I’ve hiked trails around the world. Here’s how to pack light and prepare.
I’ve hiked with the mantra “I’m not scared because I am prepared,” which is why I’m here to tell you about it.
The first time I tried hiking the Appalachian Trail, I realized within 10 minutes that I was unprepared and needed to get some practice. A little more than a year later, I had hiked all 2,190-plus miles of the trail.
How I figured it out is the story I want to share here. Since that first failed attempt, I’ve learned a lot about planning, packing light and adapting to the elements on my hikes. I’ve encountered grizzly bears, coped with unexpected changes in the weather and once waited a day to be rescued by helicopter after falling into an ice gully on the Continental Divide Trail. But I’ve hiked with the mantra “I’m not scared because I am prepared,” which is why I’m here to tell you about it.
I wrote my book, “Pack Light: A Journey to Find Myself,” because nature belongs to all of us. I would like everyone to have access to hiking and be able to find joy — especially Black joy — and healing in nature. I’ve put together a list of tips for learning and planning to hike. My trail name is Dragonsky, and I hope to see you on the trail.
November 1, 2024
Shilletha Curtis
Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
A favorite of ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the gold standard in water filters for anyone concerned about weight and universal compatibility.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
In the morning before getting to the park, I applied insect repellent (Picaridin lotion by Sawyer).
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
A Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that blows any other system out of the — say it with me — water.
Kutoka kwa kikosi
Mazungumzo ya Campfire na jamii yetu, kutoka kwa Wanachama wa Squad na Mabalozi kwa Washirika wa Brand na timu ya Sawyer.
