Perhaps you want true solitude, or maybe you don’t have any reliable hiking partners. Either way, solo hiking is a great thing, and it’s much more enjoyable than most people realize. I have a few locations that I like to hike out to when I get the chance. It clears my mind, invigorates the senses, … More Solo Hiking. Why, and how to.
It’s a never ending struggle, the silent battle between your tent and those tiny, brutally resiliant water droplets that accumulate inside your unsuspecting fortress as you sleep. It’s condensation. Understanding Condensation: What is condensation and what causes it? Condensation is simply the accumulation of moisture inside of your tent. What causes it? When you are … More Battling Tent Condensation
Something deep, deep inside me squeals with primal joy every time I successfully build a raging fire out of nothing more than my wits and sheer determination. Alternatively, failing to build a fire with burning eyes upon you as you strike match after match only to have the small flame whimper and fade into the depths of submission, right when you need it most … More Home made Firestarter
Most people can pitch a tent, few people can pitch a tent properly. A loose, flappy, saggy tent is not only annoying in the wind, it’s not performing properly and can even fail under the weight of a storm. A properly pitched tent should be taut, and quiet in the wind. Improper pitching can cause … More How to Properly Pitch a Tent
Fall is coming! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are dropping. I’m always amazed at how unprepared newcomers are when the accompany me on a hike, especially in cold or cool weather. Always plan for the worst, because that’s the only time you’ll need anything. I’ve comprised a list of the basics that I … More Cool Weather Dayhike Pack List
No one ever plans to get lost in the woods. How hard can it be, just walk on the trail, don’t go off of it, and you’ll be fine. Not true. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get lost. You can take a wrong turn, miss a turn, or not realize there was … More What to do when you’re lost
**A newer 2014 version of this post is available here ** Everyone packs their bags differently, and everyone has different definitions of what’s needed and not needed on the trail. This is a detailed list of what I normally carry on an 2-3 day backpacking trip. REI Flash 62 Backpack Big Agnes Copper Spur … More What’s in my Backpack? (Summer Edition, 2012)
It’s not as easy as you think, especially when you’re on a long trip and a water source you were relying on turns up dry. Don’t panic, with a little thought and consideration you can still make it out without having to drink your own pee. Bring the right amount of water: So often people … More Staying hydrated
I can’t cover this topic enough, and honestly, I’m almost ashamed that I haven’t covered it before. I adore the outdoors, the plants, the animals, the geology. It’s all amazing, and it’s all amazingly fragile. As outdoor enthusiast, we have a responsibility to help care for what we love. Humans have the incredible ability to … More Leave No Trace. What it means, and why it matters.
It’s no secret that the temperatures high up in the mountains will be lower than that in the valleys. Have you ever set off on a warm summer hike to find the temps at the peak in the 50’s or worse? Avoid these surprises by knowing how to calculate the temperature loss as you climb. … More Calculate temperature change with elevation
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