Japanese Southern Alps Traverse – Day 2
On Day 2 of a solo Southern Alps traverse, the hiker found the Chausu hut’s main facilities closed, leaving only a winter room open. A sudden deep snowpack forced a slow, labor‑intensive ascent, culminating in an impassable slope that required the hiker to retreat and seek shelter at a mid‑mountain hut. Limited food supplies and deteriorating weather amplified the risk, prompting a conservative decision to end the day early. The experience underscores the challenges of early‑season alpine trekking in Japan.
Training for Elevation Gain and Miles on the PCT
Brad J chronicles a 10‑month, trainer‑guided program that readied him for the Pacific Crest Trail. He began with Phase 1’s low‑weight, high‑rep strength work to establish a safe baseline, then progressed to Phase 2’s cardio focus, including a sprint triathlon and pool...
Tape – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 48
A thru‑hiker on the Appalachian Trail logged day 48, bringing the total distance covered to 688 miles with 1,516 miles remaining. The day featured aggressive climbs out of War Spur, dense forest tunnels, technical ridge sections, and a late‑night camp....
The Susquehannock Trail: Pennsylvania Has a Grand Canyon in It?
The Susquehannock Trail System (STS) is an 85‑mile loop in northern Pennsylvania, recognized as the state’s oldest backpacking trail. Opened to the public in 1966, it weaves together historic Civilian Conservation Corps roads, abandoned rail lines, and old lumberjack routes,...
Wet Feet – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 47
On Day 47 of his southbound Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, Grey Fox logged 24 miles, bringing his total to 670 miles with 1,534 miles remaining. A night of rain left his feet soaked, but a mental reset kept him moving through rhododendron‑lined streams and rocky sections...
The Continental Divide Trail:Parkview Mountain and the Steepest SOBO Climb of the CDT
The author recounts the grueling ascent of Parkview Mountain, the steepest self‑supported (SOBO) climb on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), highlighting hazardous blowdowns, a dilapidated 1916 fire‑lookout hut, and the physical toll of the terrain. After reaching the summit, the...
Why This Pro Triathlete Quit Her Job to Hike the Appalachian Trail with Katie “Sunrise” Lance (BPR #355)
In this episode of Backpacker Radio, civil engineer turned pro triathlete Katie “Sunrise” Lance recounts qualifying for Kona on her first Ironman while juggling 20‑hour training weeks and a 12‑hour night shift at the Tennessee Valley Authority. She describes the...
Grayson Highlands – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 39
On May 1, 2026 Grey Fox logged Day 39 of his Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, adding 15 miles to reach a cumulative 515 miles. The segment traversed Grayson Highlands State Park, where the terrain shifted from flat meadows to rugged, wooded ridges. Encountering trail‑side ponies forced a...
CDT Southern Terminus to Silver City: Ups and Downs
Thru‑hiker recounts the first 60 miles of the Continental Divide Trail from the Mexican border to Silver City, describing a mix of flat desert, sudden wind‑blown washes, and a sudden ascent into forested mountains. Extreme heat, scarce water, and rugged...
Yellow Blazing – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 38
On day 38 of his Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, Grey Fox logged his 500th mile, bringing his total to 500 miles with 1,704 miles remaining. A detour onto the Iron Mountain trail introduced confusing yellow blazes, causing two navigation errors despite generally clear...
Best Hiking Gear Deals of the Week: Up to 50% Off Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and More
REI’s shoulder‑season clearance is slashing prices on premium outdoor brands, with discounts up to 50% on items such as Arc’teryx fleece hoodies, Patagonia capilene tops, and Big Agnes ultralight tents. The sale features steep markdowns on high‑performance gear, from $20 headlamps...
Gear Anxiety
The piece explores "gear anxiety"—the lingering doubt backpackers feel even after exhaustive research, budgeting, and field testing. Author Palmer Hurst describes how the fear of choosing the wrong equipment can erode confidence, affect conditioning, and amplify the emotional stakes of...
PCT 1 Day to Launch: The Shuttle/CLEEF
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) shuttle departs downtown San Diego for $75 per rider, delivering hikers to the Camp Lockett Event and Equestrian Facility (CLEEF) in just ninety minutes. CLEEF, a volunteer‑run nonprofit hub, supports under‑privileged children and disabled veterans while...
It Starts in Scotland
Alan Laurence, a 59‑year‑old legal professional from Perth, Australia, is gearing up for his first thru‑hike—a seven‑day, 96‑mile trek along Scotland’s West Highland Way with his 18‑year‑old son. The expedition is framed as a personal milestone and a springboard for...
Training For My Hikes
The author logged 1,144 miles of hiking in 2025, including 600 miles on Colorado’s Yampa Valley Trail, and used the unusually mild winter to stay active without a formal program. To counter back discomfort from weight loss, he added weekly...