It’s that time of year when everyone wants to get outside, even that friend or loved one of yours that may be a little apprehensive to hit a long trail or go on a wilderness trip. We all love nature, just in varying degrees. Sometimes the adventurer inside needs a little nudge in some people. Here are a few tips to help you introduce that person to the backcountry, help them catch the adventure bug, and have a great time just like you’ve been telling them they would. Include

Currently we’ve traveled 861.7 miles into our journey from Georgia to Maine. It's mind-boggling to see the coverage that we have actually made from Google maps. I still can't wrap my head around it. Yea, I'll toot my own horn. I'm cool with that. In 67 days I’ve had some great experiences and learned a lot from the Trail. Here are just a few tips. #1 - Hike Your Own Hike: This is the most (over) used term on the Trail, but the importance cannot be overstated. The Trail offers

In my previous posts I’ve laid the groundwork for an understanding of the basics of fly-fishing. This was mostly a selfish pursuit because I wanted my readers to have a basic understanding of not only the terminology but also the "art." Some of which may have been lost through my meandering prose. Hopefully, from now on when I say I took my 8wt rig with a floating line and a 9ft leader and tied on a royal wulf before heading up the creek, you dear reader will be able to foll

One of the most important pieces of kit a backcountry athlete has is the shoe he or she chooses to wear. After all, the primary mode of transportation, whether hiking, approach climbing, trail running or generally traversing through the backcountry, is by your feet. Today with the development of specific fit and comfort for your chosen pursuit there’s a wide variety of cross trainers, boots, and hybrids available to chose from. But with all of these choices, what’s the best c

The trail has led me to some gorgeous parts of this beautiful part of the country and many of them have been difficult to reach. Sure, there are a few places like Clingman's Dome, Newfound Gap, and Hot Springs, NC that are easily accessible by car and/ or a short walk. But the majority of places that are forever etched in my mind - the old pine forest in the Smokies, Max's Patch, and Lover's Leap Rock - take some true effort to reach. But what I have found that can make those

The Black Hills, while sounding ominous, is a range named for the thick deep foliage of the pine trees that carpet the steep and rolling rocky massifs of the area. These hills are comprised of massive rock formations, lush meadows, beautiful lakes and waterways, and Harney Peak, South Dakotas highest point. Located predominantly in the southwest region of South Dakota and sprawling into eastern Wyoming, these hills offer a wide variety for adventure and wilderness explorati

Nike really hit the nail on the head with their 1988 slogan “Just Do It.” It struck, and continues to strike, an international cord with athletes of both backcountry and traditional genres. With these three simple words they display just how simple it really is to get out and “just do” what we love. Often we find ourselves confined with the business of life while the trails, climbing routes, and wilderness experiences take a back seat becoming the things we long for rather

No matter how in shape you are when you start the trail you will be huffing and puffing at some point in the first week. Without fail someone will come by at your lowest moment and say, "You'll get your trail legs in a couple of weeks!" Trail legs seemed like some magical happening when bearded elves come out at night and switch your puny civilian legs with bionic hiker legs. You can jump over massive roots in a single bound, climb 3k feet of elevation without taking a break,

As the saying goes: “If you want a job done right you have to do it yourself.” This is becoming more and more apparent with the foods we eat. The amount of processed and artificial products taking the place of natural foods is overwhelming. Many mass produced foods easily at hand bring with them a whole list of side effects that can affect not only health in the long term but energy and mood in the short term. Though many natural food producers are becoming more available

When hiking long distances every ounce counts. With advances in technology, gear weight is at an all time low and will continue to drop. When choosing gear, the most important items are the big three. The big three consist of your shelter, sleeping bag / pad, and the pack itself. For the pack I chose a 65L Osprey Atmos. At just over 4lbs the Atmos is as light as they come considering how much it can carry. When choosing the right pack for yourself make sure it’s comfortable,