On February 25, Michael McLaughlin set out on a hike for charity. This hike is neither a day hike nor a weekend excursion. Instead, McLaughlin has mapped out a 2,500-mile, six month-long hike that spans more than half of the country.

Why would someone go to such great lengths for charity?

As it turns out, McLaughlin has a personal connection to abused children. The 31-year-old told CBS news that he was beaten, starved and even electrocuted as a child. Through his hike, he hopes to bring funding and awareness to neglected children. His Hike4Kids will benefit the Family Resource Center in McLaughlin’s hometown of St. Louis and a school for neglected blind children in Cameroon, Africa.

We had the privilege of chatting with McLaughlin a few days before he set out on his fundraising journey.

What inspired you to hike versus other ways to raise funds?

When I originally considered holding a fundraiser, I was actually thinking of a bicycle trip because I really like bicycling and the outdoors. I’ve taken big trips on a bike before. When I pitched people the idea, they said, “Yeah, that’s nice, but many people have done that before.”

My wife loves hiking. She has hiked 550 miles with the Appalachian Trail and the Ozark Trail. She said, “Why not a thru-hike?” So, I started pitching the idea to people, and people really seemed to gravitate toward it. I think it was because it was a such long experience. Like, OK, to hike the Appalachian Trail and the Ozark Trail back-to-back, I mean we are talking at least six months. People were kind of impressed. It got people’s attention, and that’s what I was looking to do.

Why 2,500 miles? Why not 2,000 or 200?

I didn’t necessarily pick that number. What happened was I wanted to do the Appalachian Trail, but I wanted to do something more than the Appalachian Trail. To get the attention I wanted, I needed to be the first to do something. No one has ever hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Ozark Trail back-to-back. So, I thought, well, if I could do that, then it could be another element that would get people’s attention. Then I added up the mileage. It came up to be around 2,500.

I like the idea of hiking two trails for another reason, and that’s because I am supporting two charities. One of the charities is a local St. Louis charity, and the other charity is in Africa. So, it is more like a global cause. The Ozark Trail is kind of a local trail, and then we’ve got the bigger-name trail that a lot of people in the world know about. It kind of mirrored the causes that we are supporting.

This might be a silly question, but are those two trails connected in some way?

No, they are not. It would be nice if they were. My wife is going to drive me to Georgia, and I am going to hike north to Maine to finish the Appalachian Trail. Then my wife, who is very nice lady as you can tell, she is going to drive to Maine to pick me up. Then she will drive me back to Missouri, and I will immediately hike the Ozark Trail. I am not going to take any breaks. I am not even going to spend the night in my house.

So, this will not be a solo thru-hike?

I am going to be solo on the Appalachian Trail. When I am in Missouri, I had planned on being solo. However, there are people who said, “Hey, I will come hike two days with you.” I had a guy yesterday on Facebook who offered to hike the entire Ozark Trail with me. He said, “I was already planning on hiking it in March, but now that I hear about this great cause, I will wait until you get back.” I’ve never met that guy, but he seems pretty sincere. With the Ozark Trail, I might have more company.

McLaughlin soaking up the scenery on his charity hike. 

What is your hiking experience?

Until I decided to do this? Very little. The most I’ve ever hiked was 40 miles over a weekend.

I have been training for this for a few months now. The Mastodon State Park in Imperial, Mo., has one trail in particular that is straight uphill and then downhill. It is about 2.25 miles. My wife said that this was the best trail that simulated the uphill and downhill trials of the Appalachian Trail. So, I have hiked that trail so many times. I will get my pack and all my gear just as if I’m on the real trip to simulate the actual experience of the hike.

Has training for this hike had an impact on your daily life?

At the beginning, I weighed 233.6 pounds and now I weigh 210 pounds. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight. I have changed my diet, too. I’ve stopped eating so many hamburgers and started eating more salads. I guess it has been like two and half months. I just have had rapid weight loss.

I have also been sleeping in the woods behind my house in my hammock. I am going to use a hammock instead of a tent. And I have been sleeping in there just to get used to the idea of using it. There was even one night a couple weeks ago where it got really cold—it was a low of 16 with a wind chill of 4. It was one of the coldest nights we’ve had. My wife said, “Are you sure you want to go out there?” I said, “If I can’t deal with it now, what am I going to do out on the trail?” Nothing I do now is going to prepare me for the real experience, but I am doing my best to get ready for that.

What gear do you plan to bring along?

