Ask any thru-hiker, and theyll tell you that the experience of completing a long-distance trail can be addictive. Our bodies crave the freedom of backpacking, the daily exercise of hiking, the camaraderie of trail life, and the simple pursuit of a destination. Its what draws people back to the trail again and again. And its the subject matter of the documentary The Range of Light.

　　Shot by Paul Pie Ingram (aka @pieonthetrail) in 2019, this film follows him and his two friends, Danielle Sonic Vilaplana and Josh Cheesebeard Tippett, as they embark on a journey through Californias Sierra Nevada Mountains. They link together several high routes and create their own 400-mile thru-hike, which they complete in just 35 days.

　　The full-length documentary explores the addictive nature of hiking. But its also about the environment, the issues facing some of the regions they pass through, and the history of the high routes theyre taking. It premiered in 2023 and won the Best Cinematography award at the Lyons International Film Festival.

　　Produced in association with Gossamer Gear, Bearvault, Enlightened Equipment, and Altitude, The Range of Light is a spectacular watch. Its the perfect primer to get stoked for hiking and camping season. So sit back and settle in if youve got an hour and 20 minutes to burn.

　　Runtime: 1:19:04

　　Backpacking Tips: 7 Hacks From Thru-Hiking the 567-Mile Colorado TrailBefore you pack up and hit the trail, here are some useful backpacking tips, tricks, and hacks that can save you time, energy, and headaches while thru-hiking. Read more