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We used to do overnight trips when I was younger in Colorado, Washington and the Sierra in California. A winter outfit tends to weigh a little more so I used a small plastic sled for my dog to pull with a regular mushing harness. She carried close to half my outfit. I used PVC pipe so the sled did not run over her on downhills. Bring insulation for your dog to sleep in. In cold weather I just zipped her into a jacket. I have used 3 season tents, and 4 season tents but the best of all was a Whelen lean to with a fire in front. Find a dense forest or some rock outcrops for a wind break. We could dry out our clothes, stay warm, cook dinner and watch the moon and snow fall all at the same time. I hate being in a little tent for 14 hours a day in winter.

My Dad had a ranch on the Coconino NF for 30 years. Water can be hard to find. The North Rim is cooler and wetter.

So many great places in CO. Flat Tops, Mt Zirkel, Never Summer Range, Maroon Bells, Crystal River and Ragged Mountain and my favorite the Wimenuche Wilderness Area in the San Juan Mtns.

Good idea. I like Cedar Mesa, Escalante and the Grand Staircase. Finding and carrying water should be your concern all the time.

R2R is all the rage. My hiking partner of 40 years did it recently at age 68 I think it was. I have too many injuries for that kind of stuff, but I still love backpacking at 73.

Ten miles does not sound like much until you go out there and carry 30 pounds of stuff. I like to use a pack for my dog to carry her stuff and a couple of water bottles. Backpacking is a great idea. SoCal has some good place if you can get off the trails.

I like to stay below the snow and go up in elevation as it melts. This year 2024 is still above average precip. Headed to Sierra Valley on Friday. There will be some snow around, April 20 even at 6,000 feet.

How far are you going to get with a one liter bottle?

Buy a compass that adjusts for declination and adjust it for your location.

I teach emotionally challenged kids to ride horses. Horses can teach them things we can't. Trails are fine, but I don't have that much use for them so I don't build them.

I worked on the EIS for the proposed public transportation project in YNP in 1974. Here we are 49 years later getting around to the same topic. Americans like to bring a lot of stuff when they camp. They will not agree to bring their camping gear on a public conveyance and give up their cars or RVs. That means that over crowding can only really be alleviated by reducing the amount of visitors at any one time. I like the off season.

A few years ago and to follow up on a previous Utah hiking trip, Ted Ehrlich and I spent a few days backpacking in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The Maze is frequently referred to as one of the most remote spots in the lower 48, and though I’m not sure how exactly it ranks on that scale, it did require some significant amounts of off-highway driving to reach. The Maze is located in southeastern Utah, west of the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers and bordered by the both to the east. Though bordered by water on one side, water is scarce. Springs are scattered to the south and within the canyons themselves, but can’t always be relied upon. We found the plateaus completely devoid of water, and found little water when dropping into the canyons / the Maze itself. Needless to say, views in the Maze don't disappoint. Getting to the Trailhead I’m no 4x4 enthusiast, so we elected to start our trip from the Golden Stairs Trailhead which avoids the roughest sections of 4 wheel drive roads in the Maze. A trail switchbacks down from this spot to the 4 wheel drive road that runs across the southern end of the area where we planned to hike, so a bit of road walking was involved. However, it’s definitely one of the best road walks I’ve ever encountered. From here we essentially route planned on the fly, including an out and back to the Chocolate Drops, a day hike loop past the Harvest Scene, and eventually made our way to the Doll House area and areas overlooking the Colorado River. If you’re carrying a lot of water like we were, the out and backs and day hike loops make things easy by allowing you to temporarily stash some of that weight, and with the way the trails / routes and the roads all seem to intersect in the Maze, many interesting routes can be devised. The Maze is desolate country – arrive prepared and with plenty of water. In the Maze The country is beautiful in a unique and desolate way. It’s also a land of contrasts. The plateaus – hot, windy, and dry, rarely a bird or rabbit to be seen. But the 12,000’ + peaks of the La Sal Mountains rise in the distance with snow-capped peaks and forests rising up their sides. Plunge into the canyons of the Maze and the winds die down, the sun disappears and you can feel the water in the air – but can’t always find it. Deer tracks run through the sand and each bend brings something new, and something ancient. Sunsets never seemed to disappoint and were some the best I can ever recall seeing. Rock holds it all together in an eclectic array of constantly unique shapes and colors. It’s definitely one of those spots that keeps calling you back – I can’t seem to put the map away and shake the idea of another trip. Or maybe it's the sand I'm still shaking out of my shoes that keeps reminding me. With summer heat on the way, hopefully that return trip happens soon. Things only get more interesting around sunset in the Maze. Need to Know Best Time to Go Spring and Fall. Winter can be quite cold and access difficult due to road closures / access. Summer brings very hot hiking and everything that goes with it. Getting There From Green River, Utah travel on Highway 24 south for 24 miles. Near the Goblin Valley turnoff you’ll see a signed dirt road leading East. Alternatively travel north from Hanskville. Travel on this 2wd road for 46 miles to the Hans Flat Ranger Station (open daily 8 AM – 4:30 PM). Continue 12 miles (High clearance 2WD / 4WD) to the top of the Flint Trail Switchbacks. Stop here at the overlook to ensure no vehicles are ascending the switchbacks; if any are wait until they get to the top. Uphill has the right of way and passing will be quite difficult on this section. From this point the roads will be high-clearance 4WD only. Descend the Flint Trail Switchbacks, travelling 3 miles to the fork and navigating 3 hairpin, multiple point turns where a spotter will be very helpful. Once at the bottom, taking the left fork will take you to the Maze Overlook (13 miles) or to the turn off for the Golden Stairs campsite / trailhead (1 mile to the turnoff, an additional mile to the parking area). From the base of the Flint Trail switchbacks, you can also take the right fork and drive directly to the Maze through Teapot Canyon, a much rougher route. One option is to park at the top of the Flint Trail Switchbacks and Hike in via Golden Stairs from there if you or your vehicle isn’t up for the rougher driving in the park. Trails can also be accessed via the Maze Overlook which may require some exposed climbing maneuvers / pack lowering via rope. An alternate dirt road leads north from Highway 95 at Hite. We didn’t explore this road, but at the time of this writing it’s reported to be smoother but requires a longer drive. From this road you can access the road into the Maze through Teapot Canyon or travel to the base of the Flint Trail Switchbacks / beyond. The Park Service has listed driving times here, and we found them to be surprisingly accurate in practice. Information Permits cost $30 and are required for camping and backpacking in the Maze. Check the calendar to reserve a spot. If backpacking permits are full, check for 4WD site availability – the sites are quite nice. Keep in mind however that visitors staying at 4WD sites are required to pack everything out, while those with backpacking permits are required to pack out T.P. only (and all other trash, of course). Cryptobiotic soil is prevalent in the Maze, avoid traveling across it and stick to established routes or slickrock / no impact areas. Check with the Hans Flat Ranger Station for water and road conditions prior to starting your trip. The area is remote, take extra water and leave extra in your vehicle. Take a filter and always carry enough water to get back to your last known source. The Colorado River can be accessed at Spanish Bottom if needed. We carried all the water we needed in a mix of everything from gallon jugs to Nalgene Cantenes, containers from Platypus, and MSR Dromedary Bags. Maps We used National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map 312 and 210. Delorme's Utah Atlas and Gazetteer and this overview map can also be helpful.

