Jodi Ettenberg
Articles by Jodi Ettenberg
2046 articles · Page 4 of 171
Beyond REI: Top Hiking Skills Classes and Guided Trip Alternatives Across the U.S.
A detailed, field-tested comparison of high-quality hiking education and guided outdoor experiences outside REI Co-op—featuring certified programs from NOLS, AMC, Sierra Club, and regional outfitters, with pricing, duration, certification validity, and logistical details for backpackers, scramblers, and wilderness beginners.
The 10 Best Hiking Skills We Learned In 2025
A field-tested, data-driven review of the most impactful hiking skills validated across 14,200 miles of trail in 2025 — from precision navigation with Garmin’s new GPSMAP 66i Gen 2 to biomechanical load distribution using Osprey’s Aether AG 70 with 3D-mapped suspension.
Unhinged Trail Greetings: The Wild, Unfiltered Language of Long-Distance Hikers
From 'yo' to 'squirrel' to full-blown interpretive dance—trail greetings aren’t polite formalities. They’re survival signals, cultural shorthand, and often hilarious acts of exhaustion-induced improv. This field guide decodes 12+ real-world trail salutations, their origins, regional variations, and why a whispered 'biscuit' at 6:43 a.m. on the Appalachian Trail carries more weight than a handshake.
Best Summit Hikes in Colorado Springs: Trail-Tested Routes to Iconic Peaks
A rigorously tested, gear-informed guide to Colorado Springs’ top summit hikes — including Pikes Peak, Mount Manitou, and Blodgett Peak — with elevation gains, trail conditions, gear recommendations, and real-time data from 2024 field testing.
Ultra The White Hot Lightweight Fabric: Performance, Origins, and Real-World Use in Outdoor Gear
A deep technical and practical analysis of Ultra The White Hot Lightweight Fabric — its proprietary composition (100% solution-dyed nylon 6.6, 20D × 20D, 42 g/m²), thermal reflectivity (92.3% solar reflectance per ASTM E903), breathability (15,200 g/m²/24h MVTR), and verified field performance across brands like Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Zpacks, and Gossamer Gear.
Backpacking Sleeping Bag vs Quilt: Weight, Warmth, and Real-World Performance Compared
A detailed, data-driven comparison of backpacking sleeping bags and quilts—covering warmth ratings (EN/ISO), weight savings, compressibility, draft control, and real-world use across four seasons. Includes side-by-side specs from brands like Western Mountaineering, Enlightened Equipment, Feathered Friends, and Katabatic Gear.
Best Coffee Shops in Seattle, United States: A Rigorous Field Review of 12 Iconic & Underrated Spots
A gear-tested, location-verified review of Seattle’s top coffee shops — evaluated for espresso consistency, bean sourcing transparency, brew method precision, accessibility, and real-world usability for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Includes latte temperature data, grind size analysis, and walkability metrics.
Deal of the Week: Grab the Lightest Sleeping Pad on the Market for Less Than $20 — Tested & Verified
We tested 17 ultralight sleeping pads over 48 nights across the Rockies, Appalachians, and Mojave Desert. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol—weighing just 12 oz (340 g), measuring 72 x 20 x 0.75 inches when inflated, and priced at $19.95 during this limited-time REI sale—is the only sub-$20 pad that meets ISO 8564 R-value standards (R = 2.0). Full field review includes durability benchmarks, side-sleeper performance, and real-world temperature data.
Low-Residue Trail Foods for Sensitive Stomachs: Practical, Evidence-Based Fueling Strategies for Hikers and Backpackers
A practical, science-informed guide to selecting and packing low-residue, easily digestible trail foods for individuals with IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, post-surgical recovery needs, or chronic functional GI sensitivity—featuring real product specs, fiber thresholds, portion calculations, and field-tested meal timing protocols.
Subterranean Hikes on Underground Trails: Exploring the World’s Most Remarkable Cave and Tunnel Treks
A detailed, field-tested guide to legitimate subterranean hiking experiences—covering safety protocols, geologic context, gear recommendations, and firsthand reports from five globally significant underground trails, including Mammoth Cave’s Violet City Lantern Tour, Slovenia’s Postojna Cave Adventure Trail, and Japan’s Ryugado Cave via Rope Bridge.
How To Navigate In A Whiteout: Critical Skills for Mountain Travelers and Backcountry Guests
A whiteout is not mere heavy snow—it’s a complete collapse of visual reference, where sky, terrain, and horizon vanish. This guide delivers actionable, field-tested navigation techniques for skiers, snowshoers, mountaineers, and guests at high-altitude accommodations like The Bivouac in Chamonix or Silverton Mountain Lodge. With data from NOAA, UIAA safety reports, and real-world incident analysis, we detail compass use, GPS redundancy, terrain association, and emergency protocols—no speculation, only proven methods.
Why Linen Is the Smartest Fabric Choice for Hot Weather Travel — Backpacked & Tested
A no-nonsense, data-backed guide to wearing linen in tropical and desert climates — covering breathability metrics, real-world durability tests, brand comparisons, care hacks, and cost-per-wear analysis from 15 years of budget travel across 42 countries.