• North Manitou Island Backpacking – Everything You Need to Know
    One of the perks of living in Michigan is the beauty of the Great Lakes and the amazing backpacking trails that let you explore the lakes. North Manitou Island is my favorite backpacking trail in Michigan and after going there for a second time I wanted to jot down everything I learned and share this place […]
  • Garmin GPSMAP 64st Review
    If you’ve ever gotten lost while hiking or backpacking, you know how scary it can be. Even if you bring your phone and rely on the GPS, sometimes they fail or run out of battery. This is where dedicated GPS units come in to play. By having a single device dedicated to helping you navigate the […]
  • Backpacking without Toilet Paper
    Going backpacking without toilet paper may sound like an odd thing to do. Why would anyone not bring toilet paper (TP) to a campsite? In actuality, many people prefer not bringing toilet paper when backpacking in the great outdoors. In fact, there are numerous good reasons why you should leave the TP at home. Reduce […]
  • Backpacking with Asthma
    If you are asthmatic then you’re probably very familiar with exercise induced asthma. According to WebMD, exercise induced asthma or bronchoconstriction is caused by the airways in the lungs narrowing, making it difficult to breathe. The condition is triggered by strenuous exercise such as backpacking, hiking, jogging and other types of exercise and strenuous activities. […]
  • A Guide to Bothy Bags
    What is A Bothy Bag? A bothy bag is a form of emergency shelter. It’s ideal for hikers and backpackers – people who travel light and don’t usually have a tent. You may already be familiar with the concept if you’ve ever used a bivvy. The main difference between a bothy and a bivvy is […]
  • An Introduction to Barefoot Hiking
    You’ve probably heard of barefoot running – now, get ready for the next step! (No pun intended.) Barefoot hiking has begun gaining traction in the last few years, increasing in popularity among outdoorsy circles. What is barefoot hiking? How can you get into it? Are there any health risks involved with the practice? Barefoot Hiking […]
  • Alternative to Ex Officio Underwear
    Whether you’re a novice hiker or backpacker or you’ve been doing this activity for years, you know that what you wear underneath your clothes is just as important as what you layer on top of it. An uncomfortable pair of underwear that bunches up while you walk, rolls down while you climb or sticks to […]
  • Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Big Guys
    Staying Comfortable On The Trail Backpacking is a popular, low-cost recreational activity almost anyone can enjoy. If you’re planning on an overnight backpacking trip – especially in a chilly region- you’re going to want a sleeping bag. Choosing the right sleeping bag is more involved than you might think, especially for people who usually shop […]
  • Should You Hike in Crocs?
    Renowned for their comfort-before-style appearance, Crocs are the perfect everyday footwear for around the house. Even some claim to fame people like Jack Nicholson and George W. Bush have publically wore a pair of brightly colored Crocs. In addition, some Croc enthusiasts believe these soft and colorful clog type shoes are ideal for hiking. In […]
  • Can You Put Boiling Hot Water In A Nalgene Water Bottle?
    If you get cold when you sleep, putting hot water in a Nalgene can be a great way to keep your sleeping bag nice and toasty. But is it safe to do? In this article I’m going to break down some myths and separate fact from fiction to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about […]
  • The Best Backpacking Fishing Rods
    Any adventurer knows the importance of having the right tool for the right job. when you go on overnight backpacking trips this is especially true. Between your waterporoof bag, your personal items, your equipment and tackle and your clothes, every square centimeter of space in your pack has to be used efficiently. One major space […]
  • The Best 3-in-1 Jackets
    The key to an effective layering system is adaptability. You want to be able to adjust what you are wearing to fit the current situation. This keeps your body temperature at an even, comfortable level throughout the day. Typically, this means buying many different products—including base layers, fleece layers, insulated jackets, and non-insulated shell layers […]
  • National Parks in New York
    If you are visiting New York and looking for refuge away from the city, you really don’t have to travel far. The state of New York actually has 24 National Parks plus 215 state parks and historic sites that encompass 350,000 acres. Each park in itself is exceptional and definitely worth the time to getaway […]
  • Dog Food to Take When Backpacking
    Backpacking With Your Dog The wonders of nature are best when shared with a friend. There are few things more enjoyable than taking your dog backpacking; however, when it comes to packing, you have to plan carefully. Overpacking is the quickest way to weigh down your trip – literally. You’re going to have extra weight […]
  • Deuce of Spades Review
    Overview of the Deuce of Spades Backpacking is a fun pastime and can make you feel one with nature, especially when you have to have to go number two. You obviously need to make sure you bury it in a hole, but what do you use in such a delicate situation? A backpacking trowel is […]
  • Columbia vs North Face
    Cold Competitors If you enjoy outdoor excursions, fashion, or both, then you’ve likely encountered Columbia and The North Face. These competitors provide consumers with a wide selection of sporty apparel and gear – must-haves for athletes and adventurers. Is there a difference between these two companies? Which brand is the best? What should customers know […]
  • Bivy vs Tent
    Before buying the necessary gear for your next adventure, you need to know the difference between a bivy and a tent. For novice camper or backpackers a tent may appear rather expensive whereas a bivy may seem a bit flimsy and not provide enough comfort or security. In order to make the right decision between […]
  • Best Android Compass App
    Your phone is an awesome tool that can perform a variety of tasks. That is if you have the right apps for the job. When navigating unknown territory using a compass is a great way to stay on track. Your phone can serve as a compass and help guide you through thick and thin. Here […]
  • The Ultimate Guide to Car Camping Essentials
    Car camping is not necessarily the act of sleeping in your car while on a road trip. Rather, it involves packing your vehicle as organized as possible with the right gear for an enjoyable journey in the great outdoors. When car camping, keep in mind that you’ll need to bring everything that you plan on […]
  • Black Diamond Storm Headlamp Review
    When I was growing up, we always used battery-powered lanterns around camp at night, and so that always seemed the natural choice to me. I always thought the idea of a head lamp was a little silly—I’m not going to be underground mining coal or anything. But after hearing others swear by them for years, I finally […]