Outdoor gear, apparel and footwear for hikers and backpackers.
As I’ve been traveling around the Northwest presenting my new guidebook, Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon, one of the most common questions I’m asked is what kind of gear I recommend for the PCT. I usually preface my responses with the fact that I am not an ultraliter or minimalist. I don’t mind indulging in a …
April showers bring May flowers. May flowers bring June flowers. June showers bring … Okay, you get it. It rains a lot in Oregon. That’s why everything is so green. No matter what time of year you hike the Pacific Crest Trail thru Oregon—spring, summer or fall—there’s a good chance you’re going to get rained on. One …
Spring may be in the air, but winter is still in the mountains. This past season, the West Coast experienced record snowfall. Some regions in California’s Sierras and Oregon’s Siskiyous received up to 180% of their normal snow levels. Even now, many of Oregon’s mountain passes are still snowed in and receiving new snowfall. This signals …
When it comes to drinking water in the backcountry, you can never be too careful. There are some nasty bugs and viruses that inhabit mountain streams and lakes. Contracting one of these bugs can lead to some very discomforting experiences—to say the least. That’s why, as one of hiking’s Ten Essentials, you should always carry (and …
It wasn’t that long ago that socks were about as technologically advanced as bleached cotton. They covered your feet, provided a bit of insulation and kept your sweaty feet from rubbing against your hiking boots. That was about it. Today, socks are just as advanced as the rest of your outdoor gear. Thanks to advancements …
I’ve been a fan of the Gregory Jade women’s backpack for a while. In fact, I spent a month trekking the trails of Europe while researching for my new guidebook, Exploring Europe on Foot, with one attached to my back. When you spend that much time with a backpack, you get to know it pretty well—its strengths and …