So you’ve heard about “wilderness and backcountry athletics,” it sounds like something you could really get into, but you’re not quite sure how to get started. You’ve probably heard that you need to take out a loan to get the gear you need. And most likely you’ve also heard that you should be in great shape or that you need to travel long distances to experience the “real backcountry.” Fortunately, none of these are prerequisites or requirements for getting out in the wild

In part one we discussed techniques to help prevent a bear encounter, but even in vast wilderness it’s possible to cross paths with one though you’ve taken all the proper precautions. Often these encounters will result in surprise for both parties and the bear will take the closest route out of the situation. However, if the bear feels threatened or in need of protecting her cubs, things can escalate quickly. Experts recommend always carrying bear spray in bear country, but

Get the proper and natural fuel you need to go the extra distance by mixing up your own trail mix. GORP (good ol’raisins and peanuts) has been a staple of backcountry gourmet for years, but lets face it—it’s boring. Raisins and peanuts are great power foods that provide protein for energy and vitamins to keep you going, however, there are plenty of other nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, you can add to the mix giving your trail fuel an extra kick of flavor and nutrients. Unfor

Line is by far the most important feature of your fly-fishing rig. Because I want you to be the most capable fisherman possible, I'm going to explain the different aspects of fly line, as best I can, without putting you to sleep. Talking to people I know that fly fish I’m astounded to find that many of them only know about floating and sinking lines. They had no idea about any of the weighted aspects of the fly line on their rigs. With spin fishing the weight of the lure bei

It may not seem like it just yet, but spring is right around the corner. And for us that means a lot of road trips and adventures are ahead. Though winter isn’t quite over, it’s coming time to pack up most of the cold weather gear and start enjoying the sunshine. Of course we won’t be alone, many woodland creatures will be out enjoying the warming days leading to summer as well. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is one of the most prized experiences about what we do,

What's your favorite part of a camping trip? Is it the sweet aroma of a campfire? Maybe conversations with old friends that drowns out the fire's crackle and pop? Is it the complete and utter silence of solitude? Could it be the accomplishment of conquering a mountain that just hours earlier loomed over you daring you to hike up? And what about those views? Who doesn't love wildlife encounters (certain animals excluded, of course, I'm looking at you bear!)? While I enjoy the

As of today Valentine’s Day is only nine days away, but I’m sure you knew that. You’ve probably been pacing around trying to come up with the best way to impress your crush or significant other, outside of the cliché norm. You really want to impress them with a special time and experience that they’ll remember, but most of all you want it to be time they’ll remember spending with you. Am I right? Luckily Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, which means you’ll have

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to hang up your pack and mothball the rest of your gear. It seems once the low temps, snow, and ice start showing up a lot of backcountry athletes pack it in for the off season. This doesn’t have to be the case, getting out in the snow and cold is certainly more challenging than the warmer sunny days of summer, but that’s what its all about, a challenge, right? There are lots of benefits to getting out in the colder middle mon