My backpack is from REI, and it is really lightweight. It weighs like 2 pounds. And I have a set of Vasque hiking boots. They are specifically called Vasque Breeze, and they’ve got Vibram soles, Gore-Tex lining and everything. My wife picked them out. I’ve got a rain jacket and a skirt. Since I am going to have gators, my wife said I don’t really need rain pants. So I got this rain skirt that is really lightweight.

In terms of my house, I am going to be using a hammock. I am going to use is the Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock. When there are wintery conditions, I have an underquilt that is also from Warbonnet. It’s called the Yeti, and it’s supposed to keep you warm down to like zero degrees. The underquilt is something that I have in the bottom of the hammock. It is made out of down. Inside the hammock, I was going to originally bring a Marmot sleeping bag, but I have decided against it because I am really going to go lightweight.

McLaughlin shows how his poncho also serves as his rain shelter. 

How heavy will your pack be?

My pack is going to weigh in the neighborhood of 20 to 22 pounds, including food for four days. Instead of the Marmot sleeping bag, I decided to go with the top quilt, which is a sleeping bag with no zipper and is open on one side. When you use a sleeping bag, your body weight compresses whatever it is sitting on. So it will compress the down and then the bottom of you isn’t getting much insulation. So, why do we need that part? That’s why the top quilt is open on one side. It is almost like a blanket.

I am also going to use the Warbonnet Super Fly. Basically it is more than a tarp. It almost makes the hammock look like a tent. It makes it so the hammock will not get wet if it rains, and that you can get out of the hammock and not get rained on. I can get out of the hammock, go to my pack to get something to eat and not get wet. My hammock is 29 ounces, and my top quilt is 30 ounces.

At this point of your training, do you feel pretty prepared?

All my life experiences, as bad as they were, they kind of helped prepare me for this hike. My wife has told me about people who have quit the trail. She said that people just have a hard time outside night after night. I said, “Well, that’s kind of an advantage for me because that used to be my life.” I used to be homeless and stuff. In a way those experiences made me who I am today, and they helped prepare for this. I know I can live outside for six months because I’ve done it before. And I know I can go without creature comforts because I know I can eat the same food day after day, and I can deal with all of that hardship.

One of the most recent pics of McLaughlin he took after hiking 10 miles in one day with a shin injury. 

What do you think you will gain from this experience?

I really think that by spending so much time alone, it is really going to help me figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. I have an idea. I have lots of things I am working on, and I have plans. But to spend that much time just in the woods, I’m really going to have a lot of time to think about who I am, what I stand for and what I want to do with the next 30 years before I retire.

I am really looking forward to a peaceful hike. Sure, it will be a pain in the butt, and my knees will ache. At the same time, I will get a lot of time to think about my life and my plans for the rest of it. When I come back, I will be centered, and I will probably be in the best shape of my life. I also think mentally I will be in a really positive mood because this is going to be an adventure. It is going to be one of the adventures of my life. I will remember all the days when it was raining, and I pushed on. I am going to be really proud of it and cherish this memory

UPDATE: McLaughlin sent us an update saying: “I’m very close to the halfway point at Harpers Ferry. I’m so excited!.” We’re also excited for him! We were curious to see how the journey was going and asked him a few more questions. 

What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

Ankle problems.  I sprained my left ankle twice in the first few weeks of the hike.  It hurt both times but the pain the second time was excruciating.  I tried several ankle braces but none of them prevented my ankle from rolling when I stepped on rocks or tree roots.  It was very dispiriting as I constantly worried about spraining or breaking my ankle.  I eventually got an Aircast and haven’t had a single ankle problem since!

What’s been the most memorable moment?

Tough call.  I think about the night I hiked into Mountaineer Shelter a lot.  I hiked 24 miles and spent at least an hour hiking in the dark.  There was a thunderstorm so lightning would occasionally light up the forest around me, which was kind of eery.  When I finally reached the shelter, people were shocked that I had continued hiking through those conditions.  Many people are afraid to hike alone at night, much less during a storm, so they were really impressed and very kind toward me.

To track McLaughlin’s progress, be sure to check out his Facebook page. Interested in donating to Hike4Kids? Visit its donation page. 

If you’ve ever traveled to Portland, Oregon, then you’ve been to Stumptown. It was the nickname given to the northwestern city during a period of rapid growth in the 1840s. In fact, the city grew so quickly that tree stumps remained along the roads because there was no time to clear them. Thus Stumptown was born.

