Gear Shakedown
One Last Shakedown in the Shenandoahs: Pre-hike Prep and Reflections
This weekend I spent two days on the Appalachian Trail to test out some new gear. I had been out that way just two weeks ago and it was brutally...
Shaking Down and Dialing In: 2 Weeks To Go
Spring Conditions! For three glorious days, the weather here in Northern NH warmed up to spring-like conditions (which for us is anything over 40°F). All over town, people were feeling...
Appalachian Trail Gear Shakedown for 2021 Thru-hike
I am counting the days to my departure date, which is now March 26. Therefore, I did a final gear shakedown for my 2021 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I have all...
A List of Thoughts RE: First (and second!) Backpacking Trips
I have been struggling to write this post. Every time I sit down to put some thoughts together, I end up scrapping the draft and pushing the idea of continuing...
Equipment Testing a.k.a the Shakedown before the Shakedown
"Pull over!" "No, it's a cardigan, but thanks for asking!" It is fiiiiinally starting to feel like spring. During the past two months, in total New England style, we have...
Top 5 Items Sent Home in a Shakedown
Shakedown The act of having an experienced backpacker cull through your backpack in search of unneeded items. I have only worked one thru hiker season at Mountain Crossings, but the patterns are