Backpacking
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Gear in Review: everything I carried on my 2025 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike
In 2025, I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Before starting, I wrote a post about everything I planned to pack to get me through 4 months of walking through deserts, mountains, snow, lava fields, and forests. In this post, I’m… Continue reading
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6-hour lunch breaks and going up into the mountains
Warner Springs – Idyllwild. Miles 109 – 179. Days 6 – 9. The trail between Warner Springs and Idyllwild gradually gains elevation. It climbs out of the chaparral to larger mountains with pine forests, gaining 5,000 feet of elevation over… Continue reading
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Training to walk from Mexico to Canada
I’m about to embark on a 2,650-mile walk from Mexico to Canada, also known as thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). But this journey really began long before my start date. For the last few months, I’ve prepared resupply boxes,… Continue reading
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Practice Trip 2: walking in circles with 15 pounds of water, playing desert make-believe
One of the more daunting aspects of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is the long water carries in the desert. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins with ~700 miles through the desert in Southern California. Water is scarce. Sources may… Continue reading
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Trip Report: Pre-PCT Practice Hike
At 5:45 am Friday morning, I hit snooze on my alarm, cursing my past self for my excessive ambition. Twenty minutes later, I actually got up and started getting ready. Today, was the day I planned to do my first… Continue reading
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5 reasons why YOU should hike the Colorado Trail this year
If you know me, then you likely know that the Colorado Trail holds a special place in my heart. The unmatched views, high elevations, (relatively) reasonable grade, and wonderful trail towns make the Colorado Trail unforgettable. This wonderful trail is… Continue reading
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5 Effective Winter Cross-Training Tips for Backpacking
Happy New Year! After a short break from posting over the holidays to relax and travel, I’m back. Perhaps you used some of your downtime over the holidays to start dreaming up some exciting backpacking adventures for summer. I know… Continue reading
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Best Short Backpacking Trips on the Colorado Trail
It’s December. So if you’re like me, you’re already scheming up backpacking trips for next summer. If you need a little inspiration, I’ve put together this list of 5 amazing segments of the Colorado Trail that would make incredible 1… Continue reading
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Affordable Backpacking: 7 Gear Alternatives That Work
After years of backpacking, I’ve learned the value of owning durable, high-quality gear. However, if you’re getting started and trying to save money on your backpacking setup, it can be hard to discern essential items from the frivolous and unnecessary… Continue reading
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The time I survived a tornado while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail
As an avid backpacker and thru-hiker, I’ve spent the night outdoors in some pretty insane weather. From rain and snow to hail and lightning, I thought I’d seen it all. But the storm I experienced on the southern Appalachian Trail… Continue reading
Adventures with Val 