The Sawyer Squeeze has decided to be something different. Instead of the traditional pump style water filter, Sawyer has implemented a plastic bag that can be squeezed (hence the name) which pushes water through a filter. The idea is simplicity, light weight, efficient filtering. It filters bacteria and protozoa. There is also a variation that … More Sawyer Squeeze Review
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
I recently had the chance to do some backpacking in the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness. The area is just over 6,000 acres of wilderness situated just above the Watauga Lake in eastern Tennessee. This area is home to an abundance of black bear, fox, deer, and much more. The Appalachian Trail cuts right through the … More Big Laurel Branch Wilderness
Hiking and backpacking in the winter requires a lot of considerations, and a top priority should be nutrition. Nutrition is always important, but the winter adds additional needs that you may not be away of. You’ll be packing more weight which burns more calories. On top of that, your body will be working constantly to stay … More Winter Nutrition when Hiking and Backpacking
Backpacking isn’t all just climbing mountains, justling through the forests, and fighting bears off of your food bag. Backpacking does have its down times, hiding from storms under the safety net of your tent, or hanging out by the camp fire with your crew. This is where Hive comes in. What is it? Hive is … More Hive Pocket Review
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.
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
As the trees began to open up at the peak and the blue sky began to flow in, I could only think, “This, this is what I was looking for”. Located in the Jefferson National Forest near Mouth of Wilson, Va, the park offers variety that is hard to obtain anywhere else. You’ll find dense … More Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
TreeLineBackpacker 