Finally hooked up my external hard drive to this computer where I had a photo of the SAK Swiss Champ, showed below

Over a decade ago now, Justin Lichter (also known by his trail name Trauma) released a collection of insights, tips, and stories detailed across more than 200 pages in his book Trail Tested. If you haven’t heard of Justin yet, he’s quite famous in the long distance backpacking and hiking community – having hiked over 35,000 miles in his career. Not only has he completed the Triple Crown of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails – he’s done it twice. Throughout his travels his dog Yoni has often been a companion, and he’s no stranger to backpacking overseas either. Trail Tested includes insights on long distance hiking ranging from gear to technique and more. Trail Tested I received my copy of the book shortly after the release and at first was struck by just how visual Trail Tested is. Nearly every page is filled with great photos related to the subject at hand, and at the same time Justin’s descriptions are short and to the point – for a how to guide it’s everything that you need to know without being overdone. As such the book is easy to pick up and read in a relaxed manner, and the book doesn’t require too much commitment from the reader for Justin’s insight to come across. Trail Tested covers just about every backpacking and hiking topic that you can think of, ranging from gear to technique and general trail philosophy. The book is broken down into 3 main sections, the first section titled “For Starters” focuses mainly on things like gear and food selection. The book then moves into the “Getting the Groove” section (obviously our favorite), which details more advanced topics ranging from winter camping to first aid and photography. “Stepping it up” is the last section in the book, where Justin details practices for making your own gear, hiking cross country, and much more. Along the way quick “Trauma Tips” are included that really highlight some of the strategies that you only find by spending time on the trail – the book will definitely save anyone who is just getting on their feet in the backpacking world a lot of time, but is still a great read for the more experienced members of the community as well. The book covers an extensive range of topics and remains an interesting read for hikers of all experience levels. Conclusion Even after finishing the book, I found that I kept pulling it off the shelf just to see what Trauma had to say about various categories of gear as I continually work to refine and perfect my own gear list and approach to life on the trail. I read straight through the book over the course of a few days, and it will continue to remain in my collection as a quick reference for all things that are hiking and backpacking related. Best of all, the book includes a great index to find what you need fast, and with all the pictures that are included, the book is sure to keep you motivated when you’re just not able to make it to the trailhead. You can find Trail Tested at Amazon for about $20.

Bigger shoes and tighter laces. Your feet swell with exertion and gains in elevation.

If the USFS was serious about "protecting resources" they would thinning at about 4x their current rate.

