An older lighter weight warhorse that works well if you need to go lighter, enjoy versatility, durability and venture off-trail. Bonus: Not expensive. Read More ...

Continue reading Gear review: ULA CDT backpack at PMags.com.

Initial impressions of the Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility Backpack. With a followup in March 2016. Read More ...

Continue reading Test spin: Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility Backpack at PMags.com.

An overview of the Fusion 50 by Six Moon Designs

Read More ...

Continue reading Quick Look – Six Moon Designs Fusion 50 at PMags.com.

A weekend backpacking trip to Dominguez Canyon outside of Grand Junction, CO.

Read More ...

Continue reading Down to the River – Dominguez Canyon Backpack at PMags.com.

A backpacking trip along the crest of the Sangres. Read More ...

Continue reading Sangres Traverse at PMags.com.

In the continuation of my Internal Combustion Aided Great Western Loop
(Much like Andrew Skurka’s loop..except I mainly drove, hiked/skied about 200 miles in two weeks instead of nearly 7000 miles in a few months, and drank Chery Desert Cooler. Other than those small variations, it was almost exactly the same. Er..maybe not!), I spent some time in Arizona hiking along the Arizona Trail.

The Arizona Trail was calling to me for a few reasons. The most simple and direct reason is that I have never been in Arizona for any extended period of time…much less for hiking. I have hiked and explored Colorado Plateau. I have walked the length of New Mexico. But have never experienced an Arizona Sky Island or been in the Sonoran desert. Life is not just about going to the familiar, but embracing the new.

When my friend Andy (Garlic) invited me for a stretch of the Arizona trail, I eagerly accepted.

Continue reading Forthwith! 100 Miles on the Arizona Trail at PMags.com.

My good friend Nahum continues to be in town for the month of July. As part of his being in town (Aspen actually), Nahum wanted to do at least two social backpacks: Little mileage in, the emphasis on camping rather than hiking, day hikes from base camp. I prefer a more traditional backpacking trip, but spending time with a good friend trumps taking off into the woods by myself and being anti-social.

For this trip, Nahum's lovely someone Patricia would be joining him for the weekend. As they have not seen each other in three weeks, this trip would be a much needed reunion for two people who have been wed less than a year.

My friend Julia and I picked Patricia up in Boulder. We then drove up to Aspen to spend the night in the apartment Nahum rented (courtesy of our tax dollars via grant money. These professors sure have it tough! ). The happy couple was reunited and we spent a little time walking around Aspen.

Continue reading Avalanche Creek Basin Backpack at PMags.com.

After the enjoyable, but hectic at times, backpack of last weekend I wanted a more traditional backpacking trip: A long hike in and out, relatively few people, an emphasis on hiking and not camping.

D-low and I pored over the maps one weeknight (after having a couple of cold ones). We spied a loop that looked promising. It would involve alpine lakes, some off trail hiking and scaling a 13er: The Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Along with Ian “Skittles” Reese (another thru-hiker buddy in Boulder), we left to Friday night to camp out near the park.

On Saturday morning, we pulled into our trail head only to find it full. After some quick map consultation, we decided to make the hike a little bit longer and start at the Lumpy Ridge trail head with its easy trail access and more ample parking.

The start of the trip was pleasant.

Continue reading Mummy Mountain Range Backpack at PMags.com.

Many people often ask me what would be a suitable trip for someone coming from lower elevation. A trip that really shows off some of the best parts of Colorado. The Lost Creek Wilderness is my favorite place for early or late season backpacks.

There are two lovely loops I always suggest. The first is a 26 mile loop. If someone wants a more challenging/longer route, there is this 36 mile loop I also recommend. Both loops show off unique rock formations, great views and meander through open meadows. Highly suggested!

On this weekend, I had to work Saturday and was not esp. pleased. Three day weekends are precious…and to miss a day, well, put me in less than a satisfactory mood. 🙂

Instead of moping around Boulder, I decided to hike a solo trip  in  the LCW.

My trip for this weekend was a 36 mile loop. I figured it was still about two weeks early; but I really wanted to get in a good backpacking trip.

Continue reading Lost Creek Wilderness Backpack at PMags.com.

For anyone who actually bothers to read these things..some quick trip reports/photos!

August 4th – Blue Lake
My good friends Patricia and Nahum were married on August 5th. The day before, they had a wonderful hike for the guests. A way to see why they enjoy Colorado.

Blue Lake is only five miles round trip with little elev gain, but it is a wonderful destination. Nestled against the divide with wildflowers in abundance. What a way to share the weekend!

August 5th was the wedding. I won’t go into too many details other than to say it was an honor to hold the chuppah, one of our closest friends was the officiator, the wedding was held by the creek on a sunny day and was just a wonderful event. Friends who are like family brought together.

August 11th – Pawnee Pass
A nice little solo jaunt to the Continental Divide.

Continue reading Some long overdue ramblings at PMags.com.