Region: Southwest (Zion National Park, Utah)
Distance: 35 miles (optional side trails for 5.4 additional miles) 

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Two-mile section of trail is through sand
• Minimum distance hiked one day is ~12 miles 
• Several long water carries

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Permits are necessary
• Point-to-point, must shuttle or hitchhike
• Clearly marked trails

Season: Spring, Fall
Elevation (average): 6,500 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 4,885 feet (-6,670 feet)

Hiking the Zion Traverse Trail

This route crosses Zion National Park from the northwest to the southeast and showcases an amazing sampling of the park while avoiding the infamous national park crowds until the last three miles. The route is usually traveled from north to south and passes by Angels Landing near the end of the trail (hence the crowds). We started at Lee Pass Trailhead in the northwest corner of the park. This trailhead is not used as much as those along the scenic highway, and you will see very few people in this area of the park. 

The trail starts with a long descent through a wooded area and has some incredible overlooks of the mountains and Kolob Canyons. Next, you come to the river and follow it through the canyon until reaching your campsite for the evening. There is an optional side hike to Kolob Arch, which I recommend. This is a beautiful area where you are surrounded by the colorful red rock Zion is known for.

 The second day, you will continue through the canyon with some minor climbs and will end up in a cattle pasture on private land (they have an agreement with the national park). This sounds boring, but the views from this section were some of my favorites—lots of beautiful red mountains in every direction with happy cows grazing nearby! After this, you reach the section of trail through sand (great for working on those calf muscles). Here you get overlooks of rock-climbing areas. This section is very exposed and there is little shade. The trail continues into the center of the park where the landscape becomes more sparse. The second evening we camped alongside a canyon.

On day three, you pass through a dense forest, which was the only section of the trail I didn’t think had jaw-dropping beauty. However, the views of the afternoon made up for it as we reached the West Rim Trail and the 360-degree views of the heart of Zion. There are some great campsites here with amazing overlooks. 

On day four, we continued along the West Rim Trail with some ups and downs carved out from the rock on the mountain. This brings you to Angels Landing and MANY tourists, which can be a shock after seeing almost no one. After your optional detour to Angels Landing (permits required), continue down a paved trail of switchbacks to reach the shuttle on the scenic highway. This trail is a wonderful showcase of the beauty and diversity within Zion. 

Note: The Zion Traverse used to continue to East Zion, but a rockfall on the Weeping Rock Trail in August 2019 has made it impossible to continue the hike past the scenic drive. We asked some locals about when this trail could be reopened and the answers ranged from 10 to 40 years. Prior to the rockslide the trail was very unstable and getting approval to make a new trail in a national park is a very complicated process. I wouldn’t plan on being able to do the full Zion Traverse including East Zion for many more years.

Zion Traverse Permits

Zion National Park permits are found here.

We started looking at backcountry / camping permits in mid-September for any weekend in October (about 4-6 weeks out). There was only one weekend that still had available campsites. Camping in Zion is all reservation based, but there is some walk-in availability and some locations where you can choose your site when you arrive, though you still need to reserve in advance.

There are three main camping areas: Kolob Canyons, Wildcat Canyon, and West Rim. For Kolob Canyons, the ideal sites are 7, 8, 9, and 10 because staying here cuts down your mileage for the second day and allows you to take the short side trip to Kolob Arch. 

Wildcat Canyon is an at-large camping area, so you do not need to book a specific site. We found it a little challenging to find a good campsite in this area, so be sure to ask the rangers for advice. 

The West Rim campsites I would recommend are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Campsites 1 and 2 are near a seasonal water source, we stayed at 2 and had an incredible view of the canyon.

For the Kolob Canyons and West Rim campsites, only half are available online, the other half are walk-ins. We booked sites online and “upgraded” to some walk-in sites when we picked up our permit. Personally, we were unwilling to risk not securing a permit. 

Be prepared for permit pickup to take 30-60 minutes. The backcountry office issues many different permits that must be picked up in person, so this was a much longer line than I have seen in other national parks. 

*Adding Angels Landing requires an additional permit which is fairly competitive. There are rangers stationed at the beginning of this hike checking permits at all times. You can learn more about the options for securing this permit here.

How to Get to the Zion Traverse

Closest Major City: Las Vegas, Nevada (150 miles)
Trailhead 1– Lee Pass Trailhead 
Trailhead 2– The Grotto (you cannot drive here, must take the free shuttle from the main visitor center)

If you do not live within driving distance, I recommend flying into Las Vegas and renting a car. Zion is about three hours from the airport and this gives you the chance to add side trips to Valley of Fire State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or explore other areas of Zion. You can take a shuttle from Las Vegas to Zion, but it can take seven hours and involves a layover in St. George. We landed in Las Vegas at 10 p.m. and stayed at a dispersed camping site about halfway and finished the drive in the morning. 

Because this hike is point-to-point, you must car shuttle, hire an outfitter, or hitchhike. We only had one rental car, so we hired an outfitter to shuttle us between the two trailheads. There were two options that we could find last fall, but now I see many other options. We used Red Rock Shuttle for a ride from Springdale to Lee Pass Trailhead departing at 9 a.m. The cost was $55 per person with a four-person minimum (including other parties) or they cancel. This is the lowest price I have seen.

We did meet two guys at Lee Pass Trailhead who hitchhiked. They said they got a ride to La Verkin, and then were able to pay someone about $40 to get a ride to the Lee Pass Trailhead. If you are flexible on time, this could be an acceptable option but it isn’t very reliable considering how out of the way the starting trailhead is from a town or another point of interest.

We parked our car at the main Zion National Park visitor center and walked about a mile to the outfitter to get on the shuttle. The parking at the outfitter was $20/day, but the Zion Visitor Center has free overnight parking for those with backcountry permits. It can be hard to get a parking spot at the visitor center during the busy season, so make sure to get there early.

Because this is a national park, there is an entrance fee. You can either buy a seven-day pass to Zion, use the America The Beautiful Pass, or buy an annual pass to Zion. Whatever option you choose, you must bring the pass with you on the shuttle. When you take the shuttle to Lee Pass Trailhead you are leaving the park and re-entering. We got a firm scolding for leaving our pass in our car. 

At the end of our hike, we took the free park shuttle from the Grotto Trailhead back to the visitor center and retrieved our car. We stayed one more night at the main park campground and split a group campsite with other backpackers we met on the trail. I would recommend spending some time driving the highway through East Zion after your hike; there are lots of pretty places to park and explore the washes. 

When to Hike the Zion Traverse Trail

The best time of year to hike this route is spring and fall. Winter can be too cold with the possibility of snow and guarantee of below-freezing temperatures at night. On the opposite side, summer is too warm for such an exposed trail with limited/seasonal water sources.

In my opinion, the best times would be April, May, September, or October. We hiked this trail the last weekend of October and experienced highs in the 50s-60s and overnight lows in the 20s. Crowding is not a big issue as this hike is permitted and there are many people who choose to just do a single night in the backcountry and hike out-and-back. There were only two other people doing the full route when we were. 

Zion Traverse Sample Itinerary

Day 1: 6.5 mi. Lee Pass Trailhead to Kolab Canyons site 10 

Day 2: 12.6 mi. Kolab Canyons site 10 to Wildcat Canyon

Day 3: 13 mi. Wildcat Canyon to West Rim site 2

Day 4: 4.4 mi. West Rim site 2 to The Grotto

For a sample two-day itinerary, you would only camp at Wildcat Canyon.

Zion Traverse Terrain

The trail goes back and forth between forested areas and exposed desert areas, with the primary terrain being exposed desert. The trail is very well-maintained and well-marked. The only difficulty in losing the trail would be after a snowfall. Sections of the West Rim Trail can be very muddy depending on the time of year. The entirety of the trail is well-developed and all intersections are well marked. With the GPX downloaded and this map you are more than prepared.

Zion Traverse Logistics

WAG Bag Requirement: You are required to use a WAG Bag within national park boundaries. However, this can be avoided pretty easily. There are pit toilets at the Hop Valley Trailhead and at the base of Angels Landing. Also, after passing through Wildcat Canyon there is a section of trail where you leave national park boundaries, meaning you can dig a cathole here. You should carry a WAG Bag just in case regardless.

Zion Traverse Water: There are three reliable spring water sources available that are evenly spaced out. Some of the other springs are seasonal. When picking up your permit from the backcountry office they will have detailed information about the springs. In addition, many of the shuttle companies will drop off a water cache at Hop Valley Trailhead for an additional fee or you can cache water yourself before starting. It is important to get updated information on the cyanotoxin that has been found in many creeks throughout Zion; at the time of this writing all creek and river water has been deemed unfilterable in Zion and you should avoid submerging your head in it. 

Know Before You Go

I would recommend securing permits before counting on doing this trail, unless you have the time and flexibility to go to the backcountry office with several different start dates. Also, because of the exposure on this trail, weather plays a factor. Completing this trail in the depth of summer heat or winter snow would not be recommended. The Zion NP area can see extremes in both directions. It’s important to realize that extreme and unpredicted weather can emerge in this topography: hail and thunderstorms, unexpected snow, and extreme heat and cold.

Resources

Permits 
National Park Service 
Map 

Abby Fincel resides in Missouri and is always trying to maximize her PTO to get in one more trip out West. She’s infamous to her coworkers for working a full day, flying out after work, and hitting the trail the next morning. She fell fully in love with backpacking after hiking the JMT in 2021 and spends many of her days working as a dentist daydreaming about her next outdoor adventure. When not hiking, she can be found training for marathons. She just completed her 10th marathon, in addition to running the Boston Marathon. Running and backpacking both satisfy her outdoor itch and endorphin addiction. 

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The Titcomb Basin Loop is a 44-mile route through the Wind River Range in Wyoming. Highlights of this trip include the namesake Titcomb Basin with an off-trail opportunity to dive deeper into the backcountry.

Day 1 (Elkhart Park – Pole Creek Trailhead to Titcomb Lakes)
Day 2 (Titcomb Lakes to Trapper Lake)
Day 3 (Trapper Lake to Elkhart Park – Pine Creek Trailhead)

Titcomb Basin Loop At-a-Glance

Region: Mountain West (Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest)
Distance: 44 miles (3-5 days)

Physical Difficulty: Difficult
—Exposure at high elevations (sun, thunderstorms)
—Sections of loose talus and Class II scrambling (Knapsack Col only)
—Off-trail navigation (Knapsack Col only)

Logistical Difficulty: Easy
—Permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead
—Loop route (no shuttle required)
—Camping is undesignated
—Water is plentiful

Season: Summer, Early Fall

Elevation (average): ~10,500
Total Elevation Gain: 7,411 feet

Hiking Titcomb Basin Loop

Titcomb Basin is a bucket-list backpacking destination in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. The area can be quite popular (by Wyoming standards), but the broader Bridger Wilderness provides ample opportunity for solitude. It’s easy to think of the loop as having three distinct sections: The first section introduces you to the Wind River’s granite monoliths en route to Titcomb Basin; the second section follows the Continental Divide northbound, carrying you deeper into the high country; and the third section is the home stretch, leading you through thick forests before returning you to your car.

I completed this route in three days over Labor Day weekend in 2022. Most hikers I encountered were in the first 14 miles of the trail before reaching Titcomb Basin.

Pole Creek Trail introduces you to the Wind River Range by leading you through dense forests and several meadows before spitting you out at Photographers Point. This section of trail gives you time to warm up your legs and make pack adjustments as needed. (Conversely, if you start the loop in a clockwise direction, you’ll begin with a 1,700-foot descent to Pine Creek … not fun.) From here, you’ll remain above 10,000 feet elevation, weaving around many large and small lakes. Both Seneca Lake (mile 9) and Island Lake (mile 12) are excellent camping options before reaching Titcomb Basin at mile 14.

The basin comprises a series of Titcomb lakes that are surrounded by towering 13,000-foot granite peaks: Henderson Peak to the west, Jackson, Fremont, Sacagawea, and Mount Helen to the east. Most hikers and backpackers will travel in and out the basin via the southern drainage (toward Island Lake). Having read trip reports that mentioned the Knapsack Col alternative (exiting the basin to the north), I knew I needed to give it a try! This is an off-trail route that is both challenging and rewarding for experienced hikers. I recommend researching current trail conditions (closer to your departure date) and assessing your physical capabilities. Route finding, rock scrambling, scree climbing: If this does not appeal to you, return to Island Lake, and continue north on the Highline / Continental Divide Trail.

Approach Knapsack Col by following the Titcomb Basin Trail north until it ends. From here, follow the creek and begin a boulder scramble. The creek is coming from a small lake at 11,700 feet. Continue west up a small saddle before gaining sight of Knapsack Col (identifiable by the snowfield at its base). Approach the col by angling up and across the scree slope. The snowfield I encountered in early September was easy to avoid by following the slope up and to the right. This 1.5-mile section through the upper basin was the highlight of the trip for me.

