Hi, I'm Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside and former Northwest Editor at Backpacker magazine. Click my photo to learn more about me and my blog. Sign up for my free email newsletter in the blue box above. Click on Subscribe Now! in the main menu (top right) to get full access to all of my stories on America's best backpacking, hiking, and outdoor adventures. And click on Ask Me in the main menu to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

“The Big Outside has been an incredible source of inspiration and a very helpful guide for planning my outdoor adventures over the past couple years, as well a go-to source for reliable gear reviews. Thank you so much for sharing this wealth of knowledge and experience.”
—Brad

“Your blog has given me inspiration for so many of my family’s backpacking trips. Thanks for all you do—it certainly makes a difference in our lives, and it’s reassuring knowing that we have such a knowledgeable resource to turn to when we plan our trips into the backcountry with our kids.”
—Nancy

“Thank you for all of your help in planning my trip. We had a great experience and enjoyed every moment. I am hopeful that my kids will appreciate it even more as they grow older.”
—Sandra