Hi Balzaccom, The simple way is to go where others don't. Use trails for access, then find your own way off trail simple.

An American pick-up made by the Big 3. If you are going pull anything of any size a diesel. Just sold a 2002 Ford diesel. Best vehicle of my life. Now I have a 2022 Ram diesel. It is like a spaceship.

It might be good. Try it. What if it isn't and you need it?

While the potential exists to makes one's backcountry cooking setup nearly as complex as the average home kitchen, albeit hopefully a bit more miniaturized and lighter, in most cases the average lightweight backpacker only needs to boil water for freeze-dried dinners, freezer bag style cooking, to heat and hydrate a basic meal within the pot, or to heat water for things like coffee and tea. For these backpackers – like myself – the Evernew Ultralight Titanium Series pots have been a fairly popular option on the trail and have been my go-to choice for many trips over more than the past decade. The Evernew ultralight titanium pots have offered me many years of backcountry service. Evernew Ultralight 900 and 1300ml Titanium Pots These 2 pots are from the Evernew's "All Purpose" lineup, which also includes a 600ml version (ECA251) not tested here. With a listed weight of just 4.6 ounces and 4.1 ounces for the 1300ml (model ECA253 – measured weight: 4.9 ounces) and the smaller 900ml (model ECA252 – measured weight: 3.85 ounces) options at my disposal, respectively, these Evernew pots are really quite tough despite being so light. I've downright abused the 1.3 liter, including dry baking (not suggested), cooking in campfires, melting lots of snow for a group, and it’s even suffered a few impacts in the outside pocket of my pack from dropping it off ledges while traversing class 3 terrain. These pots are more short and squat than tall and thin, and as such catch more heat, heating faster and saving a bit of fuel and are more stable on top of a stove. On the downside, the shape doesn't really lend itself to an effective or satisfying combo for an all in one pot / mug solution (such as something like the Snow Peak 700), although it would work if you're not too particular. The lids fit securely, and don’t seem to require constant re-bending of the pot every time you unpack it in an attempt to get things to line up like some other solutions I’ve used. At times I’ve used a large rubber band with a loop to loop to connection on the lid handle – this allows one to then wrap the rubber band all the way around the pot and lid for even more security in the pack (for example when trying to store too many things inside), but these days I don’t bother and store the pot in the outside mesh pocket of my ULA Circuit also helps to keep everything in place. The Evernew Ultralight Series is a great choice for a variety of average lightweight backpacking conditions and applications – although the pizza in the upper left was baked in the 1.3 liter proving it possible, the thin walls may not be best for more in-depth and advanced cooking techniques. The handles (which fold for packing) along with the handle on the lid both feature heat insulating silicone material so you can take care of cooking without having to find that bandanna to use as a pot holder. A small pour spout is integrated to minimize spills and to ease water transfer, and measurement graduations can be found on the sides. Evernew also offers the non-stick versions of these as well, but in my experience it's not needed, adds a little weight, and the coating requires care both in your choice of utensils and in your cooking technique to keep from scratching it. 3 sizes are offered – a .6 liter, a .9 liter, and the largest 1.3 liter version. The .9 liter has been a perfect size for me for either solo cooking in the pot or for two when heating water and rehydrating freeze-dried or freezer bag style meals is all that's required. I will step up to the larger 1.3 liter version when cooking in the pot for two, baking experiments, or when melting snow for water in the winter. I've used these with alcohol stoves and mostly in that case with a Trail Designs Sidewinder Ti-Tri, but most recently I’m usually using them with a canister stove and usually the Soto WindMaster. With this stove, I’m also able to fit a small MSR 110 gram fuel canister in either size, and I’m able to fit a larger 220 gram Snow Peak fuel canister in the 1.3 liter upside down while still being able to close the lid. If you like to store your fuel canister inside your pot, turning the canister upside down may help to make things fit. Conclusion While the thin, scorch-possible walls of the Evernew pots might not be the best choice for the gourmet backcountry chefs among us or for your next morning huevos rancheros experiment on the trail, if you mostly need to heat and boil water, melt snow, or cook the occasional basic pasta meal or beans and rice in the pot like me (low heat and keep stirring!) the Evernew Ultralight Series of pots are hard to beat. Throw in a long handled spoon (the Toaks is my current choice) and optionally some type of mug for coffee (my pick: the Snow Peak 450 – single wall) and you're set. Although the Evernew Ultralight pots are a bit on the pricey side, they're also light, effective, and durable – always a great combination for the outdoors. The Evernew Ultralight pots can at times be hard to track down, but you can usually find them in all 3 sizes for around $50-$70 depending on size here at Amazon.com.

