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
I Took the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Running Shoes on Varied Runs — Here’s the Verdict
Sam Schild
I Took the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Running Shoes on Varied Runs — Here’s the Verdict
Sam Schild

We ran in the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 on trails, roads, and gravel paths to test their fit, comfort, cushion, responsiveness, support, traction, performance, and more.


Sam Schild
I Ran Mixed Trails in the Altra Timp 6 Trail Running Shoes — Here’s What Worked
Sam Schild
I Ran Mixed Trails in the Altra Timp 6 Trail Running Shoes — Here’s What Worked
Sam Schild

We tested the zero-drop Altra Timp 6 trail running shoes on a variety of trail conditions to review its fit, cushioning, responsiveness, support, durability, 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
I ran roads and trails in the HOKA Challenger 8 Running Shoes — here’s what stood out
Sam Schild
I ran roads and trails in the HOKA Challenger 8 Running Shoes — here’s what stood out
Sam Schild

An in-depth review of the HOKA Challenger 8 shoe for crossover road running and trail running based on fit, comfort, grip, breathability, cushion, and more.

Sam Schild
Best Gravel Running Shoes of 2026
Sam Schild
Best Gravel Running Shoes of 2026
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

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