As I’ve mentioned previously, our family has some ambitious adventure plans this summer. On various outings we’ll be taking some or all of our kids with us into the backcountry. I’m not talking parks, I’m talking areas out of cellphone range with lions (mountain) and bears (not teddys). What makes …
Read More »The Burden of Digital Memories
I have a crisis. My electronic gadgets are taking up more and more weight on my outdoor adventures. It came to a head when I noticed that my camera, video camera, GPS and solar charger was weighing in at almost 10 lbs. Most of this is related to two main …
Read More »Can I bring my children on a rafting trip?
A summer is not complete without a fun family trip. This year, you’re looking to do something more exciting and outdoorsy than previous years. Maybe you have always wanted to experience whitewater rafting, but are unsure if your kids can handle the trip. Here are some things you should know …
Read More »3 late season snow trails for training for the JMT in WA
In an attempt to give me a feel for and help me train for the John Muir Trail while I’m in Washington I’ve been looking for trails that would take me into cold weather conditions in June/July for a day or two at a time. The Washington Trails Association Trail …
Read More »50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4
Have you climbed a tree? Eaten an apple freshly picked? What about built a raft? or how about caught a crab? The UK National Trust has put out a website and list of 50 things every kid should do before they’re 11 and three quarters. It’s a fun, simple plan …
Read More »I’m a Thermarest Dreamer/Ambassador!
The Therm A Rest Dreamer program is a new ambassador program to promote and share adventures involving the new Therm A Rest sleep systems. I also get to give feedback on the systems and let you know what my thoughts are. I’m happy I get the chance to team up …
Read More »Family Backpacking 2013… with 4 kids under 7 years old – Update #1
As I posted on our Outdoor Adventures for 2013 page, this summer we’re planning something that some might seem a bit crazy. We’re taking along our 4 kids on a 3-day, 2-night family backpacking trip in Washington. This is going to take a lot of planning and a lot of …
Read More »Outdoor Gear Giveaways
From time to time we have Outdoor gear giveaways on the blog, and hopefully we’ll continue to do so. That said, there are a lot more out there that you may want to take advantage of. To help with that we’re working with Hiking the Trail on a site to …
Read More »Platypus Origin 32 Daypack (with video)
Over the past year my Platypus Origin 32 has served as an ultralight weekend pack, diaper bag, laptop bag, Mountain biking hydration system and oh, even a day pack. Let’s just get right to the point, It’s hard to beat the versatility of this day pack and I’d recommend it …
Read More »I’m a Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador!
I’m excited to share that I’m now an ambassador for Gossamer Gear! What does this mean? It means I get to work with a solid brand that I trust over the next year on various projects. Check out the awesome crew that are already on the team here. I already …
Read More »Giotto RT8150 Tripod Review
I have a lot of tripods… scratch that. I have a lot of broken tripods. Some of them are light (12-14 ounces) and broken (the plastic heads invariable break at the mounting plate) and one of them is a massive aluminum tripod that weighs several pounds (despite my having hacked …
Read More »Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles by Cascade Mountain Tech
If you see me on the trail there’s an almost 100% chance that I’ll be carrying trekking poles. They just provide so many benefits for hiking that I don’t even think about not taking them. You don’t have to drop a lot of money to pick up a good pair …
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