Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips
In 2017 I did a Reddit AMA at /r/Ultralight. Over the course of five or six hours, I was asked a bunch of hiking-related questions, one of which was, “Can you give me your best piece of advice for backpacking Read More …
As another decade draws to a close, I look back with an appreciative smile. Over the past ten years my journeys taken me from the snow-capped peaks of Peru to the Aurora Borealis of Arctic Norway, and from the pristine Read More …
The Southwestern Horseshoe (SWH) is an approximately 1800 mile (2896 km) backcountry route from Arches National Park to Albuquerque. It passes through three states, five national parks and combines lengthy segments of the Hayduke, Arizona and Grand Enchantment Trails. I Read More …
Every year I receive a handful of emails about poncho tarps. In particular, whether or not I think they represent a viable shelter and rain gear option for thru-hiking. The short answer is yes, but with some fairly large caveats. Read More …
On December 29, 2012, I finished the longest journey of my hiking life. A 14,342 mi (23,081 km), almost eighteen-month odyssey called the 12 Long Walks. I had planned to end my trip at the Appalachian Trail’s southern terminus of Read More …
“The path wound its way through the snow laden trees. The forest had an ethereal quality, that made me feel as if I was floating rather than hiking. It was mid-November in the Appalachian mountains. Winter was coming.” ~ Cam Read More …
Note: The following story took place during my 2011 thru hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail. The Tungsten Mining cabins are situated in Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness. After a long day’s walk in the rain, I arrived at the Tungsten Mining Read More …
Distance: 743 miles (1196 km) approx. Avg. Time: 45 – 50 days Start: Cap Gaspe, Quebec, Canada Finish: Mt.Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine, USA Maps / Information: In October 2011, I hiked from Cap Gaspe, Quebec, via New Brunswick to Read More …
The following meeting took place during my Continental Divide Trail hike of 2012: As I descended towards Morrison Lake, I was approached by a latino man on horseback. He greeted me with an enthusiastic, “Hola Amigo!” Much to his surprise, I responded in Spanish. Read More …
Distance: 296 miles (476 km) Avg. Time: 14-17 days Start / Finish: South – Jay Cooke State Park North – Otter Lake Road Transport: See the Transportation page on the Superior Hiking Trail Association website (SHTA). Provides up to date information on getting Read More …
I hiked the Appalachian Trail between October 17 and December 28, 2012 (72.5 days). It was the 12th and final thru-hike of the 12 Long Walks. The lowest temps encountered were in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains (7°F / -14°C), and Read More …
Mount Assiniboine is Canada’s answer to the Matterhorn. The tallest mountain in the southern Canadian Rockies, this striking pyramidal peak rises more than 500 m (1,640 ft) above its immediate neighbours. Viewing Assiniboine’s majestic reflection in the crystal clear waters of Lake Read More …
Here is a video clip from the talk I gave at ALDHA West on September 28, 2013. This particular excerpt relates to the Southeastern Serpentine Trail, the sixth of the 12 Long Walks. It includes reminisces about robberies, solitude, hypothermic weather and Pabst-Blue Ribbon Read More …
The Bartram Trail (BT) runs for 116 miles between Russel Bridge, GA and Cheoah Bald, NC. It is named after William Bartram, 18th century botanist, writer and all-around outdoorsy type. Scenic, but not jaw-droppingly so, it remains relatively unknown in the US long Read More …
“In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.” – Albert Einstein Idealistically speaking, ‘Leave No Trace’ is a philosophy that most outdoor enthusiasts embrace. Unfortunately, when it comes to the environment, ideals and realities are not always Read More …
I’m a firm believer that time spent in the wilderness will ultimately be your best backcountry teacher. That being said, we all occasionally need a nudge in the right direction. The following hiking-related websites are excellent resources for planning, gear, Read More …
On January 28 I did an interview with Network 10’s (Australia) Los Angeles bureau. It was the first time I had ever been on television. Whilst it was a little surreal hiking in the shadows of the Hollywood sign, I was made Read More …
During the course of the 12 Long Walks, I ran into approximately 35 to 40 youth groups whilst out on the trail. Some of these were wilderness therapy groups, others were church affiliated, but the majority were Boy Scouts. Three things stood out Read More …
Distance: 225 miles (362 km) Time: 8.5 days (8/8/11 – 8/16/11) Avg. Miles per day: 26.5 miles (42.6 km) Total Miles: 1184 miles (1905.1 km) Highlights: Polebridge Mercantile: My second favourite trail bakery in the USA after the undisputed champion, Stehekin, WA. Read More …
Distance: 149 miles (239.7 km) Time: 6 days (8/2/11 – 8/7/11)……..includes rest day in Northport. Avg. Miles per day: 24.8 miles (40 km) Total Miles: 959 miles (1543 km) Highlights: Metaline Falls, WA: Population 238. Possibly my favourite town on the PNT. Stayed Read More …