Gossamer Gear Team

Trail Ambassadors

Brandon Wilson

is an award-winning author/photographer and explorer who's passionate about inspiring others to discover the world and inner peace through long-distance lite trekking.

It all started in 1992 when he and his wife Cheryl were the first Western couple to trek a 1000-km. trail across Tibet to Kathmandu. Since then, Brandon has trekked many of the world's major cultural trails: the Camino de Santiago and Via de la Plata across Spain, Norway's St. Olav's Way, and he's the first North American to complete the 1150-mile Via Francigena from England to Rome.

Most recently, traveling lite, Brandon and a friend set off from France to Jerusalem, trekking 20 miles a day for five months to re-blaze the 2,620-mile trail of the First Crusades. Other than the personal challenge, he wanted to establish the 11-country, 2-continent trail as a path of peace. He's convinced that there's nothing like long-distance trekking to remind you what's important in life and what to leave behind. At the end of the day, as we all rub our feet and share stories, we realize we're more similar than different. As he says, "If we can each find peace within, how long can the world remain without?" His book, Along the Templar Trail, chronicles his journey with stages, gear list, maps and photos. Brandon is a member of The Explorers Club and an avid supporter of peace and human rights.

Home: On the trail, my sanctuary

Age: 55

Website: www.pilgrimstales.com

Favorite Training Ground:
Historic long-distance trails of the world, from the Himalayas to the Middle East to the Alps.

Current Plans:
In 2009, Brandon and Cheryl are trekking hut-to-hut on the 1200+ mile newly formed Via Alpina across eight countries from Italy through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France to Monaco. On completion, he'll write a new book about their adventure.

Favorite Gossamer Gear Product:

Squall Classic™