In most parts of the country, the month of May is when life springs into action. Heavy winters and rainy Aprils give way to sunshine, warm temperatures, and endless outdoor fun. But, is that true in the Rockies? Mountain areas… Read More »Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in May: Good Idea?
If you’re like me and grew up in an area without bears, the prospect of meeting one on the trail is just as terrifying as it is exciting. There is nothing that can take a camping or backpacking trip from… Read More »Does Cayenne Pepper Keep Bears Away?
Packing for your next backpacking trip requires you to make tough decisions about what will and will not come along. The heavier that something is, the more you tend to ask yourself, “do I really need this?” This is a… Read More »Do You Need a Tent Footprint?
Most of the time, when you hear the word “Polyester”, it’s not in the most positive light. Commonly, people deride polyester because it’s a synthetic fabric. Hikers, backpackers, and people who love the National Parks, though, know that polyester clothing… Read More »Is Polyester a Good Base Layer?
In April 2021, the National Parks Service released a brand-new mobile app dedicated to America’s National Parks. It promises to be a go-to resource for all 423 National Parks, monuments, and designated areas. But, is it actually useful for backpacking,… Read More »National Parks Service App Review: Is it Useful?
If you’ve never backpacked before, one of the biggest challenges pre-trail is finding a backpack that actually works for you. Planning a trip longer than 3 days means you’re going to need more than just the bare essentials- plus lots… Read More »Backpacking Basics: What Size Pack for a 5-Day Trip?
Trying to change your travel plans is usually a nightmare. Flights and hotels are notoriously picky and unwilling to help, but what about train travel? Is Amtrak customer service good, easy to deal with, and helpful? Or is it a… Read More »My (Fantastic) Experience With Amtrak Customer Service
Visiting Seattle is something that should be on the bucket list for every foodie, outdoor/adventure nut, and coffee lover alike. There are few places that seem to “have it all” quite the same way that the Pacific Northwest does. If… Read More »First Time in Seattle? Here’s What to Do and See!
When you’re prepping for your next overnight or multi-day backpacking trip, one thing that should be on your mind is how to safely deal with a bear encounter. Spending time in bear country is a great way to get far… Read More »Is Pepper Spray the Same as Bear Spray?
Across the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, you’ll encounter almost everything nature has to throw at you. Snow, rain, howling wind in some parts; bleak, dry, and arid desert in others- even active volcanoes! Stretching from one US… Read More »What National Parks are on the Pacific Crest Trail?