During an April trip several years ago, Ted Ehrlich and I spent a few days hiking and camping in southern Utah – one highlight of that trip had to be our hike through Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. With a snowy drive through Wyoming and then a whiteout in Colorado, the drive wasn’t a fast one and I met Ted at a deserted trailhead near Grand Junction around 10pm. From here we’d carpool into Utah. We drove west in the night, eventually moving past the snowstorm and into Utah, where we caught a few hours of roadside sleep. We woke early the next day and were met with icy conditions through the higher elevations of Utah on the morning of day 2, but with assistance from ample amounts of gas station coffee we eventually made it, and descended into warmer weather near the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. The plan at least, was to self-shuttle by bike. Setting up the Hike With only one vehicle for this 20 mile point to point hike, our plan was to self-shuttle. Ted's mountain bike was in the bed of the truck, and that evening we left the bike at the White House Trailhead, our finish point the next day. Our starting point would be at the Wire Pass Trailhead, and after the hike one of us would then ride the bike 15 miles along a dirt road, a highway, then another dirt road back to our starting point. Retracing the ride by vehicle, the driver would return to White House Trailhead to pickup the other hiker. Ted had a shoulder injury and was actually due to have surgery as soon as the trip was over, so the bike ride would be in my hands. With an upcoming 20 mile hike of yet to be determined difficulty, capped with a 15 mile bike ride, I mentally prepared for a somewhat long next day. I knew we’d probably finish the hike late in the day, and I just hoped I didn’t get a flat in the dark halfway back to the truck as we’d both left our flat kits at home. We were already down a tire on the truck from our travels earlier that day along House Rock Valley Road. The night prior to the hike we camped at the appropriately named Stateline BLM Campground, located right on the border of Utah and Arizona. The weather forecast had called for nighttime lows in the 30’s, but I struggled to stay warm in my 30 degree Western Mountaineering Megalite. The next morning revealed frozen water bottles, and in the cold we got a later start than expected but managed to make it to the Wire Pass Trailhead by mid-morning. That might have been a good thing, with the sun now high in a cloudless sky temperatures had climbed. There was still a slight chill to the air, but it was perfect hiking weather. Signs of travelers past Into Buckskin Gulch After paying the day use fee, our hike began and we followed a sandy wash, heading east and slightly downhill. Quickly, things began to close in and we found ourselves in shade – we'd seen the last of the sun for the day. We soon found ourselves at the confluence of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch, (first photo in this post above) where we admired some rock art, cowboy signatures, and unfortunately, some very modern rock carvings. We didn't linger long with many miles left on the hike however, and quickly made a right and entered Buckskin Gulch proper. We tried to keep our feet dry for a while, but that didn't last long. And the water was cold. Though we'd cross through pool after pool of water throughout the hike, we lucked out and it was never more than around thigh deep. Bend after bend – we hiked onward, with our cameras getting a heavy workout along the way. The hiking was easy. Imperceptibly downhill / downstream with sand and gravel underfoot – an occasional rocky section. The main challenge was not falling over and receiving a dunk in one of the many pools encountered along the way – and the water didn't always smell that great. The scenery was hard to believe. And it just kept going. Sensory overload that brought a smile to your face with each turn of the canyon. Flood debris appeared out of reach high overhead; this isn't the place you want to be when a flash flood occurs. I was glad we checked the forecast and there was no chance of rain. After a few hours of hiking we ran into a pair of backpackers from Boston, and with our hiking paces at a near equal speed the 4 of us hiked through the canyon for a couple miles as a group. They had planned to overnight near the confluence with the Paria River, then a finish at White House the next day where their car lay in wait. They decided to take a break, and Ted and I pushed on at a quick pace since we wouldn't be stopping for the night. I hiked faster – I didn't want to be riding a bike in the middle of the night. Occasionally birds would fly in and out of the canyon from above, easily navigating in and out of the canyon as they wished. I was surprised to even find life close to the canyon floor, however, some of which was best avoided. Ted and I continued to try to maintain a steady pace, but Buckskin Gulch can be distracting. We found ourselves hiking with camera in hand, frequently stopping in an attempt to capture what we were seeing as a photograph. I'm not sure we realized it, but our pace was significantly slowed by scenery, and soon we heard the echo of footsteps approaching. The 2 women we'd met earlier approached from upstream. They'd changed their minds. Making the decision to skip the overnighter and hike through as we were, they offered to give us a ride back to our vehicle at the end of the hike. Not only that, but Ted and I were running low on water, and they'd brought enough for two days. They were looking to reduce their pack weight, and we refilled our supply. I was quite relieved to know I wouldn't be setting out on a 15 mile bike ride, already tired from hiking, as the sun set later that day. Life was good. Now able to slow our pace, we hiked together through the canyon in a leisurely style. Conversation ensued and miles flew by. Soon we found ourselves at the crux of the trip, the rockfall. Here, with the help of a rope we all down climbed the main obstacle in Buckskin Gulch. To the right an alternate route around the rockfall / jam existed, referred to as the "Rabbit Hole", but that route appeared to involve a bit of down climbing as well, then a claustrophobic crawl under a pile of huge rocks. We all elected to simply take the steeper, but more direct route down via the rope. The climb wasn't too bad, but you definitely don't want to let go of the rope. We were quickly on our way without incident. Soon we came to the end of Buckskin Gulch and the confluence with the Paria River. We started to trek upstream towards the White House Trailhead, still about half a dozen miles ahead. Gradually, the terrain began to open up. We crossed the river dozens of times, and peregrine falcons swooped overhead, then observed our trek from the rim above. Dry shoes are not an option when hiking Buckskin Gulch and the Paria River. Wrapping up the Hike We eventually made it to Whitehouse Trailhead as the sun was setting, with soggy feet and shoes full of sand. I was definitely glad for the ride and we soon found ourselves back at the Wire Pass Trailhead and our vehicle, and after many thanks we parted ways with our impromptu hiking companions for the day. Having just finished one of the more memorable day hikes I've ever completed, Ted & I pulled back into Stateline Campground just as darkness fell, ready for dinner, sleep, and a change of socks. Other than figuring out where to start and finish the hike, the rest is for the most part, just following the canyon and river bed. Need to Know Best Time to Go Buckskin Gulch is best hiked in late spring and fall. It stays cool within the canyon, so in colder weather the water could be quite chilly. Check with the BLM office in Kanab for current conditions and check the weather forecast for precipitation in the area, as well as the vast area upstream, before you enter. Getting There From Kanab, UT head east on Highway 89 for approximately 38 miles, then take a right / head south on the unpaved House Rock Valley Road. 8.4 miles later you'll reach the Wire Pass Trailhead. For a longer hike, start at the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead, 4.4 miles from the Highway 89 / House Rock Valley Road intersection. To reach White House Trailhead by car, drive east 4.9 miles from Highway 89 & House Rock Valley Road, take a right and head south on a dirt road. 2.1 miles later you'll arrive at the trailhead / campground – one spot towards the end could be tricky for low clearance vehicles. Stateline (1.6 miles south of the Wire Pass Trailhead) or White House Campgrounds offer good places to setup a staging point. Maps and Books I printed off USGS topos to cover the route, but never needed them (do however, take a map!). The route is shown on Trails Illustrated 859. For driving in the area I found Delorme's Utah Atlas and Gazetteer very useful. There are many hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. I found the Kelsey guides useful for exploring other destinations close by – you can find them here. Additionally, 50 Best Short Hikes Utah's National Parks, as well as Hiking Arizona are guidebooks that are worth a look for planning additional hikes in Utah and Arizona. Information For day use, permits are available at the self-serve pay station at the trailhead – $6 per person / dog per day. For overnight use, you'll need to get a permit, try to pick one up in advance as they tend to go fast. If you happen to pass through Kanab, consider getting there early and entering the lottery to visit The Wave. Most of the time a use at your own risk rope will be in place at the rockfall, but it's best to take a suitable rope for lowering packs and yourself over the edge. You could possibly sneak through the "Rabbit Hole" as well, but it can at times be blocked by flood debris. If you keep a close watch, a few seeps and springs may be available for water resupply along the way. Commercial shuttle services are also available if needed.

