How to Plan and Prepare for the Annapurna Circuit

     I am currently in Nepal until December, mainly hiking. I spent the last 20 days hiking the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp (they connect). Before I get too far into preparation, let me explain why you should hike Nepal’s Annapurna region: There’s not much earthquake damage in the Annapurna region. Tourism is definitely down … Continue reading →

How to Plan and Prepare for the Annapurna Circuit

     I am currently in Nepal until December, mainly hiking. I spent the last 20 days hiking the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp (they connect).  Before I get too far into preparation, let me explain why you should hike Nepal’s Annapurna region: There’s not much earthquake damage in the Annapurna region. Tourism is … Continue reading →

How to Plan and Prepare for the Annapurna Circuit

  I am currently in Nepal until December, mainly hiking. I spent the last 20 days hiking the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp (they connect).  Before I get too far into preparation, let me explain why you should hike Nepal’s Annapurna region: There’s not much earthquake damage in the Annapurna region. Tourism is definitely down … Continue reading →

Interview with Adventure Skirt-Maker Mandy Bland

I first bumped into Mandy “Purple Rain” Bland along the AT in New Hampshire. Even 1,800 miles in, she was still bubbling with enthusiasm. As is the fluidity of the trail, I didn’t see her again after our brief meeting. Imagine my surprise when I saw a Facebook post over two years later for Purple … Continue reading →

Reading on the Trail

I’ve heard lots of talk in forums asking questions like, “Should I bring a Kindle on my hike?” and “Will I have time to read?” While the hikertrash lifestyle is much more laid back than the day-to-day world, you won’t exactly have hours of leisure time where you won’t know what to do with yourself. … Continue reading →

The Most Reliable Campstove

I bought my MSR Pocket Rocket back in 2010 for my first ever backpacking trip. What attracted me to the stove was that it was so compact, lightweight, and reasonably priced. I figured since it was only $40, if I wasn’t happy with it I could buy another one down the line. Turns out, I … Continue reading →

Wild Movie Review and Giveaway

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Wild for months now. I read the book two years ago after I finished hiking the Appalachian Trail, and I was absolutely thrilled when I found out there would be a movie. I had to wait for the movie to be released in my city, and this … Continue reading →

Fun Jobs for Thru-Hikers

It would be awesome if we could just endlessly hike trail after trail and never worry about money, but someday you’re going to reach Katahdin and it will be time to get a job and save for the next adventure. Work doesn’t have to be boring though! I’ve done several of these jobs below, and … Continue reading →

Gear Review: Vasque Taku Hiking Boots

I usually prefer to hike in trail runners, but this fall I worked for a conservation corp in Colorado and I had to have a pair of leather, ankle high boots. I went with a pair of Vasque Taku GTX hiking boots because I found them at an REI garage sale for $45 (they are … Continue reading →

The Pee Rag

I’ve heard a lot about pee rags from other hiker girls, but I have always thought the concept was kind of gross. I’ve been putting off trying it until recently, and now I think I will always use one in the future. Pee rags are pretty simple: just use a bandana to dry yourself after … Continue reading →