Sam Schild

Contributing Writer

Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He has thru-hiked the PCT, CDT, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice.

He has biked and bikepacked over 50,000 miles in the last decade, completing the Colorado Trail by bike, the Kokopelli Trail twice, a 7,000-mile cross-country bike tour, tons of other bikepacking in the American Southwest, and bike commuting everywhere he can. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Temple University, and before becoming a freelance outdoor writer was an academic, teacher of writing, high school teacher, and a bike mechanic. When he’s not thru-hiking or bikepacking, you might find him running long distances on trails closer to home.

Instagram: @sia_lizard

Blog: samschild.com

Gear Reviews

Gear Reviews
Best Road Running Shoes for Men of 2026
Sam Schild
Best Road Running Shoes for Men of 2026
Sam Schild

Find the best road running shoes for men in 2026, tested for comfort, speed, and durability. Explore top picks for daily training, racing, and long-distance runs.

Sam Schild
Best Running Backpacks of 2026
Sam Schild
Best Running Backpacks of 2026
Sam Schild

We test running packs and fast packs for hydration vest style straps, ventilation, ease of use with water bottles and hoses, and more.

Sam Schild
Best Men's Trail Running Shoes of 2026
Sam Schild
Best Men's Trail Running Shoes of 2026
Sam Schild

If your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be happy. A comfortable pair of trail running shoes is crucial for a good experience while on the trail. We'll help you find them.

Sam Schild
Best Men’s Hiking Underwear of 2026
Sam Schild
Best Men’s Hiking Underwear of 2026
Sam Schild

We test the best men’s hiking underwear and travel underwear for weight, quick-drying, odor control, moisture-wicking, and comfort.

Sam Schild
Pa'lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps Is the Best Version of the V2 Yet
Sam Schild
Pa'lante Packs V2 Backpack with Joey Straps Is the Best Version of the V2 Yet
Sam Schild

We tested the Pa’lante V2 ultralight pack with vest straps to evaluate comfort, carry, durability, and performance for minimalist thru-hiking, fastpacking, and backpacking

Sam Schild

Where to go

Where to Go
Bikepacking The Kokopelli Trail
Sam Schild
Bikepacking The Kokopelli Trail
Sam Schild

The Kokopelli Trail is a 143-mile desert bikepacking route that connects Fruita, Colorado, in western Colorado and Moab, Utah on singletrack and jeep roads

Sam Schild
Bikepacking the Colorado Trail
Sam Schild
Bikepacking the Colorado Trail
Sam Schild

Bikepack the 500-mile Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. Ride your mountain bike on one of the most scenic Colorado bike trails. Whether you’re doing the Colorado Trail race or biking in sections, this guide includes campsites, water, resupply, gear and more.

Sam Schild
Treeline Review Staffauthor