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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!…

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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…

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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…

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  • Coast Guard Station at sleeping bear point on a cloudy day

    9 Best Places To Stay In Traverse City, Michigan

    February 6, 2026
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  • image of a backpacking camp set up

    9 Best Sleeping Pads (Backpacking, Car Camping & More)

    January 22, 2026
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  • 7 Best Places to Stay on the North Shore, MN

    January 15, 2026
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  • 27 Things to Do on the North Shore, MN (RANKED!!!)

    January 14, 2026
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  • image of a cove in michigan at the pictured rocks at sunset

    13 Epic Michigan Travel Destinations (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    January 11, 2026
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  • Kayaker at the Apostle Islands Sea Caves

    15 Best Places to Stay in Bayfield, Wisconsin

    January 10, 2026
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  • 15 Cute Hiking Outfit Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 9, 2026
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  • 15 Things to Do in the San Juan Islands (by a kayak guide!)

    January 8, 2026
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  • image of clear waters of the US Virgin Islands National Park

    12 Midwest Spring Break Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 3, 2026
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  • 13 Best Beaches in Michigan (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 3, 2026
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Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 5 … 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.

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