Posts by Andrew Skurka
Guided trips in Rocky Mountain & Sequoia-Kings: Apply now, through January 21
After a year off in 2016, I resurrected my guiding program last year, ultimately offering six 5-day Backpacking Adventure trips in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Originally, I had planned to guide just three sessions with Flyin’ Brian Robinson. But for the 24 spots I received 52 applications, many from alumni. So I doubled the schedule and flew out…
Reader Q: Can a bear canister fit horizontally in the Flex Capacitor?
RIP: Ken Oelkers, SHT trail angel & builder extraordinaire
I first met Ken Oelkers in March 2005, seven months into the Sea-to-Sea Route. His beloved Superior Hiking Trail was buried under feet of snow, and he understandably was looking for an excuse to keep him out of the house and close to the trail after a long winter in Silver Bay, Minnesota, a small blue-collar…
Job posting: Backpacking guide for 2018 trips
I am looking for one additional person to help guide my 2018 trips. Employment will be short-term and seasonal: probably 11 days total in July or September, in either Colorado or California. You will work with other world-class backpacking guides, including Alan Dixon, Flyin’ Brian Robinson, Mike Clelland. Necessary qualifications Please apply only if you have:…
Review: Showa 281 Gloves || Inexpensive water- & windproof shell
The Showa 281 Glove is an inexpensive (less than $15), lightweight (sub-2 oz), and somewhat breathable shell made of waterproof/windproof polyurethane. Its exterior is textured and very abrasion-resistant. It is the unlined version of the Showa 282 Gloves, about which I have written a more in-depth review. Online availability of the 281 is limited. I purchased…
Giveaway: My Trail Company Chrome Umbrella
The My Trail Company Chrome Umbrella is an alternative to conventional rain gear. It’s lighter, more waterproof, and more comfortable in warmer temperatures. Wind, off-trail travel, and poorly maintained trails are a challenge for it, however. Read more pros & cons of backpacking umbrellas. I am giving away one new Chrome Umbrella, which was given…
Science of Ultra Podcast: Five must-listen-to episodes
Review: Hoka One One Cavu || Light, responsive & fast road trainer
The Houston Marathon is less than six weeks, and for all of my tempo workouts and hard long runs — including multiple 10K’s at race pace and distances up to 24 miles — I have been wearing the new Hoka One One Cavu. The Cavu is a neutral lightweight road trainer that is moderately cushioned, responsive, and…
Giveaway: Sierra Designs Tioga & Sierra Insulated Jackets
Recently Sierra Designs released four new insulated jackets: the Tuolumne, Tioga, Sierra, and Whitney. They are nicely designed and featured, and priced very competitively (starting at $100). Read my full review. This FREE giveaway will be for the two jackets used for the review: Tioga Hoodie: men’s Medium, synthetic insulation, hood, red Sierra Jacket: men’s…
Reader Q: Do I need an ice axe or crampons on the Pfiffner Traverse?
A question from reader Stan P. of Alexandria, Virginia: This is a great question, because the answer is both nuanced and consequential. A multitude of factors are at play, and you want to be right — or else you’ll be carrying several pounds of unnecessary equipment, bailing off your intended route, or exposing yourself to excessive…