[A Serious New Project] 'Trail School' for those 40 and Over Opens in May. Join professional hiker Masashi Saito on a two-year long-distance trail journey. [Recruiting for the first cohort]

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Beginner's Guide to Mountaineering , Membership , Long Trails , Thru-Hiking

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

Outdoor Gearzine Membership is launching a new project called " Trail School ."

A "school" on a "trail"? This unique project, which seems obvious but hadn't been done before, is, quite literally, a "place to learn" how to walk on "trails," which are paths that stretch through the mountains and fields

table of contents

Why "Trail School" now?
To everyone who dreams of one day walking "that trail"
The 40s are the ideal age to begin long-distance trail hiking, a mature "adult adventure" to start
What do you learn and how do you learn it at "Trail School"?
How to join "Trail School"
We are planning a live stream (or podcast) in late April, before the school officially opens, which will also serve as an explanation of "Trail School."
In conclusion: Let's break free from style and walk our own free and open trails together

Why "Trail School" now?

When I started this site in 2014, after returning from North America, I was struck by the fact that there was virtually no practical and reliable information available in Japan (at least not online) about gear for enjoying outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and hiking

Outdoor Gearzine was created to focus on gear one of the essential elements that allows us to experience the joy, richness, and depth of the outdoors . However, about 10 years have passed since then, and the world has changed dramatically. Nowadays, not only is there a lack of information, but our daily lives are filled with a whirlwind of information, a mix of good and bad, and it feels like it's honestly impossible for individuals to catch up on all of it and select only the right information (in every field).

As a result, if the algorithms honed by social media and other platforms could deliver "more accurate information that is relevant to us," no one would have any trouble. Instead, the information tends to become "more sensational or more extremely biased," meaning it's filled with information that simply grabs attention instantly (regardless of the outcome). Perhaps because I run such a media outlet, I feel my mind becoming increasingly exhausted by this daily routine. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way

Looking back on that situation , I asked myself, "What kind of content is truly necessary for this media to convey the freedom, enjoyment, and depth that the outdoors inherently possess? What kind of content will be safe, helpful, and enjoyable for people who want to enjoy the outdoors? school that would go beyond simply providing free information and convey the value of the outdoors through deeper, more essential knowledge and experiences .

To everyone who dreams of one day walking "that trail"

I myself, caught up in the daily grind of keeping up with new information and engrossed in the everyday work required to maintain the website, suddenly found myself nearing the end of my 40s

I still vividly remember the awe-inspiring natural scenery, the refreshing feeling of freedom and liberation I experienced from interacting with people, and the experiences that inspired me to start this website, when I hiked through North American national parks. But now that I think about it, even I, who work in the mountains, might have kept those feelings locked away in a drawer somewhere

This school is for everyone, from those who, like myself, can't forget their longing for "that path (TRAIL)" (which they may have once harbored), to novice hikers who are just discovering the outdoors and beginning to yearn for trails

The 40s are the ideal age to begin long-distance trail hiking, a mature "adult adventure" to start

The subtitle for this project is "Long-Distance Trail Course for People Over 40." I will explain the reason for this

For those of you in your 40s and older, who are at a mature age, when you see photos on social media of vast long trails or mountain ridges connecting Japan's deep, imposing mountains, don't you sometimes find yourself thinking, "Is it too late for me?" or "I don't have enough physical strength or knowledge?" and looking for reasons to give up? To be honest, I'm one of those people who are starting to feel that kind of anxiety

However, that's not actually the case. Having continued mountain climbing since my student days and now approaching 50, I've come to realize that the 40s are actually the most suitable age to start long-distance trail hiking, a mature "adult adventure" to begin .

