This time four years ago, I was somewhere in Vermont on the Appalachian Trail. I felt like my hike was almost over, clueless that I had endless memories yet to make and friends left to meet before reaching Katahdin. I had just started hiking with Sam who, unknown to me at the time, I would shortly…
I bought my Granite Gear Crown VC 60 last year because I wanted to lighten my base weight. This pack seemed to be a good option for easing into the world of ultra-light backpacking. I used it for four months last summer while working along the Appalachian Trail as a ridge runner, then again for…
This past spring, I ordered a Hennessy Hammock Hyperlite Asym Zip. My job as a ridge runner in Connecticut and Massachusetts has me camping on the trail more nights that not. I previously used an ENO hammock, but I wanted to upgrade to a better backpacking setup. Update: I’ve now owned this hammock for four…
A few weeks ago, my nephews and mom came to join me on the trail for a week of hiking. My mom already had a hundred or so miles of hiking experience, but this was the first time for the boys (ages 8 and 12). There were times where I could have never imagined a…
Leave No Trace is a huge part of life in the backcountry. Following Leave No Trace (or LNT) principles is how we ensure that the wilderness stays wild, not only so the next hikers can enjoy it, but so we don’t negatively impact the flora and fauna of the region. It’s vital that every hiker…
I have been on a quest this summer to find a way to eat healthier while on the trail. During my thru-hike, I ate Pasta Sides pretty much everyday and carried mostly sugary snacks. Looking back, my poor diet made me feel sluggish and tired. Sure, I consumed enough calories, but they weren’t usually from nutritious…
This past week I was hiking in Connecticut, and it rained for three days straight. It wasn’t even heavy rain; it was the sort of light rain that keeps everything damp and doesn’t let the sun come out. On top of that, the temperatures were dropping into the 40s at night. Although my hammock kept…
I just finished my ridge runner training week in Connecticut, and I will be spending the summer working along the Appalachian Trail. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the trail. The most asked question we get is… What is a ridge runner? The short answer is I am a glorified trash lady/…
It seems like I’m constantly hearing talk about how the outdoor industry doesn’t do a good enough job producing women’s gear, such as in this Appalachian Trials article. Or more particularly, the women’s gear they do produce primarily comes in colors like bright pink and vomit-hued pastels. And often when outdoor retailers do make quality…
Back before my very first backpacking trip ever, my mom was sure that I was going to die or be kidnapped in the woods. She begged me not to go hiking alone. She tried to tell me I needed to bring one of my male friends along. I, however, wanted to go hiking and had…