Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips
The Salar de Uyuni is the earth’s largest salt flat. Situated in the southwest corner of Bolivia’s Altiplano, it measures a staggering 12,106 sq km (4,674 sq mi); more than 20 times bigger than Death Valley. It is an otherworldly Read More …
When it comes to thru-hiking its important to have a sleeping bag (or quilt) that meets both your individual needs, as well as the dictates of the environment/s into which you are venturing. The challenge is finding a model that Read More …
There is no universal blueprint as to how you should backpack. We all have our own motivations, needs and levels of experience. That being said, one thing upon which everyone can agree is that hiking is substantially easier and more Read More …
In recent times I’ve been back in Australia catching up with family and pottering around the rainforests of South East Queensland. A few weeks ago my personal and professional stars aligned, and a two to three week ambulatory window opened Read More …
The following article is a compilation of trail-tested lightweight tents, recommended by some of the most accomplished long distance hikers from the US, Australia and the UK. All of the shelters listed weigh three pounds (1.36 kg) or less, and Read More …
The Western Arthurs Traverse (WAT) is one of Australia’s most spectacular and challenging treks. Situated in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it’s a lollipop-shaped route that negotiates the western section of the famously rugged and inclement Arthur Range. Encapsulating Read More …
Over the past few years, the most popular articles on “The Hiking Life” website haven’t been about outdoor skills, backpacking equipment, or trip reports from exotic locales. Nope, they’ve been about crappy hiker gifts that you can pick up for Read More …
The Cape Wrath Trail is often referred to as Britain’s toughest long distance walk. Stretching approximately 230 miles (370 km) from the Highland hub of Fort William to the remote lighthouse of Cape Wrath, it is an unmarked and sometimes Read More …
Scotland’s Isle of Skye is a place steeped in myth, legend and natural beauty. Tales of giants and shape-shifting water horses are woven together with stories of dramatic mountain ranges and coastlines. It is an island that engages and inspires 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 …
From the lowest spot in North America to the highest point in the contiguous United States. The Lowest to Highest Route takes the hiker from Death Valley (280 ft below sea level) to the summit of Mt.Whitney (14,495 ft), via Read More …
The Pyrenean Haute Route (or HRP for Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne) is an approximately 800 km (497 mi) traverse of one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Stretching from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea, it crisscrosses the natural boundary Read More …
One of the things I’ve always loved about the wilderness is that everything is what it is. No masks, no motives, no hidden agendas. Mother Nature can be the hardest of taskmasters, but I’ve never found her to be disingenuous Read More …
Bears are the animals that everyone wants to see and doesn’t want to see. It is really just a question of timing and distance. Spot a grizzly bear on the other side of a raging river; fantastic. Walk around a Read More …
The article below is a follow-up to last year’s most popular post, The Thru Hiker’s Gear List. In a nutshell, it’s a compilation of gear recommendations from 11 of the most accomplished and experienced long distance hikers in the United States; Read More …
The Sierra High Route is one of the most spectacular and challenging treks in North America. Stretching approximately 195 miles (314 km) north to south through the Sierra Nevada, it is a largely off-trail affair that stays between 9,000 ft Read More …
The Toubkal Circuit is one of Africa’s finest multi-day treks. Situated in Morocco’s Atlas mountains, it takes hikers on a 60 km (37.3 mi) loop around Jebel Toubkal, which at 4167 m (13,671 ft) is the highest peak in the Read More …
When many folks think of multi-day hikes in Australia, the first names that come to mind are the Overland, Bibbulmun and Larapinta. All three are great trails. However, none of them are as spectacular, and certainly not as challenging as Read More …
Every once in a while I receive emails about hammocks and thru-hiking. It is a subject about which I know very little. That being the case, I asked a hiking buddy of mine with extensive hammocking experience, to put together 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 …