My Story: 20 Years of Lessons from the Trail

By Cap Puckhaber, Reno, Nevada

I’m Cap Puckhaber, and The Hiking Adventures is my way of bringing you into the backcountry with me. It’s my digital trail log, a space where the grit and the beauty of the outdoors live side-by-side. Whether I’m trekking through the High Sierra, snowboarding in Niseko, or chasing alpine lakes with nothing but a pack and a map, I live for that feeling of being far from the noise and fully locked into the present moment. This site is where I share the gear I use, the trips that shaped me, and the lessons I’ve picked up the hard way over two decades of exploration.

Over the last twenty years, I’ve hiked and snowboarded in Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Montana, but my backyard has always been the sprawling wilderness of the West. I’ve led trips for friends, tested gear on multi-day expeditions, and come to rely on a core kit of tools I trust no matter the terrain. You learn a lot about yourself and your equipment when you’re ten miles from the nearest road. Whether you’re planning your first overnight trip or prepping for a week in the backcountry, I’m here to help you gear up, stay safe, and make it back with stories worth telling.

My Hiking Philosophy: More Than Just Miles

For me, hiking has never been about just bagging peaks or crushing miles. It’s about the rhythm of walking, the way the landscape changes with the light, and the quiet confidence that comes from self-reliance. It’s a practice of paying attention. Most of my hiking happens in the Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Northwest. I’m drawn to ridgelines, glacial lakes, and trails that push the edge of my comfort zone without ever crossing into reckless. I’ve logged miles in the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Three Sisters, Oregon’s Ridgeline Trail, Stella Lake, and more. I almost always favor loop trails and high routes over out-and-backs, and I’m constantly hunting for less-trafficked alternatives to the classics.

The Trails That Shaped Me

The trails I share on this site are ones I’ve actually hiked. I shoot all my own photos, map my own routes, and report on real conditions, not brochure-style summaries. This is a trail log, not a travel brochure. And if something kicks my ass, I’ll tell you that too. One of my favorite hikes is the loop around Aloha Lake in Desolation Wilderness. The trail rewards you with sweeping views of alpine granite and wildflower meadows. The terrain is challenging enough to keep me engaged but not so technical that it demands special gear or skills. Trips like these remind me why I love this, not just for the destination but for the time spent outside and the way the trail demands your full attention.

Lessons from Rocky Mountain National Park

I remember my first summer trip into Rocky Mountain National Park like it was yesterday. The sheer scale of the peaks is humbling. I learned a crucial lesson there about altitude. Coming from lower elevations, I thought I could maintain my usual pace, but the mountain had other ideas. I was gasping for air on a steady incline towards Emerald Lake, my legs feeling like lead. It taught me that respecting the mountain means listening to your body and adjusting your plans. Now, I always budget an extra day to acclimate before tackling a high-elevation hike. It’s a simple change, but it makes all the difference between enjoying the view and just surviving the trek.

Solitude in Glacier National Park

Everyone talks about the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, and for good reason. It’s spectacular. But for me, the real magic of Glacier is found on the trails less traveled. I once spent four days exploring the Belly River area, a quieter corner of the park. The solitude was immense. I saw more grizzly bears (from a very safe distance) than people. That trip solidified my love for finding the alternative routes. It often means more planning and a bit more effort, but the payoff is an experience that feels truly wild and personal. It’s a reminder that the best spots are often the ones you have to work for.

The Contrasting Worlds of Olympic National Park

If you ever want to experience three completely different worlds in one trip, go to Olympic National Park. On the same trip, I’ve stood on a windswept Pacific beach watching the sunset, hiked through a moss-draped temperate rainforest that felt prehistoric, and climbed up to a rocky, alpine ridgeline with views of Mount Olympus. The diversity is staggering. This park taught me about microclimates and the importance of layered clothing. You can start a day in the sun, get drenched in a rainforest downpour, and finish it shivering in the mountain wind. It’s a perfect laboratory for testing your gear and your preparedness.

Embracing the Extremes in the Desert

Hiking in places like Death Valley and Joshua Tree is a whole different ball game. These aren’t places you can just wander into unprepared. The desert demands respect. My first trip to Death Valley taught me about water discipline in a way no other environment has. Carrying ten liters of water feels absurd until you’re an hour into a hike and you realize just how fast the sun is draining you. I learned to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon, avoiding the brutal midday heat. Joshua Tree, with its surreal rock formations, taught me about navigation. The landscape can be disorienting, and a map and compass, along with a GPS backup, are absolutely essential tools.