The remainder of the route, as they say, is all downhill. Follow the faint user trail down to Peak Lake where you regain the maintained trail system. Climb up and over Shannon Pass before reconnecting with the Highline / Continental Divide Tail. This section of the route (along the CDT) is very exposed. The trail grade is not challenging; however, I completed this during the middle of Day 2 and it was very hot. A hat, sun hoody, and sunscreen would be very helpful. Thankfully, water is abundant. 

At Summit Lake, you will leave the CDT to complete the loop along Summit Lake and Long Lake Trails. Along the way, there are many lakes to camp at. After logging 18.6 miles on Day 2, I set up camp at Trapper Lake. There is a sandy beach along the north side of the lake that was unfortunately occupied by other campers when I arrived. I found a more secluded campsite along the western shore and spent the evening rehydrating myself and my dog with plenty of electrolytes.

Wildfire smoke had blown in on my final day as I left Trapper Lake. I began the steep descent (2,300 feet) to Pine Creek, where I refilled water, before a final climb (1,800 feet) back to my car.

How to Get to Titcomb Basin Loop

Closest Major City: Pinedale, Wyoming

Elkhart Park – Pole Creek Trailhead is the most direct route to reach Titcomb Basin. The Elkhart Park recreation area is a 15-mile drive from Pinedale (25-30 minutes). Pick up any last-minute snacks you need at Obo’s Market and Deli before you head up the mountain. There is a large parking area at the trailhead with vaulted toilets but no fresh drinking water. Trails End Campground has 8 sites and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis ($12/night).

When to Hike the Titcomb Basin Loop

Midsummer to early fall is the best time to hike in the Winds. The route travels between 9,000 to 12,000 feet elevation and annual snowfall is an important consideration when timing your hike. Snow may linger at high elevations late into the summer. Labor Day was an ideal time. I encountered no snow on the trail (avoiding the small snowfield on Knapsack Col), negligible bugs, and several late wildflowers.

Even in summer months, make sure you prepare for mountain weather as rain and thunderstorms can develop quickly, and overnight temperatures may drop significantly.

Titcomb Basin Loop Terrain

Much of the route is well marked, graded, and easy to follow. You will encounter some rocky sections, and should expect several long, sustained climbs. The most challenging section of this hike is the off-trail route over Knapsack Col. I recommend tackling this section early in the morning while your legs are fresh and the sun is still low in the sky.

Logistics: Permits, Camping, Leave No Trace

Permits: None! Titcomb Basin and the surrounding area are part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (Bridger Wilderness). Permits are only required for organized groups. Check the US Forest Service website for additional details.

Camping: Bridger Wilderness regulations (and Leave No Trace principles) specify that campsites must be at least 200 feet away from a lakeshore or trail, and 100 feet away from a stream, creek, or spring. It is always best to look for existing-use sites. Mind these regulations if you plan to set up camp at Titcomb Basin; these sites can be difficult to find. Many spots that appear to be existing camp sites around Titcomb Lakes are illegal (given the 200-foot rule). It’s also worth checking above Titcomb Lakes at Mistake Lake, where a few additional sites exist.

Food Storage: Black bears and grizzly bears are present in the Bridger Wilderness and proper food storage is required. Since many areas of the route (including Titcomb Basin) are above treeline, a hard-sided bear canister is recommended. I use the BearVault BV500, which is large enough to carry a few days’ of food, plus toiletries, dog food, and trash at night.

Campfires: Campfires are permitted only below timberline. Cutting or removing standing wood is not allowed. Use established fire rings, pans, or mound fires where fires are permitted.

Know Before You Go

Weather: Weather conditions and temperatures can change rapidly in the Winds. Check forecasts leading up to your trip, but also prepare for wet, windy, or generally colder-than-expected weather. Mountain-forecast.com is a great resource to get localized weather forecasts for the Wind River Range, which allows you to search weather by mountain peak (e.g., Fremont Peak, which towers over Titcomb Basin).

Bears: There is a possibility of encountering black and grizzly bears in the Winds. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. I also like to carry a bear bell. I can’t guarantee the effectiveness, but they are cheap, lightweight, and easier to use than trying to talk to yourself to make noise.

Water: Water is plentiful along the Titcomb Basin Loop. Treat all water with portable water filters, chemical methods, or by boiling. I prefer the Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System that doubles as a water reservoir.

Off-Trail Navigation: The route described should only be attempted by experienced hikers. That said, Knapsack Col is manageable as a beginner / intermediate off-trail route. The climb is steep, and you will be carrying your backpacking gear, so expect a slower pace. You should be comfortable reading the terrain and have access to both paper maps and electronic navigation systems.

Hiking Titcomb Basin with a Dog: Dogs are allowed in the Bridger Wilderness but should be under control at all times and kept away from other people and wildlife. I have a reactive dog and found the majority of pet owners were allowing their dogs to hike off-leash. This made me very nervous for the safety of my dog, for the safety of their dogs, and for the safety of wildlife in general.

My dog is an experienced backpacker. She was able to navigate the Class II scramble approach to Knapsack Col quite effectively but struggled on the loose talus toward the top of the climb. We encountered another backpacker with a dog (wearing boots) coming up the col from the west side. This route is attainable but challenging for both two- and four-legged friends.

Resources

Bridger Wilderness Regulations (website)

Local weather for Fremont Peak (website)

Inger Appanaitis lives in Northern Colorado and recreates throughout the Mountain West. Her home base includes Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. She enjoys thinking about, planning, and executing long days on the trail. Follow along for dogs, training, and the outdoors @ingerfied

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The 55-mile Teton Loop is an alternative to the popular Teton Crest Trail, with fewer logistical hurdles, and an opportunity to experience the full diversity of Grand Teton National Park.

Region: Mountain West (Grand Teton National Park)
Distance: 55 miles (2-5 days)

Physical Difficulty: Difficult

• Steep terrain, including two 3,000-foot climbs
• Climbing and descending at high elevations
• Exposure, sun, and thunderstorms at high elevations

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

Season: Summer, early fall

Total Elevation Gain: 9,643 feet

Hiking the Teton Loop

This 55-mile loop allows hikers to experience the Tetons from almost every angle in the park, including low alpine forests, steep granite canyons, and high alpine ridges. Attempting the route in two days is challenging yet rewarding. You could turn this route into a longer endeavor but this requires additional work navigating the park’s competitive backcountry permit system.

My strategy in attempting this loop was to keep things simple. I was willing and capable to hike long days with a light pack. I had initially tried and failed to secure an advance reservation permit in January when they are first released. Without this advance permit, however, I had the flexibility to wait and monitor current weather and wildfire conditions until I was ready to begin my hike.

The park allocates two-thirds of backcountry camping for first come, first served permits. To secure one of these permits, I arrived at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station at sunrise the day before my desired start date. While I was not the first visitor in line at 5 a.m., many of the people ahead of me were requesting climbing permits. Whether trying to secure an advance reservation or a first come, first served permit, be prepared with several alternative itineraries. The stars aligned and I was granted my first choice start date and camping zone. 

The Grand Teton National Park website warns hikers to expect travel of no more than 2 miles per hour, with an additional hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. My plan was to start at the Jenny Lake Trailhead and camp at the Death Canyon Shelf camping zone, splitting the loop into two even-mileage days (final mileage being 28.6 and 26.7 miles). My pace was brisk but comfortable and I enjoyed longer breaks at water sources when needed. 

How to get to Teton Loop

Closest Major City: Jackson, Wyoming

This route can be accessed from several trailheads along Teton Park Road with overnight parking permitted at the following trailheads: String Lake, Jenny Lake, and Lupine Meadows.

Parking at these trailheads overnight is only allowed with a backcountry permit (more on permits below). Car make, model, and license plate information are recorded on your backcountry permit (no physical parking permit is issued). One advantage of starting and ending at Jenny Lake is the Jenny Lake Store. If you are exiting the park headed north, this is one of the few food options as you head up Highway 191 toward Yellowstone National Park.

When to Hike the Teton Loop

Midsummer to early fall is the best time to hike the Teton Loop (I highly recommend aiming for wildflower season!). Other conditions you may consider when planning for this trip:

Snow Level: Snow may linger at higher elevations.

Wildfires: Breathing conditions, let alone views, can be severely impacted by heavy wildfire smoke later in the summer. It depends on the year, but keep tabs on air quality and wildfire locations.

Bugs: I did not encounter any bugs but I would recommend carrying bug spray as insurance.

Weather: Daytime and overnight temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from the valley floor to the Teton Crest.

Afternoon Thunderstorms: I experienced light rain and some thunder all three days I was in the park. Bring a rain jacket!

It is also important to remember that Grand Teton National Park is home to many large mammals. During certain times of the year these animals are more or less active. For example, the peak of the Rocky Mountain elk breeding season runs from mid-September through mid-October. I carried a bear bell (and bear spray) to alert larger animals of my approach. Bear canisters are required for food storage in the backcountry. Canisters may be checked out for free when you pick up your permit. 

Teton Loop Terrain

The Teton Loop has varied terrain but nothing too challenging. Starting at Jenny Lake, the route leads you through a large meadow before entering the alpine forest along the Valley Trail. This section of trail is spotted with numerous lakes and creeks and water is ample. As you begin climbing up to the crest, you will encounter rockier terrain; however, trails are well maintained along the remainder of the crest.

Teton Loop Logistics: Permits, Camping, Leave No Trace

Permits: A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in Grand Teton National Park. Camping is only permitted in designated camping zones. Regardless of the processes outlined below, make sure you have several alternative itineraries on hand when securing your permit.

The advance reservation system is highly competitive! One-third of permits are reserved for each camping zone. Reservations for the summer season are accepted January through May (check the park website to find out what day and time they are released for the current season). Reservations are accepted on recreation.gov and require a $45 nonrefundable processing fee. 

The remaining two-thirds of permits are saved for first come, first served. These permits are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, and the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Permits are available the day of your start day or one day in advance. There is a $35 fee for each walk-in backcountry permit.

Camping: Some of the backcountry camping zones of Grand Teton National Park, such as Marion Lake, have “improved” sites with designated tent sites and bear boxes. Other camping zones lack these amenities and backpackers should use existing bare ground sites to minimize impact. You must always camp at least 200 feet from water and the trail, so that you are out of sight and sound of others. 

Leave No Trace: Campsite “improvements,” such as constructing benches and digging trenches, are prohibited. Fires are also prohibited in the backcountry. Visitors are required to carry out all food scraps and trash (including toilet paper and used tampons or sanitary pads). These items can be disposed of at the Jenny Lake Trailhead when you complete the loop. Additionally, bury all human waste 6-8 inches deep in soil that is at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Know Before You Go

Weather: Weather conditions and temperatures can change quickly in the Teton Range. Check forecasts and be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Weather forecasts for Jackson, Wyoming, or Moose, Wyoming, (the closest towns) may not reflect conditions at higher elevations. Check with a park ranger when you pick up your permit for more accurate information.

Bears: Black and grizzly bears live in Grand Teton National Park. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Backcountry campers are required to use an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved canister for storing food, toiletries, and garbage. (Bonus: They also protect against rodents!) 

Water: Water is available from the many lakes and mountain streams. Treat all water with portable water filters, chemical methods, or by boiling. Assume all untreated water contains harmful organisms.

Difficulty: The route described should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Steep climbs and changes in altitude could negatively impact hiking endurance and overall physical health. Prepare yourself with good physical conditioning and basic first aid staples such as ibuprofen, blister care, and electrolytes.

Shorter Options: Listen to your body and take one of the cutoffs described above if needed.

Additional Teton Loop Resources

Backcountry Camping – Grand Teton National Park (website)

Backcountry Camping – Grand Teton National Park (pdf)

Backcountry Permits –Recreation.gov (website)

Inger Appanaitis is a modern-day Viking leading solo expeditions through the Pacific and Mountain West regions. Despite growing up on the Southern Oregon Coast, she thrives in the alpine! Some of her favorite areas to explore are the Eastern Sierra, San Juan Mountains, and the Northern Rockies (Beartooths, Sawtooths, Tetons, and Winds…oh my!). Follow along for dogs, training, and trails @ingerfied

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Popular as a cycling route but also prime for backpacking, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile point-to-point route across the badlands and prairies of western North Dakota. It passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park and features stark landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique geological formations. 

Region: Plains Midwest (North Dakota)

Length: 144 miles (10-14 days)

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Summer and winter conditions tend to be extreme, best to hike in the shoulder seasons.  
• The trail is moderately graded with a moderate amount of climbing.
• Lots of wind and sun exposure with little shelter or shade.

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Water is scarce, water boxes can be used to cache ahead of time if desired.
• Both termini are remote though a shuttle service is available.
• Trail is well marked and maintained.
• Permit not required.

Season: Late spring, early or late summer, fall

Elevation: 1,978 – 2,940 feet
Total Elevation Change: (South to North) +16,149 feet, -16,710 feet

Hiking the Maah Daah Hey Trail

The Maah Daah Hey Trail winds through western North Dakota, connecting the north and south units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Well known in the mountain biking community as one of the nation’s premiere stretches of single track, it is still relatively unknown in the backpacking world. For those willing to travel to this remote location, manage potentially long water carries, and brave an often unforgiving landscape, this trail has a lot to offer for backpackers as well as those traveling by bike or horseback. 

