The Curious Adventurer: Igniting Curiosity on the Trail

December 18

No Pain, No Maine? Long-distance hiking or thru-hiking is challenging both mentally and physically. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or another long-distance trail, the continuous step-by-step motion from dusk to…

Saving your Toes Hiking Downhill

November 15

Are you planning a hike in mountainous terrain or a gorge? Extended descents can put significant pressure on the knees and cause swollen toenails. Here are a few steps you…

Backpacking with contact lens

October 19

If you wear contact lens, chances are you have bad eyesight and dislike wearing glasses. So, is there any reason you should give up wearing your contact lenses when backpacking?…

Chunky Chipotle Chili

October 9

The weather is turning cold and we've got something to help warm you up. Chunky Chipotle Chili, a medium-spicy soup featuring mixed beans, lentils, quinoa, chipotle pepper, and chile de…

Practical Tips for Responsible Backpacking and Eco-Friendly Living

August 15

Although our routines may seem insignificant, the decisions we make in our daily lives impact the wellness of our health, family, community, and world. For instance, conserving energy by turning…

Sleep Better When Backpacking: Slumber and Siestas

June 8

For backpackers, especially thru-hikers, quality sleep is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of enjoying the trail. However, falling asleep and staying asleep can be a challenge. Endless reasons can disrupt your…

Listening In: Earthly Sounds in a Man-Made World

April 24

I always find it ironic when I see someone on the trail wearing earbuds. It seems that while this person is taking the time to travel through the natural world,…

How Far? How to Estimate Distance with your Thumb

February 27

Estimating distance is a crucial skill in various scenarios such as daily life, hiking, and survival situations. It helps you maintain your sense of direction, calculate distance and height, and…

Cooking to Save Fuel

January 15

White gas, kerosene, isobutane, and denatured alcohols are common fuels for backpacking stoves. Fuel savings greatly depend on the efficiency of the cooking process, as well as the stove and…

How to Cook when Backpacking

January 15

Whether you have recently started backpacking or are a veteran, you could probably benefit from a few cooking tips. First, we’ll describe the common method that backpackers use when cooking…