. So if you’re ready to plan your own adventure, here are some of our favorite hikes near Hood River and Mt. Hood!

  • The Best Sustainable Trail Running Gear of 2024!

    ByAlisha McDarris

    Trail running. It’s what makes running bearable, in our opinion. 😅 Seriously, though, it wasn’t until I ran on dirt (as opposed to cement sidewalks or asphalt streets) that I realized running could be fun. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the scenery, the distraction that come with moving fast (or at least semi-fast) over uneven terrain make an activity I always thought I hated…fun! Now I look forward to lacing up my shoes and hitting the trails to see how much elevation I can gain in an hour and how the mountains outside my window change from season to season (and sometimes week to week). And if trail running is more than an occasional hobby, if it’s your passion, the right clothing and gear can make a big difference. So if you’re ready to level up your trail running wardrobe and tech game, these are some of our favorite pieces of sustainable trail running gear to get you pumped to head outdoors.

  • The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots and Shoes for Outdoor Adventure!

    ByAlisha McDarris

    We shout a lot about barefoot shoes here at Terradrift. But that’s because we believe in the concept not just as a more comfortable and freeing way to exist in the world, but as a way to promote better foot function, balance, stability, and natural movement. After all, our feet were designed to move just the way they are, without all the extra support and cushioning (and the decidedly non foot-shaped design of modern footwear), so let’s let them! So if you’re headed out on a hike soon, check out what we think are the best barefoot hiking boots and shoes in town and free your feet.

  • 5 Sustainable Sun Hoodies: Protect Your Delicate Epidermis on Your Next Adventure [2026]

    ByAlisha McDarris

    If there’s one thing I have in common with thru-hikers (there’s way more than one…) it’s the dress code for summer hiking: teeny tiny shorts on the bottom and full-coverage up top. Yup, when it’s sunny outside, even when it’s hot, you better believe I’m protecting my delicate epidermis with a sustainable sun hoody. I mean, who wants to stop every hour to slather more sunscreen up and down their arms, neck, and chest, am I right? And who wants to carry that much sunscreen on a backpacking trip? Not me; I’m an ultralighter. So yeah, you’re waaaay more likely to catch me in full sleeves and a hood when it’s hot outside than a tank top (at least when I’m hiking, biking, or trail running for more than an hour). But not all sun hoodies are created equal. Some are created more equal than others. Fortunately, we found four solid, sustainable sun hoodies for all kinds of outdoor activities so you can wander without getting sunburned.

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    Are Group Hiking Trips Worth It? I Went to Sedona to Find Out.

    ByAlisha McDarris

    Whether you don’t like to hike or travel solo, can’t convince anyone from your friends or family group to join you on an exploratory hiking trip, or you simply like the camaraderie and all-inclusive pre-planned schedule group trips offer, a fully guided group trip may be for you. And if you love the outdoors, chances are you’ve heard about REI Adventures trips, which are packed with hiking, camping, lodges, and plenty of other outdoorsy fun. But are REI Adventures worth it (or any group hiking trip, for that matter)? I recently joined REI on their Sedona, Arizona luxury hiking trip to see what these sorts of experiences are all about and who is sure to enjoy them (and who probably won’t).

  • Lightweight AND Comfortable? This is the Deuter Aircontact Ultra

    ByJosh McDarris

    Maybe you’re one of those backpackers who’s intrigued by the concept of ultralight but you’re not quite ready to make the plunge. Maybe you want something with a bit more support that’s able to carry slightly heavier loads more comfortably than, say, a frameless ultralight pack. After all, if you have more traditional gear, it probably weighs quite a bit more than a slimmed down UL kit. Well we’ve got good news. We tested what might just be the perfect pack for backpackers who want to reduce weight without fully committing to going ultralight, who want comfort and functionality without sacrificing anything, and who might be considering transitioning to ultralight over time: The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 40+5, which excels at fit, function, and comfort and does it all at a lower base weight. Here’s what we thought of it.

  • A Fun and Functional Ultralight Daypack: The Gossamer Gear Loris 25

    ByAlisha McDarris

    You know I love a good daypack. Bonus points if it also looks as good as it is functional. Fortunately, the newly updated Loris 25 daypack from Gossamer Gear, which is more sustainable than ever thanks to a recent materials upgrade, is just that. Is it the perfect daypack? Well, I dunno about that. But it might be pretty dang close. And who am I to say whether or not it’s perfect for you? So check out our review to see what makes this ultralight daypack tick.

  • The 10 Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms 2024

    ByAlisha McDarris

    Stop getting your mom cheesy mugs, crappy candy, and flowers that are just gonna die in a surprisingly short 2.5 days. She doesn’t want that crap. She told us. She wants to play outside instead. So snag her one of these gifts for outdoorsy moms instead this Mother’s Day and make her (or them) a truly happy camper.

  • Sustainable Duffel Bags: Your Guide to 4 of Our Fave Travel Bags

    ByAlisha McDarris

    If there’s one piece of gear we’ve come to appreciate most in the last couple of years, it’s the not-so-humble duffel bag. Versatile, durable, and endlessly useful, duffels have become essential companions for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at four rad, more sustainable duffel bags that are designed for travel and adventure.

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    5 of the Best Hikes near Austin, Texas (From My New Guidebook!)

    ByAlisha McDarris

    I wrote a guidebook!! I know, right?! Exciting stuff! It’s called Hiking Texas Hill Country, published by the inimitable Falcon Guides. And it was a looooooot of work, so I’m stoked to finally see it come into the world! (Some of you may remember we lived in Austin for 8 years, give or take a year or so to travel). As a teaser, I wanted to share 5 of the best hikes near Austin that are included in the book to whet your appetite, encourage you to lace up your boots, and consider buying the book, which offers everything from descriptions of flora and fauna to turn-by-turn hiking directions to epic imagery to inspire adventure! The official release date is May 7, 2024, but you can pre-order the book HERE and it will be shipped to you as soon as it drops! Or stop by your favorite independent local bookstore and request they order it for you (we love supporting local bookstores). But while you wait, here are some of our favorite hikes from the guidebook.