Hey, the domain was available (nothing there yet, though). So, here’s the deal: Having written about almost everyplace worth hiking in the Bay Area, I’m working on something new a site inspired by Life Hacker (and all the other “hacker” sites) devoted to handy hints for hikers, backpackers, etc.
My darling spouse has already contributed several tips for organizing and de-skunking a gear closet, for example.
Right now I’m thinking of keeping it down to a half-dozen simple categories:
- Hygiene
- Fitness
- Gear
- Navigation
- Food
- Safety
Suggestions welcome, as always (for instance, would it be better as a group blog?). I’m not giving up this site, by the way. I’m just running out of stuff to talk about.
Why not just build it into this one? Well, this whole site has been a working experiment that has bounced all over the place over the past three years; the result is something of a mess. I want one site built right that’ll attract an audience and do some good in the hiking world beyond the Bay Area. I still plan on hiking on Sundays and writing about it on Mondays, and posting links on whatever news crops up.
also consider travel section (as in how to get there ride/drive/fly etc) or bunch this into “prep” section
Great idea, I’ve always appreciated out of the box ideas, and with my love of hiking and exploration, there’s bound to be all sorts of things I’ve yet to learn. Keep us updated on the progress and when it’s up. 🙂
Z.
Andre: travel section is a great idea, thanks.
I’ve got a basic design developed (much like this one, surprise surprise) so I should have something to show everyone pretty soon.
Looking forward to seeing it, Tom!
Maybe include something that helps beginners who are starting out what difficulty they should start with?
Tom, I think it’s a great idea and you’ve got a great domain / identity for it. Easily digestible tips – and unorthodox ones at that – would be great in a blog format. A lot of hikers have learned a lot of great things on their trips, but they tend to be solitary folk don’t they? Another section to consider would be a Q & A, or for readers to ask questions of the entire community / readership.
Keep up the good work!
hiking photo of the month?
You really ought to go buy Outdoorhacker.com (which is available). I think Hiking Hacker is a good idea, but would be more successful with a broader focus. With Outdoor Hacker, you could offer hiking, camping, kayaking, cycling, fishing, etc. tips. You could start with the same hiking tips you’re already thinking of (which pretty much automatically apply to camping) and eventually add other bloggers who specialize in the other areas.
Yeah, you just go ahead and start something new…but the next time I see a comma in the wrong place in the Merc…:-)
Looking forward to it!
Sounds like a great idea Tom, I enjoy reading your blog now even when it’s mainly about trails I don’t get to hike on regularly so I look forward to seeing what you do with Hike Hacker. Keep up the great posts and Trek Lightly!
Seth Haber
Trek Light Gear | Founder, CEO
Why not compile all your trail hike guides into a book??
—
Rick Deutsch -Mr. Half Dome
Author: “One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome”
http://www.HikeHalfDome.com