The Maah Daah Hey Trail offers hikers a unique opportunity to travel through remote landscapes in nearly complete solitude while remaining on a well-maintained and well-marked trail. Rustic campgrounds are located roughly every 20 miles along the trail and have both potable water and latrines. The town of Medora is located one-third of the way along the trail and can serve as a resupply point. It also provides opportunities for food and recreation before or after your hike. 

Hikable in 10 to 14 days, the Maah Daah Hey Trail makes a good intermediate hike. Because of the scarce water, the amount of exposure, and the potentially extreme temperatures, I would not recommend this trail to beginners. For those with some experience, it is not particularly strenuous or demanding. 

How to get to the Maah Daah Hey Trail 

Nearest City: Dickinson, North Dakota (40 minutes)

Dickinson has the nearest airport and is a 40-minute drive from the closest town of Medora, around two hours from either terminus. Bismarck, ND, has a slightly larger airport and is an additional 1.5 hours away. 

Both termini, CCC Campground in the north and Burning Coal Vein campground in the south, are easily accessible on mostly paved roads. Other campgrounds and trailheads along the Maah Daah Hey are more difficult to reach. 

There is a shuttle service offered by Dakota Cyclery in Medora. As the name suggests, they primarily cater to mountain bikers but they are happy to accommodate hikers as well. Cost for a one-way shuttle from Medora (for up to four people) people is $250. Vehicles can be left at the shop. 

Keep in mind that if you plan on using the designated water boxes to cache water for yourself, caching will take between a half and a full day. 

When to Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail

The wells at the campgrounds are turned on each year in May. It is not recommended that you hike when the wells are not in service, as they are the only reliable sources of water on trail. If you are hiking before Memorial Day, it would be a good idea to call ahead and make sure the water is on before you go. The best time to hike this trail is within relatively narrow windows in late spring or early fall. Winters are prohibitively harsh and the town of Medora mostly shuts down in the off-season. Summers get surprisingly hot in the Badlands: it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you choose to hike in the spring, be aware that when it rains the bentonite clay in the Badlands becomes a real mess. Things tend to dry out quickly and it is recommended that you refrain from tearing up the trail by waiting until things dry if it becomes too muddy. Ticks are often abundant in the spring but the species in the area do not carry Lyme disease. 

The Maah Daah Hey Trail Terrain 

Most hikers will average between 1,500 and 2,500 feet of elevation gain per day on this trail. There are some steep and extended climbs but the trail was built with bikes and horses in mind so it tends to be nicely graded. While often dry and dusty, the clay that makes up the Badland formations becomes sticky, slippery, and difficult to traverse when it does rain.

Maah Daah Hey Trail Logistics: Permits, Camping, Resupply and Water

Permits: A permit is not required to hike this trail and camping permits are only required within the Theodore Roosevelt National Park boundary. I did not camp within the park, but make sure you call ahead if you plan on setting up camp within national park boundaries.

Camping: Many people will choose to camp at the primitive campgrounds along the trail, as they are the only reliable sources of water beyond what you cache yourself. They are reasonably priced at $10 per night and are equipped with a hand pump for water and a pit toilet. For those who prefer dispersed camping, there are plenty of opportunities in the national grassland. Make sure to pay close attention to your map, however, as the trail does pass through private and state land where camping is prohibited. 

Resupply: Medora is located one-third of the way along the trail. It is about 1.5 miles into town along a paved bike path. Resupply options are fairly limited but there is a small general store and a few restaurants. Hours can be limited so you may want to call ahead. If you are utilizing the shuttle service, you also have the option to leave a box in your vehicle or at Dakota Cyclery. Again, just make sure they will be open when you plan to pick it up.  

Water: Procuring water is the most challenging aspect of the Maah Daah Hey Trail and requires that you have a plan before starting. If you are confident hiking 20 miles or more between water sources, the trail can be done with only a single water cache. The cache is easily accessible and on the way to the southern terminus, so there is really no reason not to utilize it.

If that distance is outside your comfort zone, you will need to cache more water ahead of time. There are designated water boxes provided for this purpose along the way. Make sure to label your water with your name and the latest possible date you would plan to use it. “Expired” water can sometimes be found in the cache boxes and is free for the taking, however, you should not rely on it. Some of the water boxes are very remote and seldom used. 

Waterbox Locations (Mile markers run south to north)

Besides the water caches, hand pumps at the campgrounds are the only other reliable source of drinking water. The water from the pump is technically potable but tends to be very cloudy. If you are picky about such things you might consider filtering it. There are a few stream and river crossings but they are all drainages that come from the Badlands, and we don’t recommend drinking from them even after filtering. They apparently have high mineral/metal content and tend to clog filters with sediment. They also aren’t conveniently located so I didn’t bother. I did filter out of a few cattle tanks near the north end of the trail, but they are inconsistent.  

Know Before You Go

Plentiful wildlife: Bison, wild horses (in TRNP), pronghorn, mule deer, prairie dogs, prairie rattlesnakes, and bull snakes can all be found along this trail. You will also encounter plenty of cattle grazing on the national grassland and private property. Be aware of your surroundings and give the wildlife plenty of space (especially the bison and rattlesnakes).  

Have a plan for drinking water! It is hard to overstate the importance of this as it is the most challenging aspect of the trail. If you plan on hiking before Memorial Day, call ahead and make sure the water pumps have been turned on. 

Check the water levels before attempting to cross the Little Missouri River: The trail crosses the Little Missouri twice (Sully Creek and Elkhorn). The water levels are typically fine for crossing but it can be impassable in the spring or after heavy rains. Check USGS or download RiverApp and search for “Little Missouri River (ND).  

Resources 

Dakota Cyclery – Shuttle Service

Guide Book

Trail Maps

The Maah Daah Hey Trail Association 

bikepacking.com 

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Granite Peak is a stunning mountain nestled in the Beartooth Mountains of South Central Montana. The peak is the highest point in the state at 12,799 feet. The standard approach is accessed via an out-and-back route starting at the popular West Rosebud Trailhead to Mystic Lake.

Region: Mountain West (Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana)
Distance: 25 miles (round trip)
Season: Summer
Total elevation gain: 6,300 feet

Physical Difficulty: Difficult

• Steep hiking and scrambling at high elevation
• Class 4 climbing, with possible class 5 moves
• Relentless loose talus/rock fields

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate 

• No permit needed
• Water on route 
• Navigation skills necessary

Hiking the West Rosebud/Phantom Creek Trail to Granite Peak

The West Rosebud Trail is a highly approachable 3-mile section of this hike, on one of the most popular trails in Montana. The West Rosebud Trail begins at the power plant, then ascends through the forest to a rocky overlook before descending to Mystic Lake. Once at the lake, continue for another ½ mile before turning left onto the Phantom Creek Trail, marked with a wooden sign. 

If you read any other information for this trail, this is where you will start to encounter mentions of the “Switchbacks from Hell.” When first reading that name, I was prepared for a heinous sloped scree field. It turns out this is not the case at all,  and if I named this section, I would have called it “Just a Lot of Switchbacks, but it’s Actually Quite Pleasant.”

You will gain nearly 3,000 feet in around two miles, but you will do so on a level and well-maintained trail while bearing witness to a gorgeous, postcard-worthy scene as you rise above the lake, and eventually above treeline. (Pro tip: If you get bored, start counting the switchbacks with fun names, as I did. I counted 28 and named each one. E.g., 10 is Bien, 17: Yas Kween, 24: Just a few more!) 

Once you pass the switchbacks, you can gain the Froze to Death (FTD) plateau. There are multiple ways to do this, but there is a worn path marking a popular exit from the Phantom Creek Trail just past the switchbacks. This path will end shortly, and no dedicated trail exists from this point onward. Here is a good place to start using your navigation tools. I recommend using a GPX track on a mapping platform (I use Gaia, but OnX is another good option) to guide your path.

While the plateau has some visual landmarks and cairns, it can be easy to get turned around. Be sure to stay right of the gravelly peaks, including Froze to Death Peak, while you traverse the plateau. You will find water from snowmelt along the plateau as you continue on toward the Tempest/Granite area. The FTD plateau will not be the relief you are seeking from the switchbacks, as you continue to gain significant elevation as you inch closer to Granite. Parties that choose to do Granite in three or more days will camp along this first section of the plateau. Look for built windbreaks in a semi-protected natural dip in the plateau.

As you approach the Tempest mountain area, you will see a crest with a large cairn. The descent after this crest is the beginning of the Granite climbing approach. There are no comfortable camping locations past this point unless you want to snuggle with loose rock on a steep slope. Instead, there will be a large rock wind shelter area near the crest. This is your best location for camping the night before the summit as it provides the best launching point for the traverse to the Tempest/Granite saddle and to Granite Peak.

Note: If you or anyone in your party is not prepared to climb Granite, Tempest Mountain is highly attainable and walkable from this location. This non-technical peak is just 400 feet lower than Granite and will offer incredible views of the peak and surrounding wilderness. Some folks will camp lower than the crest; if you do, be sure to mark your location so you can easily find it again after your summit, and skip spending 1.5 hours wandering the homogeneous surface of the plateau looking for your gear (no, not speaking from experience, why would you ask?).

On your summit day, you will top the crest, and descend/traverse toward the saddle between Tempest and Granite. There is a faint trail marked by cairns through 3rd and 4th class terrain. At the saddle, you will cross the saddle ridge and continue to follow a faint climber’s trail toward the summit. Depending on conditions and snow, you can also forgo the trail to scramble the saddle ridge here—continuous 4th-class scrambling on blocky granite. The climber’s trail below the ridge and climbers left is much faster if open.

Continue on this trail until you can see the snow bridge, a narrow area before several 4th-class chimneys. Late season, this will be a loose, gravelly saddle. Take a minute here to plan your route across the snow bridge and through the chimney systems. You will pass the first rappel anchors as you navigate the chimneys toward a notch, staying left of the rock with an “X” feature, clearly visible before crossing the snow bridge. Once past the notch, you will downclimb a bit and be able to view the final summit face.

Start your final ascent near a large boulder with a horizontal crack scrambling up 4th class between two chimney features. You will see rappel stations on these pitches as well. Continue left along an exposed bouldery ledge and continue to a conspicuous keyhole feature near the top of the face. Climb LEFT of the keyhole to avoid 5th class moves, and scramble the last few blocky moves to the summit. Sign the register and lie on the summit block like the little sun lizard that you are (or cloud lizard, or snow lizard, or sleet lizard, depending on conditions). 

Descent: Put that thing down, flip it, and reverse it! Be sure to pay close attention (and look behind you) to notable features as you climb up to help speed up your descent. There are cairns marking several “paths,” and it’s easy to take a different way down. I would recommend a 60- or 70-meter rope to avoid multiple rappels on the face section. Be sure to inspect each anchor and either avoid it or add additional slings/rap rings if it looks unsafe/chewed up. If you are comfortable downclimbing these sections, this will be much faster than rappels. 

EDITORS NOTE: We mention it several times in this article, but it bears repeating here as well—this is a highly technical route that requires, at minimum, advanced scrambling skills, and is probably best suited to hikers with climbing, mountaineering, and off-trail navigational skills. You’ve been warned.

Permits: No permit needed.

Getting to Granite Peak via West Rosebud Trailhead

Nearest City: Red Lodge, Montana (43 miles)

The West Rosebud Trailhead is accessible by car, and you are able to park overnight or for several nights at the designated parking lot. Note as of 9/18/2022: Due to flooding in the area, the original trailhead access is closed until bridges can be restored. Parking is 0.65 miles before the trailhead, and access by foot is permitted.

When to hike Granite Peak via West Rosebud Trailhead

Mid to late summer is the best time to attempt this peak. While attempts have been made year-round, please consider your abilities as a mountaineer or alpinist if attempting to bag this peak in any other season. There is a small snow bridge that usually remains in until the end of the summer, so check current conditions to determine what gear you may need. Weather is always a factor on the exposed plateau and peak, so be prepared with sufficient rain gear and warm/dry layers. A wind layer is also recommended.

Granite Peak via West Rosebud Trailhead Terrain 

West Rosebud Trail: Maintained and well-marked trail starting at the power plant. Dirt and rocky trail through forest along the creek. 

Phantom Creek: Well-traveled trail, mostly level with dirt and gravel. 

Froze to Death Plateau: Mixed rock and vegetated tundra. Uneven, with no clear trail. 

Climber’s Trail to Summit: Relentless talus, some loose granite scrambling, and class 4 (possibly low 5th class) granite face to the summit. 

Logistics for Granite Peak via West Rosebud Trailhead

Resupply: No resupply is possible on this route. Only self-supported travel in this zone unless you’re friends with a helicopter pilot.

Camping and Permits: No permits are necessary. There are official campsites at Mystic Lake, then dispersed camping on the plateau, including built-up windbreaks. It is highly recommended to camp at the windbreaks right before cresting to the saddle of Tempest Peak and Granite Peak. This will give you a great launching point for your summit bid.

What Type of Land: Land acknowledgement: These recreation trails are on native Apsáalooke (Crow) lands. 

