Issue 40 has been released! Download your own high definition PDF copy with a Premium Membership or read online here.



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  2. 2019 Hiking Plans

    balzaccom replied to Aaron's topic in Fireside Chatter

    We've got plans to visit Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon and other sites this spring, then later in the summer headed for Utah and Colorado. July and August is for RMNP to Glacier on an extended swing Can you tell we're retired?

  3. 2019 Hiking Plans

    PaulGS replied to Aaron's topic in Fireside Chatter

    I’m hoping to explore more of the Canadian Rockies in Banff and Yoho National Park. Paradise Valley, Amiskwi Valley and Alexandra River are a few of the places I am planning to backpack to. I also may visit Joshua Tree Ntl Park later in the year and may try my first overnight backpack in a desert.

  4. 2019 Hiking Plans

    Aaron posted a topic in Fireside Chatter

    Curious as to what’s in the plans for everyone in 2019. Personally I’ll be exploring here in the Wyoming Rockies - and will probably continue a trend I started last year on exploring some backcountry locations a little more in depth with lots of offtrail hiking. Hope to finally get to a couple wilderness study areas that have been on my list for a while close by as well. Somewhat more of the same, but can’t complain! Where is everyone headed this year? Any exciting hiking plans?
  5. Within the Last week
  6. Jody Eldridge joined the community
  7. achroman joined the community

  8. Weird stuff on the trail.

    jay replied to jay's topic in Fireside Chatter

    Oh, that's perfect! too bad there wasn't one of those old Styrofoam head wig holders with it!
  9. My plan was to go counter-clockwise starting from Adams Gap. I wanted to stay on Talladega Mountain my first night, perhaps at one of the campsites around 5 miles in (according to the Pinhoti Alliance trail guide). The next day I would set out early and see how far I can get into the Chinnabee/Skyway Loop section. If I feel inspired, I would head up 281 to the highest point. I have 3 days so my options are open.

  10. Skyway Loop Trail/Talladega National Forrest

    Dogwood replied to Opus's topic in Southeast

    maybe take into acct where you're parking? up skyway. down china bee. I'd try planning my route direction based on MPD with organizing for at least one CS river stay.
  11. Dale joined the community
  12. Also, is anyone interested in making the hike with me? I am fine with a solo hike, but I would prefer to hit the trails with a partner.
  13. Andrew Hackler joined the community
  14. Brian Hodges joined the community
  15. Michael D Mckin joined the community

  16. Weird stuff on the trail.

    arm2008 replied to jay's topic in Fireside Chatter

    Found these in a mid-1950s trash pile on an old homestead site. I was amused, but when I posted to a FB group I'm part of people were freaking out about calling the cops in case someone was missing. Trash pile. 1950s. I'm not calling the cops....
  17. Preacher joined the community
  18. Andrei Tudor joined the community

  19. Weird stuff on the trail.

    Mickey B. replied to jay's topic in Fireside Chatter

    Hiking in the Smoky Mountains, there are all kinds of hidden gems...if you know where to look. One item that I hiked to a few years ago is an old boiler engine that was used to transport logs up/down the mountainside from the Clingmans Dome area. It's about a mile-ish off trail, but wasn't hard at all to find. NOTE: this isn't my pic.....I wasn't able to access mine.
  20. howardq99 joined the community

  21. Issue 40 Released

    Ryn8tor replied to Aaron's topic in TrailGroove Magazine

    Beautiful issue. Thank you!

  22. Issue 40

    Aaron posted a article in Current Issue

    Read Online Download PDF Contents: Jargon: Campsites Trail News Trail Tip: Time to Sunset The PCT Part 1 The Pasayten Wilderness The PCT Part 2 NeoAir XLite Review Gear Mash Spicy Thai Noodles Wondering in Wilderness PDF Version Read Online Download PDF In This Issue: The PCT Part 1 Pasayten Wilderness Wilderness Wonder Jargon: Campsites Spicy Thai Noodles NeoAir XLite Review Tip: Time to Sunset The PCT Part 2

  23. Issue 40 Released

    Aaron posted a topic in TrailGroove Magazine

    Issue 40 of TrailGroove Magazine is now available! Click the preceding link or the cover below to take a look: In This Issue: Jargon: Campsites Trail News Trail Tip: Time to Sunset The Pacific Crest Trail Part 1 The Pasayten Wilderness The Pacific Crest Trail Part 2 NeoAir XLite Review Gear Mash Backcountry Cuisine Wondering in Wilderness 148 pages dedicated to backpacking and hiking. Special thanks to all of our readers and contributors for your support and contributions towards the latest issue! If it's your first time viewing the magazine, we suggest starting on Page 1 for viewing tips and tricks. Prefer a different format or want to view the magazine offline? A PDF is also available individually or included with a premium membership. Your input is highly appreciated. Let us know what you thought about Issue 40 here on the TrailGroove Forum, or contact us anytime. Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for Issue 41, due out early 2019.

