Posts by Samuel Chaneles
Quickstart Guide: Hayduke Trail
Visit Engineered for Adventure for more information about and by Sam. For years I have wanted to explore the American Southwest, with its iconic walls, rock formations, and mesas. But as a college student I’ve always struggled to get out there, due to the summertime heat and aridity. This year, however, record snowpack in the Four Corners…
Long-term review: Garmin inReach Explorer+ || Sat comm + GPS unit 2-in-1
For different trips, I often wear and carry different gear. But some items are so vital that they end up on every trip — and my Garmin inReach Explorer+ is one of them. Since its release in early-2017, I have used my inReach Explorer+ on many trips around the globe, including on the southern Appalachian Trail,…
Comparison: Nolan’s 14 vs. Pfiffner Traverse || Wilderness, difficulty, and flow
As part of a 650-mile, 39-day self-supported hike along Colorado’s Continental Divide last summer, Sam Chaneles completed both Nolan’s 14 and the Pfiffner Traverse. Nolan’s 14 and the Pfiffner Traverse are both high routes in the Colorado Rockies, suitable for advanced backpackers and adventurous ultra runners. While they both feature lengthy off-trail sections and alpine…
John Muir Trail early-season 2017: What was it like? || Part 3: River fords
Q | What techniques and equipment did you use in safely getting across? Our general protocol for creek crossings was: a) Look for a log or a rock to hop across to avoid getting our feet wet. Often times this method worked for smaller creek crossings, yet for the bigger fords it almost always failed.…
John Muir Trail early-season 2017: What was it like? || Part 2: Passes, axes & crampons
John Muir Trail early-season 2017: What was it like? || Part 1: Snow coverage, navigation & snowshoes
Q | Describe your your prior backpacking experience — generally, in the High Sierra, and in early-season conditions. A | Since I was young, family vacations have revolved around outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, fishing, etc.). My true “backpacking” experience began in the summer of 2016 when I went on an 11-day expedition to Alaska as…
John Muir Trail early-season 2017: What was it like? || Part 4: Mosquitoes & final thoughts
Q | Did you encounter any mosquitoes? At what elevation and times of day? Thankfully, we encountered mosquitoes only a few times, and only once or twice were they bad enough that we put on our headnets. That said, those mosquitoes we encountered swarmed aggressively (that that’s coming from someone who grew up in South…