Hilltop Packs Blog

Were You Good This Year? Hilltop Packs Presents the Top 50 Gift Ideas (For People Who Deserve Them) Hey there! The question isn't, "What do you want?" The question is:...

Why Food Storage Matters Hanging your food isn’t just about keeping bears away, it’s about keeping wildlife wild and your camp safe. A properly hung bear bag keeps animals from...

Hey trail friends — Ben here from Hilltop Packs. If you love hunting down gear that’s lightweight, built to last, and won’t break the bank, you’re going to love our...

Proof That 3 Miles Can Build a Trail Family We recently had an incredible weekend for our "Hilltop Packs On The Hill" event, and if there's one thing we learned,...

If you just got home from a backpacking trip, resist the urge to stuff your quilt or sleeping bag back into its tiny compression sack. Sure, it saves space, but...

Hilltop Packs “On The Hill” – November 7th, 8th & 9th, 2025 Let us know your coming with this facebook event page Hilltop Packs On The Hill Facebook Event Page...

This is our “Made in Pennsylvania” story, where craftsmanship, community, and the wilderness meet. When you hold a Hilltop Packs gear item in your hands, whether it’s a custom-printed food...

Six years ago, September 23rd, 2019 to be exact, Hilltop Packs began in the corner of a basement with a single sewing machine and a crazy idea. What started as...

Embarking on a backpacking or hiking adventure can be a transformative experience, but it's essential to be prepared. Whether you're a complete novice or looking to brush up on your...

We're thrilled to announce the release of a new book from our very own founder, Ben McMillen! "268 Mistakes Hikers Make: And How to Avoid Looking Like a Total Newbie...

50 Beginner Backpacking Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead) Your complete trail-tested guide from the team at Hilltop Packs Backpacking is one of the most rewarding ways to...

20 Reasons You Need a Satellite Communicator Like a Garmin on Backpacking Trips Backpacking Safety Tips from Hilltop Packs If you’re planning a remote backpacking trip or venturing deep into...

The 10 Essentials of Hiking/Backpacking What You Need to Stay Safe, Comfortable, and Smiling on the Trail When you're heading into the backcountry—whether it’s for a weekend overnight or a...

"Earning The View" by Ben McMillen I took a trip to Arkansas for a backpacking trip and it took me 2 days of driving to get there. That's a lot...

Gear Up Right: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing Camping, Hiking & Backpacking Gear Planning an outdoor adventure? Whether you're a seasoned wilderness explorer or just starting out, understanding the crucial...

20 Essential Backpacking Tips for a Stellar Outdoor Adventure So, you've decided to answer the call of the wild, trade your comfy bed for a sleeping bag, and carry everything...

Introducing the Boil Buddy: Keep Your Hands Safe and Your Meals Warm When you’re out on the trail, the last thing you want is a burned hand or lukewarm food...

The Wisdom of "Chop Wood, Carry Water" and How It Relates to Backpacking In today’s fast-paced world, we often get caught up in reaching big goals and chasing success. But...

We are thrilled to announce that Hilltop Packs is among the first to stock backpacking meals from Trail Goods Co.! This is a special launch for us. Trail Goods Co....

Hilltop Packs Launches Community-Focused Upcycling Project in Greene County, PA Waynesburg, PA – In a continued effort to support sustainability and serve its local roots, Hilltop Packs has launched an...

From Basement Beginnings to a Thriving Brand: The Hilltop Packs Story Tucked away in the rolling hills of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Hilltop Packs began not in a flashy storefront or a...

Did you know we offer tons of graphics, patterns, and images for you to use on your next custom printed piece of gear?  Use Our Photos, Prints & Graphics for...

This is a big deal. We are expanding our 2 year warranty on sewn products and extending it to 5 years, retroactively. Meaning, even if you bought a piece of...

Good sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. This applies to to everyone and especially backpackers trying to recoup from a strenuous day of hiking. It allows our...