  24. Issue 40

    Aaron posted a file in PDF Versions

    Version

    Note: This download is included at no extra cost with a Premium TrailGroove Membership - Details Here. Issue 40: (148 Pages) Table of Contents: Jargon: Campsites Trail News Trail Tip: Time to Sunset The Pacific Crest Trail Part 1 Backpacking the Pasayten Wilderness The Pacific Crest Trail Part 2 NeoAir XLite Review Gear Mash Spicy Thai Noodles Wondering in Wilderness

    $5.00

  25. Issue 40 Wallpaper

    Aaron posted a file in Desktop Wallpaper

    Version

    Note: This download is included at no extra cost with a Premium TrailGroove Membership - Details Here. Full HD Desktop Wallpaper / Background for TrailGroove Issue 40.

    $1.50

  26. Hello everyone, DISCLAIMER: I probably sound like an idiot because I have little knowledge about backpacking so if you have anything negative to say about that go ahead and say it it'll be a good laugh for both of us I live in Southern California and I have been wanting to do a backcountry FISHING trip with my dog before I leave to another college. I wanted some opinions on trails that you guys recommend (SPECIFICS BELOW): What type of trip I am looking for: 1. Moderate Hike (10 mile max) 2. Dog Friendly 3. Good lakes or rivers for fishing 4. 2-3 night trip 5. DOES NOT HAVE TO BE STRICTLY SOCAL but would prefer it 6. I will be going early summer (Late May) 7.I would love to go to the sierras MY DOG: I have a 5 year old healthy English Lab/English Mastiff, his name is Tank. I don't want to push him too hard but he is used to the mountains and can hike for miles. This will be my second time overnight backpacking and first time with my dog. Sorry if I left anything out I'm hungover
  27. mcbrant joined the community
  28. Earlier
  29. Any suggestions on which whether to go clockwise or counter-clockwise? I have no preference and planned on settling it with a coin toss when I arrive.
  30. There’s very little advance prep for this recipe that uses a simple sauce of just three ingredients, but still has the feel of a home cooked meal. Spicy Thai Noodles can be made at a fraction of the cost of similar commercially freeze dried meals and is a much tastier option. Thin rice noodles can be found in the Asian section of most well stocked grocery stores and are a favorite of backpackers because they require only a quick boil on the trail, conserving precious fuel. For a ready-to-eat lunch, cover noodles with warm water... In our latest installment of Backcountry Cuisine Karen Garmire shares this quick and easy recipe for the trail - find the recipe and full article below in Issue 40: Spicy Thai Noddles with Peanut Sauce Issue 40 Page 1

  31. Gear Mash 40

    Aaron posted a topic in Gear

    In our latest Gear Mash installment, we look at new and interesting gear from the Altra RSM to new meal offerings from Good To-Go and more. Read more below: Gear Mash 40 Issue 40 Page 1

