The greatest danger on the Wonderland Trail, as well as any trail in the PNW, is hypothermia. Don’t wear cotton – only go for wool or synthetic fibers that can still insulate when wet. Make sure you always have a dry and warm change of clothes…
Being in excellent shape before you start the Wonderland Trail will greatly amplify your enjoyment of your vacation. In contrast to out of shape hikers, physically fit hikers enjoy the scenery more, get injured less frequently, and even see more wildlife (because they hike alertly and quietly). The average hiker will cover the 93 mile trail in…
Backpacking is a calorie intensive activity. Eating enough and eating the right foods is essential to having enough energy to enjoy your trip. Being hungry will make the trail seem like a punishment instead of an adventure and it will leave you lacking the energy to enjoy the magic and mystery of the mountain. The Wonderland Trail is best enjoyed on a full belly…
For the budget-conscious backpacker, a trip to your local backpacking store can be disheartening, and upon first glance, it may even seem that the price of a little trip to the woods is prohibitively expensive. If you’re into having the newest and nicest of everything, be prepared…
For each of us, there is a weight limit where hiking turns from a pleasant walk to chore of hauling a backpack. A few years ago I had a Gregory backpack that weighed over five pounds, an REI two man tent that weighed another six, and a fifteen degree North Face sleeping bag that weighed another four…