Zpacks Duplex Review – A Palace for One Person! | Average Hiker
This Zpacks Duplex Review is long overdue. This is one of the lightest “ultralight” two-person Dyneema shelters on the market right now and downright ROOMY for a single hiker!
Benton Mackaye Trail – Solo Again | Average Hiker
Southern Breakfast joints and stellar sunrises were the highlights of Day 4 on the Benton Mackaye Trail as the hike continued.
Benton Mackaye Gear List – New Additions | Average Hiker
My Benton MacKaye Trail gear had it had its winners and losers. In some cases, I went back to some dependable old gear.
Day Three – Sam’s Last Day | Average Hiker
Today was to be Sam’s last day on the trail and I thought it only appropriate she be rescued by a super nice hog hunter.
Day Two – Plenty of Wild Hogs on the BMT! | Average Hiker
The BMT on Day 2 included lots of wild boar signs, and camping down by the Toccoa River. It was a beautiful day!
MLD Prophet Backpack Review – Frameless Quality! | Average Hiker
The MLD Prophet backpack is a frameless backpack that is made to order and it’s quality and features definitely make it worth the wait.
RightOnTrek Review – All About Convenience! | Average Hiker
RightOnTrek makes food logistics easy! This company checks all the boxes – price, taste, ease, etc. Check out this review for more details.
The Mohawk Trail – Ghost of the AT! | Average Hiker
The Mohawk Trail was the Appalachian Trail until a reroute in 1988. Now you can see AT remnants along this blue-blaze trail.
Tarptent Aeon Li Review – Those Finicky Corners! | Average Hiker
I used the Aeon Li on the Benton Mackaye Trail and appeciated the solid construction.
Water Crossing on the BMT | Average Hiker
Crossing Loss Creek was not a risk I should have taken but I was too focused on making miles and moving forward.
Benton Mackaye Trail – Day 1 – Hiking with Sam
The first day on the BMT was a gorgeous day for hiking! I could not wait to get started!
Benton Mackaye Trail – Spring Time Has Arrived! | Average Hiker
The Benton Mackaye Trail is going to be my Spring Hike this year – the first hike I’ve not started solo in 35 years of backpacking.
Hyperlite Stuff Sack Pillow – Compromise | Average Hiker
The Hyperlite Stuff Sack Pillow is a new piece of gear I’ve added to my extensive collection of gear – a collection far too extensive I’m often told. I’ve reviewed the pillow here, and will be taking it on my AZT hike in March…
Zoar Trail – A Trail with Great Water Features!| Average Hiker
The Zoar Trail has great water view and features, along with nice glacial features.
HOKA Speedgoat 4 Women’s – Really Comfortable Trailrunner | Average Hiker
The HOKA Speedgoat 4 lives up to the reputation of the HOKA brand with its comfort and cushion, combined with great traction.
A Leg Bone Start
This was my first day on the CDT in 2009 as I headed NOBO. I am much more patient now than I was back then.
Testone Boulder Loop Trail – A Really Big Rock| Average Hiker
The Highlight of the Testone Boulder Loop Trail is the very large glacial boulder found about halfway through the loop.
Fyler Pond Trail – A Little Agricultural History | Average Hiker
Fyler Pond is a short hike, but interesting with it’s pond, old agricultural equipment, and tree growth.
The Hyperlite Junction Backpack is One Tough Pack! | Average Hiker
The Hyperlite Junction Backpack is arguably one of the highest quality and most durable backpacks I have used in my 30 years of backpacking.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Review | Average Hiker
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork hiking poles are high quality, durable hiking poles that provide confidence in tough hiking terrain.
Ives Trail – Varied Terrain with History! | Average Hiker
The Ives Trail in Connecticut, with it’s history and varied terrain, make this a fun and challenging trail.
New England Trail Day 5 – Funny Hikers! | Average Hiker
The road walking today was beautiful though, as I ambled through the back roads of New England.
Backpacking Meals – Evolution of my Eating Habits! | Average Hiker
I’ve given in and gone back to cooking on the trail. I enjoy a hot meal so much at the end of the day, and age deserves it’s little comforts.
Silver Shadow Mini Umbrella Review – Many Uses | Average Hiker
The Silver Shadow Mini Umbrella by Six Moon Designs is a great umbrella for it’s price and size.
The Osprey Tempest 20 Has Great Features! | Average Hiker
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L Backpack is one of the most comfortable lightweight backpacks in its category.
Dirty Girl Gaiters Review – Useful! | Average Hiker
Dirty Girl Gaiters will be great for desert hiking, and keeping out dirt and debris.
New England Trail Day 4 – Mushroom Monday! |Average Hiker
The New England Trail near Amherst included old stone bridges, mushroom hunts, and a town day.
A Woman Backpacking Solo – Trust Your Instincts! | Average Hiker
As a woman backpacking solo for over thirty years, I’ve learned to trust my intuition and instincts. I have some lose “rules” I follow.
Salomon Sense Ride 3 – Rules Big Miles! | Average Hiker
The Salomon Sense Ride 3 is a comfortable, dynamic shoe that lets me feel the trail beneath my feet while performing like a beast!
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review – The Little BIG Pack! | Average Hiker
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L Backpack is one of the most comfortable lightweight backpacks in its category.
New England Trail Day 3 | Average Hiker
Day 3 on The New England Trail was one of my favorites. The ridges above Hermit’s Cave had beautiful Fall views!
Nemo Hornet 1P Tent Review – An Innovative Little Tent!| Average Hiker
The Nemo Hornet 1P tent is a lightweight tent providing innovations that result in a roomy, weather-resistant tent for only 2 lbs!
New England Trail Day 2 – Where are the Birds? | Average Hiker
The New England Trail was almost eerily quiet this morning. I paused to look around me. “Where are the birds?” I whispered.
New England Trail Day 1- First Day Out | Average Hiker
New England Trail Day 1 brought the first of only a handful of shelters along this 215 mile trail.
Colorado Trail Day 34 – Switchback Fall! | Average Hiker
A fall on some switchbacks, and winter weather ended my 2020 Colorado Trail hike. I’ll wrap it up in 2021!
Greenbelly Food Bar Review – An Edible Protein Bar!| Average Hiker
The Greenbelly Meal2Go Food Bar has ended my search for an edible “protein bar,” and will be joining me on upcoming backpacking trips.
Colorado Trail Day 33 – Busy Trail! | Average Hiker
Today was a beautiful day above tree line. I could not have asked for more perfect weather. Other than frustrating shoes, it was fantastic!
Kula Cloth Review – Finally Something Clean! | Average Hiker
The Kula Cloth is a game changer for me – sanitary, easy. No more bandanna for me!
Choosing the Right Backpacking Stove for You | Average Hiker
Choosing a backpacking stove can be overwhelming. I’ll take you through the choices, along with the pros and cons for each type.
10 Great Backpacking Gifts! | Average Hiker
These 10 Great Backpacking Gifts are all items I use on my hikes and awesome gifts I would love to find under my tree! With… Read More »10 Great Backpacking Gifts! | Average Hiker