To support this assertion, I'd like to reiterate something that many people tend to forget

There is no single "method" for becoming someone who walks the trails (whether you call them hikers, backpackers, or mountain climbers, whatever you like)
Similarly, there is no set "style" for hiking trails (and certainly no need to blindly acquire the lightest possible equipment)
And finally, long trails are not about competition. The important thing is not the finish line, but enjoying the process from start to finish at a pace that suits you

Some people enjoy a quiet campsite after walking a few miles, while others challenge themselves with long-distance hikes and long trails. Some carry ultralight gear, while others pack more for a little extra comfort. Neither style is right or wrong; if you explore the trails with what you need, it's all the same backpacking. There's absolutely no rule that says long-distance hikers *have* to hike in a certain style (more people need to realize that this kind of attitude is hindering the development of Japan's outdoor culture, making it isolated and stagnant). Nature discriminates against anything you experience in the field. The only important thing that's common to all of it is the experience itself

In that sense, even though physical strength may decline, people in their 40s, who have accumulated a wide range of knowledge in geology, ecology, history, and culture, and who have the leisure to appreciate the nuances of life and enjoy the entire process of walking, should be able to gain more from the trails

Let's learn about long-distance trails together, in a fun and relaxed way, at our own pace

What do you learn and how do you learn it at "Trail School"?

"Trail School" is not just a place to learn mountaineering techniques

This is a journey of two years to hone your physical abilities and equipment, to immerse yourself in the culture surrounding the trails and the history of each region, including Japan, and to become an "independent hiker" who can deeply engage with nature with your whole mind and body

However, it's perfectly natural to have anxieties such as "I'm not confident in my physical strength," "I don't know what or how to learn," or "I don't know where to start." Therefore, I will explain what you can learn and how you can learn it from here

Learn about solo hiking, long trails, and thru-hiking with professional hiker Masashi Saito..

The instructor for "Trail School" is Masashi Saito, a professional hiker well-known to readers of Outdoor Gearzine. We had been talking about wanting to do something like this someday after meeting and getting to know each other, and it has finally come to fruition. If you'd like to learn more about Mr. Saito, please check out our past interview articles

We spoke with Masafumi Saito, a professional hiker who has walked long trails around the world, about walking, traveling, and equipment

This content is brought to you with the cooperation of the Japan Gas and Petroleum Equipment Manufacturers Association...

Masashi Saito, professional hiker

Since 2012, he has been active as Japan's only professional hiker. In order to promote trail culture, he walks trails overseas and contributes articles mainly to outdoor publications, while also working on "Yamagata Long Trail (YLT)," an activity to create trail courses in his hometown of Yamagata. He is dedicated to thru-hiking (a method of walking a route in one year), and has thru-hiked over 22,000 km (more than half the circumference of the Earth) of trails alone

Masashi Saito Official Website

First, we would like to share a message from Masashi Saito regarding the opening of the school

Ten years ago, when I hiked the John Muir Trail, a trail angel told me, "Masa, I sometimes see Japanese hikers who come hiking without knowing anything and are in trouble. So, could you teach them the basics of trail hiking in Japan?" At the time, I replied that it would be difficult to create an organization to teach trail hiking given the circumstances surrounding the trails. Ten years have passed since then, and now many Japanese people are challenging themselves on trails overseas

However, information is still scarce outside of specific trails, and there isn't much information available to describe what the trails are like

Recently, I've been hearing quite a few comments within the YLT club I run like, "Isn't it more fun to walk on roads than to create trails on natural paths? It's easier, too. The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail has a lot of roads, too."

First, understanding what the trail is actually like will allow you to see many more things than before

I hope to share with you, based on my experiences as a hiker, what I've learned as a walker, how people interact with hikers along the trails, and how we should approach nature

The training sessions are held twice a month. They consist of both textbook-based and online sessions

You are free to start and finish wherever you like. In the online course, we will also set aside time to answer any questions you may have about the text.
First, we will announce the curriculum for the first year, so please join us in learning about trails and enjoying hiking!

We look forward to your enrollment

Masashi Saito, Trail School Instructor

Five features of "Trail School"

1. A curriculum aimed at developing "independent hikers" in two years

While you're free to start and drop out of "Trail School" at any time, the overall curriculum is designed to be completed in two years. The first year covers "basic knowledge," and the second year covers "troubleshooting and practical planning," progressing in a step-by-step manner

What is trail walking? This article covers various trail walking styles, cultural practices, and customs, including knowledge and etiquette you should know when hiking trails
Comprehensive outdoor skills for safe and comfortable outdoor activities
Finding the hiking style that suits you, the optimal equipment for that style, and how to use them correctly
How to plan a backcountry trip with confidence

etc

2. Monthly online lessons + live chat

In addition to the online text-based course each month, we will also hold one live chat session each month where you can directly get your questions answered

