Hiking Tips

Wondering what should go in your pack? This stuff! The “ten essentials” really do need to find a place in your backpack. Don’t leave home without them. Navigation (map & compass) Always carry a detailed topographic map of the area you are visiting and place it in a protective case or plastic covering. Always carry a compass. You may also … Continue reading The Ten Essentials: critical gear for hiking and backpacking →

We’ve got to say it: some of you need potty training. Don’t panic, the PCT is nearly entirely poop free. You can walk miles and miles without coming across someone else’s business. Thank goodness. But walk long enough and you’ll develop the outdoors sixth sense: the ability to notice things you didn’t see before. Uncovered feces, barely covered feces, and … Continue reading Basic skill: pooping in four steps →

You’re convinced that hiking can be cool and you’re ready to give it a shot. Great! A world of stunning beauty waits. Planning a hike shouldn’t be an ordeal. After a bit of preparation, jump in the car (or if you’re lucky, a bus) and get yourself to the trailhead. First time? We recommend day trips. But this guide also … Continue reading Planning your first hike (the easy way) →

Get outside but be darn sure that it’s not your last trip. Plan and play while avoiding the whomp, whomp, whomp of a helicopter. No one goes into the wilderness intending to be rescued. Even seasoned outdoor enthusiasts get into trouble. Unfortunately, outdoor emergencies are not rare. Three facts of life There is intrinsic risk in the wilderness. Lightning, cold … Continue reading Safety class: avoiding search and rescue →

Leave No Trace: the golden guidelines of the outdoors. Here they are, specifically tailored to the PCT with a hope that they’ll be more relevant and thus you’ll read and follow them. Plan Ahead and Prepare Poor advance preparation can cause damage to the environment. Small impacts repeated by thousands become major impacts. Examine PCTA, U.S. Forest Service, National Park … Continue reading Memorize these PCT Leave No Trace principles →