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In late-June and July we are running ten 3- and 5-day guided backpacking trips in Colorado. These are learning-intensive experiences, with the ultimate goal of giving you the knowledge and skills to undertake trips of your own with confidence and competence. Learn more. Of the 88 total spots, five two are currently open, on these…
If there is such a thing, last year I may have run too much: 4,029 miles and 456,000 vertical feet of climbing, with two road marathons and two 100-mile trail ultras — Boston, Bighorn, UTMB, and Houston. That’s an average of 11 miles and 1,250 vertical feet of climbing per day. While I’m not as…
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL is new for spring 2018. REI has been the exclusive distributor so far, but more retailers will have it starting next month. It’s available in two sizes: Tiger Wall UL 2 ($400, 2 lbs 3 oz) Tiger Wall UL 3 ($450, 2 lbs 11 oz) With its semi-freestanding pitch, crossover roof pole,…
For Outside I have written a piece on the primary differences between the new Garmin inReach Mini, which was released last week, and existing satellite communication devices like the inReach SE+, inReach Explorer+, SPOT Gen3, and personal locator beacons like the ACR Electronics ResQLink. Here’s the link: The Garmin InReach Mini vs. the Competition If…
Tomorrow night (Thursday, May 10) I’m giving a 90-minute clinic on backpacking gear, supplies, and skills at the Colorado Mountain Club in Golden, Colo. Doors open at 6:30. Presentation starts at 7, and will run for about 1:30 to 1:45, depending on how many questions I’m getting. Tickets cost $12 (or $10 for members) and…
I am seeking one exceptionally accomplished backpacker to join my guided trip program. Employment will be short-term and seasonal. This year I need help in guiding one 3-day Backpacking Fundamentals course and two 5-day Adventure trips, starting Friday, September 21 and finishing Wednesday October 3. The trips are in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park in California. If you are not local, you would…
Garmin dropped a big surprise this morning: a new addition to its popular inReach line, the inReach Mini. This new device is noteworthy for two reasons: 1. Size The inReach Mini weighs just 3.5 oz (100 grams) and measures 4″ x 2″ x 1″ (5 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm), making it about half…
A client on one of my 5-day guided trips in Colorado recently asked: In this case, the client has a 8′ x 8′ flat tarp. But I’m going to expand my answer to include all common backpacking shelters: tents, mids, A-frame tarps, flat tarps, and hammocks. These recommended lengths assume that you’re using my recommended guyline…
At my Outside Online blog I have shared clothing recommendations for racing in cold rain, inspired by the recent Boston Marathon during which runners endured 40-degree temps, a 10 to 20 mph headwind, and an inch or rain. I wasn’t at Boston this year (or, fortuitously, Barkley, which also suffered from difficult weather), but I’m…
Years ago I was turned on to Cedar Mesa by Alan Dixon, but needed inspiration this spring from the roamings of Paul Magnanti to plan a trip of my own there. It was a perfect couples trip for Amanda and me: the wilderness that I needed after a winter inside, with an additional and more unique dimension…