Here, you can not only absorb a variety of practical information from reliable outdoor experts, but also resolve any questions you have about topics that interest you until you are completely satisfied

3. Offline events as a practical setting

Members not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also go out into the field with Mr. Saito on irregular occasions (approximately once every three months), where they can gain practical knowledge and experience, as well as share the joy of working with like-minded individuals

4. We will also irregularly distribute content on trends and practical information related to routes, equipment, technology, and knowledge, as well as talk content with guests

Members will receive regular paid content, including reports, news, and insightful articles on routes, equipment, and other up-to-date information in the outdoor community. In the future, we also plan to offer exclusive content that can only be found here, such as talk sessions featuring professionals from various fields

5. Online community exclusively for members of the "Trail School" course

All course participants will have access to a newly established members-only online community where they can freely and easily exchange ideas, engage in discussions, and share valuable information

Course curriculum overview (one cycle lasting two years)

The general curriculum for this online course, which will be delivered twice a month, is as follows. However, this is only a tentative plan at this time, and the curriculum and delivery schedule may change as the course progresses. We ask for your understanding as we will need to go through a process of trial and error as we move forward with this new project

Year 1: Trail basics (hiking and camping)

The difference between mountain climbing and trail running, the three major American trails, and the spirit of LNT (Leave No Trace)
Various walking techniques on long trails (Nero, slackpacking), mail drop, etc
Choosing the right shoes and clothing, replenishing and purifying water, and navigating campsites

Year 2: Trail Practice (From Planning to Execution)

Basic camping techniques such as choosing tents and sleeping gear, how to carry a backpack, packing techniques, and selecting cooking equipment
Dangerous animals, emergency response, permit acquisition, and planning using apps
Building the physical strength for long walks, learning from the history of our predecessors (John Muir, Noriyoshi Kato), and the joys of solo hiking

How to join "Trail School"

Membership is a monthly subscription system, meaning you can join and leave anytime. The first term offers a special discounted rate

How to join (participate):

To participate in "Trail School," you need to register as an Outdoor Gearzine member, "OFUSE Standard Member" (so if you are already a Standard Member, you are considered eligible for the first term). Instructions on how to join are provided below

Fee:

Monthly fee: 1,000 yen (tax included)

The regular monthly fee for standard membership will be used as the participation fee for Trail School

[Important] This is a special price for first-term students only. Now is the easiest time to get started, so please consider taking advantage of this opportunity!

How do I sign up for Outdoor Gearzine Membership?

To participate in "Trail School," you need to register for Outdoor Gearzine's "OFUSE Standard Plan" membership

The Outdoor Gearzine Membership is a monthly membership program that utilizes "OFUSE," a web service for supporting creators. Launched about two years ago, it has provided supporters who have joined with new content, events, and other services unique to Outdoor Gearzine, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors even more. The newly launched "Trail School" will also be offered to members of the "Standard Plan" of this membership program for its first term

Learn more about membership

To register for an OFUSE membership, you need to create an account (Sozi ID) and then subscribe to the Standard Plan. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please create an account according to the instructions before joining the membership. For more details about this membership and to learn more about OFUSE, please see the article below explaining the background and requests for your cooperation

In addition to this course, the Standard Plan also includes various offline events, such as talk events, workshops, study sessions, and film screenings, so we hope you will enjoy and support these as well

All of your support will be used to cover the operating costs of projects and events like this. We are looking forward to your participation, not only from hikers who want to improve their skills in solo hiking, long trails, and thru-hiking, but also from our readers who regularly enjoy Outdoor Gearzine. Please consider this as crowdfunding for our website. Thank you very much for your support

We are planning a live stream (or podcast) in late April, before the school officially opens, which will also serve as an explanation of "Trail School."

To mark the opening of the school, we'd like to hold a live stream where we'll give a frank explanation of the details and future prospects to everyone who's interested. More details will be announced later, so please look forward to it

In conclusion: Let's break free from style and walk our own free and open trails together

The wisdom and experience backed by the expertise of a long-distance trail professional and leading figure, along with the connections with like-minded companions

Outdoor Gearzine will help you unlock the drawer you've been hiding away.

You're free to start anywhere and end wherever you like

Two years from now, you will be standing in a different landscape than you are today

We are looking forward to your participation in the course