When I started traveling to Costa Rica as a solo backpacker in 1997, I had done a ton of homework, and thought I was prepared for 6 months of travel through Costa Rica’s extraordinarily varied microclimates. During my adventures I struggled with being perpetually damp and often cold in the cloud forests of Monteverde and San Gerardo de Rivas . Unfortunately my tent had been devoured by a type of nylon chewing ant that turned waterproof fabric into confetti! It’s hard to be prepared for everything… Now I am part of a family of 5, so planning a yearly 6 month trip has taken on new challenges. Fortunately we have years of experience now. So here is what I have to share. Whether you’re exploring the lush mountains of Monteverde or soaking up the sun on the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, packing smart is key. Costa Rica’s climate varies dramatically—humid and hot on the beaches, cool and misty in the mountains—so you’ll need a well-rounded packing list. We’re in and out of the water a lo...

We got the bug for backpacking while approaching Mt. Katahdin. The standard approach was inaccessible to larger vehicles in Baxter State Park, so we were forced to ditch our Skoolie (converted school bus), and join the AT. This approach from outside the park to the south meant joining up with the north bound thru-hikers that were finishing their AT bid. It was a match made in heaven, and now we prefer to travel on foot. On that first trek we didn’t have the right gear, but we had the right attitude… Oh how our gear has evolved! Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission for purchases made via these links at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!  Long distance trekking demands careful gear selection. Every ounce counts, and going ultralight means striking the perfect balance between weight, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re crossing the Mojave D...