Back in 2003 I was struggling to reclaim control over my life, and figured some wilderness therapy might help. I purchased a copy of Backpacker magazine, and read a short paragraph about a section of the Ice Age Trail. Further information gathering led me to realize this trail was 1000 miles long, stretching across Wisconsin! Without knowing a thing about long distance backpacking, or even that people undertook such voyages, I rustled up a back-breaking traditional hikers load and set off with the intention of clearing my head. Holy cats, did I learn a LOT! I learned that all that gear I carried added nothing to my enjoyment of the woods. My knees ached, blisters hobbled me the entire way, and only stubborn determination allowed me to finish the trail. My trip was plagued by mosquitos, terrible food choices, and inappropriate gear. It was a miserable experience…but I loved it. I loved it so much I set my sights on the Appalachian Trail in 2004. For the AT, I did some research on gear.

My baseweight on the IAT was around 30 pounds, but I started the AT with a 22 pound load. This made the hiking much more enjoyable, and I felt incredible. My knees and back didn’t hurt! Hiking was an enjoyable activity, not a drudging death march! But I met other hikers on the AT that year who fully embraced ultralight backpacking and seemed to float down the trail. Their tiny packs amazed me, and I picked their brains for information on how I could shed pack weight as well. 2006 had me at the border of Mexico, staring down the 2665 mile Pacific Crest Trail that would lead me to Canada. This year, my baseweight was only 9 pounds. I had finally broken the 10 pound barrier! I eventually cut the hip belt off my pack since it served no purpose with such a small load. 30 mile days were possible day after day, and I gathered more ultralight tips from the trail veterans. For 2007 I decided to tackle the Continental Divide Trail. My pack now weighed 8 pounds, and even under the brutal conditions along the CDT, I managed to hike comfortably and safely.

Well, I did have a few cold nights, but at 12,000 feet on the exposed divide, it was expected. My 2008 thru hike of the Colorado Trail, followed by a return to the PCT in 2009 and AT in 2010 had me tinkering with gear, trying new things and continuing to learn. I now feel completely comfortable with my ultralight set-up in nearly any conditions. The ultralight path is an ever changing process, and even with 11 thru hikes under my feet, I still am learning how to “lighten up”.karrimor zodiak backpack This gear list represents what I carry for most of my thru hikes. timbuk2 command laptop tsa friendly backpackI’ll often omit warm gear if I anticipate high temperatures (Appalachian Trail) and carry warmer gear for cold weather alpine trips (Continental Divide Trail) but my baseweight hovers around 7 lbs regardless of where I’m hiking.wba laptop backpack

I hear that a lot. Read my take on purchasing ultralight gear.. With a super lightweight, stretchy and top notch waterproof/breathability rating, the 32 Kumo Jacket can handle the gamut of mountain conditions. In more technical terms, the Kumo boasts a 3-layer shell construction that's backed by 32 s Level 3 seam sealed lining system to yield trusted protection from moisture both inside and out. Further enhanced by Lycra wrist gaiters, mesh lined pit vents, and a helmet compatible hood, the 32 Kumo Jacket is a true mountain specimen.yalta backpack review – 89% Polyester / 11% Spandex Knit Twillnfinity sparkle backpack for sale 20,000 mm Waterproof / 20,000 g Breathabilitypeseta backpack Level 3 Lining System – A system using 32's most premium lining, waterproofing, and insulation materials to provide the best riding experience in cold, harsh weather conditions.

– Articulated sleeve combined with a comfortable fit for a slightly cleaned up look with room where you need it. Pass Pocket w/ Goggle Wipe – Hidden on the seam for easy access. – Cool off after a long hike or a warm day. – Keep you dry at every connection. – Stretch Lycra wrist gaiters to seal out snow. – No fuss on/off hood designed to work with helmets. – Keeps snow out when needed and is removable when it's not. – Stay warm and dry. Still not sure about the fit and sizing for this product? World's best unknown hike: Japan's Kumano KodoChat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.Story highlightsKumano Kodo is one of two UNESCO-listed pilgrimagesKumano Kodo is a network of seven pilgrimage routes and Nakahechi is the most popularFor the big trek-averse, travelers can choose to take short hikes easily accessed by public transportThe area is brimming with great, and good value, food and accommodation optionsCNN's On the Road series brings you a greater insight into the customs and culture of Japan.

On TV and online CNN explores the places, the people and the passions unique to this Asian nation. Watch the episodes during the week of December 9 and the special half-hour show on December 14 & 15. When I say unexplored, I mean for international travelers. Though the pilgrimage has been in operation for more than 1,000 years it remains quite off the map for most visitors to Japan who consider Kyoto or Osaka a far enough detour from the main access point of Tokyo.10 things that make Wakayama Japan's best kept secret The religious stuff It's one of only two pilgrimages in the world registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Spain's Way of St. James is the other.)Kumano Hongu TaishaKumano Hayatama TaishaKumano Nachi TaishaKumano Sanzan.Help from higher authoritiesKumano Sanzan"Any coin is fine, but the most common is the five-yen coin, called 'goen' in Japanese," says Brad Towle, director of Tanabe City's international tourism promotion and development department.Where to startTanabe CityShinguKiiTanabe train stationTakijiri-ojiChikatsuyu-ojiTakijiri-ojiChikatsuyu-ojiKumano Hongu TaishaKumano Hongu TaishaOyunoharaKumano-gawa riverKumano Hayatama TaishaKamikura ShrineShinguHayatama TaishaKamikura ShrineGotobiki-iwaGongen Mountain.Kumano Nachi TaishaDaimonzakaShinguDaimonzakaDaimonzakaKumano Nachi TaishaNachi TaishaDaimonzaka ChayaBest short route: Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu TaishaHosshinmon-ojiKumano Hongu TaishaHongu TaishaFushiogami-oji ChayaUp for a challenge?

Try this route, tigerKoguchiNachiKoguchiNachiWhere to stay Chikatsuyu-ojiKumano Hongu TaishaHonguYunomine OnsenWataze OnsenI stayed at Fuziya (rates from JPY14,700/$151 per night, including two meals), one of the two bigger ryokans (guesthouses) at the Kawayu Onsen. It's the only place where holes are dug along the river to create natural outdoor bathing areas.Takahara Kiri-no-SatoTakijiri-ojiChikatsuyuTakahara Lodge (rack rate from JPY10,444/$107, including two meals) has a scenic dining area at the terrace, which is sometimes used for concerts.A rental house overlooking the mountains is also available (JPY6,930/$71 per night).What to eatTanabe CityNachi KatsuuraNachi-Katsuura.Tanabe CityAjikojiTanabe CityShinbe is a family-run restaurant with memorable bonito tuna sashimi.That said, English menus are available in many of the restaurants.Getting there and aroundKansai AirportHineno StationKiiTanabe StationKiiTanabe stationTakijiri-ojiThe bus will continue along major locations on the Nakahechi route from KiiTanabe Station to Hosshinmon-oji (through Kumano Hongu Taisha).