Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips
Jotunheimen is arguably the most aptly named of Norway’s 47 National Parks. In the local language, it translates to “land of the Giants.” Encompassing an area of 1,151 sq km (115,100 sq mi), the park features the country’s 23 highest Read More …
The Trollheimen Mountains of central Norway are one of the country’s most diverse mountain ranges. Located in the transition zone between marine and alpine environments, Trollheimen features ancient woodlands, lush river valleys, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and jagged rocky peaks. Complementing Read More …
While primarily known for its rich ancient history and idyllic beaches, Crete is also home to one of the Mediterranean’s most rugged and beautiful mountain ranges. Towering above the Aegean Sea, the White Mountains (“Lefka Ori” in the local tongue) Read More …
The fifth iteration of the “Hiking Books Guide” has been updated and expanded to include more than 90 works divided into eight categories: 1. Educational; 2. Guidebooks; 3. Humour; 4. Inspirational; 5. Literature; 6. Memoirs; 7. Philosophy, and; 8. Ultralight. Read More …
Ilulissat is Greenland’s tourism capital. Located on the island’s west coast, 250 km (155 mi) north of the Arctic Circle, its UNESCO World Heritage Listed Icefjord attracts visitors from around the globe. For those seeking more in the way of Read More …
For hikers of a superstitious bent, the prospect of trekking through the Balkan’s Accursed mountains may evoke more than a little trepidation. And up until fairly recently, this nervousness would have been wholly justified due to the fact that the Read More …
Gear cupboard spring cleaning. A combination of culling, gifting, tidying, reminiscing, donating, restoring, “yeah-no, yeah-no……I’ll decide on that one later,” and more reminiscing. During a recent shakeup, among the dusty MSR Whisperlite Stoves, indestructible Thermarest CCF mats, bombproof Macpac Pursuit Read More …
During the website’s recent hiatus, I hiked, traveled, dabbled in extreme ironing, and wrote two books. The first of those titles was Wanderlust Nordics: Exploring Trails in Scandinavia.* Released late last year, it’s a 300-page coffee table book that showcases Read More …
Bookended by two of the Faroe Islands’ most enchanting villages, the trail between Saskun and Tjørnuvík is one of the archipelago’s classic walks. Located on Streymoy Island, the route traverses a scenic pass and showcases an unforgettable collection of cascades, Read More …
I hiked Greenland’s Arctic Circle Tail (ACT) in early September 2022. The total distance was 200 km (124.4 mi), including the 35 km (21.7 mi) “Icecap” extension between Point 660 and Kangerlussuaq. Overall, temperatures were fairly typical for that time Read More …
My fourth book with gestalten publications has just been released. In a nutshell, Wanderlust Himalaya: Hiking on Top of the World, is a 300-page coffee table book that showcases 26 of the finest hikes from the world’s highest mountain range (along Read More …
Updated and expanded since the last edition in 2019, “Books for Hikers and Backpackers” now includes more than 70 works separated into eight categories: 1. Educational; 2. Guidebooks; 3. Humour; 4. Inspirational; 5. Literature; 6. Memoirs; 7. Philosophy, and; 8. Read More …
It’s been almost a year since I last posted on The Hiking Life. Even by my sporadic publishing standards that’s a long time between drinks. Indeed, it’s gotten to the point where I’m regularly receiving messages from readers asking if Read More …
The end of 2019 saw the release of Wanderlust USA, my third book with gestalten publications. In a nutshell, it’s a 320-page coffee table book that features 30 terrific hikes from around the United States. Among the eclectic collection are Read More …
This year’s book list has been revised and significantly expanded, and to make things easier on the sorting front, I’ve divided the works into eight different categories: Educational, Guidebooks, Humour, Inspirational, Literature, Memoirs, Philosophy and Ultralight. All of the more Read More …
Yesterday marked the US release* of my second book with Gestalten Publications, “The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust off the Beaten Path.” In a nutshell, it’s a 272 page coffee table book that features 29 terrific hikes from around the world. Some of Read More …
Let me begin this long overdue post with an apology to my readers. I just arrived home after six weeks of hiking around the Scottish Highlands and Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Before departing I had planned to put up a quick Read More …
Last year I wrote and co-edited a book by the name of Wanderlust – Hiking on Legendary Trails. In a nutshell, it’s a 256-page coffee table book that features 32 terrific hikes from around the world. Some of the treks Read More …
The Dusky Track is one of New Zealand’s toughest hikes. Measuring approximately 84 km (52 mi) from beginning to end, it crosses two mountain ranges, three valley systems, and includes some of the wettest, muddiest and buggiest conditions you are Read More …
All of the works listed below have a place in my library at home. They represent a mixture of educational and philosophical texts; with a sprinkling of humour, poetry and social commentary thrown into the literary mix. The books are Read More …