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Leave No Trace: A Beginner’s Guide to Responsibly Enjoying the Outdoors
Regardless of the outdoor pursuit, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land. When hiking, backpacking, or overlanding, we expect to find the outdoors in pristine condition. There’s nothing worse than discovering an amazing campsite only to see that it’s been trashed by others.In this blog post, we'll break down the seven Leave No Trace
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HEST Camp Pillow: Bringing Home Comfort to the Campsite
Finding a good pillow for camping can be a challenge. Whether you're backpacking, overlanding, or car camping, a good night's sleep can make or break your trip. There are many different options out there, but I have yet to find a pillow that combines portability with comfort—until I started using the HEST Camp Pillow. Design & Build Quality The HEST
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Hiking Smarter: The Benefits of Satellite Communicators
In this age of smartphones, it’s easy to take being connected for granted, especially if you live in an urban area with cell signals everywhere. However, when you head into the backcountry, particularly in the Western United States, you are unlikely to have cell service. Satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach Mini, Spot X, or Zoleo Satellite Communicator
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Outdoor Preparedness: Lightning Safety for Hikers
Hike long enough or go on enough backpacking trips, and you will eventually get caught in a thunderstorm. Knowing how to protect yourself from lightning is an essential hiking skill. Understanding Lightning: Lightning occurs when negative and positive particles in the clouds, air, and ground build up enough charge to overcome the atmosphere’s insulating properties. Ground strikes happen when a
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The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System: A Compact and Efficient Camp Cooking Setup
The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System is a complete camp cooking solution that packs down into a compact, portable package. The system consists of a two-burner stove, a 5-liter pot, a non-stick frying pan, a universal lid that fits both the pot and the pan, a windscreen, a regulator, and a carrying bag. Impressively, all of these components nest
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Trail Runners vs. Hiking Boots: 5 Reasons to Make the Switch
When it comes to hitting the trails, choosing the right footwear is crucial. Traditionally, hiking boots have been the go-to choice for many hikers and backpackers. However, trail runners have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique advantages. Here are five benefits of trail runners over hiking boots: 1. Lightweight and Comfortable One of the most significant benefits
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Maximize Your Off-Road Experience: The Importance of Airing Down
For me, the fun of overlanding is getting into areas where most people don’t go. I love to explore places I haven’t been and see what’s around the next corner. To reach these remote areas, you have to leave the pavement behind. Forest service roads and off-road trails can be rocky and rough terrain. You might encounter washboard
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Enjoying the Outdoors: Managing Bugs While Backpacking
Backpacking allows us to connect with nature, find peace in the wilderness, and explore beautiful landscapes. However, one aspect that can ruin the experience for some is dealing with bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other insects can be a nuisance, but with some preparation and knowledge, you can minimize the issue. Here’s how to prevent bugs from ruining
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Getting Into Overlanding? Your Stock Vehicle is Enough
Overlanding has grown tremendously in popularity. It's easy to see why: the freedom to explore remote and beautiful places at your own pace is irresistible. However, a common misconception is that you need an expensive, custom-built vehicle to start overlanding. In reality, you can start overlanding without breaking the bank. Here’s why. 1. Basic Vehicles Can Handle More Than
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The 10 Essentials of Hiking: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Adventures
Hiking is a great hobby that allows you to connect with nature, challenge yourself mentally and physically, and explore areas that many people who are unwilling to put in the effort will never see. However, it's crucial to be well-prepared to ensure your safety and comfort on the trail. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, having