Sam grew up in Chicago. His love of the outdoors didn’t blossom until he started bicycle touring in his early 20s. After a couple of years in graduate school deciding he did not want to be an academic, he set off on a 7,000-mile cross-country bike tour. After that, it was on. Sam moved to Colorado, where he started mountain biking. He immediately decided to bikepack the 500-mile Colorado Trail, of course. While riding a detour around a wilderness area, he vowed he would start backpacking to one day thru-hike the CT. Well, two years later, he was thru-hiking that trail. Then, he thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Then, he thru-hiked the CT, again. Along the way, he also started rock climbing. Because, it’s Colorado, so why not? He still goes out on his bikepacking rig when not on foot, too, pedaling dirt roads far out there. You can find him out adventuring somewhere in the American Southwest if you look long enough.
Showing 1-15 of 34 by Sam Schild

Best Solar Panels for Camping of 2023
Looking to harness energy from the sun to power your off-grid camping needs? We've researched and tested the best...
Editors' Choice
Jackery SolarSaga 100 Review
This 100-watt solar panel is a great panel overall and less expensive than most, so it's an even better deal. It's...
10 Best Bike Helmets of 2023
We're always looking for the best bike helmets to fuel our rides. We tested hundreds of models this year and these are...
Best Budget Backpacking Pack of 2023
We know not everyone wants to pay for a top-tier backpack, so we've ranked some of the best budget backpacks on the...
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2023
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing 15 of the best backpacking packs to give you the needed...
Editors' Choice
Granite Gear Blaze 60 Review
The Blaze 60 is a sweet pack that checks all the right boxes. It's super-light and can carry a heavy load comfortably...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Flash 55 Review
The REI Flash 55 is an affordable, comfortable, lightweight, versatile backpack. We wouldn't want this pack for long...
Top Pick
Osprey Atmos 65 AG Review
This pack notable for its comfort, incredible set of features, and its exceptional ventilation. The Anti-Gravity frame...
Best Sun Hats of 2023
We evaluated over 50 models and purchased 21, which our team of experts put through extensive side-by-side testing. We...
Top Pick
Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 Review
This full-featured pack comes with tons of options to stay organized on the trail and at a great price. It's covered...
Editors' Choice
Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat Review
This kids-specific sun hat is comfortable, breathable, and gives great sun protection for the little ones.
Best Buy
Billabong Classic Printed Straw Lifeguard Review
This classic straw hat is stylish and comfortable at an incredible price.
Best Running Jacket of 2023
To find out which running jacket is the best, we selected the highest-rated offerings in the market and put them to...
10 Best Backpacks of 2023
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Norvan LT Hoodie Review
This jacket offers a high level of weather resistance in a minimalist design.
Next >
Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
Learn More