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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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  • image of MSR WindBurner in front of kayaks on Oak Island

    9 Best Camping Stoves (by an outdoor guide!)

    September 12, 2025
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  • Fall Color on a backroad near Traverse City, in Northern Michigan

    15 Breathtaking Midwest Fall Destinations (2025!)

    September 1, 2025
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  • Image of a van on backgrounds on a road trip near Lake Michigan in full fall foliage

    13 Mind-Blowing Great Lakes Fall Color Getaways

    August 30, 2025
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  • image of a path through peak fall color in the wisconsin woods

    15 Best Places To See Wisconsin Fall Color (2025!)

    August 29, 2025
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  • Sleeping Bear Dunes in the Fall

    13 Mind-Blowing Fall Color Destinations in Michigan

    August 16, 2025
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  • View from landslide overlook on the Jordan River Pathway

    Ultimate Guide to Torch Lake, Michigan (Hike, Swim & More!)

    July 26, 2025
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  • Ultimate Guide To The Keweenaw Peninsula (Hikes, Waterfalls, & Pasties!)

    July 25, 2025
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  • image of a tent on isle royale when kayak camping isle royale in the fall

    Camping Packing List (For Beginners, by an Outdoor Guide!)

    July 10, 2025
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  • Camping meal ideas - a quinoa bowl in front of british columbia mountains

    13 Camping Meal Ideas (That AREN’T Dehydrated)

    July 6, 2025
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  • sunset on Ruby beach in Olympic National Park

    Olympic National Park Road Trip (Weekend Guide!!)

    June 20, 2025
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Newer Posts 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 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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