Pre-PCT Gear List

3.30.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
6 minute read

As day zero comes closer and closer, I have finally put together my complete gear list. The first 700 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail offers a desert climate interspersed with 10,000 foot tall… Continue Reading »

PCT Update Zero

3.22.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
3 minute read

As I write this it is the last full day I will spend in this apartment. Next week will be the last week at my job. Two weeks after that I’ll be saying goodbye to my family and my girlfriend for… Continue Reading »

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

3.15.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
3 minute read

The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are a sturdy yet lightweight snowshoe that provides ample flotation and an aggressive grip. The outer ring of the snowshoe is rigid with crampon-like teeth that… Continue Reading »

Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Modular Mittens

3.8.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
2 minute read

The Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Modular Mittens are a two part mitten designed to keep your fingers warm in extremely cold conditions. They have a waterproof shell with a heavy duty fleece linear on… Continue Reading »

9 Ways to Shed Pack Weight For Almost No Money

2.23.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
3 minute read

Spending hundreds of dollars on new sleeping bags and backpacks is one way to save large amounts of pack weight, but it’s not the only way. There are a lot of small things you can do as well that will… Continue Reading »

Passaconaway/Whiteface Abandoned Trail Loop from the North

2.14.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
3 minute read

Miles: 12.3 Elevation Gain: 3763’ Difficulty: Hard Typically if you want to do Mount Passaconaway and Mount Whiteface as a loop you have to do it from the south. Further, doing it as an out and back… Continue Reading »

Choosing the Right Personal Locator Beacon or Satellite Messenger

2.7.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
3 minute read

Whether it be a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a Satellite Messenger, an emergency transponder is something everyone spending a significant time in the wilderness should carry. No matter how… Continue Reading »

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

1.31.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
2 minute read

It wasn’t until I began winter hiking that I understood how great Trekking poles were. Before I had always wondered what I needed them for- I had never had a problem getting up and down mountains… Continue Reading »

Carter Notch (Secret) Loop

1.25.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
3 minute read

Miles: 12.3 including Mt. Height; 12.1 without Elevation Gain: 4600' Difficulty: Hard The Carter Notch loop is the best way to hit all three of the Carters (and the incredible Mt. Height) in one go… Continue Reading »

Salomon Speed Cross 4

1.18.2018 - Kyle Soeltz
2 minute read

The Salomon Speed Cross 4 is a seriously light trail running shoe with a lot of grip. I have used them for trail running, day hiking, and backpacking from mid-spring to mid-fall. They are breathable… Continue Reading »