Hi! We’re Laura and Ryan — two very outdoor enthusiasts who prefer fresh air and winding trails, even if we don’t always know what we’re doing. Our hiking gear is mismatched, our bikes are probably making noise and we love a good snack. Also joining us is Matilda, our tiny dachshund mix with big opinions and little patience for poor navigation.

After years of hiking and biking, the occasional adventure race and trying like hell to learn about gear, we decided it was time to start documenting it all. Thus, Pack the Land was born: an outdoor adventure blog about being in nature, getting things wrong, and loving it all anyway.

What Pack the Land Is (And Isn’t)

This isn’t a guide for experts. We don’t have ultralight packs, elite training schedules, or tips for shaving two ounces off your sleep system. What we do have is a whole lot of honesty, some comical fails and an appreciation for learning the hard way.

We’ll share:

• Trail-tested, amateur-approved gear reviews
• Honest recaps of our races, hikes, and mishaps
• Quick tips we’ve picked up along the way
• The occasional Matilda-approved trail rating

So… Why Follow Along?

Because someone has to be the cautionary tale.

We’re not here to crush PRs or hike 14ers before sunrise (well, maybe Ryan). We’re here to hike, ride, camp, test snacks, laugh, and maybe get a little lost along the way. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, welcome to Pack the Land.

Follow us on Instagram @packtheland and stay tuned for gear drops, trail highlights, and Matilda moments. You bring the snacks, we’ll bring the stories.