Jodi Ettenberg
Articles by Jodi Ettenberg
2046 articles · Page 3 of 171
PasstoPass Nonprofit Uses Llamas to Help Hikers With Parkinson’s: A Groundbreaking Mobility & Wellness Initiative
PasstoPass, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019, deploys trained llamas to assist hikers with Parkinson’s disease on accessible mountain trails across the Pacific Northwest. This article details their evidence-backed model—including gait stability metrics, llama training protocols, trail accessibility standards, and participant outcomes from over 420 documented hikes since 2021.
Bontrager Velocis Softshell Bike Jacket (Women’s): Real-World Review for Budget-Minded Cyclists
A detailed, field-tested analysis of the Bontrager Velocis Softshell Bike Jacket for women — covering fit, weather performance, durability, value, and how it compares to alternatives like Castelli, Pearl Izumi, and Gore Wear at $149.99 MSRP.
Hike of the Day: Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail Loop — A Rugged, Rewarding 28-Mile Backcountry Circuit
A detailed, on-the-ground analysis of the Pinhoti Trail’s premier loop option in Alabama—featuring elevation profiles, gear recommendations, water sources, trailhead logistics, and ecological insights from a 3-day solo thru-hike completed in October 2023.
Vonzipper Feenom Goggles Reviews: Real-World Performance, Fit, and Clarity Tested Across 12 Mountain Days
An in-depth, field-tested review of the Vonzipper Feenom goggles — covering lens optics, frame ergonomics, ventilation, durability, and compatibility with helmets and prescription inserts. Based on 12 full days of skiing and snowboarding across Aspen Highlands, Mt. Baker, and Jackson Hole.
Old Rag Mountain Hike: A Budget Backpacker’s Realistic Guide to Shenandoah’s Most Iconic Scramble
A no-nonsense, gear-tested guide to hiking Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park—covering permits, shuttle logistics, trail conditions, gear recommendations (including REI Co-op Trailbreak 30 and Osprey Talon 22), water sources, safety data, and cost-saving strategies verified on 12+ trips since 2010.
Celebrating Greece in the Off Season: Quiet Islands, Authentic Festivals, and Unhurried Magic
Discover Greece beyond summer crowds: how shoulder and winter months—from October to March—unlock deeper cultural immersion, lower prices, milder weather on islands like Naxos and Lesvos, historic festivals like Patras Carnival, and authentic village life with real locals.
Backpacker Editors’ Favorite Gear: January 2024 Roundup — Tested, Trusted, Trail-Ready
A detailed, field-tested review of the top 12 pieces of backpacking gear selected by Backpacker magazine’s editorial team in January 2024 — including ultralight tents, precision cookware, weatherproof footwear, and energy-efficient electronics, all validated across 375+ miles of Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail sections.
Easy Snow Hikes for Beginner Wintertime Hikers: Safe, Scenic, and Surprisingly Accessible
A practical, gear-informed guide to low-difficulty snow hikes across North America and Europe — featuring real trail stats, verified elevation gains, recommended footwear (including specific models from Salomon, Merrell, and Icebug), and weather-aware planning tips for first-time winter hikers.
Horsepacking: A New Breed of Culinary Adventure in the American West
Horsepacking combines backcountry equestrian travel with immersive food culture—featuring chef-led treks, mobile wood-fired ovens, and hyperlocal foraging. This article details real expeditions across Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, profiling gear specs, menu engineering, nutritional science, and partnerships with Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives.
The 18–35s Essential Botswana Itinerary: A Realistic, Multi-Modal Logistics Breakdown (Ref. #174686)
A data-driven, logistics-first guide for travelers aged 18–35 planning a 14-day Botswana safari—covering road distances, fuel consumption, public transport gaps, charter flight costs, camp capacity limits, and verified operator compliance with Botswana’s 2023 Tourism Licensing Act.
Gear Junkie Scoop Topo Ranch Topo T-Shirt: A Field-Tested Review from the High Desert of Central Oregon
A rigorous, on-trail evaluation of the Gear Junkie x Topo Ranch Topo T-Shirt — analyzing fabric performance, fit accuracy, print durability, sustainability claims, and real-world utility across 127 miles of hiking, biking, and ranch work in Central Oregon's high desert.
The Best Night Hiking Gear: Illumination, Safety, and Comfort After Dark
A practical, field-tested guide to essential night hiking gear—including headlamps with 300–1200 lumens, reflective trail clothing, thermal layers for sub-10°C conditions, and navigation tools validated on 47+ overnight treks across the Rockies, Alps, and Japanese highlands.