planning

This time of year gets me in the mood to get hiking. I’m just waiting for the first sunny 50℉ day where I don’t have to bundle up. I’ve been going through my gear while waiting for that day to appear. I thought I’d share with you some of the gear I bring along on every day hike. 

Something I’ve been thinking about so far this January is how to get out and hike more. I thought I’d share some of my ideas and inspirations, knowing that there are others who have similar ambitions and yet challenges with the execution.

Many beginner backpackers start out with pre-packaged freeze-dried meals from their local outdoor stores. However they quickly realize how pricey and unsatisfying those meals can be. When I started backpacking I had the added challenge of wanting to follow a vegetarian diet. It wasn’t long before I was looking for alternate ideas of inexpensive, easy to make, tasty, and healthy backpacking meals.

Hiking the John Muir Trail was an incredible experience but eventually the “mountain high” wore off. Last fall I had a crazy idea… what if I hiked the PCT through Washington? Well, I’m turning it into a reality and have been gathering my gear.