After months of waiting, waxing, tuning, and pretending to enjoy trail running, we’re finally on the verge of winter. But as new snow settles into the couloirs and glades, it’s easy to get caught up in the stoke without doing your homework—a potentially fatal mistake when you’re backcountry skiing in avalanche terrain. To get the… Read More »
Early summer is here. The days are long, warm, and gorgeous. But for those of us looking forward to backpacking season in the Pacific Northwest, summer won’t truly arrive for another two months. Snow still abounds in the Cascades and Olympics, covering some of the best backpacking routes in the state: Seven Lakes Basin in… Read More »
For many of us, menu planning for a backpacking trip is a last minute consideration. Stop off at a grocery on the way up to the mountains and grab the essentials: mac and cheese, ramen, oatmeal, and, of course, bars, bars, and more bars. But the longer your hike (around the third day of a… Read More »
Smartphones may be the best piece of outdoor gear you can take with you into the backcountry. In this article, learn how to use mobile apps both online and off to plan an unforgettable backcountry ski trip this winter. Start the planning process by determining the best location to backcountry ski based on weather, avalanche… Read More »
Hiking in the winter demands proper attire to avoid both overheating and hypothermia. Learning how to layer the right clothing and materials can make or break a trip. Using the wrong layers can even result in dangerous consequences. As you hike, your body naturally wants to sweat. Your sweat quickly cools your body and can… Read More »
Many National Forests across the United States allow free dispersed camping. This post will show you how to use Gaia GPS to find free camping spots before heading out and navigate when you get there. Dispersed camping refers to camping outside of established campgrounds, typically with no amenities like bathrooms or running water. Sites vary… Read More »
Gaia GPS user and self-proclaimed professional camper Emma Walker hates crowds. “You couldn’t walk 20 yards without stumbling into somebody’s campsite,” Walker said of her hike in the James Peak Wilderness this summer, “So we opened up the app, found the nearest lake without a trail leading to it, and made our way there.” Walker… Read More »
From Dispatch to Planning On June 13, 2016, three fire departments responded to a technical rescue in the Wood River Fire & Rescue service area in Idaho. The patient had tendon damage from falling, as well as some broken leg bones. The injury happened in the backcountry, but Wood River’s extraction team knew the general… Read More »
Gaia GPS version 10.9 for iOS, now available in the App Store. Make snap-to-trail routes from your device, and download maps along the way with an entirely redesigned routing UI. Click here for a full list of 10.9 updates and fixes. Similar to the Snap-to-Trail feature on gaiagps.com, toggle between Hiking, Cycling, Driving and Straight… Read More »
Download a full dataset of maps and tracks for the Appalachian Trail on gaiagps.com. The organized folders include official trail and waypoint data from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Sync the folders to your Gaia GPS app or download in GPX or KML format to your desktop, and help aggregate data by becoming a contributor. Well-Organized,… Read More »
