Meet your guides- Allen Frantz

Q: Did you always want to be an outdoor guide and teacher?

A: (Laughs) Oh no! I was sure I was going to be a baseball player when I was young.

Q: What was your first guiding job?

A: I started guiding teens in the outdoors in 1998. That was my first summer in Maine working for a company called Trailmark Outdoor Adventures. We took larger groups (13-21 teens per trip) on 13-20 day adventures. Those programs were primarily front country experiences (car camping), with a tiny bit of backpacking and sea kayaking as well. I loved it so much I returned the following year as well.

The pre-smartphone days of Maine (Summit of Mt Katahdin, 1999)

Q: Did Crooked Trail Adventures start after that?

A: No, there was a lot between Trailmark and the start of Crooked Trail. When I left Maine I went straight to Arizona to finish my degree in Outdoor Experiential Education. From there I worked in youth development at the Cabbage Patch Settlement House in Louisville. It was only after I started teaching full time that I developed my own programs, first Gaia Expeditions, and now Crooked Trail Adventures.

Q: You have trips all over the United States. Do you have a favorite course area?

A: That’s a tough one! The Front Range in Colorado will always be a special place for me because my first experience in the West was on a summer field study there as a high school student. I really love the Desert Southwest, though. And Maine- I really love Maine.

It’s just too hard to choose one. If I think about it more I’ll just name more places, so let’s go with that for now!

Q: Favorite camp meal?

A: Hmm… Thanksgiving in a bowl- instant mashed potatoes and stove top stuffing mixed together with dehydrated cranberries.

Q: Best in-camp activity?

A: We play lots of games and such, but I really treasure the time that we spend together after dinner, when we’re able to process the day and just chat. Oh, and the Moose Game. I love the Moose Game.

Q: Do you have a favorite adventure activity?

A: I used to be way into climbing and mountaineering, and I still love working hard for great views. I’m enjoying paddling more and more each year, especially canoeing and sea kayaking.

Canoeing the Current River with the Cabbage Patch

Q: What do you do when you’re not preparing or guiding trips?

A: Well, I have 3 children, and spending time with them and my wife comes first. I’m in my 17th year teaching middle school at Community Montessori, so those two things keep me pretty busy. Outside of that, I like to read and run, and to learn new things. I’m generally a pretty curious person- I’m always tinkering around the house or researching something new.

Q: What is your dream trip?

A: Anywhere I haven’t been yet! Alaska, Antarctica, Kilimanjaro, the Alps… I have a lot to do still.

Patagonia is magical

Q: Do you have a favorite past trip?

I love Patagonia and would go back there in a second. Emily and I did a trip there in 2019 to scout potential future courses and had an amazing time. The people are so friendly and Torres del Paine is just stunning. As far as Crooked Trail Trips, Grand Gulch is desolate, hostile, and really incredible.

Q: What’s next for Crooked Trail Adventures?

A: We’ll be doing some adult programming in the spring. Emily’s Women in the Wilderness trips are always a hit. Then this summer we’re back at it with teen trips in Maine, Colorado, and North Carolina. We’ll also be posting a new adult trip for the late summer/ early fall that I think people will be pretty excited about as well. Parents are always asking if they can come along. Stay tuned…

8 Fun Facts About Maine

We love summer in Maine. In addition to great weather, the accessibility of mountains, rivers, and coast are second to none (ok, maybe California, but… fires). Below are some of our favorite fun facts about Maine.

Image courtesy of Daniel Norris

1. Maine is the largest producer of lobsters in the world. In 2019, the state harvested over 130 million pounds of lobster.

A typical scene along the coast

2. The state is known for its rugged coastline, including its 65 lighthouses along its coasts and inlets.

3. The town of Bar Harbor was once a summer destination for wealthy industrialists and is now a popular tourist destination as the gateway to Acadia National Park.

4. Speaking of Acadia, it was established in 1919 as the first national park east of the Mississippi River. It receives over 2,000,000 visitors per year. 

5. Maine is the only state in the U.S. to border only one other state, New Hampshire.

Maine has a rich boat building history

6. In the 19th century, Maine was a leader in shipbuilding, producing thousands of vessels including clipper ships, schooners, and steamships.

7. Maine was the first state to pass a state law protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

8. The state is known for its production of blueberries, which are grown on over 15,000 acres of land in the state.

Free snacks along the trail!

Our Gear: Jetboil Flash Review

We’ve used a LOT of stoves in our many years in the outdoors, from the venerable MSR Whisperlite and Primus’ Svea and 8r, to homemade alcohol burners. One of our favorites- and the one that travels with us most frequently these days- is the Jetboil Flash Camp Stove System. The Jetboil is a top-of-the-line option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a compact and efficient cooking setup. The system includes a 0.8-liter FluxRing cooking cup, a burner, and an insulated cozy with a handle.

Ol’ Faithful- the MSR Whisperlite

One of the standout features of the Jetboil Flash is its speed. The FluxRing technology prevents heat from escaping around the cup, allowing the stove to boil water in just under two minutes, making it one of the fastest camping stoves on the market. This is a great option for backpackers who are looking to minimize their time spent cooking and maximize their time spent exploring (or relaxing!).

