Hey, I’m Sophie — and I started PackedTrails because real hikers deserve better advice.
Not vague blog posts written by someone who Googled “how to hike” last Tuesday. Not gear reviews for products the writer has never actually touched. Real, practical, trail-tested advice from someone who genuinely loves being outside — and who spent years frustrated by how hard it was to find.
I’m an intermediate hiker with real trail time under my boots. I’ve planned hikes that went perfectly and a few that went sideways. I’ve bought the wrong gear because a blog told me to, shown up underprepared because nobody warned me what to expect, and experienced that indescribable feeling of standing on a summit thinking — why don’t I do this every single weekend?
PackedTrails exists so more of your hikes end with that last feeling.
The Story Behind PackedTrails
I started hiking seriously a few years ago, and like most beginners, I went looking for guidance online. What I found was either too generic to be useful, too technical for where I was, or clearly written by someone trying to sell me something rather than actually help me.
I wanted a site that felt like getting advice from a friend who actually hikes — honest, practical, occasionally funny, and always focused on helping you have better outdoor experiences. So I built it.
PackedTrails launched as my way of sharing everything I’ve learned: what gear is actually worth buying, how to plan a hike without losing your mind, what to wear so you’re not freezing or overheating, and how to stay safe on trail without making every hike sound like a survival exercise.
What You’ll Find Here
- Hiking guides that get to the point and give you what you actually need
- Honest gear reviews — I only recommend things I’d use myself
- Packing lists that tell you what to bring and what to leave at home
- Clothing guides for every season and every type of hike
- Safety tips that are practical and reassuring, not scary
- Beginner-friendly content that never talks down to you
Who This Is For
PackedTrails is built for hikers at the beginning and middle of their journey. If you’re just starting out and have no idea where to begin — this site is for you. If you hike occasionally and want to feel more confident and better prepared — this site is for you. If you’re getting more serious and want to stop guessing about gear, clothing, and trail planning — you’re in the right place.
A Note on Honesty
Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something I recommend — at no extra cost to you. I want to be upfront about that because it matters. Affiliate relationships never influence what I recommend. I only point you toward gear and products I genuinely believe in. If I wouldn’t use it myself, I won’t tell you to buy it.
Let’s Hit the Trail
If you’re not sure where to start, head to the Start Here page — I’ve put together the most important beginner resources in one place so you can find exactly what you need without digging through the whole site.
And if you ever have a question, a hike recommendation, or just want to share a trail story — my inbox is always open. Drop me a message on the Contact page.
Happy hiking, Sophie