If you are new to hiking, you may not want to pay for a pair of hiking boots that you will only wear once. However, if you plan to make hiking a regular hobby, it is not wise to think that your running trainers will double up as hiking boots. While running trainers are made for outdoor pursuits, hiking involves tackling tough terrain and requires a shoe or a boot that boasts superior support. If you are buying hiking boots for the first time, you may be tempted to invest in a big bulky design. … [Read more...]
Andrew Skurka “Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide” Video
This is basically an advertisement for Andrew Skurka's new book "The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide," but it's well done - enough to share it. I gotta interview this guy for a podcast some day. He has to have some great stories to tell. … [Read more...]
Episode 7: Global Backpacker

In Episode 7, Phillip (aka the World Wide Wanderer) talks about growing up with his family on military bases around the world and his post-college travels around the globe. The interview offers insight in to places like Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, Peru's Machu Pichu, Greece's Samaria Gorge, and Egypt's Mount Sinai (the pilgrimage site of St. Catherine Monastery). In the podcast, Phillip talks about his front country and backcountry experiences, some memorable moments on the trail, and the most … [Read more...]
GPS units v’s Smartphone apps
I have used both stand-alone GPS units and Smartphone apps on the trail and have yet to resolve which is better. For short day hikes - the Smartphone apps win hands down for convenience and their instant access to trail databases from companies like the North Face. But in the backcountry? I tend to agree with this assessment by Backpacker Magazine gear editor, Kristin Hostetter: In a nutshell, here are the pros of using a smartphone with a navigation app: great for local hikes, daily activity … [Read more...]
Protected: How To Flatten A Thermarest by Glenn (aka The Helmet)
This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password: … [Read more...]
