**A newer 2014 version of this post is available here ** Everyone packs their bags differently, and everyone has different definitions of what’s needed and not needed on the trail. This is a detailed list of what I normally carry on an 2-3 day backpacking trip. REI Flash 62 Backpack Big Agnes Copper Spur … More What’s in my Backpack? (Summer Edition, 2012)
Today, we would assault the first “pass” of the Four pass loop. The goal was to summit West Maroon Pass, descend in the valley and rest up for tomorrows’ summit, Frigid Air Pass. Shortly after leaving camp, we were devoured in the most beautiful meadow I have ever seen. The valley opened up, with the … More Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Colorado (part 2)
I’ve always been a fan of Big Agnes tents; however, their gear tends to be quite expensive (and worth it). What happens when a company famous for making high end tents decides to put their hands in the the affordable realm? The Lost Spring Series tents happen, but do they hold that BA quality? About … More Big Agnes Lone Spring 3 Tent Review
It was a long, long drive, with seven people and seven backpacks piled into the chambers of a rented Dodge Caravan. 24 hours of road time, plus stops and rest breaks makes for a lot of time to think. It was the thoughts, the wonder, the curiosity, the fantasy of my boots on the dirt … More Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Colorado (part 1)
Grandfather mountain is only about an hour from where I live, which makes the fact that I have only visited the mountain once previously utterly absurd. To correct my act of trail blasphemy, I decided to host a hike to one of the famous peaks, Calloways Peak, on one of the less famous trails, the … More Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, Daniel boone Scout trail.
I can’t cover this topic enough, and honestly, I’m almost ashamed that I haven’t covered it before. I adore the outdoors, the plants, the animals, the geology. It’s all amazing, and it’s all amazingly fragile. As outdoor enthusiast, we have a responsibility to help care for what we love. Humans have the incredible ability to … More Leave No Trace. What it means, and why it matters.
It always amazes me, the first thing to go when people hit the trail is always hygiene. I’m a pretty clean guy, so I make sure to stay fresh on the trail. However; For many, staying clean on the trail is simply an inconvenience that wastes precious energy, or perhaps simply seems impossible. Here’s how … More Backpacking Hygiene
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as we boarded the ferry that would carry us across the water to the secluded land mass known as Cumberland Island. Certainly, t he idea of backpacking a 10 mile long island off the coast of Georgia was intriguing, but furthermore the fact that I knew very little … More Cumberland Island National Seashore. A week long journey.
I recently had the chance to do some backpacking in the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness. The area is just over 6,000 acres of wilderness situated just above the Watauga Lake in eastern Tennessee. This area is home to an abundance of black bear, fox, deer, and much more. The Appalachian Trail cuts right through the … More Big Laurel Branch Wilderness
Hiking and backpacking in the winter requires a lot of considerations, and a top priority should be nutrition. Nutrition is always important, but the winter adds additional needs that you may not be away of. You’ll be packing more weight which burns more calories. On top of that, your body will be working constantly to stay … More Winter Nutrition when Hiking and Backpacking
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