Welcome to Ike’s Odyssey, a website dedicated to minimalist backcountry and adventure travel! I’ve been a self-propelled backcountry adventurer for most of my adult life. My favorite adventures combine ultralight backpacking, biking, packrafting, skiing, and/or snowshoeing to come up with novel routes through the wilderness. This really opens up the backcountry, allowing me to go places and see things that few ever see. A minimalist at heart, I take only what I need to safely accomplish my goals. This ultralight approach lets me move quickly, lightly, and relatively more comfortably. However, you should be warned that not everyone shares my ideas of comfort.
I’ve been photographing and writing about these adventures for years using my trail name “Ike”. I started this blog primarily for inspiration; for others who live vicariously through my adventures, and for me to get out and do more. I also show what minimalist (or ultralight) travel looks like, and how to take your adventures even further. In its stories, you may learn some new tips and tricks to help you on your way. Above all, I hope to show that real joy often takes place in the little moments.
The Odyssey is in reference to my favorite poem “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, documenting the struggle of an aging Odysseus to reconcile declining physical abilities with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. It never fails to inspire me.
All material copyright Ike’s Odyssey. If you’ve found this content useful or interesting and want to share, feel free to post an excerpt and link back. For other inquiries, email me: contact at ikesodyssey dot com