  32. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review

    Aaron posted a topic in Gear

    In the last twenty years, backpacking gear has seen remarkable advances in materials, construction, and performance. Tents and backpacks have become lighter, while retaining much of – if not surpassing – the durability and function of their more stocky predecessors. Sleeping pads have certainly not been left out of this progress with a plethora of different options available now that make what was available in 1998 look only slightly more advanced than a bed of spruce boughs. Perhaps one of the most significant developments in sleeping pads was the introduction of the NeoAir Series of sleeping pads from Therm-a-Rest. These pads took lightweight comfort to a new level when they debuted in 2009 and, now almost 10 years later, they are still one of the standard-setting items when it comes to sleeping systems. While there were some complaints about the noisiness of the material (the earlier versions probably should have come packaged with a complimentary set of earplugs) and some users noted issues with slow and difficult to detect leaks developing over time, those early material and inconsistent issues seem to have been fully addressed in the near-decade since the NeoAir arrived on the market and under sleeping bags. Although this review focuses specifically on the NeoAir XLite... @Mark reviews the XLite sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest - find the full review and rating below in Issue 40: NeoAir XLite Review Issue 40 Page 1
  33. While much of Washington is a veritable backpacker’s paradise, its three national parks and the areas of national forest closest to the Seattle megalopolis seem to absorb the bulk of the crowds. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with its spectacular scenery and name-brand destinations like The Enchantments, and Mount Rainier, with its life-list Wonderland Trail, deservedly draw hordes of eager backpackers. But for those willing to travel a bit further east, incredible backpacking and ample opportunity for solitude await in the Pasyten Wilderness of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Located to the east of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which needs no elaboration for its beauty and wealth of backpacking options, the Pasayten’s more than 500,000 acres offer another opportunity to experience a remarkable landscape. Without having to worry about getting coveted backcountry permits and sticking to an itinerary for campsites – regardless of the weather, energy levels, or how good the fishing is – the Pasyaten allows for a truly wild and free-flowing experience in a spectacular landscape... @Mark shares this overview guide and introduction to backpacking and hiking in Washington's Pasayten Wilderness, take a look at the full article in Issue 40: East of Cascadia: Solitude and Scenery in the Pasayten Wilderness Issue 40 Page 1
  34. While thrashing along in vegetation so thick I could hear, but not see a stream less than a body-length away from me, a rational person would probably reconsider their choice of hobbies – or at least their choice of a destination. But for some peculiar reason, and based on my conversations with other backpackers I’m not totally alone, I derive a strange sense of satisfaction from such up close and personal experiences with the flora of our public lands. It was easy to enjoy the first few miles of well-graded and maintained trail through a lush old-growth forest on my way to the junction with the more primitive path, which led to an uncrowded alpine wonderland. It can however, be quite a bit more challenging to appreciate stumbling into devils club and pushing through slide alder that obscures a path which lacks any moderation when it comes to the concept of rise over run. Such experiences notwithstanding, when reflecting back on over a decade of backpacking, I’ve realized that I’ve come to view “wilderness” as a synonym for “paradise”. From primeval forests in the Southern Appalachians... In Issue 40, @Mark shares thoughts on wilderness, and finding our own wilderness experience wherever our backcountry travels may take us. Check out the full article below: Wondering in the Washington Wilderness Issue 40 Page 1
  35. “Give me a hug man!” I said to my friend Tommy, “Walkie Talkie,” as we reached Monument 78, the northern terminus and finish line for a northbound Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker. Walkie was only about 20 yards in front of us. My friend Kayla, “8 Track,” was directly in front of me. We checked the maps at the last water source and knew we only had five miles to go. It started pouring with rain, slowing our progress. The three of us were dead quiet. You could hear every drop of rain. An hour and a half goes by – but nothing comes into view. Suddenly, there is a large clearing up ahead. Walkie reaches a switchback, turns, and looks to us with a big Cheshire cat grin, bouncing up and down with his backpack on, waving his hiker poles in the air saying, “I can see it, I can see it!” Kayla didn’t want to believe him because Tommy was known to be a jokester on the trail, but your eyes don’t lie. Tommy took off running, as Kayla sung her way dancing towards the monument, and I was simply in complete shock. I didn’t think it was real: 2,650.10 miles and 180 days and now, it was all over. It was never a vacation. It was never a sojourn, or a journey, trip, excursion, or trek. It was a dream. I had to do it... In this 2 part series from Issue 40, contributor Sean Jansen takes us along his thru-hike of the PCT from Mexico to Canada. Check out the article at the link below in Issue 40: The Pacific Crest Trail Part 1 The Pacific Crest Trail Part 2 Issue 40 Page 1
  36. One of my favorite things about backpacking is how the concept of time always seems to change after a day or two in the wilderness – although I do wear a wrist watch in the woods, it’s mostly used for its built in altimeter function while hiking. While the exact time carries less significance when we’re backpacking, many of our activities do still revolve around the all-important and more general times of sunrise and sunset... In our latest trail tip, we look at wilderness trick that will allow you to predict the time to sunset without a watch - check out the tip below in Issue 40: Trail Tip 40: Using Your Hand to Tell Time Issue 40 Page 1
  37. We take a look at the latest news from the trail - including 2019 National Park Free admission days, a cave discovery in the Canadian Wilderness, possible Instagram impacts, and some newly created designated wilderness areas. Take a look in Issue 40: Trail News 40 Issue 40 Page 1
  38. At its most basic, a campsite is nothing more than a piece of ground upon which to sleep for a night. It should ideally be reasonably level, sheltered from the elements, not too rocky, and proximity to water is always a plus. When it comes to camping in national parks, or complying with Leave No Trace principles, the term “campsite” gets a bit more technical. Designated campsites are most common in national parks and are often the only legal places that backpackers are allowed to camp. When selecting an itinerary for backpacking in a national park, you are limited to these sites and must travel the distance between them each day – regardless of weather conditions, energy levels, or how good the fishing is at a particular lake... In Issue 40, @Mark breaks down the differences between and the definitions of designated, zone, established, and dispersed campsites. Take a look at the full article at the link below: Jargon 40: Campsites Issue 40 Page 1
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