After a co-worker of mine lamented that he got snubbed for all of his backpacking trips this year (COVID, fire, smoke…), I knew we had to plan a great trip to change that luck. Thankfully, a group of us were all able to get time…
Backpacking is hard work! Not only does it require good cardiovascular fitness, but you are also using your muscles: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, your abs, and of course, your back. You are also putting strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and maybe a little bit on…
Like it or not, we are living in the 21st century, and technology has made its way into the world of backpacking. Now, there are tons of technological advances that have happened in backpacking: lighter and stronger gear, more breathable rainwear, etc. I am specifically…
Re-supply and food planning are some of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of planning a thru-hike! I generally try to avoid planning food (hence my PCT 2018 resupply strategy), but on the John Muir Trail, you can’t really resupply at grocery stores. Unless you…
The John Muir Trail is a little challenging to go true Ultralight for. The heavy, required bear canister, and therefore, a heavier, framed pack to carry that canister, generally sees to that. However, I do believe my gear list is lightweight and still full-comfort. And…
John Muir Trail permits are pretty hard to come by. You probably know this, since you’re researching how to get JMT permits. I failed on my first lottery attempts in 2017. In 2020, somehow I won the lottery for a permit from Happy Isles (after…
