BirdShooter's Backpacking Blog & Podcast Series
There is a virus running rampant in shelters on the Appalachian Trail in western North Carolina. Not the best place to come down with a stomach bug!!! No Business Knob ShelterPress release from the U.S. Forest Service. Spokesman Stevin Westcott said he is unsure how long it will be before the virus subsides. HOT SPRINGS — Hikers may want to avoid sections of the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, N.C., especially the stretch running north to the Tennessee border. A number of … [Read more...]
Backpacker Magazine recently ran a survival issue where they featured Bear Grylls throughout the October 2012 issue. I admit to watching many of Bear's Man v's Wild series and to finding it entertaining. But something that he said in the interview struck me, and really rings true in the wilderness. The backcountry really does have a way of breaking you down and revealing the "real you". Here's the exact quote...."Question: What do you get out of … [Read more...]
What you pack in your Bergen can make or break your trip. Here is a stress free guide for first time backpackers. A Bergen bag is an essential part of any backpacker’s kit and can help you ensure that you are ready for anything. The Bergen is the bag of choice for many backpackers as it has a number of different compartments designed to hold all of your kit. However, having the space to hold all of your travel essentials is one thing but knowing the best way to pack your Bergen is … [Read more...]
Avoid hiking alone If you’re familiar with the Aron Ralston story, you’ll understand why you should never hike alone. Ralston, an avid outdoorsman and adventurist, became trapped in a slot canyon while hiking through Utah’s Blue John Canyon in April of 2003. While descending the slot canyon, a massive 800-pound boulder became dislodged, crushed his right hand and trapped him against the canyon wall. Not only was Ralston alone, but nobody was searching for him because he hadn’t … [Read more...]
In Episode 13, KC (aka 30-Pack) details his 2012 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail that began at Springer Mountain in March and ended nearly 2,200 miles later at Mount Katahdin in September. In the podcast, KC talks about the birth of his trail-name, some of his favorite (and not so favorite) moments on the trail, the Wolf Pack and the social aspects of a thru-hike, and why the experience was so inspiring that he plans to set out once again this spring to hike the Pacific Crest Trail on the … [Read more...]
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...]
In Episode 11, Katie (aka Wild Turkey) talks about her ventures in to the wilderness - hiking and backpacking with both friends and family in the Southeast. Topics include the weather and its impact on the experience, the gear you need for the Trail, and hiking with infants and young children. Katie is the first female to do a solo interview for N2Backpacking and she delivers with this New Year's Eve conversation recorded in Elljay, Georgia. Katie talks about some pristine destinations … [Read more...]
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...]
In Episode 9, Jim (aka Country Club) and Roger (aka The Camel) talk about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine. This is the first of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England. During our three day trip, we battled nasty weather and didn't see a ray of sunshine as we hiked over North & South Crocker Mountain. The steep, wet terrain and rocky descent to the Crocker Cirque Campsite had us averaging about a mile an hour - which … [Read more...]
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...]
