Gear
Say up to date with the newest backpacking gear.
Colorado Trail Gear List
Colorado Trail Gear ListIntroductionThis is an example gear list for thru-hiking the Colorado Trail. I used these items hiking Southbound early in the 2017 season. Gear that works for one person may not be the best for another. Hike your own hike and enjoy the outdoors. Most of the weight was taken up by the […]
Guide to Backpacking Water Treatment
Water TreatmentIt would be impossible to carry all of the water needed for hiking. A water purification system is necessary to filter water from streams and lakes along the way. Water is heavy, so it is necessary to balance safety with weight. 1 liter of water = 2.2 pounds Each type of water purification has […]
7 Tips for Female Backpackers
At first you might think that as a woman there are many more things to worry about while thru-hiking than a man might have to think about. This might be true for some, but there is nothing that should keep you from hiking! Below are seven tips for dealing with woman-specific challenges you might encounter […]
Colorado Trail Example Timeline
Early Season Timeline Start Day: June 20th Finish Day: July 24th Total Days: 35 Average Pace: 14.7 miles per day Zero Days: 2 Days Camped Alone: 7 Bear Sightings: 0 Trail Notes Mile 17 – South Platte River Trailhead Tuesday, June 20th We decided to start our hike on June 20th starting from Waterton […]
Piney Lake Backpacking
Upper Piney LakeLength: 7 miles (one way)Start elevation: 9,340 ftEnd elevation: 11,100 ftElevation gain: 1,700 ft FeaturesThe trail starts with an easy 3 mile hike to a waterfall. The falls are a popular location for day hikers and vacationers but the trail becomes more remote as it becomes more difficult to locate. The beautiful meadow transitions to a […]
Eagles Nest Wilderness
Eagles Nest Wilderness The Eagles Nest Wilderness holds great backpacking near Vail, Colorado. Experience beautiful views of the vail mountain landscape in this part of the White River National Forest. Free parking is available at the trailheads and no permit is needed. Trails Piney Lake Trail Gore Creek Trail Booth Creek Trail Pikin Creek Trail […]
How to Hitchhike when Backpacking
Why Hitchhike? Long distance trails like the Colorado Trail do not always run directly through towns. In order to resupply, hitchhiking is a great option. There are countless horror stories of hitchhiking which gives it a bad reputation but it actually can be one of the most rewarding experiences on the trail. Lasting friendships and […]
How to Hike the Colorado Trail
Can I Hike the Colorado Trail?The Colorado Trail is a 486 mile backpacking route starting in Denver, Colorado and ending in Durango, Colorado. The trail is maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation which organizes groups of volunteers to work on the trail. It usually takes thru-hikers 4-6 weeks to complete but it can be completed […]
5 Best Backpacking Tents of 2017
Here are the top 5 backpacking tents of 2017 Backpacking tents need to be the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and low weight. It is going to be a large investment for your trip so you want to make sure you make the right decision. Tent technology has come a long way since your grandpa’s […]
How to Prevent Blisters while Hiking
The Secret to Hiking Blister-Free Good foot care can mean the difference between a beautiful hike and a somber early return. I hiked the Colorado Trail without a single blister and so can you. With the smart use of proper footwear, sock liners, and early prevention blisters can be completely avoided. How Blisters are Formed […]