Category: Lists

List: 10 Essentials for Day Hiking

Because s@%$ happens…

When I don’t have time for an overnight backpacking trip, I still like to hike nearby trails. If I’m hiking a trail shorter than five miles that I’ve already done before, I often only take my Salomon Hydro Handset, which holds my ID and my truck key. (I know that’s not the best practice way to do things, but I’m honest.) If I’m doing a longer trail, however, or a trail I’m not familiar with, I do take along the 10 essentials.  Continue reading “List: 10 Essentials for Day Hiking”

List: Overnight Backpacking Gear

There’s a first time for everything

I sometimes get asked to speak about backpacking at local outfitters. It’s great meeting beginners and seasoned backpackers alike, and there are always some great questions at the end. The downside is that there’s never enough time to answer all the questions, or give greater detail. This post is in response to a question I get asked nearly every time: “What should I take (specifically) on my first overnight trip?”

Continue reading “List: Overnight Backpacking Gear”

List: Helpful Links

#themoreyouknow

While I definitely have first-hand experience playing in the great outdoors, I also do a lot of research on trails, gear, and other topics before I set out. Here are some sites that have been very helpful in the past few years with my gear, the AT, el Camino, and general recklessness.

Feel free to comment with your own helpful links for others!

Continue reading “List: Helpful Links”

Finance List: Appalachian Trail costs

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The questions I’ve been asked most about the Appalachian Trail:

  1. You did the whole thing? How long did it take you?
  2. How did you get the time to do it?
  3. How much did it cost?

I want to tackle question #3 in this post. The answer: the cost depends on the hike. Hike your own hike refers to more than just your speed; it encompasses all the decisions.   Continue reading “Finance List: Appalachian Trail costs”

List: Trail Etiquette

Don’t be that guy.

In the words of M*A*S*H’s Major Frank Burns, “It’s nice to be nice… to the nice.”

A lot of trail etiquette is the same we use everyday – treating others politely and taking care of our surroundings. Here’s a list of certain “rules” and tips for keeping proper trail etiquette on the Appalachian Trail, el Camino, other long trails, and in your local park.  Continue reading “List: Trail Etiquette”