Today the name lives on. In August 2011, Danner released a line that paid homage to its hometown and its ties to the logging industry. Its Stumptown collection repurposes archived designs incorporating a vintage styling. Originally released with just 10 looks, the Danner Stumptown collection now boasts more than 21 styles—from the head-turning blue Mountain Trail Willamette to exceedingly rugged Rain Forest Heathman.

From sartorialists at GQ to outdoor enthusiasts, it appears as though everyone is salivating over the styles of Stumptown. Why? Because it’s lifestyle footwear wrapped in hardcore technology and high quality craftsmanship. Made in the USA, many of the boots feature a Gore-Tex waterproof lining and a hardy outsole. The boots are both functional and truly fashion forward.

Men’s Danner Mountain Light Terminal 4 GTX

It’s no surprise that all of these exceptional features will cost you a pretty penny. Stumptown boots range in price from $279-$339. Like all of Danner’s offerings, Stumptown boots possess the ability to be resoled at any time. That means Danner hiking boots are built to last a lifetime … or three.

What’s your favorite style in the Stumptown collection?

What do you think? Let us know if you agree, disagree or share your version of the “What I Do” meme. It’s almost too much fun.

]]> http://hikingboots.com/news/what-hikers-do/feed/ 1 http://hikingboots.com/news/wolverine-spring-trail-hikers-the-pulsar-and-flare/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wolverine-spring-trail-hikers-the-pulsar-and-flare http://hikingboots.com/news/wolverine-spring-trail-hikers-the-pulsar-and-flare/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:19 +0000 Katie Frasier http://hikingboots.com/news/?p=3252

What’s new for Wolverine’s Outdoor Collection in 2012? Hit the outdoors this spring in hot colors and stylish low-cut trail shoes. Steve from Wolverine let us know what we can expect from the brand’s newest outdoor styles, the Pulsar and the Flare.

The Pulsar is designed for optimal performance. The brand’s patented Individual Comfort System lets users personalize the amount of support they receive, creating a customized level of comfort for any hiker. New this year are updates to the ICS with a slightly more minimalist disc insert made of higher quality materials. Support is the name of the game for this style, with other features like an ankle supporting external heel counter and action frame stabilizers. These bright, super stylish hikers are sure to pop on the trail.

Men’s Pulsar in Blue

Wolverine introduces another lightweight, low-cut style for Spring with the Flare. This style features a breathable mesh upper for those long summer day hikes and a wave mesh liner that helps wick away moisture from your feet. Both styles sport rubber lug outsoles to keep you stabilized in tough terrain. The Flare will be available in Black and Light Grey for men and Dark Grey and Green for women.

Men’s Flare in Light Grey

Women’s Flare in Green

Editor’s note: We caught Wolverine on camera at the 2011 Outdoor Retailer show. The Gradient style featured in the video has since been dropped from the line.

Are you a fan of Wolverine’s Individual Comfort System?

Ruggedness and durability are the theme of Merrell’s latest additions to their Spring line. Meet the Trailstorm and Geomorph– footwear that’s built for toughness without sacrificing the level of comfort you need. We met with the brand to find out more about these hardcore new hikers.

A true backpacking-worthy boot, the Trailstorm boasts features like a custom Vibram outsole with shanks and a supportive, cushioning liner. This Outventure boot can handle heavy loads and tough terrains–think of them as the “off-road” boots of the trail. “What we’ve tried to do is build a really rugged and aggressive outsole, so that if you are in areas where the terrain is really challenging and you have a pack on, you’re going to feel confident that this product is really going to deliver the sure-footedness that you want and need,” said Hy Rosario, VP Merrell Product Development. Add to that the structural support, Gore-Tex construction and rubberized toe bumper, and you have yourself one of the most heavy-duty hiking boots out there.

We also got to check out the Geomorph light hiker, an addition to Merrell’s Multi-Sport collection. The traction on this shoe is intense, featuring a rugged Vibram geomorph sole. The quick lace system makes these easy to pull on an off, ideal for those spontaneous on-the-go hikes. Again, comfort is key with a Merrell air cushion in the heel that absorbs shock and adds stability, and the mesh panels that provide breathability. With these hikers, you can go outside in confidence.

We were lucky enough to get a peek at these during last year’s Outdoor Retailer, but worry not–these awesome shoes will hit our warehouse early 2012!

Where will you wear your tough new Merrell shoes?

Hit the trail this spring sporting a shoe from one of Hi-Tec’s latest collections. We got a sneak preview of what the brand plans to unveil this spring. The new Men’s Sierra Collection and Women’s Harmony Collection give modern updates to a classic look and offer options for everyday wear.

