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 Gravel Running Shoes
Sam Schild
Best Gravel Running Shoes
Sam Schild

We tested gravel running shoes that cross over from paved and unpaved roads to trail, reviewing traction, comfort, fit, cushion, stability, responsiveness, and more.

Sam Schild
La Sportiva Lumina Down Jacket Review
Sam Schild
La Sportiva Lumina Down Jacket Review
Sam Schild

We tested the La Sportiva Lumina 100 and 200 down jackets to see how their warmth, weight, and packability compare. Here’s who each model is best for and how they perform in real cold-weather conditions.

Sam Schild
Best Fleece Jackets of 2025/26
Sam Schild
Best Fleece Jackets of 2025/26
Sam Schild

We tested 29 jackets to find the best fleece for hiking, running, camping, climbing, and in town based on warmth, comfort, breathability, and more.

Sam Schild
Best Midlayers of 2025/26
Sam Schild
Best Midlayers of 2025/26
Sam Schild

We test the best midlayers for warmth, breathability, and layering. Explore top picks for hiking, skiing, and cold-weather adventures in our expert guide.

Sam Schild
Best Men's Down Vests of 2025/26
Sam Schild
Best Men's Down Vests of 2025/26
Sam Schild

We reviewed 15 down vests and synthetic puffer vests for hiking, camping, winter and city use. We test and judge puffy vests by fit, warmth, style, waterproofing

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