The Art of the Pack: My Evolving Backpacking Kit

When it comes to backpacking, I’ve learned that every ounce counts, but so do comfort and safety. Carrying unnecessary gear can weigh you down, but skimping on essentials is a risk I’m not willing to take. My current backpacking and hiking gear guide is the result of twenty years of trial and error. Over that time, I’ve refined a gear list that balances lightweight performance with bombproof reliability. Every single piece of equipment I recommend on this site has been tested on multiple trips, in varied conditions, and has earned its place in my pack. The gear below is the foundation of my current kit.

The Foundation: Finding the Perfect Hiking Boots

My trusted companions on the trail are the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX Hiking Boots. I’ve worn them through steep, rocky terrain in the Sierra and on muddy, root-covered trails in the Pacific Northwest. Before settling on these, I went through a few pairs that just didn’t cut it. I had one pair from a different brand that gave me horrendous blisters on a trip in Arizona, forcing me to cut it short. That experience taught me that boot fit is deeply personal. The Ultra Raptors work for me because their aggressive tread gives me confidence on loose scree and the Gore-Tex keeps my feet dry. A great example of their performance was a two-week trip in the North Cascades where my feet were the only part of me that stayed consistently dry and comfortable. If you’re looking for new footwear, check out this trail runner and hiking shoe guide.

A Shelter for the Storm: My Quest for the Right Tent

My go-to shelter for the last few seasons has been the Mier Lanshan 3-Season Tent. It’s incredibly lightweight because it uses trekking poles for its structure, which is a brilliant way to cut weight since I’m carrying poles anyway. I especially appreciate how easy it is to pitch, even in windy conditions. On a five-day loop through Lassen Volcanic National Park, this tent proved its worth when a nasty thunderstorm rolled in unexpectedly overnight. While other campers were struggling with snapped poles, the Lanshan shed wind and rain without a problem, keeping me and my gear completely dry. It’s a simple, durable design that has never let me down.

Safe Hydration: A Backpacker’s Lifeline

A reliable water filter is completely non-negotiable. I’ve used a few different systems over the years, from pumps that were a pain to clean to tablets that made the water taste like a swimming pool. I eventually landed on the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System, and I haven’t looked back. It’s compact, filters quickly, and is ridiculously simple to use. I can screw it directly onto a water bottle or integrate it into my hydration bladder hose. I have filtered water from crystal clear mountain streams, murky lakes, and even some questionable ponds in a pinch. It has performed flawlessly every single time and gives me total peace of mind, which is priceless in the backcountry.

The Camp Kitchen: More Than Just Boiling Water

After a long day of hiking, a hot meal can feel like the height of luxury. The Jetboil Flash Cooking System is a cornerstone of my camp kitchen. It boils water in under two minutes, which is fantastic for making a quick cup of coffee on a cold morning or rehydrating a meal when I’m exhausted. Its efficiency with fuel means I can carry a smaller canister, saving more weight. Before the Jetboil, I used a traditional stove that was slow and clumsy. The integrated design of the Flash, where the pot locks onto the burner, makes it stable and easy to use. It’s one of those pieces of gear that just works, every time.

Carrying It All: The Osprey Kestrel and Pack Fitting

The pack I’ve been using for most of my 3-to-5-day trips is the Osprey Kestrel 48 Pack. What I love about this pack is its suspension system. It carries weight so comfortably that I often forget how much I’ve loaded into it. The ventilation on the back panel also makes a huge difference on hot days. The pack’s organization is really thoughtful, with easy access to a hydration sleeve and a separate sleeping bag compartment. I’ve used this pack on all kinds of trips, from desert canyons in my Nevada hiking trail guide to the forested trails of Oregon. Finding the right pack is crucial, and if you’re looking for more options, I’ve put together a men’s backpack guide to help.

The Sleep System: My Secret to Backcountry Recovery

Sleep is your superpower in the backcountry. It’s when your body recovers. For years, I skimped on my sleep system and paid the price with stiff, sore mornings. Upgrading my gear was a revelation. My Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 30 Sleeping Bag is a synthetic bag, which I prefer for its reliability. It keeps me warm even when it gets a little damp from condensation, a common issue in the humid Pacific Northwest. It’s not quite as light as a down bag, but the peace of mind is worth the few extra ounces for me.

