Waking up to the frosted peaks of the Smokey Mountains has always been an enjoyable experience for me. Seeing the mountains capped in snow instead of green foliage is mesmerizing an excites the mind. It’s as if it’s a new world, but built upon the shoulders of the world that you’re used to. After the leaves drop … More Winter Camping
Indian Grave gap to Iron Mountain gap clocks in at around 10.2 miles and packs in loads of variety. You’ll see new growth forest recovering from an old forest fire, wipe open balds and vistas, and tall dark forests atop Unaka Mountain. The change is scenery is almost startling it happens so fast. As if … More Indian Grave gap to Iron Mountain Gap (Beauty Spot). Erwin Tennessee.
Here I am, trying to study for finals (Biology, Chemistry, and calculus exams back to back), but all I can think about is my next big backpacking trip. I know, I’m a terrible terrible student. It’s stressful at times, planning that perfect trip. This will be a group trip, so there is a certain pressure … More The stresses of planning a big trip
Never hike alone again. That’s the idea. I stumbled across the Natural Sports Organization (NSEO) just over a year ago. I was actively searching for new hikes and places to pitch my tent far away from the hustle of the city, when I stumbled across this website. http://www.meetup.com/neverstop The NSEO is a group of individuals … More NSEO. Making friends, and enjoying life.
It’s hard sometimes, finding local hikes. Most trails are hidden, and poorly marked, if marked at all. Here, I’m making a couple suggestions to help you get out more. Obviously, you can start by checking out my locations section where you’ll find detailed local info. Otherwise, read on. Check Local. Go to the local outfitters, … More Find local hiking. Easy.
Big Agnes has been producing the Seedhouse SL1 Solo backpacking tent for years, and it’s long since been my favorite solo backpacking tent. I’ve been using the older model for years now, and BA has been kind enough to update the series of tent twice since then, so I decided to check out the new … More Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 Tent Review (2012 update)
Part of my enjoyment about backpacking is the ever changing and ever evolving technology that you get to play with. I love the feeling of testing out a new product out in the wilderness, just to see what it can take. Now, I’m putting the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 to the test. How did … More Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review
Standing beside the car at the Grayson Highlands park trail entrance, we had the pleasure of chatting with another couple who were also entering the backcountry. They were following the same basic itinerary as we were, so we figured we were on to something. As usual, food became the premium topic of conversation. “What are … More Backcountry Pizza
I don’t know what it is, but I just love tents. That being said, I’m also incredibly picky. I’ve been through many tents in my years, and so far I’ve only managed to hold onto two of them. Can the Mountain Light XT become my third? About the Tent: The idea driving the L.L. Bean … More L.L. Bean Mountain Light XT 2 Tent Review
It’s a simple thing, a camp stove, but it’s one of the pieces of gear that can truly make or break your evening if things don’t go as planned. A sputtering stove is a useless stove when trying to boil water at high elevation. When it comes down to it, you’re relying on your camp stove … More MSR Wind Pro II Stove Review
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