Training for the Camino de Santiago
Training for the Camino or just hiking in general can be done at home, work, or work-at-home! Here's what I've done over the last 6 months that resulted in losing nearly 25 pounds while retaining strength, as well as what I am doing now from home. See the video HERE!
Quick hike with my mom in Ravine Quarry to test out the Zpacks Arc Blast and the Osprey Atmos AG 50. (Reviews on both these packs will be posted as well!) For video, click image above or HERE!
Had a great hike last weekend along the American River near Folsom, CA. Got to test out my osprey Atmos 50 as well as (re-)test the Altra Lone Peak RSM Mids. Click image above or HERE for video!
Camino pack volumes typically come in at around 30-40 liters, and the Osprey Stratos 36 is one of the most popular backpacks in that range. While not an ultra-light pack, it is feature rich - and those features may make the difference. Click the image above or HERE for my review! I took some young … Continue reading Osprey Stratos 36 Review and Gear Test
I got three decent hikes in the span of eight days last week and the last one about did me in. It didn't seem like it was the distance or the elevation gains, though. It was the heat. The Heat The scary thing is, it wasn't really that hot (for California, at least). It was … Continue reading Hot Hiking
Backpackers (especially thru-hikers) are constantly in search of ways to lighten their load. When I did my initial gear weigh-in, my base weight was just under 20 pounds. Once I add in a full water bottle and the clothing I'd be wearing, the total comes to about 25 pounds. Gear This guy says he got … Continue reading Weight Loss
The Primitivo is known for being the most difficult of all Camino paths. Some of the daily elevation changes are intimidating. How the various stages work out will depend on the walker's plans, of course - but the Primitivo has fewer options than the more popular Frances, so there is only so much one can … Continue reading Elevation Gains
Trail Time I am not in great shape. Twenty years of riding a desk has taken its toll - and although I have done the odd hike now and again, I can't kid myself into thinking I am good to go 20-30k/day on the Camino when I barely even stand up most days. So I … Continue reading First 14k Day
Backcountry Pilgrim 