Trekking internationally may sound like an expensive endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you get past the initial cost of the plane ticket, Nepal is a fairly cheap place to spend time. I’ve spent eight months total in Nepal, over the course of two different trips. Both times I...
When most people think of hiking in Nepal, they think of the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. Both of those hikes are fantastic, but if you want something extra challenging and gorgeous try the Three Pass Loop in the Everest region. The three passes consist of Kongma La, Cho La...
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 worse situation, like when...
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...
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...
Occasionally, people ask me what one piece of gear I always take on my outdoor trips. We all have that one item we feel compelled to always have in our pack. My one item I can’t live without is my merino wool Buff. I bought a Buff last spring because I was going on a bike trip and I...
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 no one crazy enough to...
I first bumped into Mandy “Purple Rain” Bland along the AT in New Hampshire. Even 1,800 miles in, she was still bubbling with enthusiasm. As is the fluidity of the trail, I didn’t see her again after our brief meeting. Imagine my surprise when I saw a Facebook post over...
I bought my MSR Pocket Rocket back in 2010 for my first ever backpacking trip. What attracted me to the stove was that it was so compact, lightweight, and reasonably priced. I figured since it was only $40, if I wasn’t happy with it I could buy another one down the line. Turns out...
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Wild for months now. I read the book two years ago after I finished hiking the Appalachian Trail, and I was absolutely thrilled when I found out there would be a movie. I had to wait for the movie to be released in my city, and this past weekend...