Category Archives: The Basics

Day Hiking Gear List: Spring & Fall

overlookI woke up this morning to the sound of doves cooing outside of my window.  That is usually a sure sign that Spring is on the way.  While there is probably still more than a month of winter weather ahead of us, I can’t stop thinking about getting out for some nice day hikes.  A lot of my friends won’t hike when it is super cold out, so I’m really looking forward to this!  Now, what will I be carrying with me this Spring? Continue reading Day Hiking Gear List: Spring & Fall

10 Ways to Keep Warm While Camping

CampingMeg bundles up and drinks hot chocolate to kep warm while camping.My friends know that I’m not a fan of numbered lists.  I don’t think simple lists of tricks are conducive to real learning.  If you want to be comfortable and safe in the wilderness, you need to do two thing: READ and PRACTICE.  Practicing is fun, but reading is a lost art. Most people these days don’t have the patience to read more than a simple bulleted list.  Real knowledge comes from reading volumes of information and then applying that information to life.  Alas, it’s Friday. Enjoy this list!

Continue reading 10 Ways to Keep Warm While Camping

The Rule of Threes

Several years ago, I went on a guided backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with A Walk in the Woods.  I had a great time and learned a lot.  One of the most important lessons I took away from that trip was “The Rule of Threes.”  This simple rule has become the cornerstone of my philosophy for lightweight backpacking and enjoying the outdoors safely. Continue reading The Rule of Threes

Crossfit is for Hikers

crossfit

When I started hiking, I was bad at it. I was horribly overweight and my muscles were terribly conditioned.  My feet always hurt and I was always huffing and puffing. I didn’t hike often enough to get in shape, so I tried going to a gym. It didn’t help: I didn’t know what I was doing.

Almost two years ago (5 now), a friend at work found a Groupon for Crossfit Ignite, a new gym just across the street from my home.  I hadn’t heard much about Crossfit, but I new it was pretty intense. On a whim, I decided to sign up and give it a try. My life will never be the same. Continue reading Crossfit is for Hikers

Sample Day Hike Plan

Trail map showing campsites, pit stops, supply points, and possible bailouts for each day of a hike.

Whenever venturing out into the wilderness, I have a plan.  My plan details the “who, what, where, why, when, and how” of my trip.  I always leave my plan with a responsible friend at home, with instructions on what to do if I don’t return. Putting together a trekking plan is an important part of any trip into the wilderness, no matter the length.

Continue reading Sample Day Hike Plan

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

A happy camper with a bag full of goodies from Campmor.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Here I am adding a pair of micro-spikes to my boots.   As you can see, I'm already wearing my gaiters.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

CampingMeg stops to adjust her layering system after warming while climbing this hill.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers