Kyle Gilbert
Hey, my name's Kyle: I'm a backpacker/programmer based in Chicago with my partner and our dog Dax.
Returning to the Alpes and the Tour du Mont Blanc
I've been itching to return to the wild beauty of the European Alps and cross paths once again with an old companion: the epic Tour du Mont Blanc.
Europe's Toughest Trek: The Great Hike of Corsica
Touted as Europe's toughest trail, the legendary GR20 was the final beast on my thru-hiking bucket list — and I was ready for the challenge.
Welcoming the New Year as we explored the land of Egypt
It was a dream etched into my imagination — to one day roam this ancient world, tracing history's footsteps through silent temples and sun-soaked pyramids.
Summitting the second highest peak in the Rockies
The trail eased me in so effortlessly, it was almost easy to forget I was ascending one of the Rocky Mountains' true giants — their second-highest summit.
Pushing myself towards the summit of Mt. Belford
Trail ratings start at Class 1 — the so-called 'easy' climbs. Mt. Belford wears that badge, but even 'easy' in the Rockies still means business.
Walking the West Highland Way in the Scottish Highlands
This trek didn't just test my limits — it soaked them. With rain nearly every day and my gear falling short, it easily became my least favorite of them all.
Summiting three mountain peaks before lunch
It's a rare gift when a single trail lets you tag multiple summits in just one day — and the Decalibron is one of those rare, high-altitude gems.
Running out of water while on Mt. Shavano
The climb was punishing — 6,000 feet of relentless elevation gain, and just when things couldn't get worse, our water ran dry. Every step after that felt...
Ending my trip on a high note by summiting Grays Peak
Kicking off above the treeline — a setting I never tire of—the trail led us into an expansive, bowl-shaped valley that felt like the calm before the climb.