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Win it on Wednesday: Second Edition of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide

By Andrew Skurka / February 1, 2017 /
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Let’s make someone’s Wednesday a good one! This is a raffle for the Second Edition of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide. It will be officially released on March 7, but you can pre-purchase it now on Amazon, or score a signed copy from my online store. Try before you buy. Download this 20-page preview. The Second Edition…

What would you ask Sierra Designs Sr. Director, Stephen Barnes?

By Andrew Skurka / January 19, 2017 /
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On Wednesday I will interview Stephen Barnes, Sierra Designs Sr. Director, during a Virtual Happy Hour that we will broadcast via Facebook Live. I know what I want to ask him, but I want to know your questions, too. If you have one, leave a comment below. And then log onto the Sierra Designs Facebook page…

Must-reads: Most popular posts from 2016

By Andrew Skurka / January 1, 2017 /
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I keep regular tabs on my website traffic, but probably don’t spend enough time studying it. So this annual “best of” list (see 2015’s) is about as revealing to me as to readers. In 2016 I was surprised by the persistent strength of old content, given my increased efforts to generate fresh material. Posts about breakfast & dinner recipes, female…

A backpack coach: Is there actually a market for this?

By Andrew Skurka / December 20, 2016 /
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This year I have quietly coached a handful of individuals who sought my help for their upcoming backpacking trips. Jessica completed the Colorado Trail in July. Ambitious teens Hannibal and James flew over from the UK for an adventure in the High Sierra. John, Bill, and Stephen & Diane are preparing for thru-hikes next year…

Win a SD Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack: Tonight at 6:30pm MST

By Andrew Skurka / December 7, 2016 /
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Tune in tonight (Wednesday, Dec 7) at 6:30 pm MST for my holiday gift guide for hikers and backpackers, broadcast via Facebook Live. If you ask a question during the program, you’ll be entered to win a new Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack. To watch, visit Sierra Designs’ Facebook page. Starting on Thursday I will begin…

Thought it impossible: Wildfires close 140 miles of the Appalachian Trail

By Andrew Skurka / December 3, 2016 /
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Along the Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails, closures and fire bans are considered normal, especially after dry winters or late in the summer. Ditto for other long trails through arid or semi-arid environments like the Arizona Trail or Colorado Trail. But I considered such trail closures impossible on the Appalachian Trail, which is nicknamed “The Green Tunnel”…

Civic discomfort zone: Amanda and I attended a Donald Trump rally

By Andrew Skurka / October 19, 2016 /
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Yesterday Amanda and I attended the Donald Trump rally in Colorado Springs. Since announcing his presidential bid in June 2015 we’d heard much about his candidacy, as all other non-cave dwellers probably have. But we wanted to hear him, unfiltered. And we wanted to better understand his supporters, which in a few weeks will constitute…

A deal at $240: High Route Tent, 20% off through Labor Day

By Andrew Skurka / August 26, 2016 /
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Sierra Designs is having a 20% sitewide sale through Labor Day. And orders of $49+ qualify for free shipping. Valid only at www.SierraDesigns.com Use coupon NOFOMO at checkout Most notably, the High Route Tent 1FL is now $240. For what you get, I thought its $300 MSRP was competitive. It’s a lot of tent at $240, and…

Fun in 2016: What I have planned

By Andrew Skurka / March 26, 2016 /
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It’s almost April, yet just recently has my 2016 play calendar taken shape. Normally my schedule is dialed by now, but I have more flexibility this year since I’m not guiding trips or actively speaking. The extra time was useful — it gave me an opportunity to reflect on 2015, and to ponder my long-term commitment to 2017 projects that necessitate action…

WANTED: Video producer for 12-video project

By Andrew Skurka / March 16, 2016 /
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Update, March 26 || We have narrowed our search to several vendors. If a similar need arises again, I will post something here and elsewhere. This summer Sierra Designs will release a backpack and tent that we’ve co-developed over the past year. As part of the product launch, and as part of SD’s continuing efforts to engage its customers, we would like…