So you want to know what’s on my hiking essentials checklist? I recently met a few folks that told me a near-miss story. They went snowshoeing in the Sierras without backpacks. That meant no water, no food, no first aid supplies, no nothing. In the late afternoon, they realized they didn’t know where they were. …
Sometimes, a cheap headlamp just won’t do the trick. Other times, you need a handheld flashlight that really brightens things up. Whether you’re camping, working on an RV or vehicle, or you just need a new flashlight to prepare for the next power outage, the Blackfire rechargeable waterproof flashlight is more than your run-of-the-mill light …
When it comes to paddleboarding, kayaking, truck camping, or lakeside lounging, a portable waterproof speaker brings the fun..k. Now, you clearly have the freedom to choose whatever music you want to listen to, but this Blackfire portable waterproof speaker review is going to focus on the features and functions of the speaker itself. It’s up …
In the interest of helping anyone looking for a new backpack, let’s take a closer look at three cheap Osprey backpacks that are perfect for summer day hikes. Buying a cheap backpack doesn’t always pan out, but in the case of Osprey packs, you’ll still get a quality pack that should last for several summers. …
It’s essential to put a solid foundation in place before you start building. When hiking or backpacking, your feet are your foundation, and that’s why I’ll spend more on the best hiking socks than I will on most of my other camping gear. If you don’t take care of your feet, it simply doesn’t matter …
I’ve been on backpacking trips where unexpected allergic reactions occurred miles away from rescue or transportation. I’ve had a personal near-miss where I lost consciousness and tumbled 25 yards down a hill before coming to rest (luckily safely) on the banks of a rolling river. And that’s why I want to share my thoughts on …
Few brands out there today rival Osprey. Their backpacks are sleek, useful, and comfortable. They have options for nearly every level of adventurer, but if you’re hopping on a plane for your next trip, you’ll need to know how to find the right Osprey travel backpack. Let’s talk about some criteria that will help you …
As you prepare for summer camping trips, a reliable sleeping pad is essential. There’s nothing better than falling asleep comfortably after a long day outdoors, and the best sleeping pads for summer camping will help you do just that. At the same time, there is nothing worse than tossing and turning all night knowing you …
I grew up just north of Lake Tahoe in the town of Truckee. From a young age, I began hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and otherwise exploring all that this area has to offer. Still, I find new gems seemingly every summer. If you’re visiting this spring, summer, or fall, here’s a quick list of some best …
In 1884, a boy named Theodore Solomons wrote in the Sierra Club Bulletin, “The idea of a crest-parallel trail through the High Sierra came to me one day while herding my uncle’s cattle in an immense, unfenced alfalfa field near Fresno.” He might’ve had some great tips for hiking the John Muir Trail! But his idea …