Custer Gallatin National Forest: West Rosebud Trail to Mystic Lake

Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness: Phantom Creek Trail, Froze to Death Plateau, and Granite Summit

Curious about the difference between wilderness area and national forest designations? Check out this article from Nature. 

Water: No water from the 4th switchback on Phantom Creek Trail to the FTD plateau.

Water from snowmelt consistently on FTD plateau, but always check local information if going late season.

Special Gear: The technicality of climbing Granite Peak depends on the conditions and the amount of experience as a hiker or mountaineer. In the early seasons, be sure to bring crampons and an ice axe, as the snow bridge will likely still be in. Snow travel skills are necessary. 

For all seasons, bring rain gear, layers, a helmet, and shoes with high-friction rubber (approach shoes recommended).

Consider bringing a rope, harness, lockers, belay device, prusik, extra webbing, and even a few pieces of protection. If you are an avid climber and mountaineer and are comfortable pulling (and downclimbing) lower 5th-class moves in highly exposed terrain, this gear may not be necessary. Consider the skills and comfort level of your whole crew before ditching extra gear.

Know Before You Go

• This route, while highly attainable, should not be underestimated. The approach is gnarly. The plateau is exposed, and afternoon storms are frequent.
•  Granite summit bids are the reason for multiple search and rescue calls each summer. Don’t be caught unprepared—this is not a walk-up. Be prepared to navigate on the plateau in any conditions. Bring a SPOT or InReach as an emergency backup. 
• There are cairns everywhere on the plateau and summit trails. DO NOT rely solely on cairns to navigate, as there are multiple trails. Be thoughtful in considering your route.
• This is grizzly bear and mountain goat country. Bring bear spray and supplies to hang a bear bag if camping low. Beware of mountain goats while camping on the plateau, as they like to lick the salt from urine. Make sure to urinate a safe distance from your campsite as they will be sure to pay you(r pee) a visit. 

Resources

• Granite Peak Summit Post page  for detailed climbing ascent beta and photos
• Beartooth Publishing: Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Map
• Roscoe’s Grizzly Bar for a post-summit burger

Dawn Brintnall is a retired old sea captain, outdoor enthusiast, and writer living in Red Lodge, Montana. Her favorite activities include battling ye olde salty sea, climbing, and mountain biking. Usually, you can find her tutoring disadvantaged dolphins or walking around muttering about “gold in them hills.” 

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The Astral Layla PFD emphasizes safety and comfort for women pursuing adventures on the water, and builds on the company’s Lola PFD, the first life vest designed specifically for women. Astral recommends the Layla for whitewater, sea, touring, and SUP adventures.

Astral Layla Specs

MSRP: $165
Weight: ~1.8 pounds
Shell Fabric: 200 x 400 denier ripstop nylon
Liner Fabric: 200 denier high tenacity nylon
Foam Insert: Organic kapok, PVC free gaia and PE foam

On the Water

The Astral Layla is the most comfortable PFD I’ve worn, with its sculpted chest support and slim fit. The side zipper makes the vest easy to get on and off. That, combined with the slim fit, means I can hold my arms closer to my body for a stronger paddle stroke. The side straps adjust smoothly for a snug fit. And the vest comes in four sizes—XS, S/M, M/L, LXL—making it a breeze to get good fit and comfort.

Materials

Astral led the whitewater industry by eliminating PVC from its life jackets. The Layla’s foam insert is made of organic kapok, and the shell fabric is a strong 200 by 400 denier ripstop nylon. The liner fabric is a 200 denier high tenacity nylon. The Layla comes in eggplant and glacier blue; I liked the eggplant Layla that I tested and received many compliments on the color.

Giving Back

Earlier this year Astral introduced the Layla LE, a limited edition that used the vest as a canvas for creative designs. Ten percent of proceeds from each sale of the $185 Layla LE, which quickly sold out, went to Lulu Love Tour and Columbia Gorge Junior Kayak Club to give back to women in paddlesports.

Layla Pros

Comfort: I barely knew I had it on during hours of water adventures. I even wore the Layla during breaks on shore it was so comfortable.

Side zipper: Easier to use than a front zipper.

Side straps: Good adjustments for a snug fit.

Layla Cons

Front pocket: Small. Best for lip balm or a snack bar. Not big enough for a phone.

Price: High compared with other women’s life vests.

Overall Value

The Layla is at the high end of pricing for women’s life vests, but the comfort and design are very good, and the strong materials mean this vest should last for years.

Similar Women’s PFDs

L.L.Bean Breathable Highback PFD

MSRP: $129

Stohlquist Cruiser

MSRP: $129.99

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Astral Layla Women’s PFD Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Mid-State Trail is a 331-mile, orange-blazed footpath traversing some of Pennsylvania’s wildest landscapes from the Maryland border to the New York border. It can be hiked in 3-4 weeks and is part of the Great Eastern Trail, an alternative to the Appalachian Trail.

Region: Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania)
Distance: 331 miles
Season: Four-season with proper gear and skills. Spring, summer, and fall recommended.
Total Elevation Gain: 52,803 feet

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Gravel forest roads, bike paths, long flat stretches
• Boulder fields and rocky trail, steep ascents and descents
• Thick brush and tall grass with footpath nonexistent or obscured

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• The MST passes through multiple well-spaced towns (little hitching required)
• FarOut app for navigation through poorly maintained sections
• Camping is illegal on Pennsylvania state game lands, making some sections tough logistically and financially
• Northern and southern termini are country roads with no place to leave a car

Season: Fall, spring, summer. Winter with proper gear and skills.

Hiking the Mid-State Trail

The Mid-State Trail is a lightly traveled footpath bisecting Pennsylvania south to north and is often touted as one of the state’s best-kept secrets. It traverses four geographically distinct regions and yields new and interesting terrain as hikers cross into each one. Many thru-hikers are able to complete the trail in 3-4 weeks, making it a good hike for extended time off. It is part of the longer Great Eastern Trail, an alternative to the Appalachian Trail. 

The Mid-State Trail is not for those searching for a social experience or frequent jaw-dropping views. Hikers looking to complete this trail should bring a buddy or enjoy solitude. While the trail is often close to civilization, towns are highly rural, giving the trail a remote feel that the Appalachian Trail lacks farther east. 

The Mid-State Trail alternates moderate walking on forest roads with tougher hiking on steep inclines and declines and sharp, rocky ridgelines. The many small points of interest on this trail—historical remnants, quiet and scenic state parks, and ecologically unique areas—keep hikers’ interest along the Mid-State Trail. 

Getting to the Mid-State Trail

Southern Terminus

Nearest City: Cumberland, Maryland. ~17 miles from the trail 

Getting to the Southern Terminus: 

The southern terminus is at the Pennsylvania/Maryland border at the intersection of Black Valley Road and Gap Road. The nearest parking is a half mile up the road at Solid Wood Floors and Moulding (814-458-2032), which allows hikers to park across the street. 

A Greyhound bus also runs to Cumberland. From here, a taxi to Flintstone, Maryland, and a 2-mile road walk or hitch could take hikers to the border to start the hike. 

My dad was kind enough to drop my hiking partner and me at the border on Gap Road. This is the simplest option, but people sometimes offer shuttles on the Mid-State Trail Facebook group, and finding a suitable ride here is not out of the question. 

Getting to the Northern Terminus

Nearest City: Corning, New York, ~16 miles from the trail

The northern terminus is at the intersection of Heffner Hollow Road and State Line Road on the Pennsylvania/New York border. There is no parking here. 

There is no public transport to the terminus, so finding a shuttle or getting a ride will be the best option. The Crystal Hills Trail continues north from the border with orange blazes. 

When to Hike the Mid-State Trail

The Mid-State Trail can potentially be hiked in all four seasons. Spring brings clouds of mosquitoes and overgrown trail, but water will be plentiful. Fall and later summer will have less of all of these, but will have sweltering temperatures and high humidity. Pennsylvania winters are typically milder than those in the taller mountains of the Southeast and New England; however, microspikes, snowshoes, gaiters, and winter backpacking experience will all be necessary to hike this trail in the colder months. Frequent, bright orange blazes make the footpath easy to find in the snow. 

Mid-State Trail Terrain

The Mid-State Trail varies between highly mountainous and rocky terrain with steep ascents and descents to road walks along country lanes and isolated forest roads. Some small sections in the Everett region lack a footpath entirely and will have hikers wading through tall brush, though they are mostly well-blazed and not difficult to follow. 

Logistics on the Mid-State Trail

Resupply: While the towns along the Mid-State Trail are mostly small (population > 3,000), Dollar General and similar stores are not difficult to find. If you have a special diet or want more variety, most towns also have post offices that will hold packages for hikers. 

Many resupply points along the MST do not require hitchhiking, with the exception of some larger towns, such as State College and Lock Haven. 

Everett: NOBO Mile 35.4

The trail runs through the town of Everett, which has a Foodliner (full grocery store) and a Sheetz convenience store, as well as a laundromat, pharmacy, and several restaurants. The lean-to in Tenley Park is the last legal camping northbound for 50 miles. 

Post office info: 

814-652-2525

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, closed

Williamsburg: NOBO Mile 80.2

The trail runs through Williamsburg, which has a Dollar General, lodging (highly recommend the Blue Lantern B&B – 814-937-1825), a laundromat, and a pizza restaurant. 

Post office info:

814-832-3214

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed

State College: NOBO Mile 115

Getting to State College is more logistically challenging than most towns along the MST, but the town will have the most amenities, including many options for restaurants, lodging, and resupply. From the Hubler Gap vista, take the Musser Gap Trail to the Musser Gap parking lot, and then the Musser Gap Greenway to the bus stop at The Yards at Old State (apartment complex), about a 3-mile walk. The CATA bus runs Monday to Saturday and the fare as of 2022 is $2.20. https://catabus.com/ for most up-to-date fares and routes. Uber and Lyft should also be abundant in the area. 

Post office info: 

814-238-2435

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed

Lock Haven: NOBO Mile 207.9

Hitchhiking or walking west from Route 150 will take you to Lock Haven, which boasts more amenities than neighboring McElhattan or Woolrich, both of which are much closer to the trail. Like State College, Lock Haven is a college town with lodging, restaurants, a town-wide bus service, laundry, and a full grocery. 

Post office info

570-748-8055 

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed

Camping: The Mid-State Trail traverses many different types of public lands. On state forest lands, impact sites are spaced approximately every 10 miles, and many are marked on the FarOut app. About 70 miles of trail in the southern half traverses state game lands, where it is illegal to camp, and off-trail lodging arrangements must be made. Some options to work around this include: 

Tenley Park Shelter: NOBO Mile 35.4

Hikers may stay for free at this three-sided lean-to in Tenley Park on the edge of the town of Everett. Call the Everett Borough at 814-652-9202 to get permission to camp. 

Loysburg Campground: NOBO Mile 50.9

0.2 miles off-trail to an RV campground with a fee of $20 per night. Bathroom amenities and water access are reported to be sporadic. 

Our Place Guesthouse in Martinsburg: NOBO Mile 64.1

Call 814-505-9006 to reserve a room. Pickup point is the state game lands parking lot next to Route 164, 0.6 miles south of the highway crossing. 

Williamsburg: NOBO Mile 80

Dollar General and post office for resupply, Blue Lantern B&B for lodging. Beginning of the Lower Rail Trail section of the MST, which has three-sided lean-tos and water en route. 

Water: While the Mid-State Trail often traverses ridgetops, it dips into plenty of stream valleys, towns, and state parks, and passes by frequent springs. The State College region is the only exception. It traverses the Tussey ridge, where water can be scarce in any season, and a long water carry or a climb down off the ridgetop may be necessary to access water. 

Special Gear: While it may be tempting to hike in shorts in the heat of spring and summer, long pants tucked into long socks come highly recommended–preferably treated with Permethrin. Many sections of the MST are grown in with brush (some of it prickly) and the trail hosts scores of ticks. A sturdy pair of tweezers is also recommended to remove any ticks. 

Know Before You Go

• There is no camping on state game lands. Hikers should plan around this and note that certain sections of trail on private land may be closed during the hunting season. Check the Mid-State Trail Association’s website, Facebook group, or MST’s guide in the FarOut app for the most updated information.
• Ticks abound on the MST. Brightly colored socks and/or gaiters may help you find the dark-colored bloodsuckers crawling before they bite. Permethrin, long pants, and long sleeves are recommended.
• Supply chain issues are preventing the MSTA from printing the latest maps; the FarOut app is the most current option as of this writing. The trail has also undergone several reroutes in the past year, which the MSTA keeps updated in the app.
• Bicycles are not allowed on most parts of MST, except where the route is shared with multi-use paths, such as the Lower Rail Trail.
• The Mid-State Trail was built by a Penn State professor who valued the metric system over the imperial system. All trail signs and measurements on official MST maps are in kilometers and meters.

