Entries by Frugal Backpacker

Hiking John Rock

The unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing in WNC this winter has us jonesing for a day on the trail. One of our favorite spots for a long-ish hike with a serious payoff at the end is John Rock. This fairly steep hike to the upper slab of John Rock climaxes in fantastic views, including […]

Winter Hiking in the North Carolina Mountains

It may be a little hard to imagine layering up for a winter hike with the unseasonably warm weather we’ve seen over the past few weeks, but a chilly trek with friends is one of my favorite activities during the season of staying inside. When a sunny day shines down between bouts of frosty mornings […]

Hiking Mount Pisgah

We’re all too familiar with the winter challenge of trying to squeeze in a quick after-work hike before the sun sets. That’s why we’re always happy to find an enjoyable but relatively close to town hike like Mount Pisgah, that’s. A 3-mile round trip hike to the top of Mount Pisgah provides breathtaking scenery just 30 minutes […]

Thanks for Donating Over 200 Coats

Thanks for helping us collect over 200 coats for Eblen Charities. As the lowest temperatures of winter hit the mountains, they’ll make sure they make it to those in our community who need them the most. During November and December, we joined with Diamond Brand Outdoors and our customers to collect coats, hats, and gloves for the […]

Get 20% Off During Eblen Charities Coat Drive

Last year, you helped us get over 400 coats to those in our community who need them most. This year, we’ve set a goal of 450 coats for Eblen Charities and you can score a discount for doing good. November 19-December 24, you’ll receive 20% off an item for bringing in a gently used coat. […]

Backcountry Cooking

One thing we’ve found to be almost invariably true is that people who love the outdoors also love food. Food is, after all, one of life’s pleasures, and is rarely appreciated more than when you can dig into a hot and satisfying meal around a campfire, after a hard day of hiking. But when it […]

What Are Samples, Anyway?

Short Answer: Samples are current season items from top brands that we make available below MSRP. But seriously, where do they come from? Producing high-quality clothing is an involved process. About a year before you see items hit stores, top brands have already designed their lines and received finished samples of the final line. They […]

Hiking Craggy Gardens

If you want the reward of a beautiful view without an arduous hike, look no further than Craggy Gardens. A short 1.4-mile hike provides you with postcard-perfect 365-degree mountain views. The views are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset (don’t forget your headlamp). In addition to great views, the high elevation allows you to spot […]

Outdoor Safety Basics

We truly live in an outdoor paradise. WNC offers hundreds of beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking overlooks. But to make the most out of your adventure, it’s vital to be well prepared and think about a few essentials for a rewarding (and safe) experience. Water: Always bring along enough water for your hike. An average […]

Backpacking Basics: How to Fit a Pack

Western North Carolina is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. Gorgeous views, rugged terrain, and temperate weather make it ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including backpacking. However, nothing ruins an adventure as quickly as an ill-fitting pack. A poor fitting pack can lead to a host of issues ranging from slight inconveniences to serious back […]