Shakedown
Shakedown: Going Alone
Soon I will be off. Off on the trail. Off the grid. Off my bed and onto the bare earth for miles and miles and
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...
Shakedown on the Skyway Loop to Prep for the PCT
After doing a couple of shakedown hikes (the most helpful being the Skyway Loop in Alabama), I've realized why they are so important as prep for a Pacific Crest Trail...
Three Nights in Death Valley
Sunday after work, my brother and I drove down to Death Valley for a shakedown hike and to escape the cold of Mammoth Lakes for a few days. The first...
Shakedown Hike Threw Me a Punch, but I’m Ready for Springer
I love it when a plan falls apart. (Insert inspirational sports movie quote here. Something about moving forward after getting knocked down or punched in the face.) I find myself...
A 3 Day Shakedown: The Great Gear Epiphany
A Burrito Sunrise This past weekend I met up with Neemor, an AT and PCT alum, and we set out for the Roan Highlands. We got to Carver's Gap thursday...
Shaken Down and Laid Up
The cold rains are blowing into Philadelphia and the Christmas lights are popping up all over the neighborhoods. Old ladies and hipsters are walking their poor dogs dressed in obnoxious...
The Top Backpacks on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 AT Thru-Hiker Survey
Unless you're making the rest of us jealous by slackpacking the whole way, your backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear you take on a long-distance hike. Whether you...
3 Obvious Truths Last Weekend’s Shakedown Drove Home
Pack weight matters. Food is important. Steep is long. For a variety of mostly weather-related reasons it has been a little while since I’ve hiked any actual distance, and it’s...
Snow Shakedown
Some people love to geek out on gear. Me, no. If REI sold an AT- Thru-Hiker Starter Pack, I’d be all over that trash. Instead, I had to do my...