backpacking tips

backpacking tips

Bearproofing your food in the backcountry

by Jeff Ryan on February 14, 2019 Permalink

Few things are better than enjoying meals in the backcountry. Read More…
Thoreau and Life at 3 mph

by Jeff Ryan on January 17, 2019 Permalink

“What business have I in the woods, if I am thinking of something out of the woods?”
Hen Read More…
How to load a backpack

by Jeff Ryan on November 21, 2018 Permalink

Katrine Connelly, the editor/adventurer behind the website My Open Country, kindly suggested referen Read More…
Three Lines of Defense for (almost) Insect-Free Hiking

by Jeff Ryan on July 16, 2018 Permalink

Summer is a great time for hiking. Read More…
A Backpacker’s Guide to Loop Hikes and Trail Shuttles

by Jeff Ryan on June 25, 2018 Permalink

When it comes to planning a hike, particularly a multi-day adventure, my first priority is designing Read More…
Introducing 30 Second Hiking Hacks

by Jeff Ryan on April 15, 2018 Permalink

I’ve created a new series of tips and tricks I’ve learned over 8,000+ miles of hiking, c Read More…
What you need for an Appalachian Trail hike – Part 3 – Water

by Jeff Ryan on August 29, 2017 Permalink

How to Stay Hydrated on the Trail
Nothing affects your pack weight more than your choices of food an Read More…

I normally read three or four books at the same time. I started Hermit and put the others aside until I finished. The story of a very interesting man told in a different format. Read it! - Amazon Reviewer Ryan is an excellent storyteller, and this tale is as good as any novel, especially since it’s based on real people and real events. - Bill Bushnell, Bushnell on Books, Kennebec Journal The North Woods are filled with quirky characters and wonderful stories. Jeffrey Ryan's tale of Jim Whyte embodies so much of what makes these characters so appealing--the mysterious signals in the night, the hundreds of books lining the walls of his hideaway, the game of hide and seek with the law. Ryan has crafted a story that you won't want to put down. - Mills Kelly, Professor of History, George Mason University I can tell you it won't take you many days to read it, because you won't be able to put it down. I wasn't surprised when Hermit was named a top pick for 2019 on a December Maine Calling show on Maine Public Radio. - George Smith, Bangor Daily News