Backpacking techniques
Finding your own pace- on hiking pace and speed
Carrying less- first steps in my journey towards a more lightweight pack
Further steps for going lighterweight- more steps I've taken to reduce pack weight
Hiking with mosquitoes- tips for how to cope with biting insects
Hiking while sick- because I don't like staying at home, even when I probably should
Illustrated Guide to winter hiking -for beginners and dayhikers
Knee pain- how changing my hiking form and alignment solved my knee problems
Update on knee pain- An update about the exercises and stretches that helped my knees
Why I love hammocks- advantages to hammock hanging
Solo backpacking- about taking that first solo trip, and tips for female solo backpackers
Stress Fractures: A guide for backpackers- about physical and mental healing
Footcare basics for the PCT- techniques to treat and prevent problems (on the Gossamer Gear blog)
Water Skills for the Arizona Trail--how to find water, water systems for high capacity carries
Joys of Winter Car Camping- car camping and dayhiking as a winter alternative to backpacking
Major Shakedown Hike- how I prepare for long trips and get mentall ready
Backpacking food
Going stoveless- why I've switched to no-cook meals
Beginner's Guide to Going Stoveless- tips and techniques to get you started
Summer backpacking food favorites- dehydrating food for warm weather
Winter backpacking food favorites- meals and desserts for the cold
Food for the PCT - resupply, stoveless favorites, meal planning
Dealing with fears
...of grizzly bears
...of black bears
...of wild boars
...of loneliness
...of night hiking
...for personal safety
Never fear! We've got umbrellas!--humorous look at how we dealt with fear on the Arizona Trail
Beginner Backpacking Trips
Classes I've taught for Trail Dames (here, here, here, here)
Leave No Trace
Toilet Paper on the AT- please pack it out!
Alternatives to Campfires- you don't need a fire to enjoy the evening while backpacking
Footprints on the Roan Highlands- about traveling and camping on durable surfaces
Thinking about Trash- on the Hike Inn and Approach Trails, and trashed AT shelters
Stealth Camping for Solo Backpacking- following LNT principles while choosing a campsite
Wearing Camo- about blending in and choosing inconspicuous colors
Thank you for your post "It's not all about the thru-hike..." and thoughts concerning section hiking.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I hope to do the Washington section of the PCT in summer 2019 (I retire in a few weeks, and this summer is already booked with the Canadian Rockies and a long AT section hike). We both will be 65 years old in summer 2019.
I sort of sub-consciously bought into the thru-hikers are superior to section-hikers thing, perhaps without realizing it. Your post brought this nonsense to the front of my mind, allowing me to confront it head on. I an pretty sure we could never complete the PCT in one season, probably not the AT, either, and it was bothering me.
But after reading and thinking about your post I am proud that I will be a 65 year-old PCT section hiker. Who knows, maybe we'll get the whole thing done over a couple of years.
Thanks again.
Elliott and Betsy Wolin
Williamsburg, VA
P.S. G.Jolley did the Washington section at age 70, see his book "Almost There"