Alex "GPS" Brown

I've hiked thousands of miles across the deserts and mountains of the world. I like to push my limits, whether its big miles on trails or difficult terrain off trail. When I'm not in the wilds, I love to geek out on maps, gear, and hiking skills. My major trail adventures include: Long Trail (LT) 2018 ||| Continental Divide Trail (CDT) 2021 ||| Nolan's 14 2021 ||| Pfiffner Traverse 2022 ||| Skurka's Wind River High Route (WRHR) 2023 ||| Haute Route Pyrenees (HRP) 2024 ||| Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) 2024 ||| Walker's Haute Route (WHR) 2024 ||| Uinta Highline Trail (UHT) 2024 ||| and a few thousand miles of unnamed routes and adventures in between.

Posts

This Tiny Device Can Prolong Your Phone’s Battery Life and Enhance Your Backpacking Trip

This Tiny Device Can Prolong Your Phone’s Battery Life and Enhance Your Backpacking Trip

Last year, I made a daring move for an ultralight backpacker: I added a piece of gear to my packing list. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. After

Mar 4, 2025 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt Review

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt Review

Enlightened Equipment is one of the biggest names in ultralight backpacking quilts. In last year’s PCT and AT hiker surveys, they filled the top two

Jan 22, 2025 : Alex "GPS" Brown
This Is Now the Lightest Backpacking Sleeping Pad on the Market

This Is Now the Lightest Backpacking Sleeping Pad on the Market

The new Nemo Tensor Elite sleeping pad is a real contender for best ultralight pad at a scant 8.5 ounces. The Tensor Elite draws obvious

Jan 13, 2025 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Review

Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Review

The race to design the lightest tent and backpack is hot. The race for the lightest trekking pole? Decidedly not. Most poles are distinguished by

Dec 11, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Zpacks Super Nero Ultra 50L Backpack Review

Zpacks Super Nero Ultra 50L Backpack Review

Eleven-ounce pack. Yes, eleven (11) ounces. Okay, maybe you want to add a few accessories or use different straps. Call it a 15-ounce pack with

Nov 20, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra Pack Review

Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra Pack Review

I often find myself in need of a framed backpack. While I love my frameless bags, most of the thru-hikes I pursue involve at least a few long water

Aug 26, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Durston X-Mid Pro 1 With DCF Floor Review

Durston X-Mid Pro 1 With DCF Floor Review

Are you addicted to DCF? Does the thought of a wet nylon floor make you cringe? Fear not: Dan Durston has finally designed a tent with all-DCF

Jun 6, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Zpacks X Evolved Supply Co Mirage Sun Hoody Review

Zpacks X Evolved Supply Co Mirage Sun Hoody Review

When you think of “Hiker Trash,” a strong mental image comes to mind. For me, I see a dirty sunshirt, a dirty trucker hat, a dirty 50L backpack, and

May 7, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Shirt Review

Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Shirt Review

Over the past year, I have become obsessed with the humble wind shirt. Where I previously relied on a thick grid fleece that alternated between too

Apr 22, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown
Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review

While trekking pole selection may not be a high priority for the intrepid thru-hiker, the category is surprisingly diverse. Hikers interact with

Mar 4, 2024 : Alex "GPS" Brown