Packing gear that has a dual purpose is one of the most efficient ways to pack. It’s like getting a two for one deal on the trail and you prevent having to lug around the extra weight of single use equipment. Though with some pieces of kit it’s good to have backups, as is the case with this simple hack that will keep your bearings straight. There is an old trick to locate north, south, east and west using an analog watch (clock with hands) or the analog clock feature on yo

The percentage of Northbound thru hikers that quit within the first week is 25%, these hikers don't even make it out of Georgia. Another 25% don’t make it to Damascus, VA. Only 10-15% of thru hikers will complete the 2189-mile journey to Katahdin this year. Why do most people quit? Well besides the fact that it’s hard, they don’t follow the “6 P’s”. Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Andy and I have been planning like madmen over the past month gearing up for our

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

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

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

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,