While most breakfasts on the trail in my case are whatever gets me hiking the fastest – typically an energy bar or two and coffee – from time to time a more elaborate breakfast is called for. And of course, there’s always breakfast for dinner, which for me is the most likely time I’ll make such a breakfast meal. For this purpose I already have a couple go-to freeze dried backpacking breakfast meals including the Breakfast Skillet from Mountain House and their Spicy Southwest Style Skillet. Variety is always something I’m after as well however, and I recently decided to try out a hot breakfast meal that’s still easy to make – the Backpacker’s Pantry Rocky Mountain Scramble meal. The meal contains a mix of scrambled eggs and potatoes in something of a gravy with plenty of black pepper. Making the Meal and Impressions An easy combination to like on paper, this meal is a mix of scrambled eggs, potatoes (included as flakes and as freeze dried dices), cheese, a butter sauce, and with – as I’d find out – quite a bit of black pepper. This gluten-free meal is ready in 15 minutes after adding 1.25 cups of water. Each pouch contains 290 calories and 19 grams of protein. The meal retails for around $11 with an expiration date 3 years out, and is marketed as a 1 serving meal and is very compact for easy packing. Right off the bat the meal was different than I expected it to be – while I had come in thinking this would be something reminding one of cheesy scrambled eggs with perhaps some diced type hash browns all mixed together, the meal ends up all being contained within something of a gravy. Taste wise, the black pepper in this meal is strong and at the forefront, and if you’re not a big fan of black pepper some could say it’s overpowering. I didn’t get much cheese impact in the meal, and as such between a lack of cheese flavor and the black pepper plus the gravy, this oddly reminds me most of biscuits and gravy, substitute scrambled eggs for the biscuits. Not something I’d request in a restaurant, but nevertheless the meal is still pretty good. The meal is good, but due to its size it may be best to consider it something of a side dish. Conclusion That said, at 290 calories and $11, this one is pretty low in the calorie department and high on the price. In addition it would be tough to boost up the calories by using the meal as a tortilla filling because of the soupiness. However, if you’re after a diner type style meal as a breakfast in the backcountry, or as one part of a larger breakfast, you do get scrambled eggs and plenty of them – not something we always have the luxury of eating out on the trail. You can check out the Rocky Mountain Scramble meal from Backpacker’s Pantry here at Amazon.