The Men’s Sierra Collection gains inspiration from the original Sierra Lite Hiker, the first lightweight hiker to hit the market back in 1978. Modernizing the original look included adding new technologies such as a rugged Vibram outsole, co-molded injection EVA, full-grain Nubuck leather and ion-mask over the entire shoe. What really makes these shoes stand out is the OrthoLite footbed, which incorporates the brand’s 3D Counter Balance technology and provides comfortable wear right off the shelf.

Sierra Lite i WP

Hi-Tec made an exciting addition to the collection by taking this new style and toning it down a bit to create the Sierra Mid and the Sierra Sneaker. These more urban-oriented shoes keep many of the original features but work well both on the trails and in the streets.

Sierra Mid

Sierra Sneaker

The brand knows that the way to a woman’s heart is through Italian designers, which is why they teamed up with one to create their new Harmony Collection. This collection has an option for every woman, from a rough-and-tough Harmony Mid adventure sport shoe to the everyday wear Harmony Lite. The hiking-influenced Harmony Mid sports a Vibram outsole and is board-lasted to offer a little lateral stiffness if you want to go on the trail.

Harmony Mid WP

As with the Sierra, Hi-Tec also created a toned-down version for this collection to create an everyday wear option: Harmony Lite, a more athletic-influenced, slip-lasted shoe with feminine webbing. Isn’t that what every female hiker dreams of?

*Editor’s note: This video was filmed during the 2011 Outdoor Retailer show. The Harmony Sandals featured have since been dropped from the line.

What do you think of the the new Hi-Tec collections?

Featured image via

What’s new for trail runners this spring? Lowa will debut the S-Crown and S-Curve series, and Hiking Boots News caught up with brand rep Tudor at Outdoor Retailer 2011 to find out what these new shoes have to offer.

Taking advantage of their hiking boot background, Lowa constructs these trail runners to stand up to any terrain while featuring a lightweight and sturdy structure. The STG 3D outsole mixes a rubber sole, soft-molded EVA and hard-molded EVA both laterally and vertically, which equals added cushion for the runner. “We are achieving the comfort that users are looking for by having lightweight products, but also [by using] stable materials to give the right support to the right spots of your feet,” says Tudor.

The S-Crown series will include Gore-Tex and Mesh versions, giving runners options to best meet their trail-running needs. Tudor showed us the hot colors available for both series, including a bright turquoise that’s trending across the running apparel world. But don’t despair if your tastes are more earthy than urban; these trail runners are available in toned-down, neutral colors, too.

What do you think of the new Lowa trail runners?

Kurt Repanshek is no dummy about the America’s National Park System (he did write the book on it, after all). He made the transition from reporter to freelancer, writing for various publications and authoring several books, including Hidden Utah and Hidden Salt Lake City. But his main claim to fame came after starting National Parks Traveler, a website devoted to providing in-depth news coverage, compelling articles and reader participation, all related to the country’s national parks.

We caught up with Kurt to get an insider’s perspective about all the National Parks have to offer.

Why did you start National Parks Traveler? What was the inspiration behind it?

I started the Traveler in August 2005 to broaden my platform as a writer who follows not only national park issues, but also issues revolving around public lands, wildlife and the environment. I’ve always loved the national parks and having written America’s National Parks for Dummies and National Parks With Kids, it just seemed natural.

You’ve been covering the outdoor industry for quite some time. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the past decade? 

I’d say the biggest change is the relative decrease in federal funding for the land-management agencies. While the size of the National Park System continues to increase, today numbering almost 400 units, funding for the National Park Service has not kept pace. As a result, we’ve seen higher entrance fees to the parks, and fees either increasing or being charged for interpretive tours and programs.

Has the so-called green movement had any impact on people’s participation in national parks?

It’s hard to say how much of an impact the green movement has had on national park visitation. Overall, visitation has remained relatively flat since the 1980s. Whether that’s because folks have different interests or diversions or simply don’t think about the parks is hard to say. However, some units of the system — notably Yellowstone, Yosemite and Glacier — have seen record visitation in recent years. Some of that can be attributed to the attention surrounding Glacier’s centennial last year. Some is thought to be driven by the weak economy; folks are taking vacations closer to home.

What is your favorite national park and why?

I’ve long viewed Yellowstone as my favorite. It just offers so much, from incredible geothermal displays and great wildlife resources to fantastic backcountry areas for exploration. I’ve enjoyed the park winter, summer and fall, both on foot, on snowshoe and cross-country skis and in a canoe.