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The Waterville Valley Skyline Loop is a challenging New Hampshire hike, covering 15 trails and nine peaks. The entire loop is roughly 34 miles long and has about 10,150 feet of elevation gain. This is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Region: New England (White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire)
Distance: 34 miles, 2-4 days

Physical Difficulty: Difficult

• Weather changes in the White Mountains must be monitored
• Rocky climbs for the ascents of Mt. Tecumseh, Mt. Osceola, East Osceola and North Tripyramid.  
• The slides on North and South Tripyramid should be navigated with care only in dry conditions.
• Cumulative elevation makes for near continuous climbing

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

• Livermore Trailhead provides a perfect spot for either a one-day trip or multi-day trip. Using a car as a midpoint allows hikers to carry less gear if they desire.
• No resupply options – pack what you need in your car.
• No permit required; however, parking must be paid for at Livermore Trailhead if you do not have a White Mountain National Forest parking permit ($5/day at the iron ranger).

Season: Summer, early fall

Elevation (average): ~2,500 feet
Total Elevation Gain: ~10,150 feet

Hiking the Waterville Valley Skyline Loop

The Waterville Valley Skyline Loop is not comprised of new trails; in fact many of them can be found in the Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide.  The Loop strings together trails from the AMC guide, Waterville Valley cross-country ski routes, and Tripoli Road.  The intention of the established loop is to bring hikers to the Waterville Valley area, a less popular area than Franconia Ridge or the Pemigewasset Wilderness. This area also doesn’t get as much attention from hikers as the Presidentials to the northeast.  While this is a quiet, desirable feature of these trails and mountains, the community is eager to share it with others.

I have hiked the Skyline Loop in a variety of ways. I did this intentionally so I could experience it from both the overnight hiker and day hiker perspective. This loop is traditionally hiked clockwise starting with Mt. Tecumseh. I never hike without checking the mountain weather forecast from a variety of sources, including the National Weather Service Recreational Report for higher summits. Since these peaks are in the 4,000-foot ballpark, this forecasting is reliable. That said, prepare for all weather conditions in the Whites regardless of season. My kit includes rain layers, warm layers, hat, and gloves … even in the summer. 

Overnight Trip on the Waterville Valley Skyline Loop

I gathered a few friends for a 20-mile backpacking trip of the west loop. The weather forecast was for the 60s during the day and high 40s at night.  We started at the Livermore Trailhead and headed to Mt. Tecumseh by taking the Pipeline Trail to the Waterville Valley Resort and the location of the Mt. Tecumseh Trailhead.  This mountain is frequently hiked.  The trailhead has received a lot of work over the years, which includes the installation of the longest set of stairs I have ever seen.  We summited, had a snack and headed down toward Tripoli Road.  We were banking on refilling our water at the brook near the Tecumseh Trailhead at Tripoli Road and were rewarded with a flowing stream, despite dry conditions.  We loaded up knowing water would be scarce until the Greeley Ponds area.

We headed east on Tripoli Road for just over a one-mile dirt road walk.  I was surprised to pass open campsites along the road on this busy Saturday in August.  These are first-come, first-serve spots that would make a great camping option for this area if you don’t want to deal with White Mountain National Forest Backcountry Camping Rules. If you plan on staying on Tripoli Road, make sure you check in with the caretaker and pay the fee. This area can be challenging to tent camp due to the terrain. Hammock campers will have an easier time setting up and following the strict rules. Other camping options include Osceola Vista Campground on Tripoli Road. This campground has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-serve sites. The same goes for Waterville Campground, a short drive from this area.

Our hike up Mt. Osceola was gradual and comfortable with an overnight pack. The open summit is 2.9 miles from the trailhead and easily one of the best vistas on this hike. We took some time for a snack before heading over to East Osceola.  You will descend the famous chimney between the peaks.  On this day, we chose the bypass because we had overnight packs.  We made short work of this section and summited East Osceola quickly.  This treed-in summit has a cairn to signify the top.

The descent down the Mt. Osceola trail to the Greeley Ponds Trail is steep and unrelenting for just over a mile—in some spots the grade is over 25%. The trail eases up substantially as you come into the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area.  We hooked a right onto the Greeley Ponds Trail looking for flowing water. We passed by the Greeley Ponds, considering filtering from here but decided to take our chances on hitting flowing water at Mad River. We were thrilled to see the water was flowing nicely a few tenths of a mile south of Lower Greeley Pond. We stocked up for the night and set to work locating our camping location for the night.  We set up off the Greeley Ponds Trail, in keeping with backcountry camping principles, a few miles from the Livermore Trailhead, making for an easy walk out in the morning and a total of 20 miles for the west side of the Skyline Loop.

Tripyramids

There is such versatility with this loop. Livermore Trailhead makes a perfect spot for resupply if you plan on doing this in two-plus days. You can also hike part of the loop from this lot. The Tripyramids are a staple for any Northeast hiker checking off their 48 4,000-footers. The Skyline Loop recommends use of the Scaur Trail, giving hikers a gentle ascent to access North Tripyramid.  If you are feeling adventurous, take the detour and do the North Slide.  Be prepared for hand-over-hand climbing and tricky rock wall navigation.  You will be rewarding with breathtaking views and a badge of honor.  DO NOT attempt North Slide if it’s raining or the slabs have a chance of being wet.  Also, do not go down North Slide.  To follow the loop on the map, go up Scaur Ridge Trail to North Tripyramid, travel across the relatively tame and treed ridge walk and down the South Slide.  South Slide has a fair amount of scree, but it is manageable and short.

Kettle’s Path, Irene’s Path, Old Skidder Trail and Snows Mountain

I had not seen this section of the trail before preparing to write this article, and I will certainly go back. I parked at Livermore Trailhead on a beautiful Saturday, and I was surprised to not be sharing these sections of trail with another soul. I took all side trail options, which gave me a breathtaking view of Waterville Valley from the Scaur. I also visited the Flume Spur off the intersection of Irene’s Path and Old Skidder Trail. The water must rage here in spring and the rock chimney is worth checking out. Old Skidder Trail is not used much, so just a faint footpath remains. This entire area is connected by a system of “roads.” Essentially these are carriage roads used for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.  After exploring these sections, I filtered water from Slide Brook and took the carriage road over to get on the Snows Mountain Trail, then hiked toward Snows Mountain clockwise. My ascent was nearly 1,000 feet, and the summit has an overgrown outlook, but if you continue clockwise on your descent, you will come to a second outlook over Waterville Valley.  Heading down this way was much tamer.

How to get to the Waterville Valley Skyline Loop

Nearest Town: Waterville Valley

Located off Tripoli Road, Livermore Trailhead is prime for accessing this area.  Waterville Valley is a quaint town, with coffee shops and a country club.  The mountains and skiing are a major draw in this area.  Note: Tripoli Road is closed in the winter, so Livermore Trailhead may be accessed through the village of Waterville Valley.

When to Hike the Waterville Valley Skyline Loop

Fair weather hikers will want to stick to the warmer months of late May through early October.  Year-round hikers, with proper gear, including snowshoes and microspikes, will be able to enjoy some of these trails.  Enjoyment in the winter is limited by your interest in properly breaking trail in snowshoes, and experience is necessary. Please do not walk down the middle of the groomed cross-country trails in the winter!  

In clear weather, hikers will be rewarded with amazing views of the Whites.  As always, check the weather forecast (see below) and turn around if conditions deteriorate beyond your ability to stay safe. 

Waterville Valley Skyline Loop Terrain 

The bulk of this loop is classic White Mountain National Forest terrain.  Rocks, roots, and slabs dot most of the trails. The cross-country trails are a nice break on the legs. I always say the Whites are not for the faint of heart, so be prepared to work for all of your elevation gain, especially with a heavy pack.

Logistics: Permits, Camping, Water and Gear

Permits:  The Waterville Valley Skyline Loop is located in the White Mountain National Forest.  A permit for parking can be obtained ahead of time.  Otherwise, pay the $5 at the Livermore Trailhead parking lot.  The same goes for other lots located on this loop and managed by the WMNF.

Camping: While camping is permitted, you must follow White Mountain National Forest Backcountry Camping Rules. The terrain here is brutal for tent camping. Rocks and roots making finding a flat spot nearly impossible. Experienced backpackers may find a place to camp around 2,500 feet in some places.  Hammock campers will do best on this loop.  Established camping areas in close proximity include:

Tripoli Road Camping Area. Fee required and may be sold out early in the day in the summer.

Osceola Vista Campground

Waterville Campground

Water: Water is plentiful despite the moderate drought in this area in 2022.  While it looks clean and is flowing, filter or treat it! I carried 1.5 liters most of the time, filling up with extra at Mad River for the overnight.  You will not find water up high (over 2,000 feet in most places), so grab water when you can. 

Special Gear: 

• Poles are invaluable in this terrain
• Paper map and Gaia GPS with downloaded maps.
• Ten Essentials for Hiking

Know Before You Go

Waterville Valley Recreation Department did a great job stringing together existing trails to create an adventure for day hikers and backpackers alike. I was impressed with how quiet the eastern side of the trail was (with the exception of the Tripyramids). I love the versatility of the trail system in that it provides day and overnight options if you plan well.  

Resources

Waterville Valley Skyline Loop: Information and map 

White Mountain National Forest Camping 

National Weather Service Recreational Report: For the White Mountains

Hiker friendly campgrounds:

Osceola Vista Campground 

Waterville Campground

Tripoli Road Camping Area

Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide and maps

Gaia GPS

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Tifosi Again Launches Awareness Collection in Support of Breast Cancer Research

For the third consecutive year Tifosi’s active-lifestyle sunglasses are available in limited-edition pink colorways, with 100% of net profits from each pair of sunglasses sold on TifosiOptics.com from the Awareness Collection donated to support educational outreach and research efforts of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation.

Since launching its inaugural Awareness collection in 2022, Tifosi has donated more than $8,600 to the foundation. Tifosi hopes to surpass the $10,000 mark in 2024.

“Each year we’ve launched our Awareness Collection we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from both current and new customers,” said Elizabeth Earley, Tifosi co-founder and owner. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Lynn Sage, and we’re honored to contribute to a cause that touches so many lives.”

Since 1985, the Chicago-based Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation has raised more than $40 million, investing the money in scholarship programs, research grants, symposiums, and fellowships locally and globally.

“We at the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation are proud to once again partner with Tifosi in our mission to prevent, treat and ultimately eradicate breast cancer,” said Laura Sage, daughter of Lynn Sage and founder of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. “Seeing participants at our events wearing pink Tifosi sunglasses is a reminder of the unity within our community as we work towards a world without breast cancer.”

Oru’s Pink Edition Kayak Supports Breast Cancer Research

Oru Kayak is donating 5% of its sales from a special pink edition kayak to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

By launching the Pink Edition Inlet Foldable Kayak for October–the month designated to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for a cure–Oru Kayak offers paddling enthusiasts an opportunity to support the foundation’s work.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is an integral resource to finding a cure for the world’s most prevalent cancer,” Oru Kayak President Ardy Sobhani says. “With our campaign, we want to support the organization and their impact on advancing research and saving lives.”

The Pink Edition Inlet Foldable Kayak is a version of Oru’s Inlet kayak, and has pink accents and pink buckles. The Inlet kayak is 9 feet, 8 inches long, weighs 20 pounds, and folds down to the size of a suitcase.

More information on the Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Edition Inlet Kayak is available here.

Goldwin Launches New Collection of Sustainable Clothing

Outdoor clothing brand Goldwin has launched a new global collection of sustainable lifestyle apparel that uses plant-derived textiles.

The collection was created in collaboration with Spiber Inc., a biotechnology venture that develops new textiles using plant-derived products and microbial fermentation technology in an effort to reduce reliance on environmentally harmful products and practices.

Goldwin has been collaborating with Spiber since 2015, and together they have released a variety of limited knitwear and fleece collections. This is their first full collection together, and the first time winter outerwear has been included in a collection.

The partnership with Spiber is a major step in Goldwin’s goal to have 10% of new apparel by 2030 use Brewed Protein material produced through a fermentation process using sugars and microbes, rather than petrochemical or animal-derived raw materials.

Solo Stove, Brant & Cochran Partner to Produce Limited Edition Axe

Solo Stove has partnered with Brant & Cochran to create a limited edition camp axe.

The Solo Stove x Brant & Cochran Collaboration is an Allagash Cruiser axe forged in South Portland, Maine, from American-made 1050 carbon steel.

Although few backpackers carry an axe into the woods, the Allagash Cruiser would meet the needs of trail maintainers who travel deep into the backcountry. Or maybe it would be handy for a backyard campfire while taking a break from mountain trails.

Solo, a maker of wood stoves from backpacking to tailgating, is a good fit to partner with Brant & Cochran, which makes its axes in Maine.

The limited edition Allagash Cruiser sells for $349.99 and is available here.

Only 250 of the limited edition cruisers have been made, and they come with a Maine-made leather sheath, a leather-bound log to record fireside memories, three matchbooks with artwork from Solo Stove, Brant & Cochran, and Solo Stove x Brant & Cochran, and wax and hickory fire starters embedded with hickory handle shavings from the floor of Brant & Cochran’s workshop.

Tifosi Brings Back Pink Sunglasses Collection for Breast Cancer Month

Think pink, see pink in October with Tifosi Optics’ pink sunglasses collection, and help promote breast cancer research and education.

