Author
hanalarock
I'm Hana- a freelance travel writer and teacher who currently lives in South Korea. I'm originally from New York, but have spent the last two years traveling and living abroad. My first time hiking in the US was when I traveled around the country as a teenager. Though, my first adult backpacking trip was a year ago, when I hiked from Thailand down to Singapore for a month. I'm looking forward to many more adventures in the future. Visit my site for more information.
316 articles
Backcountry Destinations
The 9 Best Swimming Holes for a Backcountry Dip
Getting outside during the summer is the best. There’s camping, fishing, kayaking, and just sleeping under the stars. While all those things are mighty fun, it can be a little hard to enjoy them fully when you’re suffering in the intolerable heat. If you really want to live up your summer in the outdoors, then […]
1 min read · Jun 29, 2016 · hanalarock
Stories
How the Outdoors Inspired One Girl’s Anthropology Career
When I learned that Kinsey was inspired to study anthropology because of her experience as a backcountry guide, I had to find out more. Here’s her story. 1. What is your experience as a guide? What made you want to become one? My experience as a guide began during and internship with the National Parks Service […]
1 min read · Jun 28, 2016 · hanalarock
Hiking
10 Things to Not Do if You’re a Hiking Guide
This week, a group of sixty Hungarian hikers got stranded in the Austrian Alps when their drunken guide wandered off. It took twelve rescuers to get the group down safely, especially when the weather took a turn for the worse. Being a hiking guide is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to take […]
1 min read · Jun 27, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
(Almost) Free Outdoorsy Things to Do This Summer
We all know that for the most part, getting outdoors is relatively cheap. Even after buying your gear and paying for your park entrance fees and permits, it usually comes out way more affordable than say, a trip to Disney World. That being said, everyone loves to save money where they can. If you’re looking […]
1 min read · Jun 24, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Skills
10 Tasty Summer Snacks for the Outdoors
What’s your favorite part of summertime camping? Is it sleeping under the stars? Playing outside during all hours of the day? Early morning sunrises? Or is it simply eating the delicious food that comes with camping and summer fun? While some of us could eat ice cream in the dead of winter, there are some […]
1 min read · Jun 22, 2016 · hanalarock
Backpacking
This is How to Hike Forever
If you could change one thing about your typical backpacking adventure, what would it be? Most avid backpackers would probably say that they wish they had the ability to explore for a longer period time. While some people get lucky with the time off they have from their jobs, others are not so lucky. Getting […]
1 min read · Jun 21, 2016 · hanalarock
Backcountry Destinations
10 Reasons to Hike the San Juan Islands This Summer
If you want something a little bit different to do this summer, then head to the San Juan Islands. This archipelago has recently become more and more popular among backcountry enthusiasts and travelers alike, so you should definitely get out here before it gets too crowded. These islands may be small compared to other hiking destinations […]
1 min read · Jun 20, 2016 · hanalarock
Stories
You Won’t Believe What These People Said About the Backcountry
While we’d like to think that those who share the same passion of hiking as we do are just as smart and logical as we are, that’s not always the case. Unfortunately, there are some people who head out into the backcountry who are probably a lot better off just staying at home. The term […]
1 min read · Jun 16, 2016 · hanalarock
Hiking
10 Outdoor Activities for Families this Summer
When school lets out for the summer, many families take advantage of the time off and the nice weather to hit the great outdoors. No matter how big or little your kids are, spending time as a family at a national park or forest can be the perfect way to get in some meaningful time […]
1 min read · Jun 15, 2016 · hanalarock
Essentials
Should You Get SAR Insurance This Summer?
The summer is one of the most popular times to hike, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. With more and more people heading to the outdoors for a seasonal adventure, the reports of injuries and even deaths out in the backcountry increase. Unfortunately, the biggest thing that people worry about if […]
1 min read · Jun 14, 2016 · hanalarock
Stories
5 Ways Hiking in the Summer Has Made Me Stronger
I love the summer, don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning to the sun shining, throwing on a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt, and taking on the day ahead. Sure, it might frizz up, but I can just throw my hair up in a pony tail. Sure, I […]
1 min read · Jun 13, 2016 · hanalarock
Gear
Your Favorite Summer Gear List is Here
Unless you live in a climate where the weather is the same all year round, it’s likely that you have a completely different wardrobe for winter and summer. (If you didn’t, we’d be very concerned). While winter gear can be a lot more complex due to the layers you would need to keep yourself warm, […]
1 min read · Jun 9, 2016 · hanalarock