travel light, wake early, walk far
Are you ever tempted to go stoveless on a backpacking trip? It can be done! If you want to save a little weight by not carrying a stove, check out some of our ideas below. Try to start with a low-mileage trip and see how it feels for you. No-cook backpacking may be a lot... Continue Reading →
We’ve said it before—DC ULers are an active bunch. As we settle into our new routines, many are looking for ways to stay active and fit while social distancing at home. But how do you carve out space to exercise at home? If you’ve met DC UL member Trisha Christian, you’ve probably heard about her... Continue Reading →
We're creating this list of trail closures and other COVID-19 updates related to hiking and outdoor activities. Email organizer[at]dculbackpacking.com if you see anything else that should be added to the list. As a reminder, DC UL Backpacking has suspended all activities due to the ongoing situation. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm AT Shelters and Privies Closed:... Continue Reading →
Exercise It's no overstatement -- we are an active group. Heck, we relish a Mega Massanutten and look forward to the Four State Challenge. With limited opportunities for physical activity, we've listed some apps and channels that either offer free trials or are totally free. Tell yourself you're cross training. Core Power Yoga on Demand... Continue Reading →
Hiking communities and associations are urging hikers and backpackers to carefully consider their outdoor recreation plans to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). A number of states and localities, both in our region and across the United States, have issued stay-at-home / shelter-in-place orders. Also, a number of trails and parks have closed access... Continue Reading →
Are you stuck at home and dreaming of the trail? Now might be the perfect time to take on that do-it-yourself project you've been thinking about. One of our members, Cassie, recently made her own tarp, and it was a true success story. If you need inspiration, look no further. Tell us what you made.I... Continue Reading →
DC UL Backpacking will be suspending all trips through the end of March, and then making decisions on a bi-weekly basis about trips in April. The health and safety of our members and our organizers are of utmost concern to us. If you are signed up for any trips, your trip leaders (if they haven’t... Continue Reading →
Pics from the trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbTW1fSeQ3tEcdtT6 Nine people - a mix of applicants and veterans - gathered at Grosvenor metro and drove to the Lost Turkey/John P Saylor trailhead. It was a sunny Saturday morning and we had a beautiful day ahead of us. The drive was smooth and we were on the trail around 11... Continue Reading →
DCUL's latest (maybe first?) encounter with the Thunder Swamp Trail in the Poconos can best be understood as a series of negatives. It's not a particularly pretty trail. There doesn't seem to be any old-growth forests, despite the proximity to so many others. You can sort of get a sense that there are swamps nearby,... Continue Reading →
