Jim Rahtz

My name is Jim, though on the trail I'm occasionally known as Simba. When I retired a few years ago I returned to backpacking and found, for me, the sweet spot is long trails, but not that long. In the past few years I've thru-hiked the Colorado Trail, Long Trail, JMT, Tahoe Rim Trail, Sheltowee Trace and others. To me, these 200-500 mile trails can be life changing, without taking so long that I have to change my life to accomplish them. I think they're a great alternative for those that don't have the time, ability, circumstances, or need to hike one of the Triple Crown. I'm a Past President of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio and through the years have written other articles and a few books about backpacking. Much of my local hiking is covered at backpackohio.com.

Posts

Feeling Safe Again on the Appalachian Trail

Feeling Safe Again on the Appalachian Trail

The recent killing on the Appalachian Trail of Ronald Sanchez has shattered many people’s confidence in their personal safety while on the trail.

May 22, 2019 : Jim Rahtz
How to Bikepack Across Ohio on the Ohio to Erie Trail

How to Bikepack Across Ohio on the Ohio to Erie Trail

Bikepacking the Ohio to Erie Trail Length: 326 miles Location: The trail runs from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland Trail

Feb 20, 2019 : Jim Rahtz
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Convert 2 Four-Season Tent

Gear Review: Sierra Designs Convert 2 Four-Season Tent

Sierra Designs Convert 2 I was recently given the opportunity to test the Sierra Designs Convert 2 four-season tent. I had not used a four-season

Nov 14, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
Three Favorite Day Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Three Favorite Day Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Many readers of this website are intimately aware of the 70 miles of the AT that travel through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there are

Oct 4, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
Gear Review: Sierra Designs’ High Side Solo Tent

Gear Review: Sierra Designs’ High Side Solo Tent

Sierra Designs High Side Solo Tent  Late last fall I was given the opportunity to test the new Sierra Designs High Side solo tent before it became

Sep 6, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
The Best Hikes in the Midwest

The Best Hikes in the Midwest

The Midwest is certainly not famous for long trails or epic mountain hikes. For example, in my home state of Ohio, the highest point is 1,550-foot

Aug 25, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
Six Reasons to Visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Six Reasons to Visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

In very northern Minnesota, there are over a million acres of preserved wilderness just waiting for you. Sitting on the thick bedrock of the Canadian

Jun 27, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
The John Muir Trail: 211 Miles of Bucket-List Hiking

The John Muir Trail: 211 Miles of Bucket-List Hiking

Length: 211 miles, plus ten more to get off Mt. Whitney. Location: The trail runs from Yosemite National Park to the peak of Mt. Whitney. Trail

Jun 15, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
The Colorado Trail: Epic Big-Mountain Hiking at its Finest

The Colorado Trail: Epic Big-Mountain Hiking at its Finest

Length: 485 miles Location: The trail runs from near Denver to Durango, Colorado Trail Type: Out and back or shuttle Scenery: Classic Rocky

Mar 23, 2018 : Jim Rahtz
Vermont’s Long Trail: The First US Long-Distance Hiking Trail

Vermont’s Long Trail: The First US Long-Distance Hiking Trail

Length: 273 miles Location: The trail runs along the spine of the Green Mountains for the length of the state of Vermont Trail Type:

Mar 9, 2018 : Jim Rahtz