As part of the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, I ask hikers what their lowest moments on the trail were and when, if ever, they encountered a situation where they felt legitimately afraid or in danger (e.g. when you're about to be eaten by a bear). Sadly, the PCT is more than following a line
The CDT Resupply Guide: Class of 2019 Survey
After deciding that you're going to hike the Continental Divide Trail and researching your CDT gear, most aspiring thru-hikers move to the question of resupply. What is CDT resupply? It's the replenishment of the food (and other consumable items) carried in a hiker's backpack. The idea that
The PCT Resupply Guide: Class of 2019 Survey
After getting a Pacific Crest Trail permit and researching your PCT gear, the question many aspiring thru-hikers move to is that of resupply on the PCT. What is PCT resupply? It's essentially the replenishment of the food (and other consumable items) carried in a hiker's backpack. Yes, it's true,
2020: What’s On The Agenda
Over the past few years, my yearly predicted agendas have grown in both their detail and their accuracy (2017, 2018, 2019). I'm sure some version of me considers this to be a bad thing, but I've come to terms with the fact that having an idea of what I would like to do and accomplish each year
The Best Shelters for Couples on the Pacific Crest Trail
As the Pacific Crest Trail continues to grow in popularity, the trail has become home to a more diverse crowd of hikers - including couples (the days of the trail being a forever alone pity party appear to be over). Hiking with a partner has many advantages (you can split the weight of your shelter
The Most Neatest Photos of 2019
I continued my tradition of amateur photography in 2019 and I think I've managed to get some pretty good shots. That said, some of the best shots of the year come to us from @paulinadao. Hopefully, the trend of neat picture making and not dying continues in 2020. This year's photos are from
2019: What The Hell Did I Do?
Hello, friends! I've been hard at work on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker surveys, and so my 2019 recap post (this post) has taken a backseat. But it's still January, so I have met my self-imposed deadline for a look back at 2019 (while it's still fresh(ish) in my
The Continental Divide Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2019 Survey
In the second chapter of the Continental Divide Trail Thru-hiker Survey, we take a deep dive into Continental Divide Trail hikers' gear. CDT gear lists can vary wildly between hikers and (spoiler alert) it's impossible to find a perfect CDT gear list. That said, we can try. I've organized this
The Continental Divide Trail Thru-Hiker Survey (2019)
Welcome to the results of the 2019 Continental Divide Trail Thru-hiker Survey! The CDT Survey is now in its third year and I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to participate. You're all champions of life. And thank you, dear reader, for being patient while