Tifosi is bringing back its Breast Cancer Awareness Collection of pink sunglasses for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and will donate part of the proceeds from each sale to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, founded in 1985 in Lynn’s memory. Last year Tifosi raised more than $3,000 for the foundation selling Sizzle, Swank, Swank XL, and Svago sunglasses, and this year is adding pink Smirth and Shwae sunglasses.

The Sept. 15 kickoff for Tifosi’s Breast Cancer Awareness Collection gives people time to purchase pink sunglasses to wear at events such as breast cancer runs, rides, and fundraisers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Oct. 1 to 31. Last year the pink sunglasses sold out by mid-October.

Natural Atlas Goes Beyond the Trail with Custom Field Guide

Don’t just plot the miles and trails on your next hike. Observe the world around you with Natural Atlas, a GPS mapping and trails app that doubles as a field guide.

Natural Atlas uses GPS to adjust the app’s field guide to your location, giving you custom weather forecasts and information on the landscape, trees, animals and plants around you.

With Natural Atlas you can snap a photo of a bird, categorize it, tag where you saw it on the trail map, and share it with friends.

Natural Atlas Plus is free for a seven-day trial, and after that $5 a month or $39.99 for an annual subscription. Natural Atlas can be downloaded at the App Store or Google Play.

Smartwool Giving Old Socks a New Purpose

Smartwool is making old socks new again with its Second Cut hiking sock, a blend of old sock yarn and new merino wool.

Smartwool, based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, began accepting old socks in 2021, and with North Carolina-based Material Return began developing a way to blend yarn from old socks with new, responsibly sourced merino wool.

The result is Smartwool’s Second Cut sock.

“Smartwool’s partnership with Material Return has ultimately led to a closed-loop model that goes beyond recycling,” says John Ramsey, Director of Product Development at Smartwool. “We were able to accomplish this through new and innovative technology, team collaboration, and consumer participation. Investing in this process has enabled Smartwool to take leaps forward toward our goal of shifting towards a more circular business model.”

Only 14% of textiles are recycled, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, and socks are one of the most discarded pieces of apparel.

Through the Second Cut program, consumers can recycle any sock brand, color, size, and material, but only material from donated Smartwool socks was used to create the Second Cut sock.

The first product featuring consumer donations was Smartwool’s Second Cut K9 Camp Cushion dog bed, which uses donated socks for bed filling.

Since the Second Cut program launched, Smartwool has collected more than 725,000 socks and diverted more than 54,200 pounds of socks from landfills. To participate in the take-back program, consumers can add a pre-paid, mail-in bag to their cart at checkout to send in used socks for recycling.

The Smartwool Second Cut sock is available for purchase at smartwool.com.

To learn more about Smartwool’s Second Cut program, the brand’s sustainability
journey, and its use of regenerative materials, visit smartwool.com/second-cut.

Oboz Will Plant Trees in Hiker Challenge

Take a hike, plant a tree.

From May 1 to 10 Montana boot company Oboz will plant a tree for every hike of at least 1 mile that participants take in the Oboz Fast Trail Challenge.

“To date, we have planted over 5 million trees and we are on a mission to plant 5 million more,” said Amy Beck, president of Oboz, based in Bozeman, Montana. “May is a great time to get outside, and we hope that the Fast Trail Challenge will inspire people to get out and get moving while helping kickstart our goal of planting 5 million more trees.”

Registration for the challenge is free and open now at hikeanywhere.obozfasttrail.com. The challenge is open to walker, hikers, runners, and people using mobility devices.

Challenge participants will track their hikes on a GPS-enabled device such as a Garmin or Suunto watch, or through a mobile phone app such as Strava, MapMyFitness, or Sports Tracker. Entrants will be eligible for prizes from Oboz as well as Fast Trail Challenge partners Osprey, All-Trails, DripDrop, and Dometic.

Participants can complete as many hikes as they wish on any day from May 1 to May 10 as long as each hike exceeds 1 mile. Oboz will plant up to 4 bonus trees on behalf of any participant who completes more than 10 hikes. Additionally, participants will receive a virtual badge in their Fast Trail Challenge trophy case for each trail they complete, signifying how many trees they helped to plant.

Oboz will host parties at the end of the Fast Trail Challenge that will include food, beverages, films, and giveaways at locations across the country. Participants will be informed of the after-party location nearest them midway through the challenge.

More information on the Oboz Fast Trail Challenge can be found at hikeanywhere.obozfasttrail.com.

Sea-to-Summit Releases New Ikos Tent

Adventure gear maker Sea-to-Summit has expanded its tent offerings with the Ikos, the company’s most sustainable tent to date.

The Ikos, available in 2- and 3-person sizes, uses DAC MX poles made with a greener anodization process to lessen environmental impact; a chemical-free, flame-resistant fabric; and a non-PFC water-repellent finish.

The Ikos also has a “Hangout Mode” for turning the tent into an open-air shelter to protect against bad weather or blazing heat. Additionally, the tent’s interior livable space has a wider floor volume to accommodate rectangular sleeping mats. The Ikos targets car campers, leisure adventurers, and mid-mountain backpackers seeking greater comfort in tents.

Sea to Summit also launched the Big River Dry Pack and eVac Compression Dry Bag HD, and enhanced its legacy lightweight dry bags and stuff sacks by incorporating decades of market-leading design solutions and consumer feedback to offer intuitive features.

The dry bags and stuff sacks have easy-repair field buckles, optional Sling carry solutions for cumbersome loads, ultralight dry storage solutions for weight-conscious adventurers, and robust 420-Denier ripstop nylon bags for the most rugged pursuits.

“For more than 30 years, Sea to Summit has focused on creating some of the most innovative equipment solutions on the market, offering unparalleled durability,” Sea to Summit North America General Manager Josh Simpson says. “The recent product launches highlight the future of our design, the meticulous and thoughtful features we work to incorporate, and the potential in which we can integrate sustainable materials and solutions into our core offering.”

Sawyer Marks 15 Years of Bringing Clean Water Worldwide

Since Sawyer started its Clean Water for All initiative with one partner 15 years ago the nonprofit has provided clean water for more than 27 million people in over 100 countries.

Clean Water for All now has 140 partners working to bring Sawyer’s filters and clean water to people and countries worldwide where waterborne diseases are the number one killer. An estimated 4,100 children under the age of 5 die from waterborne illnesses each day globally.

Sawyer’s water filters have long been popular with hikers and backpackers, and through Clean Water for All they are being used in more than 90 developing countries.

Clean Water for All began in 2008 when Florida-based Sawyer partnered with the nonprofit Water with Blessings to put Sawyer water filters into the hands of mothers in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. They were trained to provide clean water, not just for their own families, but also for others in the community.

“In developing countries, collecting water is a task that falls largely to women and girls as part of keeping house,” says Darrel Larson, Sawyer’s International Director. “The time spent on this chore often means girls miss school and women miss out on the chance to earn a decent living. The trickle-down effect of Sister Larraine (Lauter) and the entire Water with Blessings work of bringing clean water is so much more and is breaking the cycle of women in poverty globally.”

In 2021, with the help of Sawyer filters, Liberia became the first developing country with clean water, border to border. Sawyer is on track to do the same in the Marshall Islands in July 2023, in Fiji in 2024, and in Vanuatu, a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands, in 2025.

All of Sawyer’s Clean Water for All projects use the company’s 0.1-micron absolute hollow fiber membrane filter that removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera, and E. coli; 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as Giardia and cryptosporidium; and 100% of microplastics.

8/20: Six Moon Designs Celebrates 20 Years of Lightweight, Innovative Gear

Ron Moak had a vision when he started Six Moon Designs in 2002: Create revolutionary hiking and backpacking gear that’s light, durable, and affordable.

And as the company celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year, the focus is still on customers and lightweight, affordable gear.

“At Six Moon Designs we make gear, but our primary focus is on our customers’ backcountry experience,” says Ron, President of Six Moon Designs, based in Beaverton, Oregon. “We make our gear lighter so the walking becomes more pleasurable. We make our gear durable so you don’t need to be concerned about failure far from home. We make our gear affordable so you can devote more of your hard-earned money on making memories, not buying gear.”

Ron’s path to founding Six Moon Designs followed a familiar refrain among outdoor gear makers: crafting their own lightweight equipment because the major brands didn’t offer it. He and his wife, Linda, hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1977, carrying packs weighing about 35 pounds while fellow hikers lugged packs topping out at 50 to 60 pounds. In 2000 he made most of his gear to reduce his pack weight for a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike.

In 2002, while considering a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, he started Six Moon Designs with its first product: The Europa Tent, a 33-ounce, single wall sil-nylon shelter that set a standard for lightweight shelters. He followed up with the Starlite Pack, a frameless pack with a large carrying capacity that again broke ground for lightweight packs.

Over the years Six Moon Designs has received numerous awards for its ultralight gear, including the 2019 Outstanding Outdoor Award from OutDoor by ISPO for the Gatewood Cape and Lunar Solo and the 2019 Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award for the Lunar Solo.

Now, at 20 years old, Six Moon Designs continually strives to stay ahead of the curve for gear design and innovative materials.

“Six Moon Designs has been able to grow our multiple channels of sales in the past few years thanks to our strong marketing efforts and by providing a high-value proposition to retailers and consumers,” says Whitney LaRuffa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We strive to provide high quality, lightweight products at affordable prices, helping everyone access the outdoors.”

8/16: Talon Earth is Osprey’s First Sustainably Produced Pack

The new, sustainably produced Talon Earth daypack kicks off Osprey’s goal of having 90% bluesign-approved material in all its packs by 2023.

The entire main body and liner fabrics of the Talon Earth 22 are made from 100% recycled materials. EVA foam in the pack contains 50% recycled materials.

The injection molded Airscape framesheet is made from 100% recycled material, and the pack’s zippers are made from recycled plastic.

The materials may have changed, but it’s the same Talon for fit, durability and function.

Osprey has been a bluesign partner since 2021, working with Bluesign Technologies to ensure safe and sustainable workplace practices.

8/12: Endurance Athlete Nik Toocheck Begins New Fundraising Quest

Nik Toocheck ran a marathon on seven continents by age 11. At 14 he finished running marathons in 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Now at age 19 Nik’s climbing the world’s Volcanic Seven Summits, the highest volcanoes on each continent.

It’s Nik’s third fundraising campaign to help children, and his goal is to raise $50,000 for Operation Warm, a nonprofit group that his grandfather founded in 1998. The organization has provided new winter coats and shoes for more 4.5 million children.

Through Nik’s own charitable group, Running the World For Children, his seven continents marathon raised $42,000 for Operation Warm. His 50 states marathon raised money for the Seva Foundation and its work preserving children’s eyesight.

Nik began his summit quest the week of August 8^th, when he summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. He expects to summit Pico de Orizaba in Mexico in March.

“I realized at a young age that you don’t have to be big to make a positive difference in the world. I carry that with me today,” Nik says. “I’m grateful to have the opportunities I do to help children in underserved communities – and it’s such a great feeling to help others while doing something I love.”

Read more about Nik here.

8/10: Astral Celebrates Women’s Paddlesports with Sales of Layla LE Life Vest

Born in the headwaters of North Carolina’s Rocky Broad River in 2002, Astral led the whitewater industry by eliminating PVC from its life jackets and designing the first PFD for female kayakers.

Now the company based outside Asheville is celebrating the accomplishments, craftsmanship, and dedication of its athletes and employees with the Layla LE, a women’s life vest decorated with a vibrant representation of whitewater rivers.

Ten percent of proceeds from each sale of the $185 Layla LE, a limited edition of the company’s Layla PDF, go to Lulu Love Tour and Columbia Gorge Junior Kayak Club to give back to women in paddlesports.

Nicole Mansfield, a kayaker and mountain athlete; Kate Shea, a whitewater enthusiast and artist; and Ollie Smithers, a kayaker and Astral’s Sourcing Manager, joined to create the Layla LE and choose the two charities that will benefit from sales.

“The Layla PFD is an optimal choice for all levels of watersports enthusiasts,” Ollie says. “The craftsmanship, fit, and versatility of this PFD is phenomenal, making it the ideal canvas to work from.”

Kate, an illustrative, graffiti-style artist commissioned to bring to life how water connects Astral to its community, took inspiration from her own journey to create the design.

“The artwork represents the peace and inspiration I get from being amongst the Ottawa River and everything and everyone that comes with it,” she says. “Nature, the community, love, and the loss. I think this project is important and will be well-received by the river community because it is something for the everyday paddler and not just aimed toward the class V boater.”

Astral’s Lola was the first PFD designed for female kayakers. The company updated the Lola with hinged seams, sculpted chest support, and a side entry zipper, and renamed it Layla.

Since its founding Astral has leveraged years of experience to reduce toxic PVC foam in the PFD industry, develop breathable life jackets, and design paradigm-changing footwear.

7/28: Appalachian Trail Visitor Center Opening August 27th in Damascus, Virginia

The new Damascus Trail Center, built through a joint effort of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the town of Damascus, Virginia, will open on Saturday, August 27^th.

