This year’s book list has been revised and significantly expanded, and to make things easier on the sorting front, I’ve divided the works into eight different categories: Educational, Guidebooks, Humour, Inspirational, Literature, Memoirs, Philosophy and Ultralight. All of the more Read More …
Yesterday marked the US release* of my second book with Gestalten Publications, “The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust off the Beaten Path.” In a nutshell, it’s a 272 page coffee table book that features 29 terrific hikes from around the world. Some of Read More …
The article below is a follow-up to last year’s most popular post, The Thru Hiker’s Gear List. In a nutshell, it’s a compilation of gear recommendations from 11 of the most accomplished and experienced long distance hikers in the United States; Read More …
Last year I wrote and co-edited a book by the name of Wanderlust – Hiking on Legendary Trails. In a nutshell, it’s a 256-page coffee table book that features 32 terrific hikes from around the world. Some of the treks Read More …
All of the works listed below have a place in my library at home. They represent a mixture of educational and philosophical texts; with a sprinkling of humour, poetry and social commentary thrown into the literary mix. The books are Read More …
I left Australia in my early 20’s. I’m now in my mid-40’s. Over the years I’ve returned to my homeland on many occasions, and whenever I do I try to get in as much hiking as possible. One place I Read More …
The Alpine Pass Route is a 340 kilometre (211 miles) hiking trail that spans the breadth of Switzerland. Starting in Sargans on the border with Liechtenstein, it passes up and over sixteen mountain passes before reaching its western terminus at Read More …
Thinking about reducing your pack weight, but not exactly sure where to begin? Before you start cutting the labels off your clothes, the edges off your maps and the end off your toothbrush, it’s worth noting that the most significant Read More …
The Hiking Life website has undergone a complete overhaul. After two months of rewriting, resizing and refreshing, the new and improved version is now up and running! The Hiking Life 2.0 contains many new “how to” articles, a backpacking resources guide, loads Read More …
At a Glance Date: December 2-5 (3.5 days) Start: Divisadero Finish: Batopilas Distance: 65.9 miles (106 km) Daily Average: 18.8 miles (30.3 km) Total Distance: 250.4 miles (403 km) Urique High Route Leaving Divisadero, our route skirted the western rim Read More …
Doing my part for the bovine population of northern Arizona.
This is my first backpacking gear list spreadsheet. Were those trumpets I just heard in the background? Indeed, despite having always had a reasonable idea of the combined weight of my gear, this is the first time I’ve ever actually listed Read More …
Four months ago I wrote a post about a fellow hiker by the name of Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva. We had previously met in August last year on the Continental Divide Trail. In early April, Dirtmonger set out on an approximately Read More …
On August 4 and 5 I did a couple of presentations for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) at Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. Both talks, the 12 Long Walks and Going Lighter without Compromising Safety were well received………………at the very least no 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 …
‘To cook, or not to cook, that is the question: Whether it is nobler in the tummy to suffer, The Pangs and Rumbles of going cold, Or to take a stove against a Wave of hunger, And by opposing it; Read More …
When it comes to backcountry cooking, Teresa “Dicentra” Black has made it her mission to expand the minds, as well as the stomachs of her fellow backpacking enthusiasts. Her book and website, both of which are titled One Pan Wonders, contain a multitude of recipes that are 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 …
In late April each year the Pacific Crest Trail has a gathering of aspiring thru hikers, trail angels, lightweight backpacking gear vendors and former hikers. It is held at Lake Morena Country Park in southern California and is known by 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 …