There is no universal blueprint as to how you should backpack. We all have our own motivations, needs, and levels of experience. That being said, one thing upon which everyone can agree is that hiking is substantially easier and more Read More …
The Schladming Tauern mountains are a subrange of the Austrian Central Alps. Crisscrossed by a network of rugged footpaths, the ambulatory highlight of the area is its namesake high trail (Höhenweg) which features sweeping glacial valleys, knife-edge ridgelines, lake-dotted plateaus, Read More …
When it comes to thru-hiking its important to have a sleeping bag (or quilt) that meets both your individual needs, as well as the dictates of the environment/s into which you are venturing. The challenge is finding a model that 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 …
Over the past two years, I have used the Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL in a wide range of environments around the world. Testing grounds have included Bolivia’s Altiplano and Cordillera Real, multiple trips in Tasmania’s rugged Southwest Wilderness, Wyoming’s Read More …
In early October, 2016, Greg “Malto” Gressel and I completed a traverse of Wyoming’s spectacular Teton mountain range. Beginning at the Phillips Pass Trailhead (#3001) on HWY 22 just outside of Jackson Hole, we continued north from the Tetons into Read More …
There is no universal blueprint as to how you should backpack. We all have our own motivations, needs, and levels of experience. That said, one thing upon which everyone can agree is that hiking is substantially easier and more enjoyable, Read More …
Some four and a half years after finishing the 12 Long Walks – of which the Calendar Triple Crown constituted the last three hikes – the PCT, CDT, and AT continue to be the trails I am asked about the Read More …
My theoretical introduction to the world of ultralight backpacking came in the late 1990s, in the form of Ray Jardine’s, The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker’s Handbook. [1] In 2003, I received my practical baptism courtesy of a gentleman by the name Read More …
Irrespective of whether I’m carrying an inflatable or closed cell foam model, the one constant in my choice of sleeping pads over the years, has been that I always use mats that are no more than 3/4 length. There are Read More …
To a certain degree, blisters are to hikers what carpal tunnel syndrome is to court reporters – an occupational hazard. The primary cause of these little bubbles of fun is friction. Long hours on your feet combined with ill-fitting footwear Read More …