Backpacking

Great Long-Distance Walks Of The World
See The World On Foot
As a long-distance backpacker with an Appalachian Trail thru-hike under my feet and many other treks on my ever-growing bucket list, I love reading about the footpaths of the world, especially those that ramble on for hundreds, even thousands, of miles. Seeing and experiencing life on foot is a passion of mine that percolated during my college years while hiking New Hampshire's White Mountains and bubbled to the surface with a vengeance about a decade later. To me, there's nothing bet...

Hiking The International Appalachian Trail
My 2003 Hike on the International Appalachian Trail
It was a long winter - a long, cold winter - nearly unbearable for those of us who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and for those who must live around us. I was miserable from the cold, and I struggled daily to show up at a job that no longer aligned with my values. It had worked for me while I had children at home to support, but my last fledgling had flown - literally - and had landed halfway around the world with the Air Force. The empty nest I had looked forward to suddenly made m...

Planning A Colorado Trail Section Hike: Silverton To Durango
A Backpacking Vacation on Colorado's Signature Long-Distance Trail
It had been too long since my husband and I had done a multi-day backpacking trip together, and we were really looking forward to our first section-hike on the Colorado Trail. As I planned the trip, I figured I would share the information here in case it might be helpful to others who want to do this hike or maybe even assist them in planning a trek on another trail. I also updated the information after the trip. Photo Credit: Stock.xchg / CC

Gifts For Backpackers For Under $100
What To Get A Hiking Gearhead
Gearhead: (n.) Someone who collects the latest, coolest, most efficient, and technologically advanced gadgets for their sport, interest, or hobby. ******** Have a backpacker in the family or a friend who likes to hit the trail for days, weeks or even months at a time? Or maybe it's the gearhead in you you're shopping for. Whoever the gift may be for, here are some ideas of backpacking gear for under $100. FYI: I've either owned or at least used all of the items below.

Quick Guide To The Pacific Crest Trail
A Thru-hiker's Reference
A thru-hiker is one who hikes the entire length of a long-distance trail in one season. The reasons for doing so are as numerous and as varied as the hikers themselves. Many times thru-hiking gets in the blood and becomes an obsession -- the hiker is always looking for the next long trail to hike. A thru-hiker needs specialized information to decide which trail to hike next and to plan a multi-week or multi-month backpacking trip. How long is the trail? When is the weather right for hiking? H...

Quick Guide to the Continental Divide Trail
A Thru-Hiker's Reference
The Continental Divide Trail is not for the beginning backpacker. It is remote and lightly traveled. There is not always a trail or markings to follow, so hikers must be able to find their own routes using map and compass. Weather and wildlife are issues to be taken seriously. Resupply is often far off the trail. It is an incredible trail with incredible beauty, but one to be attempted after learning the ropes on a trail such as the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. A thru-hiker ...

Top Ten Tips For Backpackers
Backpacking is more than just tossing some gear in a pack and heading down the trail. You'll have a much more enjoyable hike if you learn a few things before you go. Here is a list of the top ten tips for backpackers that I've picked up in my 3,000-plus backpacking miles. Many of them are useful on any kind of hike, but since I'm a long-distance hiker, some relate to the attempt to thru-hike. Born to Hike Sticker @ Zazzle.com

Quick Guide to The Ice Age Trail
A Thru-Hiker's Reference
Wisconsin may not be a state you think of for a long-distance hike, but there is, indeed, a long trail. The Ice Age Trail travels along the edge of the last North American glacier and highlights unique glacial features. While Wisconsin may not have towering mountains, a thru-hiker still needs specialized information for planning. How long is the trail? When is the weather right for hiking? How does one get to and from the ends? What are the resupply options? The bare-bones information here w...

Quick Guide to the Florida Trail
A Thru-Hiker's Reference
Even though Florida is fairly flat, don't be fooled into thinking a thru-hike of the Florida Trail will be easy. In dry years, drinking water may be scarce; in wet years, you will be wading through water. Submerged branches and plant material will slow you down. A pace of 15-20 miles per day will be possible along smooth and level dikes, but swamp hiking will cut that pace in half. The bare-bones information here -- the length of the trail, the weather, the trail access, etc. -- will help th...

Quick Guide To The Long Trail
A Thru-Hiker's Reference
A thru-hiker on the Long Trail is one who hikes the entire length of the trail in one season. The reasons for doing so are as numerous and as varied as the hikers themselves. Many times thru-hiking gets in the blood and becomes an obsession -- the hiker is always looking for the next long trail to hike. A thru-hiker needs specialized information to decide which trail to hike next and to plan a multi-week or multi-month backpacking trip. How long is the trail? When is the weather right for hik...