Damascus, also known as Trail Town USA, already is a hub for Appalachian Trail activity, attracting AT hikers and others for the annual Trail Days celebration in May. The 2,194.3-mile trail passes feet from the new center at 209 West Laurel Ave. in Damascus.

“Damascus has always been an iconic part of the Appalachian Trail experience, so it’s hard to imagine a more appropriate place for the new trail center to call home,” said Sandra Marra, president and CEO of the ATC. “We are excited to work with the town to ensure the Damascus Trail Center provides opportunities for hikers, bikers, and adventurers of all ages and experience levels to better enjoy and care for our irreplaceable great outdoors.”

The trail center will provide information to visitors, along with exhibits and programming that highlight the surrounding landscape. It will also serve as a center for environmental conservation and trail stewardship throughout the region, providing a location for volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts to take part in workshops and trail maintenance training.

The following events are planned for the weekend of the center’s opening:

Friday, August 26^th, at 6 p.m.: Run Damascus Fun Run 5K.

Friday, August 26^th, at 7 p.m.: Beaverdam Friday Jams featuring the Beth Snapp Band.

Saturday, August 27^th, 9 a.m. to noon: Farmers market.

Saturday, August 27^th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Partner expo, nature walks, and giveaways from Allyn “Fix It Man” Morton at the trail center.

Starting Saturday, August 27^th, the trail center will be open Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The ATC also has visitor centers in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Monson, Maine.

7/27: Women’s Clothing Brand Wild Rye Launches Resale Program

Wild Rye, a women-focused and women-founded outdoor lifestyle brand, has started an online resale site for used clothing.

Wild Rye, Redux provides a space to sell used Wild Rye gear, while people can search for clothing to buy. Transactions are handled through Treet, an e-commerce site that promotes sustainability through used gear sales.

Wild Rye will give sellers on Treet up to 110% of sold value when redeemed as a brand credit, or up to 80% when redeemed as cash.

“Our customers are almost entirely women-identifying, which comes with many body changes throughout our lives—pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss, and so much more–meanwhile, our product is built to last a lifetime,” says Cassie Abel, who founded Wild Rye, based in Sun Valley, Idaho. “Discovering Treet, a platform that makes it possible for smaller brands to offer a peer-to-peer resale platform while still giving people the Wild Rye customer experience, was the answer to many of our challenges.”

More information on how to sell and buy on Wild Rye, Redux is available here.

6/15: Swiftwick BUGS Socks Connect Kids, Nature

Buy some socks, help a child explore and discover nature.

Swiftwick’s new Vision Impression BUGS socks feature hand-drawn bug designs by students in the Friends of Warner Park Nature Program in Nashville, Tennessee, and proceeds from sales will go to the nature program.

“We knew almost immediately that having the kids get involved with a sock design was a goal of ours for 2022,” said Racheal Hubarth, Brand Marketing Manager at Swiftwick. “The goal of the Urban Nature Program is to connect urban Middle Tennessee youth with the outdoors, and together we worked with that team to come up with the best way to help achieve their goal while also allowing the kids to be part of a sock design that we could share with our customers.”

Forty students in the nature program drew one bug each, and Swiftwick digitized the drawings to imprint them on the BUGS socks.

“This sock project perfectly captures the thoughtful wildlife observation, insect discovery, and arts and crafts that this program is built on,” said Betty Krogman, Urban Naturalist at Warner Park Nature Center.

Swiftwick’s partnership with the Friends of Warner Parks began in April 2021 in an effort to encourage youth and underserved communities to explore outside.

The Friends of Warner Parks is a nonprofit organization that connects underserved youth with nature through activities like hiking, kayaking, and birding.

The BUGS socks launched June 13 and will be available for purchase with the other VISION socks on Swiftwick’s website: www.swiftwick.com/collections/vision

2/15: Gear Brands Will Boycott Outdoor Retailer if it Moves to Utah

The Conservation Alliance and 24 of its outdoor industry members will not support the annual Outdoor Retailer trade show if the sponsor moves it to Utah, where protection of public lands is threatened.

The move reprises a 2017 battle to move Outdoor Retailer from Salt Lake City to Denver, Colorado, because of Utah’s efforts to reduce the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. The show had been in Salt Lake City for 20 years.

“In 2017, REI Co-op strongly supported the decision to move the outdoor industry trade show out of Utah when the state’s leadership refused to protect duly designated national monuments and natural treasures,” Ben Steele, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer, REI Co-op, said in a statement released by the Conservation Alliance. “Although those protections have since been restored by President Biden, Utah’s leaders are again aiming to undermine those monuments and their protections. As a result, REI will not participate in any OR trade show in the state—nor will we send members of our merchandising or other co-op teams—so long as Utah persists in attacking our public lands and the laws that protect them.”

The summer 2022 Outdoor Retailer show is the last one under contract with Denver. It’s the coming decision by Outdoor Retailer owner Emerald Holding where to hold the summer and winter shows after this year that concerns the Conservation Alliance and the outdoor companies. Colorado and Utah are considered to be the main contenders for the show.

The Conservation Alliance and the Outdoor Alliance, which represent more than 270 businesses and 10 national outdoor advocacy organizations, sent a letter to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox in January calling on him to end efforts that threaten public lands. “Launching an assault on our industry’s most closely held values while concurrently lobbying to bring our tradeshow back to Utah is illogical and counterproductive,” the letter said..

The Conservation Alliance, made up of outdoor industry companies that include Patagonia, REI, and The North Face, says it supports the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and its efforts to protect ancestral and cultural Bears Ears lands in southern Utah.

Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante were reduced in size by former President Donald Trump, and restored to their original designation by President Joe Biden shorty after he took office in 2021.

The annual Outdoor Retailer shows are a gathering of industry brands, retailers, brand reps, designers, suppliers, and outdoor writers.

Companies calling on Emerald to support tribes and public lands are REI Co-op, Patagonia, The North Face, Public Lands, KEEN Footwear, Oboz Footwear, Kelty, Sierra Designs, Peak Design, Toad&Co, SCARPA, MiiR, NEMO Equipment, Backpacker’s Pantry, Smartwool, Therm-a-Rest, MSR, Timberland, Helinox USA, GU Energy Labs, La Sportiva, Alpacka Raft, Icebreaker, Arc’teryx, Nomadix, LifeStraw, Backbone Media, GRAYL, TripOutside, and Bergreen Photography.

10/19: FarOut is the New Name for Guthook Guides

Guthook, the app that launched thousands of thru-hikes, is taking on a new name—FarOut.

“Now that we’re expanding our community to our other favorite activities like bikepacking and paddling, we decided it was time to change the app’s trail name,” says FarOut co-founder Ryan “Guthook” Linn, whose Pacific Crest Trail trail name became the company’s original name. “The app, though, that will stay the same. So don’t worry, new name, same team behind the app.”

Since 2012, when Guthook’s Guide to the PCT was launched, hikers have relied on the phone app for trail directions, mileage, camping and water along trails, and towns to find resupplies. The company has guides for more than 100 hiking, biking, and paddling routes worldwide, all of which will now be under the FarOut brand.

“We are excited about this transition, and I’m proud of our talented and hard-working team who made it happen,” says Paul Bodnar, CEO and co-founder of FarOut, with headquarters in Denver, Colorado. “And stay tuned, because we are working on some new features that we think our customers will love.”

FarOut apps will be available for iOS and Android, and trail guides also can be accessed from computers and tablets at app.faroutguides.com.

For more information, visit faroutguides.com or email [email protected].

8/29: Jack Wolfskin Makes Push in North American Market

Jack Wolfskin, a global leader in sustainable outdoor gear, is doubling down on its efforts to become a player in North America.

The 40-year-old German-based company has made several efforts at establishing itself in the North American market over the past 10 years, but “It hasn’t been done with a thoughtfulness,” says Diana Seung, a former Backcountry.com executive who two years ago became Jack Wolfskin’s general manager for North America.

Now, with the backing of new owner Callaway Golf Company, Jack Wolfskin is making a strong run at the United States and Canada market with products in a price range comparable to The North Face and Patagonia.

Diana helped launch that effort just before the Covid pandemic hit, which she acknowledges “put a couple of hurdles in the way.”

Nevertheless, the company forged ahead with online sales and a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods new Public Lands stores that will sell outdoor adventure gear. The company also partnered with Sporting Life in Canada and opened a showcase store in Park City, Utah, its corporate base for North America. Jack Wolfskin has connected with other retail outlets, and company stores across the US and Canada could follow in 2022.

Jack Wolfskin is already established in Europe and China, and under Callaway’s guidance is expanding in Asia.

All the company’s products are sustainably manufactured, and in 2019 Jack Wolfskin achieved its goal of becoming PFC-free.

Clothing such as the Go Hike jacket, part of Jack Wolfskin’s Texapore-Ecosphere collection, use a breathable, water-resistant fabric made of 100% recycled polyester. PET bottles are primarily used to make the clothing fabric, and the membrane is manufactured from reconditioned remnants that are left over from production. Jack Wolfskin calls this a zero-waste concept: turning waste into a raw material.

Nanuk Ecosphere 100% recycled fleece is used in clothing such as the Midnight Moon jacket.

The company’s next target is to produce small parts like buttons and zippers as well as polybags from recycled materials.

Jack Wolfskin also uses certified organic cotton, down sourced solely from ethical sources, leather that comes only as a natural byproduct of the food industry, and Merino wool only from humanely treated animals.

Diana and Jack Wolfskin are also involved in Camber Outdoors, a collection of more than 200 outdoor recreation businesses and nonprofits committed to creating inclusive cultures and equitable systems that attract and retain a diversity of talent in workplaces. Diane is a Camber board member, and served briefly as interim executive director.

Although Diana is pleased with the company’s North American growth, she’s wary of the struggle all outdoor brands are going through during Covid. Overseas factory shutdowns, shipping container shortages, and shipping issues all make it difficult to count on when gear will arrive.

“We’re all going through the same thing,” she says. “It’s very frustrating.”

8/3: Big Agnes Enters Backpack Market with New Line in Spring 2022

Big Agnes continues its exploration of innovative gear with a line of technical backpacks made from 100% recycled nylon.

The company’s first backpacks, expected to go on sale in spring 2022, also have an attachable bag for hauling trash out of the backcountry.

“Our new pack line leverages over two decades of product design and development experience,” says Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes, based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “The market is full of some impressive products but we’re bringing fresh new ideas and a commitment to recycled fabrics to the category. As a brand we’re excited to finally have backpacks to complement and carry all our award-winning gear.”

The backpacks join a line of Big Agnes sustainable gear, from water- and energy-saving solution-dyed tents to sleeping pads made from sugarcane sourced from a supplier that grows and harvests in a net carbon-negative process.

The Big Agnes pack collection features:

The 45- to 63-liter backpacks have been created by Big Agnes’ women designers.

All packs are constructed with 100% recycled Mipan regen robic high-tenacity nylon containing a solution-dyed ripstop grid. Essential to the pack design is the proprietary Load Wrangler and Load Wrangler+ suspension systems that provide an easy to set, precise fit for a balanced load.

The packs use a hoist compression system and open range hip belt, and have hydration bladder sleeves, accessible pockets, and daisy chain webbing.

The 7-liter Big Agnes Trash Can will be included with the 45- to 63-liter packs, and sold separately as an accessory for smaller packs. The Trash Can uses the same material as the packs.

“Our Trash Can has one purpose—to clean up our public lands and give back to a global organization that’s working to help make it happen,” Gamber says. “We wanted to provide an easy way to collect the large and small garbage that’s littered along trails, rivers, and in campgrounds. … Our employees determined that the Trash Can holds at least 36 crushed aluminum cans.

For the backpack launch, Big Agnes will partner with Leave No Trace by donating a portion of sales from every pack and Trash Can to assist in global efforts to sustain healthy public lands. All Trash Cans will include an informational card to help drive awareness of Leave No Trace’s mission and to help educate consumers on backcountry best practices.

“Big Agnes has been a longtime partner of Leave No Trace and we’re excited to collaborate with them on their upcoming pack launch,” says Dana Watts, Leave No Trace executive director. “We love the energy and commitment they have put into reducing trail and campground litter and we’re excited to be a partner in their education campaign.”

7/2: Hikerkind Launches Hiking Clothing for Women

Hikerkind, a New York-based women’s hiking gear company, has launched a new collection of clothing that challenges the “hiker” archetype.

“We were tired of the outdated ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach to women’s hiking gear, and we wanted to enter into the outdoor industry with a new perspective,” Hikerkind co-founder Chelsea Rizzo says. “We all perform better when we feel like the most authentic versions of ourselves.”

Hikerkind’s new products are a midlayer pullover fleece, a 100% Pakucho organic cotton bandana, and a 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle printed with the “You Are Here” graphic and Hikerkind logo.

Hikerkind is also hosting a women-led hike club every other weekend in New York on Munsee Lenape, Wappinger, Mohican, and Haudenosaunee lands.

Chelsea and co-founder Allison Levy became friends while working in the fashion industry. Allison has hiked all over the world. Chelsea, who was new to hiking until she thru-hiked the Colorado Trail in 2018, was set to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020 before the pandemic hit.

