Samantha Olthof

You can call me Samwise (or Sam). I attempted to thru-hike the PCT in 2017, but it turned into more of a LASH (long-ass section hike). I've done the desert and Oregon, and am planning to get back as soon as possible to wrap up the rest of the trail. I am a proud Canadian, and I revel in living in the woods with my partner and puppy. You can check out more of my writing and gratuitous puppy pics at https://jubilant.blog

Posts

The Laugavegur Trail: 36 Miles Across Southern Iceland

The Laugavegur Trail: 36 Miles Across Southern Iceland

The Laugavegur Trail is a 36-mile trail stretching across southern Iceland, featuring a terrain diversity similar to the PCT: desert, glaciers,

Oct 5, 2018 : Samantha Olthof
Food Review: Packit Gourmet Homemade Backpacking Meals

Food Review: Packit Gourmet Homemade Backpacking Meals

Food is one of a thru-hiker's key concerns. How much, how often, and damn it had better taste good. Backpacking meals tend to have the benefit of being more calorie dense and nutritious than instant meals and Snickers bars. I'm not bashing the latter - both have their place in my food bag. Started as a way to feed their own family during outdoor adventures, Debbie and Jeff Mullins turned their backcountry culinary skills into a family-owned and operated business, Packit Gourmet.

Sep 21, 2018 : Samantha Olthof
The Great Trail: Connecting Canada 15,000 Miles from Sea-to-Sea

The Great Trail: Connecting Canada 15,000 Miles from Sea-to-Sea

In 1992, as part of Canada’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the Trans Canada Trail Association was founded with the dream of connecting the

Aug 27, 2018 : Samantha Olthof
How to Achieve a Five-Star Pee

How to Achieve a Five-Star Pee

As anyone who has spent significant time on a thru-hiking trail should know, one of the most common conversation topics is about your bowel

Jun 28, 2018 : Samantha Olthof
Considerations Before Taking Your Dog on Your Thru-Hike

Considerations Before Taking Your Dog on Your Thru-Hike

There tends to be a pretty negative reaction when people ask about bringing their dog on a thru-hike. It’s not necessarily that dogs are incapable of

Jun 20, 2018 : Samantha Olthof
Teaching Your Puppy the Joy of Hiking: Training Basics

Teaching Your Puppy the Joy of Hiking: Training Basics

You’ve done it. You’ve finally done it. After years of dreaming, you finally made the decision to take the plunge and bring home your own little

Jun 7, 2018 : Samantha Olthof
Escape the Crowds: Three Incredible Canadian Trails You Can Thru-Hike

Escape the Crowds: Three Incredible Canadian Trails You Can Thru-Hike

There seems to be no end in sight to the increasing popularity of long-distance hiking trails in the US. When will wilderness seekers start looking elsewhere for long-distance hiking trails?

May 21, 2018 : Samantha Olthof