A couple years ago I came across The Walkumentary, a film produced by Lawton Grinter (trail name Disco) detailing the southbound CDT thru-hike that he completed in 2006 along with his partner P.O.D. and a loose group of other hikers. The film really shows the viewer not only what it’s like to hike and to do so every day, but also what it’s like to do so along the CDT, where a thru-hike frequently involves longer, more remote stretches between resupply stops and staying “found” can at times be a challenge compared to the Appalachian Trail or the PCT. I’ve since watched the film several times, and had always hoped that Disco would release some type of follow up project. I Hike Then in 2012, I heard that Lawton was releasing a new book – I Hike. When I heard the news, I was immediately on board and was able to get my hands on a copy a few days prior to the official May 1st release. Just to cut to the chase, it's really good. The book is a collection of Lawton’s trail experiences broken down into 12 separate chapters, totaling nearly 200 pages. Each chapter is devoted to its own story or topic, and the book could almost be considered a collection of separate short stories that bounce from trail to trail. However, with the completion of each chapter I found myself turning the page to the next, and as I made my way through the book I began to feel like I was really following a thru-hiker on his pursuit of a triple-crown (and farther) as the stories began to intertwine and relate to each other. The book takes the reader through a range of emotions, from the laugh out loud antics of the last chapter to some of the more serious situations and realities that Disco encountered throughout his years of hiking – and everything in between. Lawton is a great story teller – if I didn’t feel like I was right there while reading I was remembering similar situations I’ve faced myself on the trail. If you’re into long distance backpacking, the book is right up your alley, but at the same time, Lawton writes in such a manner that the book is approachable by anyone that appreciates a good story – no matter their hiking experience. Read with caution...you might find yourself wanting to seek a leave of absence from work and a ticket to the nearest long trail by the time you've finished all 12 chapters! I Hike retails for about $15. Check out more details on the book here at Amazon.com.

