One Hill of an Adventure
Blog
Stories, tips, and lessons from the road. Real trips, real budgets, and everything we learned along the way.
August 28, 2026
You Don't Need to Be Fit or Have Gear to Start Hiking (It’s Way Easier Than You Think!)
You don't need to be fit, outdoorsy, or fully equipped to start hiking. Here's how to choose your first trail and get outside with what you already have.
August 26, 2026
How We Built Our Backpacking Kit for Half the Price
A practical backpacking gear strategy: start early, stay flexible on models, shop smart, and prioritize comfort where it matters most.
July 25, 2026
Gear Cycling: The Smart Way to Get the Travel & Adventure Gear You Want Without Breaking the Bank
A simple way to save money on outdoor gear by buying used in the off season, using it for your adventures, and selling it again when demand comes back.
June 9, 2026
Your Dream Destination Doesn't Need to Be Your Next Destination
The best travel plans often come from staying flexible. Build a bigger list, follow the deal, and stop treating one dream destination as the only one that matters.
June 2, 2026
Stop Leaving Free Money on the Table
Why a High Yield Savings Account Changes Everything: If your travel savings are sitting in a traditional bank account right now, you’re turning down a free flight or a couple of hotel nights every single year.
May 12, 2026
How to Build a Life Experiences List That Actually Gets You Traveling
A better alternative to the bucket list. Inspired by Die with Zero, here's how to organize the experiences that actually matter to you by time windows, energy levels, and who you want to share them with.
April 7, 2026
Maximizing Time Off in 2026: How to Turn 11 Days Off Into 43 Days of Travel
Strategic PTO planning for 2026. Learn how to piggyback vacation days onto federal holidays to create long stretches of travel time with minimal days off.
April 1, 2026
Your Car is Already an Adventure Vehicle (Probably)
You don't need a lifted truck or a built-out van to start adventuring. We drove 35+ states in a 2-door Honda Accord. Functional beats fancy every time.