Ken Nail

I've done an Ironman, run the Boston Marathon, and lost on Jeopardy! Currently, I'm an ultrarunner, AT section hiker, and nearly 60-year-old survivor of Adult Onset Athletic Syndrome. “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” Henry David Thoreau

Posts

Gear Review: Six Moon Designs Haven Two-Person Shelter

Gear Review: Six Moon Designs Haven Two-Person Shelter

In the course of my hiking career I've used three different tents: a low-priced, two-person freestanding model (roomy and easy to set up, but heavy);

Sep 9, 2019 : Ken Nail
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion Sleeping Bag

Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion Sleeping Bag

The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 is an ultralight three-season sleeping bag that weighs in at a svelte 1.25 pounds. Meeting the requirements of

May 27, 2019 : Ken Nail
Gear Review: BioLite HeadLamp 330

Gear Review: BioLite HeadLamp 330

I've been enjoying backpacking and running long enough to remember when nighttime illumination meant carrying a flashlight. Over time, bulky

Mar 27, 2019 : Ken Nail
How to Section Hike Virginia V:  Front Royal to Harpers Ferry

How to Section Hike Virginia V: Front Royal to Harpers Ferry

Distance: 55 miles Terrain type: Woodland trails and some open fields. A choppy mix of short climbs and descents through much of the

Feb 7, 2019 : Ken Nail
Gear Review: Espro Ultralight Coffee Press

Gear Review: Espro Ultralight Coffee Press

Caffeination and ultralight backpacking. Two activities that really appeal to me. Put them together in one product and visions of moving fast and

Jan 11, 2019 : Ken Nail
How to Section Hike Virginia IV: Waynesboro to Front Royal (Shenandoah National Park)

How to Section Hike Virginia IV: Waynesboro to Front Royal (Shenandoah National Park)

Distance: 108 miles Terrain type: A mixture of woodland trails and ridges, with a relatively consistent elevation profile Difficulty: Easy to

Nov 29, 2018 : Ken Nail
How to Section Hike Virginia III: Daleville to Waynesboro

How to Section Hike Virginia III: Daleville to Waynesboro

Section Hike Virginia: Daleville to Waynesboro At-a-Glance Distance: 134 miles Terrain type: A mix of ridge walking and woodlands with some higher

Sep 18, 2018 : Ken Nail
How to Section Hike Virginia II: Pearisburg to Daleville

How to Section Hike Virginia II: Pearisburg to Daleville

Section Hiking Virginia on the Appalachian Trail Pearisburg to Daleville At-a-Glance Distance: 92 miles Terrain type: A mixture of ridge walking,

Aug 6, 2018 : Ken Nail
How to Section Hike Virginia: Damascus to Pearisburg

How to Section Hike Virginia: Damascus to Pearisburg

Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia: The Southern Section At-a-Glance Distance: 166 miles Terrain type: A mixture of high mountain

Jul 13, 2018 : Ken Nail
Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park’s North District

Best Day Hikes in Shenandoah National Park’s North District

Within Shenandoah National Park you’ll find over 500 miles of hiking trails, offering you many opportunities to explore the backcountry away from

May 10, 2018 : Ken Nail