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Back in stock: Bonnie’s Balm || For wet feet, chafing, and cracked lips & skin

By Andrew Skurka / January 19, 2018 /
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Last year the owner and founder of Bonnie’s Balm, Bonnie Searcy, had a host of health issues (among other things, two black widow spider bites) and the business seemed to evaporate. Orders went unfulfilled, calls and emails garnered no response, and the website even went down. As a long-time supporter and distributor of the products,…

Guided trips in Rocky Mountain & Sequoia-Kings: Apply now, through January 21

By Andrew Skurka / January 4, 2018 /
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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…

Job posting: Backpacking guide for 2018 trips

By Andrew Skurka / December 21, 2017 /
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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:…

Grab one: Fourteen spots remaining on 2017 guided trips

By Andrew Skurka / May 22, 2017 /
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“Wait a minute? You’re offering guided trips this year?” Indeed, earlier this spring I decided to offer trips again in 2017. My original thought was to open them only to alumni, some of whom have be waiting a few years to take a longer trip with me, and then launch a broader program in 2018. But the alumni…

Less different but better: Brand flip of Sierra Designs in 2018

By Andrew Skurka / May 21, 2017 /
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Last week was the semi-annual sales meeting for Sierra Designs, during which shelters, sleeping bags, backpacks, apparel and accessories were shown to our domestic and international sales representatives. Most products will release in February 2018. Sierra Designs is a 52-year-old brand, and for decades was a dominant player in multiple categories. But due to a…

In Worcester & Framingham this week: Alaska-Yukon slideshow and Gear & Skills Clinic

By Andrew Skurka / April 10, 2017 /
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While I’m in the Bay State this weekend to visit family and to binge on post-marathon pastries from Mike’s Pastry, I’ll also be making presentations in Worcester and Framingham. Details: Boy Scouts of America & Doherty HS Outdoor Club Thursday, April 13 7:00 PM Doherty Memorial High School 299 Highland Street Worcester, MA $8.50 in…

On the road, again || Clinics this week in NC & UT

By Andrew Skurka / March 19, 2017 /
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This week I’m speaking in Asheville, NC and Sandy, UT. In both locations I will be giving a clinic on backpacking gear & skills. View event details. As an extra incentive to attend, I have these Sierra Designs coupons to distribute:

Worth a look: SD’s spring clearance, up to 50% off || And, High Route back in stock

By Andrew Skurka / February 26, 2017 /
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First off, the High Route Tent is back in stock, as of Friday. If we sell through this inventory, we have a bigger batch arriving in early-April. Next, Sierra Designs is clearing out their inventory in advance of new arrivals. The High Route Tent and Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack are among the few items that…

Points of difference: First vs. Second Editions of the The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide

By Andrew Skurka / February 13, 2017 /
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The upcoming release of the Second Edition of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide has prompted the obvious question: What are the points of difference between it and the First Edition? Or, more to the point, “If I already own the original, is the new version worth it?” In this post I will detail the changes. In…

Where to buy the Gear Guide outside the US

By Andrew Skurka / February 10, 2017 /
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If you live in the US, you can easily find The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide. Take your pick: my website, Amazon, REI (online and stores), Barnes & Noble, and many local bookstores and outdoor retail stores. Outside the US, its availability is not as widespread, but it can still be tracked down. With this page I’d like…