On my first trip to Mt. Rainier National Park, I took a few steps on the Wonderland Trail and knew that I would be back to hike the 93-loop. A year later, I was back to take on the trail. Nothing much went according to plan, but that’s always the beauty of a backpacking trip isn't it?
I ran through a range of emotions climbing up to Half Dome, one of the most recognizable rock faces in Yosemite, holding onto wobbly cables - excitement, awe, fear, anxiety, and exhaustion! And I’d still argue this hike should be on the Yosemite hike list for most people.
The REI Flash 22 is a perfect day pack for a short or long hike. The ultra light design of ensures comfort but doesn't sacrifice any essential features. The pack also can double as a great travel pack, especially for light travelers. The small frame gives the pack the added bonus of fitting under an airplane... Continue Reading →
The GoPro Hero 5 Black action camera is small, lightweight camera packed with a lot of sophistication. At just over 4 ounces, this is a luxury item that won't bog down your pack weight. The short square shape of the camera makes it easy to store in any small easily accessible pocket. Because it's... Continue Reading →
I thru hiked (uninterrupted hike from one end of a long trail to the other) the Appalachian Trail in 2014. It was a crazy and wild adventure, but it also helped me fall in love with the outdoors again. Here, I answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about my experience (53).
The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent is an extremely light but durable tent. In the three years that I owned the Fly Creek, it survived six months on the Appalachian Trail, an eight week cross-country motorcycle trip and many short camping trips in between! If the tent had not been stolen on... Continue Reading →
The women’s Brooks Cascadia 12 is a trail running shoe that provides the comfort of a sneaker but the durability of a hiking boot. I recently made the switch from my Salomon trail runners to the Cascadia. Given the mega popularity of the brand and more specifically the shoe among hikers, I’m surprised it... Continue Reading →
The Women’s Salomon Lightening Softshell Jacket is a lightweight, flattering and comfortable softshell. I’ve owned this jacket for nine months and hiked with it a few times this year, including a recent one that involved some heavy rock scrambling in Shenandoah National Park. I also wore the jacket during an indoor climb. In each of... Continue Reading →
Hiking Misadventures 