• Home
  • Blog
    • Midwest
      • Michigan
      • Wisconsin
      • Minnesota
    • Travel
      • Pacific Northwest
      • British Columbia
      • Southwest
    • Beginner Outdoor Guides
    • Creator Tips
    • Hello Stranger Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Work With Me
  • About
    • about me
    • full publications list
hello stranger midwest adventure

Beginner’s Guide to Ultralight Backpacking (by an outdoor guide!)

Looking to slim down your pack and dive into the world of ultralight backpacking? From weight savings to what gear you actually need, here's a beginner's guide to ultralight backpacking!…

Read more

Best Backpacking Meals (By an outdoor guide!)

Looking for the best backpacking meals on the market? Dehydrated and Freeze-dried meals can be hit or miss. Luckily, I've laid out the best tested and true backpacking meals so…

Read more

Best Backpacking Tents (budget-friendly & ultralight)

Looking for the best backpacking tents on the market? From ultralight to budget-friendly, here's a quick guide to how to chose the best backpacking tent for you, from someone who's…

Read more
  • Image of a flat lay of six sports bras spread out on a bed

    Best Sports Bras for Hiking (by an outdoor guide!)

    April 29, 2026
    Read more
  • image of a road winding into Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    9 Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    April 23, 2026
    Read more
  • 7 Secret Michigan Swimming Holes You’ve Never Heard Of

    April 16, 2026
    Read more
  • image of three kayakers sitting by the edge of Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin

    13 Epic Wisconsin Travel Destinations (by an outdoor guide)

    April 14, 2026
    Read more
  • A woman stands in a valley wearing legging style hiking shorts

    Best Hiking Shorts (for women, by an outdoor guide!)

    April 11, 2026
    Read more
  • image of waterfall Gorge Falls in the upper peninsla near Ironwood, Michigan

    Ultimate Upper Peninsula Waterfall Road Trip (Michigan’s Best!)

    March 25, 2026
    Read more
  • Beachscape and sand dunes with crystal clear water at the Dune Climb Hike in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Traverse City

    Where To Stay Near Sleeping Bear Dunes (best cabins, camping & more!)

    March 20, 2026
    Read more
  • image of a cowboy camp at sunrise. A sleeping bag sits on top of a sleeping pad next to a sea kayak in the Apostle Islands

    Best Sleeping Bags (Backpacking, Car Camping & more!)

    March 15, 2026
    Read more
  • Where To Stay In The San Juan Islands (Hotels & Camping!)

    March 8, 2026
    Read more
  • image of a girl at camp

    Insta360 X5 Review: Versatile Camera For Outdoor Adventure

    March 4, 2026
    Read more
Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 … 17 Older Posts

hello stranger // about me

Hi there, and welcome to Hello Stranger. My name is Maddy, and I'm the voice behind the blog. I'm a writer, paddler, photographer, traveller, and freelance editor. I'm committed to exploring the beautiful American Midwest to prove that you can find real adventure anywhere! Toss your email below to keep up with the adventure!

note: this website uses affiliate links! this means if you choose to make a purchase based on recommendation I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

looking for something?

private policy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2026 Madeline Marquardt