I remember a descent on the Scafell Pike ridge three years ago—mid-November, about 4:30 PM—when the light didn’t just fade, it vanished. One minute I …
Walking After Dark on Purpose
Beyond the Postcard Views: Why Understanding the Benefits of Hiking in Different Seasons Is the Difference Between a Great Day and a Dangerous One.
I was standing on a granite ridge in the Lake District three years ago, watching a group of hikers try to “embrace the autumn colors” …
Survival Isn’t Just About Instinct; It’s About the Social Structures of Elephant Herds and the Unspoken Rules That Keep Them Alive.
I remember sitting in the dust of a dry riverbed in Amboseli, watching a group of bulls drift away from the main line, and it …
The Complete Guide to Bikepacking
Most “complete guide to bikepacking” articles I see online look like a catalog for a high-end outdoor boutique, filled with shiny carbon fiber components and …
Why the First Night Is Always Bad
I remember sitting in a damp bivvy bag in the Cairngorms, listening to the wind tear at the flysheet and realizing that my “lightweight” setup …
Kit for Heat: Coverage Beats Exposure
I once watched a group of hikers attempt a ridge traverse in the high heat of the Pyrenees, all of them clad in “high-tech” compression …
The Difference Between a Quiet Night and a Midnight Visitor: the Best Ways to Store Food Away From Animals.
I once spent three hours in a damp valley near the Cairngorms, listening to the rhythmic, heavy tearing of nylon, only to realize a badger …
The Complete Guide to Going Lighter
I’ve spent enough time on the hills to know that most “complete guide to lightweight backpacking” articles are just glorified shopping lists designed to make …
A No-nonsense Guide to Building a Sustainable Campfire
I’ve spent twenty-two years watching people mistake “wild” for “careless,” and nothing irritates me more than seeing a scorched patch of earth left behind because …
Leading a Walk for Friends Without Being in Charge
I remember standing on a sodden ridge in the Cairngorms, watching a group of “enthusiastic” hikers try to navigate a scree slope in heavy, leather …