About Mark Expertise I have extensive experience in backpacking and related outdoor recreation pursuits. I can
field questions pertaining to lightweight backpacking techniques and gear, backcountry
survival, first aid, menu and camp cooking, backpacking conditioning, camping in Grizzly
country and trails in Glacier and Grand Canyon National Park. I also have experience in winter
camping, whitewater rafting and canoeing.
Experience I've been a backpacker for almost 40 years. First exposed to the concept as a teenager, then abused by the concept as an Army Paratrooper, I've always loved living with my "house on my back". In the military, I was fortunate to survive, and learn from, jungle, winter, swamp and desert survival trainings. Since the early 70's I've pursued hiking as both a passion and a part-time occupation and will be glad to share any information that might help others avoid the countless mistakes that can make outdoor recreation miserable (or even deadly).
I am a former Bear Management Ranger for the National Park Service in Glacier National Park and the founder (1982) of Glacier Wilderness Guides, the park's backpacking concession. I have an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and have worked as a wilderness caretaker in the Sierra Nevada range of California. I have EMT training and lead volunteer trail crews on occasion in the continental divide area of Montana. Over the years I have spent over 250 nights in the Grand Canyon on backcountry trips.
I probably total about 2200 miles, and 20-25 nights on the trail each year.
I've never been lost: although I have been temporarily disoriented for as long as 3 days. I've never lost a hiking partner: although there are a few who would like to lose me. And I'm still alive and looking forward to tomorrow's sunrise
stroll up the mountain, snow or shine.
Lin wrote at 2008-02-07 23:39:08
Mark, I agree with you having lived in Washington and backpacked / camped for over 30 years. Only bear we have encountered on our backpacking trips was in the Olympics at Lake Ozette while on the boardwalk trail, though innumerable bear signs. Keeping a clean camp / trail is so critical. With camp slobs around, we have seen more problems with raccons....
