The Forest Service has introduced new food storage regulations in Desolation Wilderness requiring overnight users to now carry "a canister designed to prevent access by bears." Simply put, bear canisters are now required in Desolation Wilderness. This impacts everyone recreating in Desolation
Discrimination on the Continental Divide Trail (Class of 2021)
The Continental Divide Trail has been growing in popularity over the past decade. An increasingly diverse group of people from around the world now braves this thru-hike each year. The trail crosses the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana (with a brief dip into Idaho near the
Discrimination on the Pacific Crest Trail (Class of 2021)
The Pacific Crest Trail is hiked by thousands of people each year - from all over the United States and the globe. The trail has (slowly) become a more diverse and less exclusive space over the years as it has become more accessible. better documented, and more well-known. One thing that needs to
Continental Divide Trail Horror Stories (Class of 2021)
In the yearly Continental Divide Trail Hiker Survey, hikers share both their lowest moments on the trail (physically, mentally, emotionally - the literal lowest point of the CDT is Waterton Canyon, Montana at 2,972 ft / 906 m), as well as when, if ever, they found themselves in a situation where
Pacific Crest Trail Horror Stories (Class of 2021)
In the yearly Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, hikers share both their lowest moments on the trail (physically, mentally, emotionally - the literal lowest point of the trail is Cascade Locks, Oregon), as well as when, if ever, they found themselves in a situation where they felt they were in danger
(Un)Popular Opinion: Thru-Hikers Stop Depending on Trail Angels
The thru-hiker/trail angel relationship has been put under strain with the increasing popularity of thru-hiking. And it's not just because thru-hikers are hitting the trail with zero money (but that's not helping). For this article, we're going to define trail angels as being anyone who regularly
How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag – A Backpacker’s Guide
Washing a down sleeping bag (and other down gear) doesn't have to be scary and doesn't have to destroy your gear. Quite the opposite - it will likely extend the life of your gear so long as you take steps to ensure you're washing your down gear correctly. There are a couple of methods available
(Un)Popular Opinion: Trail Angels, Stop Asking Hikers for Money
After my tirade calling out thru-hikers who hike with zero money, I thought it appropriate to examine another money-adjacent aspect of the thru-hiking world, trail angels. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of trail angels, they're basically people who help hikers during their thru-hikes. A