The real hero of my sleep system, though, is the NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad. As a side sleeper, I used to struggle with my hip digging into the ground on thinner pads. The Quasar’s 3D design cradles my body and reduces those pressure points. More importantly, it’s insulated with a proper R-value, which keeps the cold ground from sucking away my body heat. Waking up warm and well-rested has completely changed the quality of my multi-day trips. It’s the difference between just enduring a trip and truly enjoying it.

Beyond the Trail: My Passion for Backcountry Snowboarding

Snowboarding has been a passion of mine for as long as hiking. Over the years, I’ve ridden everything from resort slopes to untouched backcountry lines. Some of my most memorable days have been spent chasing powder in Niseko, Japan, where deep snow and perfect weather combined for unforgettable turns I captured on video. My approach is rooted in respect for the mountain and an understanding of safety. I always carry avalanche safety gear when I head into the backcountry and stay informed on conditions. Splitboarding allows me to skin up slopes and then enjoy the ride down. The skills I’ve honed here—awareness, preparation, and flow—carry over to my hiking and backpacking adventures.

Common Questions from the Trail

After twenty years, I get asked a lot of questions about hiking and backpacking. People want to know how to get started or how to take their skills to the next level. I wanted to answer a few of the most common ones right here. This is the kind of practical advice I wish I had when I was starting out. I think sharing what I’ve learned is just as important as sharing the beautiful photos.

What’s the Biggest Mistake Beginners Make?

Without a doubt, the biggest and most common mistake I see is overpacking. It comes from a place of fear, the “what if” scenarios. So people pack too many clothes, too much food, and too many gadgets. The result is a monstrously heavy pack that makes every step a chore. The solution is to start small. Go on an overnight backpacking essentials trip close to home. See what you actually use. You’ll quickly realize that you don’t need a fresh shirt for every day. You learn to embrace being a little bit dirty. A lighter pack equals a happier hiker, every single time.

How Do I Start Planning a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip?

Planning is half the fun. First, pick a destination that matches your fitness level. Don’t plan a 50-mile epic for your first trip. Use resources like AllTrails or Backpacker Magazine to find well-documented routes. Next, research the specifics. What’s the water situation? Are there reliable sources, or do you need to carry more? What are the expected weather conditions? Check forecasts obsessively. Finally, create a detailed itinerary and leave it with someone at home. This should include your planned route, your expected campsites, and the date you plan to return. Good planning doesn’t remove the adventure, it just removes the unnecessary risks.

What Are the “Ten Essentials” and Do I Really Need Them All?

Yes, you really do need them all, every single time you go out. The Ten Essentials are not just a checklist, they are a system for survival. They are Navigation (map, compass, GPS), Headlamp, Sun Protection, First Aid, Knife, Fire (lighter, matches), Shelter (emergency bivy), Extra Food, Extra Water, and Extra Clothes. I once had a short day hike turn into an unexpected overnight situation due to a wrong turn. Having my headlamp, an extra energy bar, and my emergency shelter made the experience uncomfortable but safe. Without them, it could have been a genuine crisis. They’re your safety net for when things go wrong.

Why The Hiking Adventures Exists

After moving to Reno, Nevada in 2021, I built The Hiking Adventures to provide honest, real-world advice for people who want to explore the outdoors on their own terms. Too often, hiking and backpacking blogs either sugarcoat the experience or chase clicks with generic listicles. That’s not what I’m about. I want this site to be a resource for hikers, backpackers, and snowboarders who value authenticity, practicality, and a real connection to nature. This site, along with my hiking and backpacking blog, is for anyone who believes the best stories are found at the end of a dirt road.

Whether you’re new to the trails or an experienced backcountry traveler, I aim to help you make informed decisions about where to go and what gear to bring. I also want to create a space where people can connect with me and each other. You can do that by subscribing to this blog, following my social channels, or reaching out directly through my contact page. This journey is better when it’s shared, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride.

Cap Puckhaber Hiker, backpacker, and founder of TheHikingAdventures.com

About the author

Cap Puckhaber is a marketing strategist, finance writer, and outdoor enthusiast. He writes across CapPuckhaber.com, TheHikingAdventures.com, SimpleFinanceBlog.com, and BlackDiamondMarketingSolutions.com. Follow him for honest, real-world advice backed by 20+ years of experience.