Exploring the Link Between Restful Nights and Trail Success

Exploring the Link Between Restful Nights and Trail Success

OV Collaborator ·

Whether you’re a trail runner preparing for an ultra or a hiker getting ready to tackle one leg of the coveted Triple Crown, your goal is to perform at your best. Doing so means paying attention to everything that affects your training goals — including sleep.

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Balancing Words & Wanderlust: Sam Schild as an Outdoor Writer, Bikepacker, Thru Hiker, & Trail Runner

Balancing Words & Wanderlust: Sam Schild as an Outdoor Writer, Bikepacker, Thru Hiker, & Trail Runner

Derek Rasmussen ·
Sam Schild is a seasoned adventurer and storyteller whose passion for exploration has taken him to incredible places. After earning an MFA in creative writing from Temple University and working as a newspaper journalist, Sam embarked on a bicycle ride across the United States. Fueled by his love for the outdoors, he made Colorado his home, where he continued to seek thrilling escapades, including hiking the Continental Divide Trail and conquering the Colorado Trail three times. His writing has been published in Wirecutter, CBS News, The Trek, and other notable publications.
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close view of merino wool base layer

Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Base Layers: Which Is Better for Backpacking?

Derek Rasmussen · · 3 comments
Base layers are the foundation of a performance-oriented layering system. The primary purpose of a base layer is to move moisture off and away from the body.  When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your adventures, it's helpful to learn about the unique abilities of both synthetic fabrics and wool.  There is a bit of overlap, but for the most part these different fabrics are both great for different things.
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Missing Hikers, AT Cults, & The Thru Hiker Diet With Kyle O'Grady

Missing Hikers, AT Cults, & The Thru Hiker Diet With Kyle O'Grady

Derek Rasmussen · · 1 comment
Kyle O’Grady is a popular YouTube personality and outdoors enthusiast who has gained a large following for his humorous takes on hiking and camping via his channel, Kyle Hates Hiking. Despite his channel's name, Kyle is actually an avid hiker who enjoys exploring the great outdoors and sharing his experiences with others. His videos cover a wide range of topics, from tips and tricks for hiking and camping to gear reviews and hiking vlogs, to stories of backpacking mysteries and tales of missing hikers.
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Aurelien Sanchez Interview: Barkley Marathons Finisher 2023

Aurelien Sanchez Interview: Barkley Marathons Finisher 2023

Derek Rasmussen ·
Aurélien Sanchez is a French runner and backpacker who has taken the running world by storm with his impressive achievements. Just a few months ago we had him on to talk about his record-setting self-supported FKT on the John Muir Trail. But, a couple of weeks ago, imagine our surprise when we got the news that Aurélien had just crossed the finish line in first place ahead of only two other finishers at the 2023 Barkley Marathons, widely considered one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, if not THE toughest Marathon in the world. He completed the 100-mile race in a time of 58 hours, 23 minutes, and 12 seconds, cementing his status as one of the top ultrarunners in the world.
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Windbreakers vs. Rain Jackets

Windbreakers vs. Rain Jackets

Derek Rasmussen · · 5 comments

When it comes to backpacking, what you take with you is undeniably important. Each piece of gear comes with the price of weight & space taken in your backpack. It's best to only take what you really need to you're not overly burdened on the trail. 

With that in mind, many have asked, "What's the difference between a rain jacket & a windbreaker?" or, "Do I need both?"

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