Lisa Slutsken

I'm a passionate hiker and educator based in the Pacific Northwest. I started thru-hiking to help me battle mental illness and prove to myself just how amazing I am. Over the last few years I've section hiked about 40% of the Pacific Crest Trail, countless other trails up and down the West Coast, parts of the Appalachian trail and Te Araroa on the south island of New Zealand.

Posts

Zenbivy 25° Muscovy Down Ultralight Bed Review

Zenbivy 25° Muscovy Down Ultralight Bed Review

Quilts continue to be popular with backpackers, with over 50% of hikers choosing to use a quilt instead of a sleeping bag in the 2024 Appalachian

Jun 9, 2025 : Lisa Slutsken
Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV Trail Runner Review

Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV Trail Runner Review

The updated Scrambler Low EV from Xero Shoes is a trail runner that builds on a popular and well-established minimalist design, bringing in a more

May 7, 2025 : Lisa Slutsken
This IGBC-Approved Bear-Resistant Food Bag Weighs Less Than an Ursack

This IGBC-Approved Bear-Resistant Food Bag Weighs Less Than an Ursack

The Adotec Ultralight Food Locker Grizzly Bear Resistant Bag combines some of the best features of other bear resistant containers to offer a product strong enough to endure over an hour of attention from a grizzly bear.

Mar 24, 2025 : Lisa Slutsken
Osprey Eja 48 Pack Review

Osprey Eja 48 Pack Review

Osprey backpacks have been a longtime favorite of backpackers and thru-hikers alike. They’re well-known for their ergonomic design and exceptional

Sep 26, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken
The Last Miles of the Colorado Trail

The Last Miles of the Colorado Trail

Two days left. One more full day and night and then I’d be done the Colorado Trail.

Sep 13, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken
Counting Down the Miles on the Colorado Trail

Counting Down the Miles on the Colorado Trail

The day coming out of Molas Pass was beautiful. The trail stayed right at tree line, curling in and out along a ridge

Sep 11, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken
The San Juans Will Break Your Heart

The San Juans Will Break Your Heart

Colorado Trail Days 29 & 30 - Cataract Lake to Elk Park Spur Like many long-distance hikers, I’ve enjoyed backpacking through many diverse

Sep 8, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken
It’s All Downhill From Here, Right?

It’s All Downhill From Here, Right?

It’s all downhill from here! That’s the joke on every long trail when you reach the highest point. The high point on the Colorado Trail is towards the north end of the San Juan mountains

Sep 6, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken
From the Sawatch to the San Juans

From the Sawatch to the San Juans

Not every mile of every trail can be the most scenic. Sometimes to get from one gorgeous mountain range to another you have to transition through forests and valleys.

Sep 3, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken
Bailing Out of the West Collegiate

Bailing Out of the West Collegiate

Colorado Trail Day 18 - North Fork Chalk Creek to St Elmo, 7 miles I had my first big Rockies thunderstorm early this morning. I was woken up around

Aug 28, 2024 : Lisa Slutsken