During quarantine, Allison approached Chelsea to take an idea they had been kicking around since they met to the next level, and in October 2020 they started Hikerkind.

6/9: Big Agnes Celebrates 20 Years of Outdoor Gear

Big Agnes is celebrating 20 years of making innovative, sustainable outdoor gear.

From tents with a solid reputation to sleep systems that integrate pads and bags, the company continually breaks new ground.

This year Big Agnes introduced sleeping pads made of sugarcane extract and began using solution-dyed fabrics for their most popular tents.

The tent fabric resists UV fade and during manufacturing reduces energy consumption by 80 percent and water use by 50 percent compared to traditional fabric dyeing methods.

The TwisterCane Pad BioFoam pad and hiking seat use sugarcane sourced from a supplier that grows and harvests in a net carbon-negative process.

Beyond gear, Big Agnes is donating a portion of their new Nature Print Chair Collection sales to the Yampa River Fund—which runs through the company’s hometown of Steamboat Spring, Colorado—and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. And in 2018 BA adopted 75 miles of the nearby Continental Divide Trail.

Big Agnes also partners with groups such as SheJumps, Outdoor Afro, and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

6/1: Get a Deal on onX Backcountry, Help LNT

Looking for a digital navigation device to guide you on some epic hikes this summer?

During June onX is offering a $10 ($29.99 value), one-year membership for its newest navigation app, onX Backcountry, as part of its “All In For Outdoors” program. The discounted price for new memberships is available only on the onX website, and all proceeds during June will go to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

The new onX Backcountry has tens of thousands of guidebook and expert-curated adventures, as well as 650,000 miles of trails for hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers

“At onX, our mission is to awaken the adventurer in everyone. We believe that the more people who experience the outdoors, the more likely they are to join us in protecting these special places for the future,” onX VP of Marketing Chris Bate said. “As a company that encourages public land exploration, we recognize our obligation to advocate for and protect these shared resources, especially as our trails and parks see unprecedented attention. By partnering with Leave No Trace, we aim to educate our growing audience–millions of returning and new recreationists–on how they can reduce the impact they have while exploring our outdoor playgrounds.”

Founded in 2009, onX also offers onX Hunt and onX Offroad navigation apps.

6/1: Ibex Certified as Climate Neutral

Ibex has long been known for its merino wool clothing, and now the company is drawing attention for its efforts to become climate neutral.

The company is Climate Neutral Certified, and works with manufacturing partners to reduce and offset their carbon footprint. Ibex continuously works to reduce electricity, gas, and water usage.

And Ibex is also trying to reduce manufacturing waste through direct-to-consumer small-batch production, ensuring that “every garment is built to the highest standards and finds a home.”

And when your 100% merino shirt wears out after years of use, it’s good to know that it’s backyard compostable.

After 20-some years based in Vermont, Ibex closed in 2018 and its assets were sold to Flour Fund, a New York-based investment group.

Ibex relaunched in 2019 with new designs and some old favorites, like the Shak jacket, and expanded its product line in 2021.

4/22: More Than 230 Brands Certified Climate Neutral

More than 230 retail brands—20% of them from the outdoor industry—have measured, offset, and reduced their 2020 “cradle-to-customer” greenhouse gas emissions in a rigorous certification process overseen by Climate Neutral.

“Two years into building our community, we’re thrilled to be welcoming a huge new collection of certified brands from a dozen product categories,” Austin Whitman, CEO of Climate Neutral, announced on Earth Day. “We are eager to continue helping these companies and hundreds of others as they invest in eliminating their carbon emissions, and engaging consumers in this critical drive toward a net-zero world.”

The Climate Neutral Certified label gives consumers a recognizable way to support and shop brands that are working to reduce their carbon footprint.

Since Climate Neutral was launched in 2019, the organization has certified more than 235 brands representing 12 business categories, with an offset of more than 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

More than 125 additional brands have committed to becoming certified later in 2021.

A list of the companies that have been certified is here.

4/20: Help Protect America’s Wild Places

Fourteen outdoor brands are supporting The Conservation Alliance by donating 5% of their online sales April 21-27 as part of the alliance’s WeKeepItWild campaign.

Backpacker’s Pantry, Dometic, Grayl, Gregory Packs, GU Energy Labs, Helly Hansen, MiiR, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Nomadix, Royal Robbins, Ruffwear, Therm-a-Rest, Toad&Co, and Topo Athletic are participating in the weeklong campaign.

Money raised online will help the alliance protect wild lands and waters across North America, supporting a vision of a planet where wild places, wildlife, and people thrive together.

Find out more about The Conservation Alliance here.

4/20: Stylish and Sustainable

Royal Robbins has made sustainability part of its clothing line since the company’s inception in 1968, and this year it takes a big leap forward.

Ten shirts in the men’s and women’s Expedition lines will be made from 100% recycled materials. Each shirt upcycles about 9 plastic bottles, and manufacturing energy use is reduced by 51% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 56%.

Sixty-six clothing styles made primarily of natural fabrics—preferred cotton, recycled content, or responsibly sourced forest materials—account for 46% of the spring clothing line.

4/20: Bottles with a View

Buy a Hydro Flask steel bottle with an image of your favorite Triple Crown trail and the company will donate $1 per bottle up to $65,000 to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

Use the 20-ounce bottle with a sip lid for hot coffee, or grab the 32-ounce wide mouth for cold drinks. Both sizes have a bottle boot for a sure grip. The double wall vacuum insulation keeps liquids cold for 24 hours or hot for up to 12.

Since 2017 Hydro Flash has contributed $1.9 million to its Parks for All initiative, which supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and providing better access to parks.

4/20: Hilleberg Celebrates 50th

Hilleberg is marking its 50th year of making tents for outdoor adventures on every continent, in all types of weather and terrain.

Since its founding in 1971 by Bo and Renate Hilleberg, the company has focused exclusively on tents and shelters.

“Even when many outdoor companies began diversifying their product lines, we felt that specializing in one product category, and really doing that to the best of our abilities, was the best way for us,” says Bo.

Hilleberg continues to be family-run, with daughter Petra serving as CEO of the Hilleberg Group and president of European and US operations. Son Rolf was managing director of the European operation and continues to serve on the board.

The post What’s New for Outdoor Brands, Trail Organizations, and Sustainability Efforts appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Sioux-Hustler trail is a 34-mile loop in northern Minnesota. This trail is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It features beaver dam crossings, two waterfalls, and plentiful water sources.

Region: Great Lakes Midwest (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest, Minnesota)
Length: 34 miles (3-4 days)
Season: Late Spring, Late Summer, Early Fall
Total Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

Physical Difficulty: Easy

• Rocky and rooty terrain
• Beaver dam crossings
• A few steep but short climbs and descents

Logistical Difficulty: High

• Route not marked
• Permit required
• Remote trailhead

Hiking the Sioux Hustler Trail

The Sioux-Hustler Trail is a great option for intermediate backpackers. The footpath crosses over beaver dams, features two waterfalls, and passes many water sources.

Three friends and I backpacked this loop clockwise in September 2020. Our first night was near the Devil’s Cascade waterfall and subsequent nights were on the shores of Emerald and Shell Lakes. We shared a campsite one night with two smaller backpacking parties.

We heard wolves most nights. We followed a portage to Loon Lake, where we noted moose tracks on the shoreline and said hello to Canada. Occasional fallen trees and six hours of rain made for a challenging second day.

I lost cell service about 30 minutes before arriving at the trailhead. The footpath was not blazed on trees, which caused occasional navigation challenges; cairns and cut logs helped confirm the correct path. There were also beaver dam crossings (a misstep on one ended in knee-deep mud).

Resupply is not an option, as this trail is only accessible by boat or foot. This is a shorter route, so resupply shouldn’t be needed.

How to get to the Sioux-Hustler Trail

Nearest City: Orr, Minnesota (38 miles)
Trailhead: Sioux Hustler Hiking Trail

The Sioux-Hustler trail is a lollipop loop. From the trailhead, it’s about six miles by foot to where the loop begins; go left for a clockwise trip or go right for a counterclockwise trip.

The Sioux-Hustler trailhead (BWCAW entry point 15) is 38 miles northeast of Orr, Minnesota, on US Forest Service roads. You can park overnight at the trailhead.

The nearest airports are Duluth and Minneapolis. Orr is about 145 miles north of Duluth and 280 miles north of Minneapolis. Car rentals are available at both airports; shuttle service between Duluth and the trailhead may be an option from some outfitters in Ely. Lodging and camping are available on the way to Orr.

For our trip, we left Minneapolis around 6:30 a.m. on our entry date and started hiking by 12:30 p.m..

When to Hike the Sioux Hustler Trail

The best times to hike this trail are late spring (May to June) and late summer into early fall (August through September).

Spring hikers can expect mud, wet conditions, and some snow well into May. Depending on the year, thaw/refreeze cycles may cause difficult travel on gravel Forest Service roads.

The trail can be hiked in early summer but mosquitoes may take the joy out of it. Ticks are usually the worst in May and June but may be found anytime the temperatures are above freezing.

Depending on the year, trips in late summer and early fall could be impacted by wildfires.

We began our hike in late September 2020. Daytime temperatures reached into the 50s Fahrenheit and overnight temperatures dipped into the upper 30s and 40s. It rained for about six hours on our second day. Fall colors were starting to peak and bugs were not an issue.

It may be possible to hike later than September but be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly. Depending on the year, early October may see measurable snow and lakes could already be freezing.

Backpacking this route in winter is not advised due to deep snow and extreme temperatures. Some Forest Service roads and trailheads are not accessible in winter.

Sioux-Hustler Trail Terrain 

The trail crosses forested terrain and wetlands. There are beaver dam crossings and occasional fallen trees to navigate.

Sioux-Hustler Trail Permits

Permits are required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). 

Overnight trips beginning May 1 to September 30 require quota permits. Quota permits have a fee associated and are sold first-come, first-served. They go on sale the third Wednesday of January each year.

Before reserving a quota permit, you’ll need a recreation.gov account and to know where you will pick up your permit. Here is a list of permit issue stations. I would recommend a station in Duluth or Cook; be sure to confirm hours as some stations may not be open on weekends.

On the BWCAW webpage, click on the “Explore available permits” button in the “Available Permits” section. 

Choose “Overnight Hike” in the filter dropdown and the date you plan to start.

Scroll to the “Sioux-Hustler Trail (OH)” item. Choose your start date in the grid, click the “Book Now” button, and complete your reservation.

Overnight trips in the off-season (October 1 to April 30) require a free, self-issued permit. Complete the form at the trailhead kiosk, leave a copy in the dropbox, and carry the other copy with you.

Logistics: Camping, Land Management, and Route Finding

Camping: Campsites are first-come, first-served and do not need to be shared with other parties. Most campsites are accessible by water and foot; if a site is already occupied, backpackers may be willing to share. To minimize impact, a maximum of 9 people can stay at campsites in the BWCAW; our intended campsite on day two was at maximum with a guided group of backpackers so we pushed on to another site. Campsite spurs are oftent marked with a cairn and/or a wooden marker. Follow LNT principles by trying to stay in established campsites, but if needed, dispersed / stealth camping is allowed for hikers (see page 7 of this handbook).

Land Management: This trail is mostly in a wilderness area on US Forest Service land. There are no amenities at the trailhead. The trail is only accessible by foot or boat and chainsaws are not allowed in the BWCAW, so fallen trees may not be immediately removed after a storm.

Route Finding: I recommend a GPS track or map and compass for this trail. The footpath is not marked, can disappear due to overgrowth, and crosses multiple beaver dams. Cell service was nonexistent. Be aware that the trail intersects with portages, which may or may not show up on certain maps.

Special Gear: I recommend a bug net and treated clothing or other repellent. Ticks and an obnoxious number of mosquitoes will be present, especially in late spring and early summer.

In recent summers, the Superior National Forest has issued orders requiring bear-proof containers. These orders are posted to their website and Facebook page when required, so be sure to check before heading out.

Know Before You Go

Although it isn’t the most physically challenging, I don’t recommend this route for beginners. The trail is not marked and disappears at times. There may be fallen trees to navigate if there have been recent storms and cell service was nonexistent.

Permits are required from May 1 to September 30, so some advance planning is needed, though you don’t need to reserve campsites.

If hiking in the shoulder seasons, be sure to check the forecast; snow may be present well into May and lakes may start freezing over as early as October.

Bear-proof containers may be required if there has been increased black bear activity. Check the Superior National Forest website and Facebook page for updates.

Resources

Sioux-Hustler Trail Permits at recreation.gov

Friends of the Boundary Waters

A list of local outfitters 

Superior National Forest

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Sioux-Hustler Trail

Maps

• Fisher map F-16
• McKenzie maps 12, 13 and 14
• US Forest Service  

Andrea Breitung lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is an avid year-round hiker, biker, and camper (yes, even in winter). She started backpacking in 2019 and more recently began dabbling in bikepacking. When she’s not outside, she’s reading, snuggling her dogs, and consuming unhealthy amounts of chocolate.

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