While growing up in Tennessee, playing in the woods and camping with a canvas pup tent, 5-pound sleeping bag, and miles of rope was the way to go. It all seems so long ago, but I’ve never forgotten my camping experiences and my love for the outdoors. After high school I moved to Atlanta, GA to attend college, still finding time for the outdoors and day hikes as often as possible. After college, my career in advertising consumed most of my time, and time for outdoor interests became less and less. When I retired I started day hiking with more frequency, which led me to the Appalachian Trail (AT) in North Georgia.

The majority of my hiking has been in the southeast, primarily GA, NC, SC and TN. In 2008 I completed my first backpacking trip, 30-miles in 3-days with a 28 pound pack. As much as I enjoyed the trip I knew there had to be a lighter and more comfortable way, so I set out to find ways to lighten my load…the game begins.

I’ve become an avid hiker with a strong enthusiasm for ultra-light backpacking. In 2009 I attended a Backpacking Light Wilderness Trekking course in Montana. I left the course with new-found knowledge, new hiking techniques, and ways to refine my equipment and skills; all making my experiences easier to hike more miles with less effort, less fatigue and more enjoyment.

My hiking trips vary in length from 2-days to 6-weeks depending on location. In 2008 I started section hiking the AT, completing approximately 500 miles each year with a little over 600 miles waiting on me to hike before completing this trial.

Until recently I used a Gossamer Gear The One tent as my only shelter, I haven’t put it away entirely, but I’m gradually moving into tarp use with the Gossamer Gear SpinnShelter. I enjoy modifying gear purchased to fit my needs and making my own alcohol stoves, solo tarp and stuff sacks. Currently I have a pack in the design stages.

Thanks to the backpacking cottage industry I no longer carry a canvas pup tent from my childhood nor do I carry a 28-pound pack for a weekend hike. Achieving the perfect pack weight is a never-ending process, one that I enjoy…and a game that will never end.

Home: Atlanta, GA

Photo Websites: http://jermmsoutside.com/

My Favorite Gossamer Gear Products: The One, SpinnShelter, LT 4 Trekking poles