Hi, my name is Jack, and I’m a backpacking addict.
I write about backpacking. I write about ultralight gear. Trips. Fantasies. Dreams. Plans.
I work in the outdoor industry. I’ve been a guide for people who wanted to be there and for people who didn’t. I believe in the transformative power of the wilderness and that backpacking is a damn good thing. I started backpacking when I was six, and became obsessed with it when I was eleven. Since then, I’ve backpacked or camped at least once a month, often much more. I started organizing trips when I was thirteen, and solo backpacking when I was fifteen. In recent years, I’ve been out on the trail a minimum of 100 days a year, and sometimes over 300. That’s a lot of time outdoors. I know lots of places pretty darn well. I’ve hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. I’ve also hiked in Central America, South America, Europe, Polynesia, Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. I used to be a Sea Kayaking guide, but have landlocked myself.
This blog is for our mutual enjoyment. I greatly appreciate feedback.
Great blog Jack, sorry to hear you lost some posts. I recently invested in a Moondesigns pack (rolls up real small and stashes in my bike pannier) as I’d like to do some more lightweight hiking. Maybe the PCT one day…
I need to build a new cokecan cooker? Any preferences in designs? Anything that doesn’t need heat resistant tape (though I do have some) that you can recommend? Thanks!
Hey Cass,
No real specific recommendations on pepsi can stoves. I don’t geek out much about stoves. The ones that I’ve made have mostly used tape, and they work well. You might look at the Super Cat http://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/SuperCat/index.html
I made one, and it worked well. Doesn’t hold much fuel though. If you can find cat food cans (which I bet you can) it’s the easiest stove to make.
Cheers,
Jack
thanks for that. I like the fact that it acts as a pan support too. will try one. I have a friend with a cat (-:
Hey Jack,
Nice site man. I’ve been preparing for a CDT sobo hike for 2011 and so enjoy and appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
-Gantz
Jack,
I enjoyed reading your CDT and PCT comparison. Your words are very descriptive. Our health is our wealth! Slim Gym from Maine
Came across youtube video..Great pics…So I came to your your website you have great info to share..However I read something that you get paid to thru hike can you please explain this to me…I’m a “triple crowner”. I’m going for the “grand slam” in a.d.t. 2012…..Have you given any thought about doing the Great Western loop???
Hey Cutter!
Thanks for visiting the site! So… congrats on your Triple. I may follow one day. Not much of a chance that I’d repeat Skurka’s loop. I’m just not into death marching, and there are other places I’d like to hike before I repeat trails. As for being “paid”, I lucked out. I mapped the PCT and CDT for Backpacker Magazine. One shot gigs, sorry, not repeatable. See you on the trails sometime!
who makes that hoody your wearing?
Melanzana