Ramen is a thru-hiker staple, and people get pretty creative trying to dress up their noodles. One common trick is to add peanut butter. It’s tasty and really beefs up the calories. Piñata and I also add powdered coconut milk …
In the News and On the Books
It’s been a busy month around here! Piñata and I were written up in the local newspaper. You can check the article out here. I also continue to write for The Trek, and I recently wrote a comprehensive financial …
Recipes: Caloric Coffee Drinks
I love my coffee in the morning, but I don’t like heating water in the morning when I’m on the trail (unless it’s very cold out). I also don’t always like eating very first thing, but I know I need …
Gear Review: Olympus Tough Gear TG-4 Camera
I don't remember meeting anyone else who carried a point and shoot style camera on the trail. But, using the phone only has a lot of drawbacks, particularly in bad weather. So, without further ado, here are our thoughts on …
Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
Most ultralight backpacks are very minimal: main compartment, 3 external pockets, maybe a hip belt. The Gossamer Gear Kumo 36, on the other hand, packs in many features of a traditional pack, while still keeping total pack weight under 2 …
Recipe: Backcountry Spaghetti
I do not have a dehydrator, and we mostly resupply on-trail, so I’m not a treasure trove of backcountry recipes like some hikers are. However, we do usually send ourselves some resupply boxes and in our boxes we always try …
My CDT Mail Drop Recommendations
Contrary to what you may have heard, resupply on the CDT isn’t that different to or much more difficult than the PCT. Many of the alternates (and virtually all of New Mexico) even allow for on-trail resupply.
Gear Review: Enlightened Equipment Accomplice 2-Person Quilt
After trying one on the PCT last year, Paul and I determined we really enjoyed our 2 person quilt. We knew we would use another quilt for the CDT, but we wanted one that was warmer and more packable than …
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Gear Review: Why the Nitecore NU25 is my Favorite Headlamp
The Nitecore NU25 headlamp compared against the Petzl e+lite and Black Diamond ReVolt
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Long Term Gear Review: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles (Costco Poles)
Trekking poles can be pretty expensive, especially if they are made from carbon fiber. After hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, Paul and I were both in need of new trekking poles for the Continental Divide Trail, and neither …
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Gear Review – A Tale of Two Stoves: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 vs. Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove
When it comes to backpacking stoves, there are a ridiculous amount of options out there, from super light to super heavy.
Gear Review: My Trail Company Storm UL Rain Jacket
The right rain gear for a thru-hike is important, but it can be difficult to strike the right balance between weight, function, and cost.
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CDT Bird List
One of my favorite pieces of gear is my monocular. Not only does it allow me to identify a lot more birds than I otherwise would, it is also great for looking at all variety of wildlife. On the CDT …
CDT Day 125: Canada!
Day 125: 19 Miles Last days on trail are always a little bit weird, but I think Piñata would agree with me that this was the best one of all. We started the morning messing with him a little bit, …
CDT Days 122-124: Glacier National Park
Day 122: 16 Miles Today was great. Piñata and Yoda got up early and went down to the ranger office to be there when they opened. They returned with our permits and itinerary for the final section of trail. It …
Hiking Hammonds 