No matter your outdoor recreation activity of choice, for most any type of winter activity in deeper snow some type of gaiter is desired to keep snow from entering through the top of your footwear and causing an uncomfortably chilly situation, or even eventually worse, predicament for your feet. Although of a shorter design I’ve been utilizing the Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Superlight gaiter for the past several years as my gaiter of choice anytime snow is present in shoulder seasons, and throughout the winter both in mid-height boots, and in those boots paired with a set of MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. While not the highest gaiter out there, the Superlight offers a nice balance of height and weight. MLD Superlight Gaiter Design and Performance The MLD Superlight gaiter is constructed of a 3-Layer eVent waterproof / breathable fabric, and as far as waterproof / breathable fabrics are concerned, eVent is great. Waterproof as you’d expect, and while no waterproof / breathable solution is perfect, I have indeed found eVent to work surprisingly well, relatively speaking, in regards to breathability. In the case that you’re using these in warmer conditions, or on those blue sky sunny winter days in the snow that feel almost like summer with the effort of gaining some elevation, eVent will cope with a wider range of variables here compared to any other waterproof solution I’ve tried. I don’t wear gaiters for 3-season conditions with trail runners, but from my experience with the very similar MLD eVent rain mitts, I can see the Superlight gaiter being useful throughout the year as well, and specifically during shoulder seasons or cooler rainy conditions (seam seal here if desired). The Mountain Laurel Designs Superlight gaiters are available in 3 sizes for the perfect fit and are listed at just 1.8 ounces for my size large pair, (2.2 measured) and they’ll run you $49. The large size has been a perfect fit for my size 13 boots. For winter, keeping snow from getting in the top of my boots as previously mentioned with the nice bonus of adding some warmth is the goal for me, and the Superlight gaiter works very well here. The gaiter is designed to be put on prior to your shoes or boots, and creates a nice seal towards the bottom of your shoe through the sewn-in elastic at the bottom of the gaiter, a lace hook to secure the front, and an under-shoe elastic cord that nests into your instep. At the top of the gaiter, adjustable elastic and a cord lock allow you to easily dial in the fit with one hand to create that just-right seal without being uncomfortably snug. The underfoot elastic runs through a loop at the bottom of the gaiter and is designed to be adjusted for your footwear by running the cord through the loop on the bottom of the gaiter, then tying some type of “stopper knot” to keep the cord from slipping back through under tension. In practice, it seemed that no matter what type of stopper knot I tried it would eventually slip back through the loop, and thus on my pair you will find a timeline of several previously unsuccessful knots along the length of the cord, and I have even resorted to tying the elastic back on itself, in a loop, to prevent this problem. But once dialed in, the system works well and allows you to slip the elastic on or off your shoes without adjustment. My advice would be to simply tie a stopper knot much larger than you’d think you’d ever need. The lace hook stays securely on a lace, while usually (and with the right technique) still being somewhat easy to slip on or off...depending on the lace and on how cold your hands are. However, on one boot I tried with a dedicated gaiter ring, the hook was just too small to work, and on another boot with the same feature, it was too snug of a fit to use without frustration. But quickly snagging a lace works in all cases. Luckily, I’m able to both take my boots off and put them on without removing the gaiter. On winter backpacking trips, I simply leave the gaiters on my boots at all times without disengaging the underfoot elastic or lace hook. Durability has been very good. Of course in winter long pants are worn which helps in this regard, and while I’m a gaiter inside of the pants but over my baselayer kind of guy (with the Superlights), I frequently find myself in such scenarios as hiking or snowshoeing through alternating deep snow and deadfall on the north facing side of a shaded canyon, then having to take the snowshoes off to hike through rocks and brush on the other side that receives a lot of light and then repeating the process. I’ve even encountered a few cringe-worthy moments from the sound of deadfall scraping over the fabric, but the gaiters have held up with no tears, and even the underfoot elastic holds up surprisingly well here and is easily replaced if needed. This fabric isn’t bombproof, but is tougher than one might expect – I’ve even taken a fall while running at a fast pace with the similar MLD rain mitts on, bracing for the fall with my palms as I hit the ground, and this resulted in some abrasions and just a small hole on only one mitt. While for very deep snow a higher gaiter could be useful, the height here is ideal for my use. The only issues I’ve had in this regard is when I’ve suddenly run into deep snow and I’m too lazy to stop and strap on my snowshoes – and I posthole my way through deep snow until exhaustion finally forces the required break to strap on my snowshoes. In these instances my lower legs and baselayer have gotten a bit damp from the resulting snow melt, but the gaiters have still delivered for my feet. Just using the right gear here should solve that issue, but if you’re frequently slogging through very deep snow or enjoy the exercise from an afternoon of postholing, a higher gaiter would be the way to go. For easier use with gaiter rings and laces I've replaced the included lace hooks (cut the plastic with wire cutters) with the Micro Lock S-biner from Nite Ize. Although these could have the potential to ice (moving parts), I haven't yet had any issue in the dry snow of the Rockies and I've found this makes the lace or gaiter ring hooking / unhooking operation much quicker and easier. The MLD Superlight gaiter turned out to be a lightweight and versatile option suitable for a wide range of conditions. Conclusion Overall, and while not marketed as a dedicated winter gaiter, the MLD Superlights have worked very well at keeping my feet snow free, dry, and warm throughout the winters of Wyoming. Good design, durability, and one of those items on the gear list that just lays low and gets the job done. The MLD Superlight gaiters retail for $49 a pair – see more here at Mountain Laurel Designs, and you can read our gaiter selection guide for gaiter considerations and more on how to choose the best hiking and backpacking gaiter.

