Today, we’re going to look at five hiking pole tips for safety and efficiency. These tips will help you choose the best set of poles for you and use them to the best of your ability. As a younger man, I often wondered why people relied on hiking poles. I liked keeping my hands free …
There are undoubtedly many of you out there that have an internal longing to spend more than a day in the wilderness. But learning how to get clean water in the wild is essential to making this longing become a reality. You’ve probably seen pictures of incredible backcountry lakes, views from prolific mountain peaks, and …
As an avid hiker and backpacker, I feel very fortunate to have completed the length of the John Muir Trail (my longest trip to date). I’ve also notched several other amazing multi-day trips, but the “next great trip” is always waiting, which is why I’m researching mountaineering expeditions in North America. I must admit that …
This guide to responsible backpacking aims at offering simple things to do to protect the environment on your next backpacking trip. It expands on those Leave No Trace principles based on techniques I’ve picked up and experiences that have driven home the need for more responsible backpacking practices. Most experienced backpackers follow the Leave No …
It’s the season when we get some extra time to recreate and get out to those spots we’ve had on our list all summer. If you’re trying to squeeze the most out of the changing of the seasons, be sure to check out these fall camping destinations! For those of us that work in the …
Sometimes I even attach it to the seat of my kayak or the loop on my shorts if I’m going on a quick day hike. But there are a lot of water bottles out there today, so we’re going to take some time to discuss what makes a good water bottle! I’ve been a big …
There are many models of headlamps available out there, and they vary greatly in price. Today, we’re going to discuss some pros and cons of cheap headlamps. I consider a headlamp to be one of the items every hiker should have on his or her ‘Essentials List’. It’ll help you navigate out to use the …
I’ve recently been shopping for new hiking shoes. I’ve talked to a few people about what I’m specifically looking for and I was asked, “Why do you want ‘shoes’ instead of ‘boots’?” Indeed, learning how to choose hiking shoes has been a long process for me. I explained the type of hiking I plan to …
There is perhaps no more sickening feeling than hearing your tent pole snap when you’re out on a multi-day hike. Your tent is your shelter and when you’re miles from “civilization,” that means…EVERYTHING! So in the interest of tents everywhere, I’ve put together this quick list of five tent maintenance tips. I hope you enjoy …
One of the beauties of backpacking is the chance to clear your mind from the stresses of work or daily life. Once you’re out on the trail with a full pack on your back, there really isn’t too much you need to think about. That said, the one decision you will have to make on …