Benjamin Tepler

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Benjamin Tepler

4 hours agoCali, Colombia – Under lush trees drooping with moss and vines, Carlos Hernando Molina whistles as he approaches a herd of brown cows. This farm, called El Hatico, has been in Molina's family since the late 1700s. For centuries his family's cows would graze in open pastures under the hot sun. But in …

Jan 16, 2025 | backpacker.com | Benjamin Tepler

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Traction devices are a point of contention for many thru-hikers. Many long trails in this country include stretches of hiking over ice, snow, and glacier depending on when you start and the direction you hike. Some hikers opt out of carrying them altogether for weight-savings. Some send them to resupply points, hoping that their timing will line up.

Dec 24, 2024 | backpacker.com | Benjamin Tepler

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. A fleece jacket or pullover has been the essential hiking layer for decades. Fleece is robust, keeps you warm even when you get wet, and is generally inexpensive compared to down and other synthetics. But today's options are vastly more technical and varied than your parents' Patagonia pullover.

Oct 11, 2024 | backpacker.com | Benjamin Tepler

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. This afternoon, Red Wing Shoe Company sent out a press release announcing that its popular subsidiary shoe and boot brand, Vasque, would cease operations. "We have...made the difficult decision to sunset the Vasque brand and our outdoor business as we know it today," said Red Wing in a statement.

Sep 25, 2024 | backpacker.com | Benjamin Tepler

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Anyone hunting for an ultralight backpack in today's market faces a sea of indistinguishable, crinkled, grayish-black rucksacks. The number of thru-hiker-focused designs from both cottage brands and larger companies, clad in either Dyneema or Ultra fabrics, is staggering.