Brian Green is a Charlotte based backpacker and hiker. Originally from Southampton, England, Brian has lived in the US for over 14 years, finally settling in North Carolina. His love of the outdoors started at a very early age, almost as far back as he can remember at a time when spending all day outdoors as a kid was considered perfectly normal.

Now he spends as much time backpacking as his work schedule and family life will allow. He’s equally happy on a hardcore multi-night backpacking trip with his hiking buddies, as he is camping out in his backyard with his two small kids who have inherited his love of and respect for the great outdoors.

Home: Charlotte, North Carolina

Age: 40

Website: Brian’s Backpacking Blog

Favorite Training Grounds: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Uwharrie National Forest, and of course the AT. I’m extremely fortunate that I’m just a few hours away from several great forests, trails, and mountains.  There’s something to do or somewhere to go all year round in this area, so I try to get out to sharpen my skills and practice with my gear as often as my schedule allows.

Current Plans: I’m planning to get back on the AT in 2011 with a more focused approach to completing several sections. Long multi-day hikes are the best and having the AT so close means there’s really no excuse for me not to get more serious about it.

Favorite Piece of Gear: My Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn tarp. I had been looking for a lightweight shelter solution that would allow me and my chocolate lab, Coco, to both be protected from the elements while on the trail. Sleeping in a hammock meant that she had to always sleep uncovered outside. The SpinnTwinn provides ample shelter for me, my trusty four-legged trail companion, and all of my gear. In fact, my dog loved the tarp from the moment I set it up, it’s like she instinctively knew she was welcome underneath it.