As a younger man, I often wondered why people relied on hiking poles. I liked keeping my hands free and didn’t ever feel the need for additional support (even when carrying a 60+ pound pack). I felt like hiking poles were only necessary for really uneven trails, or in the snow. But as I talk …
I’ve been thinking a lot about water lately. Maybe it’s because I’m living closer to the ocean. Maybe it’s because there’s been so much of it falling out of the sky here over the last month. Whatever the reason, I’ve recently written about finding clean water in the wild, a gravity filtration system from Sawyer …
For years, I’ve gotten by with the cheapest, best-looking pairs of sunglasses I could find. These were usually purchased at a gas station or convenience store whenever the need arose. I was hard on them, and so it was hard for me to justify spending big on a pair that I knew I might break …
There are undoubtedly many of you out there that have an internal longing to spend more than a day in the wilderness. You’ve probably seen pictures of incredible backcountry lakes, views from prolific mountain peaks, and campsites tucked in amongst the healthiest groves of pines. But how do you get there? And how do you …
I want to start this review by admitting something personal: I’ve had an affinity for Sawyer Products for quite some time. And that affinity stems from the simple fact that they share a first name with my younger brother. While he’s not the only Sawyer out there, it’s a special connection for me, so when …
The Arcteryx brand was founded on the idea that “there is always a better way,” and its products are tested and proven in one of the most challenging ranges on the planet, the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. If you’re looking for a new pack for rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, backpacking, or mountaineering, we’re …
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 I must admit that “bagging peaks” hasn’t been tops on my priority list. This may be changing, however, as I find …
This post is inspired by my recent move to Costa Rica during the rainy season. As it turns out, we happen to have arrived for some of the heaviest rains that our neighbors have seen in the 13 years that they’ve lived in that area. As digital entrepreneurs, you can imagine that we have a …
The ability to charge our devices is something that I believe many of us take for granted in our daily lives. Just think about how many power outlets you probably pass by every day. But when we strike out on adventures or change our location seasonally, there can be times when we are confronted with …
Most experienced backpackers follow some (if not all) of the Leave No Trace principles. These principles help us to minimize our impact and do our part to ensure that the wilderness we love will still be around for future generations. If you’re a new backpacker, you should read the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and …