Hiking Reed Lakes Trail Hatcher Pass is a central area for a variety of different hikes and destinations to some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes. Alaska can be known for it's aggressive ascents and less than predictable conditions. However, these caveats can be planned for and mitigated. With that being said, many of the trailheads in Hatcher Pass create the perfect Alaska day hiking [...]
Ice Climbing on the Matanuska The morning time and start of the day is consistently changing in Alaska. Especially near a glacier. They create sort of a microcosm of their own weather systems. And so each day the gear and the plans change when it comes to climbing glacier ice. Ice Climbing on Glaciers Glaciers, like the Matanuska, are known for their Kendall [...]
An Age of Accessibility Topographic maps are an essential piece of backcountry equipment that everyone should bring along with them. Especially in areas without established trails. Paired with an orienteering compass and the right skills and knowledge, good topo maps are invaluable in any terrain. Decades ago, the U.S. government took on the enormous task of surveying and mapping the entire United States back [...]
Alaska Packing Guide Proper Packing Not all Alaska backpacking trips are the same, nor are all packs created the same. We may be packing for different lengths of trips in different weather conditions. Simultaneously, we may need a varying degree of gear to safely and comfortably complete our trip. However, there are a number of steps anyone can take to pack their gear in [...]
A Matanuska Getaway Over the years many trips have been explored and different itineraries filled. Yet, no matter the place or time, it always seems hard to be able to get to every single detail that comes with planning a vacation. And if you're not careful, your vacation may turn into more work than the relaxation and adventure you were hoping for. With this [...]
Alpenglow The way a sun sets seems to be different everywhere you go. The colors more saturated, the golden hour just a bit longer, the translucent hues playing across cloud covers. Each sunset feels like a finger print of the Earth, unique and different in nuanced ways. The same goes for alpine sunsets. These sunsets seem to have a burning glow that blanket the [...]
Favorite Backpacking Recipes This group enjoys a warm meal after a long day You’ve probably done it before, spent your entire backcountry trip eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, oatmeal, and ramen. I get it, all of these meals are light and easy. But, aren’t you tired of eating the same thing? Those meals are mindless and flat. I bet you and [...]
How to Train for a Backpacking Trip Backpacking is an extremely rewarding experience, but it is also a very physically demanding one. No matter how ultra-lightweight your pack is, your body still needs to be able to handle hiking long days, gaining elevation, and enduring the elements. The miles won’t hike themselves. Being physically prepared is key in order to make the most out [...]
Sleeping on a Glacier An Ice Climbers Dream Sleeping on a glacier is a fabled experience for many. I have been lucky enough to go on two overnight glacier trips in less than a week. When thinking about spending the night on the glacier, one's mind would immediately think about how cold and wet the experience might be. Working with a long time local [...]
Backpacking in the Rain Some of my very best and very worst backpacking memories have been in rainy weather. The difference between them: preparation. If you’re backpacking in Alaska it's wise to assume you will encounter rain regardless of forecasts. Be Prepared In preparation for your trip it’s important to pack wisely, and learn about responding to rain in the backcountry. These two elements [...]