The Jetboil Flash System

The Jetboil Flash is also super easy to use. The burner attaches securely to the cooking cup, and the fuel canister screws on with a simple twist. The color-coded cozy makes it easy to know whose cup is whose, and the handle on the cozy allows you to securely hold the cup while you're cooking.

Jetboil accessory pot in the wild

The Jetboil Flash is also very fuel efficient. One canister of fuel easily last a long  weekend for two, making it a great option for lighter packing when you want to minimize the amount of fuel you need to carry. 

Another great feature of the Jetboil Flash is its compact size. The entire system packs down into the cooking cup, making it very easy to pack and carry. The stove, cup, and fuel canister all nest together, and the cozy doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl.

The Jetboil Flash is a bit on the expensive side, and it does not simmer well when using the 0.8 linter cup, limiting it mostly to boiling duty.  But its speed, efficiency, and convenience make it well worth the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts. It's a great option for backpackers, hikers, and anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use camping stove. 

Backcountry French Press? Yes, please!

Jetboil has also created many accessories and additional pots of various sizes. One of our favorite accessories is the integrated coffee press for the 0.8 liter cup. One should not lower his or her coffee standards in the backcountry!

The Jetboil Flash Camp Stove System is a great option for backpackers, hikers, and anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use camping stove. The FluxRing technology allows the stove to boil water in just under two minutes, making it one of the fastest camping stoves on the market. It's compact, easy to use, and efficient with fuel, but it's a bit on the expensive side.

Simple foods for the backcountry

Backpacking is a great way to explore the great outdoors and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, planning the right meals for your trip can be a daunting task. In this series, we’ll share some of our favorite go to meals and snacks. Here are some of the best simple backpacking foods to help fuel your adventure:

Dehydrated meals: These are a great option for backpacking as they are lightweight and easy to prepare. Simply add water and they're ready to eat. Some popular brands include Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry.

Camp foods should be simple, light, and delicious!

Jerky: High in protein and easy to pack, jerky is a great snack for the trail. Opt for beef or turkey jerky for a healthy, high-energy option. As vegetarians, we’re huge fans of Louisville Vegan Jerky.

Nuts and seeds: These are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They're also lightweight and easy to pack. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all great options.

Energy bars: These are a great option for a quick energy boost on the trail. Look for bars that are high in protein and low in sugar. Clif Bars, Quest Bars, and Lara Bars are all popular options.

Instant oatmeal: An easy and nutritious breakfast option, instant oatmeal is lightweight and easy to prepare. Just add hot water and you're good to go.

Ramen noodles: Ramen noodles are a staple of backpacking food. They are lightweight, easy to prepare, and can be a tasty addition to your meals. A favorite meal of ours for an “alpine start,” is a mish- mash of dehydrated mashed potatoes, Ramen, and chunks of cheese. It’s dense, filling, and quick!

h/t Tim Watson

When planning your backpacking meals, it's important to consider the weight, ease of preparation, and nutritional value of each food. The above options are all great choices for the trail, and will help keep you fueled and energized on your adventure.

5 Things We Love About Western North Carolina

We’re a pretty lucky family. This business allows us to hike and camp in some pretty spectacular places; from the coasts of Maine to the mountains of Patagonia and LOTS of places in between, we’ve seen a lot in our 30+ years of adventure travel. 

One of the places we return to again and again is the mountains of western North Carolina. Below are just some of the reasons that North Carolina is on our regular rotation.

The Smokies are drivable for 2/3 of the US population

1. Its proximity makes it a perfect getaway for a long weekend or week-long trip. The Smoky Mountains are considered driving distance for two-thirds of the US population Because of this, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the nation’s busiest with over 12 million visitors each year.

2. Even with this high visitation rate, the western side in North Carolina is the “quiet side.” While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge receive the bulk of visitation, those seeking a more serene experience can head to North Carolina for more than 900 miles of hiking and biking trails. With all this room to spread out, one rarely feels crowded out on the trail or in the parking lot!

A familiar scene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

3. The Cherokee Museum in Cherokee, NC.  There is a huge collection of artifacts and a timeline which lays out the history of the Cherokee, including their forced removal to reservation lands in Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. This is a can’t miss stop as it supports a fuller understanding of the history of this region.

Isn’t the idea to stay IN the boat?

4. Water, water, WATER. Seemingly every hike leads to a waterfall or swimming hole. There are whitewater runs on the French Broad, the Pigeon, and the Nantahala. You can paddle any number of lakes, such as Fontana, Junaluska, Hiawassee, or Bear Creek. And for an idyllic lazy summer day, we love tubing on Deep Creek.

5. The wildlife is pretty spectacular. From the Elk in Smokemont to the bears and salamanders everywhere, the Smokies are teeming with wildilfe. And because of its quieter character, your chances of seeing something new is much greater on this side of the national park.

For these reasons and many more, we believe our five day North Carolina trip is the perfect introduction to overnight camping. With no extended backcountry camping, our campers have a consistent home each night (and running water and flush toilets!), while still being able to sample the variety of some of our longer trips. For those who have done day camps or sleep away camps and are ready for a little more, our North Carolina trip can’t be beat!