30 Tips for Hitchhiking to Resupply

Ryan Grayson August 29, 2016

The first time I stretched out my arm and put out my thumb, I felt equally nervous and excited. A few hundred hitches later, the nervousness has dwindled to nothing, but the excitement continues. It's not simply free transportation. Something about it evokes a feeling of uncomplicated freedom. Akin to minimizing possessions to only what you can carry. My friends and I have gotten many hitches from people who said we were the first hitchhikers they have ever picked up, so it seems we’re doing something right. Here are 30 tips that may help get you a ride.

Drying My Clothes in Yosemite National Park

Cleaning Clothes in the Backcountry

Ryan Grayson August 22, 2016

I began experimenting with environmentally-safe ways to clean my clothes in the backcountry after hiking the Appalachian Trail. Since I started backpacking, I've pretty much started to define "clean" as "dry," so don't get me wrong, clean out there isn't the same thing as clean at home. I decided, however, that long-distance backpacking would be more enjoyable if I could feel cleaner. Here's what I do.

Why I Don’t Use Detergents in the Backcountry

Ryan Grayson August 21, 2016

When cleaning clothes in the backcountry, I either use water only or baking soda. I prefer to keep as many chemicals out of the backcountry as possible and baking soda is useful in many other ways. If you prefer to use a detergent, there are some that are considerably safer for the environment, and safer ways to use them.

10 Uses for Baking Soda on the Trail

Ryan Grayson August 20, 2016

On a long-distance hike, baking soda can help keep your clothes from smelling like a corn chip's foot. If carrying something to make you smell better seems like unnecessary weight, I understand, but it's useful in other ways.

Nutrition for Thru-hikers: An Interview with Tavis Piattoly, Part 3

Ryan Grayson August 15, 2016

For a long-distance hiker, life on the trail often leads to nutritional deficiencies, but in town we have new choices available. In part three of my interview with sports dietitian, Tavis Piatolly, I asked which foods are the best in town.

Nutrition for Thru-hikers: An Interview with Tavis Piattoly, Part 2

Ryan Grayson August 8, 2016

On a long enough hike, where you'll need to stop for supplies along the way, it can be very difficult to stick to a specific meal plan. That being said, in part two of my interview with Sports Dietitian Tavis Piattoly, I asked for specifics.

Lunch at Redgap Pass, Glacier NP, Montana

Nutrition for Thru-hikers: An Interview with Sports Dietitian, Tavis Piattoly

Ryan Grayson August 1, 2016

The Internet is full of sports nutrition advice, much of which is driven by fads and not entirely evidence-based, but even the good advice doesn't take into account the limitations that long-distance hikers face. I decided to consult an expert, Tavis Piattoly's, Sports Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant for the New Orleans Saints,

Q&A: Ticks on the Appalachian Trail

Ryan Grayson July 4, 2016

Victor asks for tips in dealing with pests and other natives of the Appalachian Trail, such as Ticks, Flies, Mice, Poison Oak, Poison Ivy, and any others not on his radar.

Exploring Rome

Ryan Grayson September 7, 2015

The Sistine Chapel

Ryan Grayson August 3, 2015

I sat on a bench under the most famous ceiling in the world. My camera sat on my lap under my hat, hiding from the guards. I stared at the Creation of Adam high above the 130-foot long Sistine Chapel. A white-bearded god surrounded by nude figures and a swirling cloak reached out to Adam’s outstretched hand, fingers almost touching.