Backpacking With My Toddler Granddaughter Wasn’t Easy. But It Was Worth It.
We have her outnumbered three to one; what could go wrong?
Author
Barney Scout Mann
Barney Scout Mann is a regular Backpacker contributor whose latest book is Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail.
My Stories
Hike to a Jaw-Dropping Turquoise Lake in the ‘American Alps’—Without the Crowds or Entrance Fees.
Hike along turquoise waters and old-growth forests on the Diablo Lake Trail.
Washington’s Goat Lake Trail Is a Gorgeous Hike With a Forgotten History
Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, the Goat Lake Trail is a perfect dayhike to see waterfalls, dense old-growth trees, and some snippets of an old mining settlement.
Hear the Speech That Launched a Generation of Thru-Hikers
For over 17 years, trail angels Barney and Sandy Mann gave PCT thru-hikers an unofficial orientation before they set off from the southern terminus. This talk undoubtedly changed trail culture forever—and saved lives.
Fuel Your Adventure with the Oatmeal That Powered 8,000 PCT Hikers
Legendary trail angels Scout and Frodo have hosted—and fed—thousands at their San Diego home. This hearty breakfast powered countless hikers through their first miles on the PCT.
Thru-Hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail is a Step Back in Time
A Triple Crowner discovers how this little-known trail turns the hiking world on its head.
“Meadow Ed” Wasn’t Just a Trail Angel—He Was a Pacific Crest Trail Hero.
A friend to the thousands of hikers he fed, the late Ed Faubert helped Cheryl Strayed during the journey she chronicled in "Wild," and earned a place in PCT history along the way.
Empty Your Pack: 55+ Ultralight Thru-Hiker
Barney "Scout" Mann hiked the Triple Crown after turning 55. Here's his ultralight pack list for trips of any distance.
Shattered on the Pacific Crest Trail
When they wake up broke, broken, and far from home, how do thru-hikers find the will to go another mile?
Was This Swedish Immigrant the First Continental Divide Thru-Hiker?
Nearly a century ago, Peter Parsons made long trail history before there were long trails.