"THE LIGHTEST WAY TO LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD IS TO LIGHTEN YOURSELF." This phrasing is thrown around a ton in the world of outdoor adventure. Coupled with "I want to be light on the trail" as one of the top 5 reasons people reach out to me make it a topic worth addressing. TRUE STORY: I once was lighter than I am now...and weaker...injured more often...and less fun to be with. What's not told in the story of being getting lean is the complexities that come with it. There's value i

Its worth noting right from the get-go that this isn't just applicable to the 5000m peaks in Nepal where the peaks mirror the cruising altitude of some jets. This is relevant even at "lower" altitudes found in many Western US states; for those athletes taking on ultra-marathons, cross-country ski contests, climbs, and backcountry hunts as low as 9,000 feet above sea level. Inside this article, we explore some evidence-backed (and practical) nutrition strategies that an alpini