Now, it’s been established that fashion is at least 49% of what is important on the trail. As I’ve said before, not everyone agrees.

I chose my rain jacket because it looked great on me, and as far as I knew, it was a relatively lightweight 3 layer Gore-Tex jacket.

My first tent, purchased in July for a 4 day backpacking trip, was an MSR Hubba Hubba NX: a 2-person tent.

For my first 3 day backpacking trip, I had a Jetboil micro-stove. It provides the pot, the stove, a windscreen, and even a built in piezo lighter for 12.5 ounces. It’s almost the perfect solution.

I spent a lot of time trying to refine my gear before the trail. I had a spreadsheet with 8 million items, and I added, removed, and refined things for months leading up to my…

Now I know why they say not to camp on peaks.

During the night, the wind was mild. Until it wasn’t. And then, I had to close the bivy due to the wind chill.

When…

There’s a pupper waiting outside the store as they open up.

It’s after sunrise, but I’ll be walking by 8. Of course, since there’s a store, I’ll begin the morning with some ice cream.

The…

I have just over 2 miles until the next water source, so I take my time and cook some breakfast and drink the rest of my water.

Once again, it would be ideal to take off early.

Before sunrise, even.

But no. First, breakfast at a boutique.

In fact, I only have just over 50 miles to go, so it’s fine to…

After picking up my package from the post office, I mosey on over to a little dessert shop and order a root beer float. Dazed, I stare into the distance.

It’s 3 more miles to…