Ultralight vs. Traditional Backpacking—Pros and Cons of Ultralight Backpacking
Do you remember that movie, Twins, from the 80s staring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito? The two were twins born as part of a genetic experiment, but separated at birth. That’s what I think about when I think of ultralight versus traditional backpacking; these two things that are very closely related but drastically different. So, let's talk about the pros and cons of both, but we'll look at it primarily through the lens of ultralight backpacking. And I feel like I need to
What Kind of Hiker are you? Take the Quiz
What kind of hiker are you? Some are day hikers, some are backpackers. Take the quiz to find out what kind you are? Then share it with your friends.
Crossing the Floating Bog Bridges of the Adirondacks, New York
“Be careful up ahead! I fell in on the floating bog bridges.” What did that guy just say? The FLOATING bog bridges? As we would soon find out first hand the trail between Feldspar Lean-to and Lake Arnold is prone to flooding. Scratch that…has become a permanent 5-10 foot deep swamp. Some years ago ADK trail crews attempted to build bog bridges to get hikers across. But as water continued to rise the bridges have started floating and disintegrating.
Mount Colden Summit Hike – Adirondacks New York
We heard that Lake Colden was a popular place to set up camp. And since Adirondack state park limits backcountry camping to designated spots and shelters we wanted to make sure we grabbed a spot before they were all gone
My Wife Outdoors: Garner State Park
This is one of several posts contributed by my wife. We hope for this to become a regular segment on MyLifeOutdoors. A valuable resource to women (and their husbands) who love the outdoors (or who, at least, wish to love the outdoors). This is My Wife Outdoors. Several months ago I was visiting Monahans Sandhills State Park when I picked up A Texas State Parks State Park Guide. I had rode with some friends to the park and on the way
Santa Fe Baldy and Lake Katharine – 12,622 feet – Pecos Wilderness New Mexico
This is part three of our 4 day hike in the Pecos Wilderness - New Mexico. Read Part One - Hiking to Lake Johnson. and Part Two - Lake Katharine.What is it about water we find so amazing. We are drawn to it in nature in all its forms. Low lying fog, sun shining through morning dew, a mountain stream or an alpine lake. No matter what form it takes, water fascinates us. An amazing view is made that much more amazing
Lake Katharine – Backpacking Pecos WIlderness – New Mexico
This is part two of our 4 day hike in the Pecos Wilderness - New Mexico. Read Part One - Hiking to Lake Johnson. My heart is pounding, my feet ache, and I’m starting to doubt there is a lake up here at all. We feel like we have been hiking all day and the constant incline of the trail seems as if it will never let up. But just as we begin to think we should camp for the night
Nogal Peak – 9957 feet – Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico
Looking out across the Sacramento Mountains north of Sierra Blanca one peak stands out among the rest. Nogal peak is one of those mountains that calls people to climb it, and it has been calling my name every since I first noticed it in the Lincoln National forest outside of Ruidoso New Mexico. Nogal Peak - Lincoln Natioal Forest, NMMy family and I had decided to get away for the weekend with the hopes of catching one last ski day
Bush Mountain Overnight – 8631 feet, Second Highest Peak in Texas
The second highest peak in Texas. I wasn’t sure if my 10 year old was ready for such a strenuous overnight trip. She has done well on some pretty difficult day hikes, but never with this much wight on her back. My 10 year old Daughter high on the Tejas Trail - Guadalupe Mountains National ParkMy wife was out of town for the weekend leaving me and my oldest home alone. I knew we could spend the weekend watching TV
Grand View Point – Grand Tetons National Park
The name says it all: Grand View Point. My family and I were looking for a short easy hike that could get us away from the crowds of Grand Tetons National Park. And that is just what we found tucked away at the end of a short dirt road just off the main highway. Anybody following us would have thought we made a wrong turn down a road closed to the public. At least thats what we were hoping as