Blog — The Concrete Hiker

Stage 4: Van Electrical System

Check out how we wired the Got It Wired van!

Van LifeAlexa TubbsAugust 4, 2021Electrical SystemComment

Stage 3: Maxxair Roof Fan Install and Sunroof Install

A right-of-passage for van dwellers: cutting a hole in your van. Here’s how we did it (twice!).

Van LifeAlexa TubbsApril 1, 2021Fan, Sunroof

Stage 2: Sound Dampening, Subfloor, and Insulation

In this stage, we build a stable van floor and make the van quieter and warmer with sound dampening and insulation.

Van LifeAlexa TubbsMarch 2, 2021

Stage 1: Demo, Clean, And Prepare The Van

Before we start building, we have to prepare the van and address any interior rust issues. Here’s a recap of our demo-day, cleaning, and preparing the van to build.

Van LifeAlexa TubbsFebruary 1, 2021Comment

Western Mountaineering Versalite Sleeping Bag Review

Even after a thru-hike, my sleeping bag is loftier than ever! Check out my review of the Versalite by Western Mountaineering.

GearAlexa TubbsJanuary 19, 2021GearComment

My Favorite Ultralight Rain Gear

Good rain gear isn’t hard to find. Look no further than these go-to items.

GearAlexa TubbsJanuary 15, 2021GearComment

Outdoor Research Gear Review

Check out my review of some awesome Outdoor Research items from my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike.

Gear, Continental Divide TrailAlexa TubbsJanuary 5, 2021GearComment

Appalachian Trail Gear List

Alexa TubbsJanuary 3, 2021

We Bought A Van!

Follow along as we build our own Sprinter van conversion.

Van LifeAlexa TubbsJanuary 3, 2021 Comment

Cooking with the MSR Quick Skillet

From Ramen noodles to pepperoni quesadillas, the MSR skillet is a culinary wonder in the backcountry.

Gear, Camp Cooking, Continental Divide TrailAlexa TubbsMay 10, 2020GearComment

Continental Divide Trail 2019 Gear List

It’s official: I’m attempting a thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail! Here’s what I’m bringing (so far)

Hands-free: Filter Water Like a Pro

Fill it up. Piece it together. Hang and let gravity do all the work. Here’s how I filter water in the backcountry.

Gear, Thru-hiking, Camp Cooking, Continental Divide TrailAlexa TubbsMarch 31, 2019Gear Comment

Post-Trail Gear Review: Appalachian Trail

The only items you’ll need for 6 months, a thru-hiker's gear list fine-tunes the essentials when it comes to living in the outdoors. Here’s the evolution of my gear on the Appalachian Trail.

Appalachian Trail, GearAlexa TubbsMarch 13, 2019Gear Comment

Highlight’s Top 5 Thru-hiker Favorites

My lessons were learned the hard way and the fun way. If I had to narrow it down to five basic items that kept me safe, sane, and happy, this is it.

Camp Cooking, Appalachian Trail, GearAlexa TubbsFebruary 15, 2019Gear, Highlight PicksComment

My Final Days on the AT, What's Next

The journey is not over yet. I still have many peaks ahead of me, and now I have more personal goals than I’ve had in a long time.

Appalachian Trail, Thru-hikingAlexa TubbsJanuary 13, 2019Comment

Altra: My Relationship With Trail Runners

Before my thru-hike I wore Altra. Post-hike, I wear Altra. My choice footwear from hikes in the Adirondacks to waterfall treks in Dominica.

Gear, Appalachian TrailAlexa TubbsJanuary 10, 2019GearComment

100-Mile Wilderness

Everything you need to know before you hike in the 100-mile wilderness.

Appalachian TrailAlexa TubbsJanuary 8, 2019

Mount Katahdin

Highlight’s SOBO Starter Guide: Mount Katahdin

Appalachian Trail, Thru-hikingAlexa TubbsJanuary 7, 2019Comment

Getting to Baxter State Park

How to choose a summit day, where to book your campsite reservations and travel information make up this part of Highlight’s SOBO Starter Guide. Make it easy on yourself and follow this guideline for a seamless start to your journey.

Appalachian TrailAlexa TubbsJanuary 6, 2019 Comments