Ben Massey

Hiking for the common man. A tubbo who hikes places, featuring cell phone photos, trip stories, aspirations, obscenities.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

"But Ben, that is clearly Anderson Hill in Oak Bay. Pretty but not a backpack."

True!

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

Guess who's back on their shit.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

In the dog days of little backpacking, one has to write something. And I had three posts that called for a bit of follow-up, so here they are. https://t.co/WkYdpiVM28

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

In the dog days of little backpacking, one has to write something. And I had three posts that called for a bit of follow-up, so here they are. https://t.co/WkYdpiVM28

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

Parka and I hope you managed to enjoy some of the unbelievable weather.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

My winning computer is about 4,000th in line and my loser is about 14,000. CANADA STRONG!

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

Happy Banff backcountry reservations day to all who celebrate.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

My proposal is basically to release some of Parks Canada's backcountry space in January as they do now but make most of it available on a three-month rolling window like BC Parks does. I would welcome feedback.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

It's 7 PM, your hangover has probably worn off, so get more of a headache by considering how we might possibly make the upcoming Parks Canada backcountry reservation process a bit less of a minefield. https://t.co/RagFbfW9Hi

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

It's 7 PM, your hangover has probably worn off, so get more of a headache by considering how we might possibly make the upcoming Parks Canada backcountry reservation process a bit less of a minefield. https://t.co/RagFbfW9Hi

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

I'm worried I'm getting into using a solid foam sleeping pad. Just to be safe from ultralightism I brought an unnecessarily large backpack crammed with three jackets, a French press, and Irish cream.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

I dreamed of Jasper's North Boundary Trail, and in 2025 it finally became possible. For ten days I experienced the perfect obscurity, the wonderful scenery, the expected challenges, and some unexpected ease on one of the most remarkable trails anywhere. https://t.co/WdX8PqEHbE

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

@rcousine I tend to mostly camp in spots where hammocks aren't welcome or are a bad idea so I haven't looked at them closely. But I like the theory.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

I completed the North Boundary Trail, why? Because I'm such a nasty physical beast of a hiker? No, because I planned it out. Here are those plans, in tedious detail. https://t.co/y06tF26RNO

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

@rcousine They slip off the feet so easily, SO easily. It's preposterous. Plus they slip around so you i.e. grab water in them at your own risk.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

@rcousine Oh hey, there it is.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

@rcousine It is indeed, I am smacking the server until it comes back.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

Parka photos collection by popular demand.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

North Boundary Trail: DONE.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

No idea when I'll get all this stuff put together (I won't even have real Internet until Thursday) but the North Boundary Trail was every bit the experience I expected.

[Ben Massey @BenHikes]

What's this? Our friend Parka having an airport lounge beaveer at last? What could this signify?!