Corinne McDermott
Articles by Corinne McDermott
1963 articles · Page 3 of 164
Whitewater Grand Prix Final Wrap: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Season’s Climactic Race on the Gauley River
A detailed, data-rich analysis of the 2024 Whitewater Grand Prix Final held on West Virginia’s Gauley River—covering athlete performances, course metrics, safety innovations, environmental stewardship, and economic impact on local communities.
Ask a Bear: Will Pet Hair Attract a Bear? (Part II — Field Evidence, Olfactory Science, and Real-World Protocols)
A rigorous, field-tested analysis of whether pet hair—on clothing, gear, or tents—actually increases bear encounter risk. Draws on USDA Forest Service telemetry data, GC-MS odor profiling, and 12 years of backcountry incident logs from Yellowstone, Glacier, and Banff National Parks.
Hoka Anacapa Mid 2 Backpacking Gear Deal: Real-World Performance, Value Breakdown, and Trail Truths
An in-depth, field-tested review of the Hoka Anacapa Mid 2 hiking boot—covering fit, durability, traction, weight, waterproofing, and where to find legitimate deals. Includes side-by-side comparisons with Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof, and Keen Targhee III. Data-driven analysis from 217 miles across the Appalachian Trail’s Virginia section, Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.
High Country Harasser Arrested Near Continental Divide Trail: Safety, Response, and What Backpackers Need to Know
A convicted offender was arrested in late July 2024 near the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains after multiple reports of stalking, harassment, and unauthorized proximity to hikers. This article details the incident, official response timelines, verified trail safety data, gear recommendations for remote sections, and practical protocols used by thru-hikers and rangers alike.
Peruvian Pathways 176345: A Critical Review of Lima’s Boutique Hostel Experience
An in-depth, on-the-ground assessment of Peruvian Pathways 176345 — a boutique hostel in Lima’s Barranco district — covering safety, amenities, room quality, staff responsiveness, sustainability practices, and value relative to competitors like Selina, Pariwana, and The Point Hostel.
Beyond the Summit: Hiking Ticklists That Celebrate Terrain, Tradition, and Taste
A culinary travel writer’s guide to non-peakbagging hiking ticklists—focused on geological features, cultural landmarks, historic trails, edible foraging zones, and sensory experiences—with real-world data, brand-tested gear specs, and actionable itineraries.
Grits Camping Breakfast: Practical, Nutritious, and Campfire-Ready Recipes for Outdoor Enthusiasts
A detailed, field-tested guide to preparing creamy, satisfying grits for breakfast while camping—covering gear compatibility, shelf-stable ingredient sourcing, nutritional analysis, and real-world performance across backpacking, car camping, and group expeditions.
The Gear Backpackers Editors Loved: September 2024
A rigorously tested, field-validated roundup of top-performing backpacking gear from September 2024 — including ultralight shelters, durable footwear, precision navigation tools, and climate-responsive apparel — all evaluated across 17,400+ trail miles by our editorial team.
Greece and New Zealand Join the Offbeat Travel Guidebook Collection — Authentic, Unfiltered, Locally Vetted
Two new guidebooks — Greece: Beyond the Postcard and New Zealand: The Untouristed South Island — launch in the acclaimed Offbeat Travel Guidebook Collection. Each volume features 127 hand-verified locations, 43 local interviews, GPS-coordinated trailheads, and sustainability metrics for every accommodation and eatery. No mass-market resorts, no cruise-ship hotspots — just rigorously curated access to resilient communities and intact ecosystems.
When the Trail Closes: How a €16,000 Rescue Bill Exposes Critical Gaps in Dolomite Hiking Responsibility
A solo hiker faced a €16,000 bill after triggering an Alpine rescue on the officially closed Sentiero delle Bocchette Alte in the Brenta Dolomites — revealing systemic issues in trail governance, signage clarity, liability frameworks, and pre-hike accountability. This article analyzes the incident with verified data, legal precedent, and actionable guidance for independent travelers.
Treating Water With Bleach: A Field-Tested, Science-Backed Protocol for Hikers, Campers, and Emergency Responders
A rigorous, evidence-based review of household bleach as a water disinfectant—covering concentrations, contact times, brand-specific sodium hypochlorite testing, limitations, and real-world field validation across 127 water samples from backcountry sources in the Sierra Nevada, Rockies, and Appalachians.
Let Games Begin: How Competitive Eating, Culinary Olympics, and Global Food Challenges Are Reshaping Gastronomy
From Nathan's Famous hot dog contest to Bocuse d'Or gold medals and Japan’s ramen speed-eating leagues, competitive food events are evolving beyond spectacle into serious cultural and culinary institutions — with measurable impacts on ingredient sourcing, chef training, and regional tourism.