Distant rugged and wild vistas stretch far beyond the sheer stone cliff edge where you stand. The air you breath flows by, clear, clean, and crisp; only the smell of pine and other flora drift with it. From your soaring rocky perch, you observe and take in the landscape far below as it becomes clear through the mist and the dizzying height. You scan the outlying valley floor as it spans, carpeted by trees and vegetation appearing as one giant green mass. This throng of fo

There are advantages to solo hiking, but hiking with a buddy or in a group has numerous benefits that can make your backcountry expedition even better. After all, we’re social creatures and everyone enjoys being surrounded by like-minded people set out for a similar goal, whether that’s reaching the summit of a 14er, traveling the one hundred sixty-five miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail or taking in the vistas of your favorite path in a nearby forest. Sharing these experiences w

Whether you’re headed out on a day hike or an extended backcountry trek these twelve essentials should always be packed along for the adventure. Often in an effort to cut weight we leave things behind, and assume that due to the appearing benign terrain and distances of some day hikes, and even a few overnights, we just don’t need certain pieces of gear. Well, all assuming does is make an ass out of you and me (ass-u-me). These light essentials are always worth their weigh

Fly fishing reels come in a staggering variety and are often the most expensive piece of fishing gear that you will ever purchase. A good reel will outlast many rods and with careful maintenance will serve you well for years to come. There are two main types of reels: manual and Automatic. Most fly fishermen wouldn't even bring up the Automatic type of reel but as I'm very partial to this kind, I will. It's the type I learned with and still prefer to this day. Early fly reel

Backcountry athletes everywhere know and love Colorado for its fourteen thousand foot mountains. Locals and travelers alike gather at the ground levels of these mountains year round to test themselves against the steep rocky trails that traverse to the high summits. There are fifty-four “14ers” in all that are spread throughout the state and each offer varying levels of challenge and difficulty. Some peaks require serious planning, climbing skills, and technical know how,

One of the most debated and challenging aspects of camping is how to light a fire. There are countless opinions on what is the best method. Purists usually stand firmly with gathering small twigs and leaves that are bunched by hand and then lit. Those that just want t0 start a fire without fuss may pack in store bought fuel or fuel pods, of different sorts, to ensure fire is made. Although, twigs and leaves aren’t always reliable depending on weather. Store bought materia

Also known as the Red and simply the Gorge, the Red River Gorge Geological Area is not only an oasis for hikers and backpackers it’s a premier destination for international rock climbers of all styles. This sandstone canyon, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest on the eastern perimeter of central Kentucky, offers deep wooded hikes that wind through lush forest and thick undergrowth. Its trails lead along slow moving waterways and to the tops of rocky massif plateaus,

“Lions and tigers and bears!” Okay no lions or tigers, but bears, marmots, and the like are out there and they want your food! Though the longtime method of hanging and counterbalancing our essentials from trees is still around, bears are quick learners and have mastered how to defeat your favorite knot. Recognizing this, an increasing number of U.S. National Parks and wilderness areas are mandating the use of bear canisters for backpackers and are imposing hefty fines for th

Make an extra effort to keep yourself safe and prepared while in the backcountry. Often we put a lot of focus on gear that keeps us warm, cool, fed, hydrated, and moving. But gear that could mend an injury or even save us sometimes gets overlooked. There are many different med and first aid kits to choose from, however, they commonly add unwanted weight and are full of basic single-use items, which is why med kits get left behind in the first place. As they say: If you wan