Bear Grylls – What do you get out of backpacking?

Backpacker Magazine recently ran a survival issue where they featured Bear Grylls throughout the October 2012 issue.  I admit to watching many of Bear's Man v's Wild series and to finding it entertaining.  But something that he said in the interview struck me, and really rings true in the wilderness.  The backcountry really does have a […]

Andrew Skurka “Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide” Video

This is basically an advertisement for Andrew Skurka’s new book “The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide,” but it’s well done – enough to share it. I gotta interview this guy for a podcast some day. He has to have some great stories to tell.

Thru-Hiking – What I Really Do

These “What I Really Do” templates are everywhere these days and now I understand why.  There’s actually a template for them on the web.  A hiking friend recently sent me this one, and I have to say that they nailed it for Thru-Hiking.   Publish If you’ve ever hiked long distances on the Appalachian Trail, […]

You Cannot Stay On The Summit Forever

George Mallory is quoted as having replied to the question “Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?” with the retort “Because it’s there”.  A friend recently sent this quote to me with the attached photo which says it more eloquently: You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So […]

The Most Influential Hikers Of All Time

Has it ever been debated on who are the most influential hikers of all time (Top 5 )? With the creation of the A.T. Museum, I know there was discussion about the most influential Appalachian Trail backpackers of all time (ie. Earl Shaffer), but what about in general? I’d argue that Earl Shaffer makes that […]