How can hiking enthusiasts become more involved in our national parks?

The National Park System is threaded through and through with hiking trails. There’s a trail for every ability and duration. I just returned from a nearly 50-mile, multi-day hike through Yellowstone’s backcountry. In comparison, back in August my wife and I hiked a mile-long nature trail at Glacier Bay National Park that took less than an hour. There are hikes that open windows to natural resources, and hikes in places such as Petersburg National Battlefield that provide valuable insights into the country’s history. Need a hike, short or long? Check into your nearest park’s visitor center for a list.

Kurt on the south rim of the Grand Canyon

We read recently that there might be funding cuts to national parks. Is this something that happens often? How can it be prevented?

In light of the country’s overall poor fiscal fitness, the national parks aren’t doing too poorly. However, the immediate years ahead aren’t looking too good. Until the Congress gets the federal budget in order, tough times likely will be the rule. However, some of those shortages can be offset through the work of friends groups such as the Yellowstone Park Foundation, Friends of Acadia, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, The Glacier Fund and the Yosemite Conservancy, which raise much-needed dollars to pay for programs in the parks, programs ranging from trail and campground maintenance to the purchase and installation of bear boxes to field programs and even wildlife research. And, of course, there’s the National Park Foundation, the congressionally charted organization whose mission is to raise charitable dollars for the parks. These groups work hard to leverage philanthropic giving from businesses, as well as from private individuals. Unfortunately, there are many, many more units of the National Park System that don’t have friends groups and which are hard-pressed to make ends meet.

How often do you get out there for a hike?

I get out almost every day with our dogs, two energy-rich springer spaniels, but those are generally hikes of short duration. But we try to get out at least twice a month for 5-8 mile hikes or, in winter, snowshoe jaunts.

Have any preferred gear/footwear?

Where I go and what I carry decides whether I wear light, middle- or heavy-weight boots. Most often, though, it’s a mid-weight, mesh-lined, waterproof boot. With hiking poles tossed in for those longer adventures!

That’s where Hi-Tec steps in to save the day.

It has developed a technique called Big-Fit System that adapts to kids’ feet as they grow. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? It works by gradually removing the volume from the shoe, which allows for more space when you need it. This extra space will increase the life of the boot by about three months.

STORY: Piggyback Rider Makes Hiking Family Friendly

Resident hiker Danni Sheldon took her son out to put Big-Fit and Hi-Tec’s TT Mid WP Jr. boots to the test. He found the boots to be true to size and to have superior traction. He trekked through rocks, hills and even through streams. He found that the boots, which feature a waterproof suede and mesh upper, stayed dry until his foot was completely submerged in water.

While he doesn’t need to take out the inserts just yet, he reported that without the extra padding, the boot was still very comfortable and easy to wear. Actually the only complaint was that the shoe laces were too long. In fact, Danni had to triple-knot the laces and said it wasn’t fun (or easy) to untie all that.

Overall, Danni and her son gave the Big-Fit System two thumbs up and are excited about the extended life of his first pair of Hi-Tecs.

Have your kids tested out Big-Fit System? If so, what did they think?

Yes, there’s no better time of the year to lace up your hiking boots and explore.

And if you need new boots for this season, you’re in luck. We’re giving away a pair of Timberland hiking boots perfect for tackling a changing landscape. How can you enter? Simply answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post:

What’s your favorite fall hike and why?

And if you have photos from a past autumn hike, feel free to share a link to a Flickr album, too. We would love to momentarily transport ourselves there and live in that memory of pure beauty and serenity. Who wouldn’t?

While there can only be one winner, we are offering two different pairs. For men, there’s the Timberland Mountain Athletics Cadion 2.0 (pictured below). This mid boot has a Gore-Tex membrane and weighs just 17.5 ounces. It features full-grain leather and a Vibram XS Trek combined with Vibram Eco-Step outsole for excellent traction.

For the ladies, we have the Women’s White Ledge Waterproof Hiker (pictured below) with full-grain leather. The boot is seam-sealed to keep water out and boasts a moisture-trapping liner to manage the moisture within. A removable duel-density EVA footbed offers even more air circulation and a padded collar and tongue provide an extra layer of comfort. The back of the foot is protected with an external heel and a rubber outsole with strategically placed lugs ensures the best traction on the trail.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be announced on Oct. 10, 2011. Congratulations to Alex Ware! He won our giveaway with his explanation and photos of his favorite fall hike in Sedona, Arizona.