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 Fleece Jackets of 2025
Sam Schild
Best Fleece Jackets of 2025
Sam Schild

We test 18 jackets to find the best fleece for hiking, running, camping, climbing and in town. We consider micro grid fleece, polar fleece, sherpa fleece for windproof and water resistance and extra warmth.

Sam Schild
HOKA Mafate 5 Trail Running Shoe Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild
HOKA Mafate 5 Trail Running Shoe Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild

An in-depth review of the HOKA Mafate 5 trail running shoes, a highly cushioned, responsive shoe ideal for long, technical runs


Becca Downs & Sam Schild
On Cloudvista 2 Trail Running Shoe Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild
On Cloudvista 2 Trail Running Shoe Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild

An in-depth review of the On Cloudvista, a minimalist trail running shoe that balances cushion and responsiveness, based on multi-tester input on trail and gravel

Becca Downs & Sam Schild
Saucony Ride 18 Road Running Shoe Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild
Saucony Ride 18 Road Running Shoe Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild

An in-depth review of the Saucony Ride 18 road running shoe, a budget-friendly daily trainer with balanced cushion and responsiveness for a smooth ride.

Becca Downs & Sam Schild
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX Trail Running Shoes Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX Trail Running Shoes Review
Becca Downs & Sam Schild

We tested and reviewed the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX trail running shoes, a waterproof shoe with great traction ideal for snowy or icy winter trail conditions.

Becca Downs & Sam Schild

Where to go

Where to Go
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
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
Treeline Review Staffauthor