Most people think winter camping means dealing with temperatures in the 20s or maybe the teens. But true cold-weather camping—the kind you'll encounter in places like Alaska, northern Canada, or the high peaks of the Rockies in winter—operates by an entirely different set of rules.

Picture this: You're scrolling through AllTrails, excited about your first real hiking adventure, when you come across a trail description that says "7.2 miles, 2,847 feet elevation gain, hard difficulty." Your heart sinks. Hard? Are you ready for that?

Starting your hiking journey can feel overwhelming when you're faced with endless gear lists and conflicting advice. Trust me, I've been there. When I first started hiking, I spent hours researching what seemed like hundreds of "essential" items

If you've stumbled upon this little corner of the internet, chances are you share something in common with me: a deep love for the great outdoors.