Backpacking and Thru-Hike Coaching with Owen
Let me help you prepare for your next hike!
If you are an aspiring backpacker or thru-hiker and feel overwhelmed by all the details or don’t know where to start, I would love to help. From route planning, gear choices, on-trail safety, and food selection, I have accumulated a lot of hard-won opinions and tricks. Let’s get to know each other, chat through your questions and concerns, and have a great time!
Merely the act of creating this page feels pretty slimy, but let me assure you (and myself) that I’m actually a pretty humble person. That said, I’ve hiked a lot, and so have inevitably learned a few things. As I flop around, attempting to turn hiking into my full-time gig, I can think of no better way to impact individual hikers than by talking with them directly.
Why me?
- 20+ years of backpacking experience
- Over 13,000 miles hiked since 2015
- Completed the Triple-Crown of American thru-hikes: PCT, CDT, AT
- Other trails include the Eastern Continental Trail, John Muir Trail, Sierra and Southern Sierra High Route, Florida Trail, Lowest to Highest, Tour du Mont Blanc, Timberline Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Walker’s Haute Route, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Base Camp
- Professional backcountry guide experience
- Experience route finding on and off trail
- Extensive gear knowledge — old and new, traditional and ultralight
- International hiking experience including in Nepal, the Alps, and Spain
- Respected thru-hiking community member with multiple appearances on the Backpacker Radio podcast
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Current Search and Rescue member in Colorado
- Former managing editor at TheTrek.co
- Former sales specialist at REI
- Former customer service specialist at ultralight quilt manufacturer, Katabatic Gear
- LGBTQIA+ friendly, and always learning
- Currently plant-based with previous experience as an omnivore
- Burrito connoisseur and fanatic
What I offer
- Gear advice
- Trip planning and itinerary suggestions
- Menu planning
- Resupply strategy
- Plant-based nutrition advice
- Specific trip logistics guidance: permits, regulations, getting to and from
- My favorite resources for weather, trip planning, and choosing gear
- General backpacking and camping advice
- Tips for blogging from trail
- Van building expertise
- Endless smiles, bottomless enthusiasm, and genuine interest in your adventure
Pricing
Since I’m still new to this, coaching sessions are heavily discounted for the time being: $50/hr. That said, I don’t want to exclude anyone, so if budget is a limiting factor for you, then please contact me. We can 100% work something out! Furthermore, I am completely open to working with anyone, especially folks who are historically underrepresented in our outdoor spaces, and I offer discounted rates to women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whoever you are, I want you to be outside hiking or backpacking. Let’s make that happen!
Payment will be collected after we agree on a meeting time. PayPal and Venmo accepted.
Logistics
If you’re interested, please toss an email my way with some info about your backpacking experience and goals. From there, we can get something on the calendar. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions at all. Coaching sessions will be conducted via Google Meet Video Call at a time that works for everyone.
Other stuff
I’m excited to meet you!
Testimonials
Nothing here yet. Like I said, I’m new to this!
Hike For Days 