Advice
Kristen’s Before-and-After Appalachian Trail Gear
Backpacking gear can be overwhelming. There seem to be countless options for everything from your major items to smaller necessities. I guess I'm an "experienced" backpacker now, so gear talk...
Boots Vs. Trail Runners: Two Loyalists Compare and Contrast
Hiking boots or trail runners? Years ago there wasn't a choice. Leather hiking boots ruled the trail. But trail runners are now king of the mountains, and they far outnumber...
How to Make an Ultralight Soda Can Alcohol Stove
We all aspire to hike lighter. Unfortunately, ultralight gear is expensive. Even standard camp stoves can run $50 and up, making alcohol stoves a viable alternative. Of the many reasons...
Clothing for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Our Recommended System, Fabrics, and Products
Dressing for a six-month Appalachian Trail thru-hike is deceptively simple, but actually takes a lot of strategizing. You have limited capacity for carrying clothing, yet you need to be prepared...
How to Build Thru-Hiking Hammock Suspensions for Under Three Ounces
Every time I see a backpacker get their 11-ounce straps out of their pack, it makes my back hurt. There is no reason you should be carrying an 11-ounce hammock...
Beginner’s Guide to Day Hiking: Shoulder Season and Summer Clothing
In the last post we introduced the basics of how to dress for hiking as well as what to wear for winter specifically. In this post we will discuss how...
Why You Should Take the Ultralight Plunge Right From the Start
Once you have committed to a thru-hike, or even just to backpacking as a hobby, it can be daunting to dive into the world of backpacking gear. I’m here to...
Understanding R-Value and the Updated Testing Standards
When you select a sleep system for a camping trip, what factors do you consider? Probably the degree rating of the bag, the anticipated weather / temperature, and maybe some...
Chaunce’s Cold Weather Clothing for the AT
My latest video gives you a rundown of how I plan to stay warm and fight off the cold weather in my early months on the AT. If you classify...
Dan’s Top 5 Pieces of Gear for a PCT Thru-Hike
In this video, Dan shares his top 5 favorite pieces of gear that he carried with him on his SOBO PCT thru hike. His list is comprised of no-fuss, no-frills,...
