Articles

Dogs in the Backcountry

He was wrapping up a backcountry patrol weekend, coming down the last leg of the trail when a bear cub came racing around the corner. He scrambled for the bear spray before momma joined her offspring – and then...

Double-duty Outdoor Gear

I love it when I get a new piece of outdoor gear and it serves a variety of purposes. Like my favorite pair of leather telemark boots with inside booties that work as cabin slippers. Like my down jacket...

Inspirational Outdoor Enthusiast

“A Certified Badass! Finally…”I read this Tweet last night and laughed out loud.It came from one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever met: Warren Macdonald.I was writing a children’s magazine article about artificial limbs a few years ago and...

The Luxury of Backcountry Coffee

I’m a “must-have” morning coffee person. Tea doesn’t cut it, nor does hot chocolate or anything herbal – it’s gotta be strong black java. Pretty particular, huh? Just try and mess with my morning ritual and see what happens.So...

Outdoor Adventures with Infants and Toddlers Part II: A Tantrum Over a Leaf, Now It’s a Party

Coaches routinely employ rousing speeches and inspirational stories to motivate their teams to play better. The same holds true with my friend Andrea Bertini, a coach for a university women’s basketball team and the co-author of this blog. Through...

Tips for Beginner Hikers Before Hitting the Trail

“What is a fleece?”  The question caught me off-guard for a moment.  We’d been discussing what clothes to pack for an afternoon scramble up to a mountain pass.  My daughter’s friend wasn’t familiar with the term we used to...

More Wild Encounters

From faded midget rattlesnakes to tarantulas to desert tortoises – hiking in the southwest can be rather wild!Tarantulas on the trail! (Photo: B.Kopp)Snakes in SlotsWith names like “Peek-a-boo” and “Spooky”, it’s no wonder the slot canyons of Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are...

How to Start Backpacking with Your Family

With the price of fuel skyrocketing, it’s nice to know that we can always depend on our feet to keep adventure travel alive! Slap a pack on your back and you’re ready to explore the unknown.  And the good...

Energizing Trail Mix

Snacking along the trail is the only way to keep your energy levels topped up. Skip the snacks and there’s a good chance you’re going to crash. Low energy levels can lead to mistakes – a foot placed wrong, a...

Backpacking Breakfast Ideas

Out with the oats – there are other easy staples on the horizon that can help make your mornings out on the trail a little less predictable.A new look at breaking the fast. (Photo: M.Kopp)Try a little riceThat’s right,...

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Best Sleeping Bag for Camping

Whether you’re curled up out under the open sky or tucked away safely in your tent, you’ll be depending...