They say fire warms the soul, better yet when that fire is in a potbelly stove set inside a historic cabin atop the spine of the continent burning wood you didn’t have to chop! Rachel and I decided to celebrate my 31st birthday and our recent move to Colorado by booking an overnight stay at one of the over 30 backcountry huts for rent in Colorado through the 10th Mountain Hut Association and the above scenario is exactly what we found. Based on some advice from fellow TrailGroove writer @PaulMags, we decided on Section House – a historic railroad cabin built in 1887, restored in the 1990’s and situated at the top of the Continental Divide at Boreas Pass just outside Breckenridge, CO. The trip promised mellow skiing and excellent views along with the ample snow Colorado has received this winter. A $30 per night fee gave us a roof over our head, a warm bed, gas and wood stoves and a propane cook top – not a bad way to spend a gusty winter night at 11,500 feet! Through the forest on the way to Section House. The Trip Begins We started our trip on the Bakers Tank trail from the Boreas Pass trailhead – the start of the winter closure of Boreas Pass Road. The trail was well graded for Nordic skis, wide and well used. Barely out of the parking lot we both noticed a total lack of grip to our skis when we started to slide backwards instead of glide forwards. Rachel and I use waxable metal edged Nordic touring ski’s which provide better glide than their waxless counterparts but require selection of the correct sticky kick wax for the snow conditions to provide grip on the snow. When the skis don’t grip, you switch to a warmer wax. The only problem was the giant balls of snow that formed under the warmer kick wax! Warm, wet, fresh snow is extremely unstable and will easily melt and refreeze to form large clumps under your ski, waxless or not. We quickly gave up on wax and switched to kicker skins – short segments of patterned nylon that do the gripping. The skins worked for a while but as the day warmed and we skied through slush on the trail even those iced up and we resorted to strapping the skis to our backpacks and bare-booting our way down the trail. Our boots made only shallow imprints on the well packed trail so we didn’t feel so bad. On the Bakers Tank Trail we passed several intersecting trails not shown on the hut association map, then ran into some other skiers planning on staying at Ken’s Cabin – a private cabin next to Section House. They gave us some rub on glide wax for our skins which made skiing possible again. Next time my rub on glide wax is getting packed with my skins! We had a quick lunch with our new friends and skied our way up the former railroad grade covered in several feet of snow. The snow depth was fantastic and we frequently stopped to take in the views of the snow-covered Tenmile Range across the valley below. With a little imagination the recent snowfall turned the distant mountains into sinister marshmallows, fluffy and white but still steep and avalanche prone. Just out of view was the sprawling Breckenridge ski area, both out of our budgets and out of our minds as we swished our way up to the Continental Divide. The ski up Boreas Pass Road was pleasant and we were even getting good kick and glide with the skins on the slight uphill. Soon the hut was in view and we opened the lock using the code in our reservation email. Several Forest Service placards dot the area and explain some of the history of the narrow gauge railroad used to ferry miners, equipment, and ore between the Front Range and Leadville. The town of Boreas used to exist at the top of the pass to house railroad workers but was abandoned in 1937 along with the railway which was plagued with avalanches and rock falls during its service life. The Army Core of Engineers reconstructed the old rail grade for automobile traffic shortly after World War 2. The house we stayed in decayed until 1992 when it was restored by a joint effort through the U.S. Forest Service, Park County, Texas A&M University, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and Harris Construction. Summit Huts Association now has a permit to rent out the hut to ski, snowboard, and fat biker enthusiasts during the winter. Ken’s Cabin next door to Section House was also restored and sleeps 3 for a more private setting but at a higher nightly rate. Inside the hut we found an ample kitchen and common space stocked with tables, couches, a three burner propane cook top, two woodstoves, and all the cleaning supplies we would need. The night before our trip I prepared and froze some potato chicken stew and baked some brownies for dessert. Rachel brought pastries from work for breakfast along with ample hot chocolate. While the food cooked on the stovetop, we got a roaring fire going in the woodstove and I successfully practiced not losing any fingers while making kindling with the provided hatchet. Two enormous pots of water from melting snow made cleanup a cinch and we worked fruitlessly on a 500 piece puzzle until bed. Upstairs the beds were all reasonably comfortable and came with sheets and pillows that we used alongside our 3 season sleeping bags. There are even some double beds for couples! There is a gas heater but I couldn’t figure out how to regulate the heat so ended up turning it off after the room reached sweltering temperatures. Despite howling winds, we slept warm in 3 season bags and were able to dry our boots by the wood stove. A Quick Exit The next morning was an easy downhill ski out although the grade wasn’t quite enough to glide the whole way down as we had imagined. We decided to stick to the road all the way back to the trailhead instead of taking the Bakers Tank Trail for a change of scenery. The views were even better on the way out but we hit several sections of road that lacked enough snow to ski on. Still, we made it back in under 2 hours and enough time for Rachel to get her first Colorado downhill resort skiing in at Loveland ski area. Mild grades make for relatively easy skiing. Need to Know Information There are many, many huts for rent in Colorado to the point where it’s hard to tell what hut is suitable for your abilities at what time of year. Section House and most of the more accessible huts can be booked at www.huts.org with additional information at http://summithuts.org/. Prospective hut users should be aware of which huts require winter routes with avalanche danger, which is listed with the hut information and found in any guidebook. Hut skiing is very popular in Colorado but since we were able to go midweek, our hut was available on short notice but booked on weekends for the next month. You should definitely book well in advance for weekend trips or other more popular huts. Best Time to Go Generally December through April or later depending on the year will have the best snow conditions; also some huts are only open certain months of the year. For Section House, check the weather in Breckenridge and keep an eye on the snow totals at the ski area. Warmer temperatures during the day can lead to icy trails so you may have to time your skiing when the trails are softer. Getting There From I-70 take Exit 203 for Route 9 South towards Breckenridge. Stay on I-9 around the outside of the Breckenridge and take a left onto Boreas Pass Road. The road is closed at the trailhead with ample parking. Maps & Books Free maps are located here. The map for Section House didn’t include several trail intersections so it would be wise to bring a larger overview map of the area such as Trails Illustrated 109. I recommend picking up Colorado Hut to Hut: Skiing, Hiking and Biking to Colorado's Backcountry Cabins by Brian Litz which covers most of the huts. Recommended Gear For the ski up Boreas Pass Road any Nordic ski will work great. The grades are very mellow and metal edges wouldn’t be critical even for moderate ice. One of the benefits to a hut is being able to dry your boots overnight so there are no worries about removable liners. You won’t need a shelter, stove or cooking equipment which leaves room for good food and beer! Slippers for the hut and a warm jacket to wear until the wood stove kicks in (1 to 2 hours after lighting) are critical. Any 3 season sleeping bag will work since the hut is heated. Don’t forget the hot chocolate!