Examine trail conditions from the comfort of your couch using two new satellite imagery maps. FreshSat – Cloud Free shows mostly cloudless terrain. FreshSat – Recent shows as up-to-date imagery as possible. Both maps use satellite data from the Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 government satellites, and are updated at least every 14 days.
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The history of thru-hiking is rooted in “walking off the war.” After returning from World War II, veteran Earl Shaffer became the first person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Many veterans have followed in his footsteps, including Marine Corps veteran Sean Gobin. This life-changing experience inspired Gobin to found Warrior Expeditions, which enables fellow vets to follow suit. Learn how thru-hiking provides a magical recipe for mental and physical health.
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Ultra runner Courtney Dauwalter cannot seem to find a big enough challenge. Learn what motivates her to test her limits and her mental hacks to push through the seemingly impossible this week on the Out and Back podcast.
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Special Out and Back co-host The Real Hiking Viking joins Shanty to chat with hiking legend Zach “Badger” Davis. Badger shares how meditation and mental preparation helped him complete thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail despite having zero backpacking experience. He shares how that thru-hike changed his life, leading him to write Appalachian Trials and found The Trek. Plus, Viking and Badger share wild stories from their joint PCT thru-hike.
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On this episode of the Out and Back podcast, hiker and guide book author Scott Turner shares how to make the most of a one-day visit to a national park. He gives insider tips on how to get off the beaten path, and what time of year to visit certain parks. Turner also runs through everything you should bring in your pack to have fun and stay safe on a day hike.
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As a kid, elite mountain climber Conrad Anker was diagnosed with ADHD. Rather than turn to pills, his parents sent him outside. Over time, fresh air and the great outdoors became Anker’s salve and sanctuary, and his path to becoming one of the best alpinists in the world. While the pandemic has limited Anker and the greater outdoor community’s access to the backcountry, experts say we don’t need to climb tall mountains to reap the benefits of nature.
In this article, psychology experts, professors, and world-class athletes weigh in on why going outside even for 10 minutes a day can boost mental health. Read more about how athletes like Conrad Anker and ultra runner Scott Jurek are making the most of the outdoors simply by stepping outside their own front doors and exploring their neighborhoods.
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Professional mountain athletes and guides are facing canceled races, maybe even entire race seasons, guiding trips, and speaking tours. Some of these outdoor experts are tapping into their resiliency in…
Hiking and trail running accomplish a similar objective. But by moving lighter and faster, running allows you to cover more territory in less time. Running can also provide a rejuvenating exercise regime during busy week days and cold winters. Learn how to build on your hiking skills to run safely, stay injury-free, and have fun.
Eight outdoor enthusiasts weigh in on their go-to, easy car camping meals. From curried quinoa to steak kebobs, check out these no-hassle recipes that are delicious and easy to clean up.