Welcome to Mumble Outdoors!

A place for trail-inspired conversations and essays

Why are humans drawn to mountains? What does it mean to be a beginner chasing excellence? What kind of Type Two fun am I getting up to right now? Subscribe for the kinds of conversations you’d have with old and new friends meandering down a trail somewhere.

Who is Mumble? What kind of name is that?

Hi, that’s me! A lovely tradition of thru-hikers (people who backpack hundreds to thousands of miles point to point) is to award each other silly nicknames. I accepted my trail name in honor of a family tradition of muttering, talking to ourselves, and generally failing to enunciate. Of course, most people know me as Allie.

In 2022, I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, which I wrote about as a blogger for The Trek.

I love diving headfirst into new hobbies and outdoor adventures. In 2023 I began gravel racing in my home state of Michigan, tried bikepacking, and foraging around the neighborhood. I write about being a beginner, finding a sense of belonging, and the ridiculous things outdoor athletes get up to. I’m glad you’re here!

I write a free newsletter that comes out most Fridays! Join me for trail journals, essays, and camp food recommendations.