Drawing millions of spectators, featuring heart-pounding competitions, and centering on incredible athleticism, one sporting feat wows audiences worldwide. That’s right — we’re talking about FKTs. Those three letters stand for Fastest Known Time, the shortest time taken to finish a hike or race. FKTs break down further into unsupported, self-supported, and supported records. If you’re … Read more
Even the most outdoorsy among us enjoy a good movie night. But with millions of different titles available, deciding what to watch often feels impossible. Luckily, the best hiking movies and documentaries allow us to experience an adventure from the comfort of our couches. These films cover every genre, from awe-inspiring to feel-good, cautionary tale … Read more
When I tell people I’m a backpacker, they sometimes ask, “Well, what is backpacking, exactly?” Maybe they sense a complicated lifestyle choice, so I offer a simple explanation: “Hiking or traveling for extended periods of time with everything I need packed into my backpack.” Let’s dive deeper and discuss the two distinct styles of backpacking: … Read more
Are you eager to add some adventure to your life? First, use this list to find vicarious inspiration from the best adventure movies out there. I’ve gathered films and documentaries that are travel- and outdoor-themed adventures, to fit with the spirit of this blog. We’ll kick off this list with movies spanning everything from decades-old … Read more
I had two must-haves when putting together this list of the best US cities for hikers: Larger, vibrant cities; and Close proximity to natural wonders That’s my dream — to commune with nature by day, then wash off the trail dust in a big city spa before exploring the nightlife. I looked for destination cities … Read more
Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This quote is a bit overused and might even be considered a cliché, but Mr. Twain wasn’t lying, even when it comes to us hikers. That’s right, you can get paid to lace up your boots, … Read more