The 5 Best Backpacking Trips in Texas
Texas is nearly devoid of public land. No public land means backpacking opportunities are scarce in the Lone Star State. Even though Texas has multiple State Parks, most are no more than a few square miles in total size. At any given State Park you could hike the entire trail system in a day leaving no real opportunity for backpacking. Luckily we have two National Parks in the Western mountains (yes Texas has mountains) and a small group of National
How Well Do You Know Your National Parks? – Take the Quiz
In honor of National Parks week (April 20-28) Test your knowledge with our National Parks Quiz. How well do you know your national parks?
Big Agnes Husted 20F FireLine Pro Sleeping Bag Review
What do you look for in a sleeping bag? For me there are four main features that determine the quality of a sleeping bag. In order of importance. Warmth, Weight, Size, Cost. Okay maybe cost is up a little higher in importance than I’m letting on. After all I have always relied on budget sleeping bags and have never bought a bag over $150.
This Weeks Free Gear – Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, and Kayaking Gear Giveaways
Are you interested in getting free gear? Who isn't? Below is a list of all the Outdoor, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, and Kayaking gear giveaways I could find. Check back next week to see if I can find any more. Outdoor Gear Giveaways MyLifeOutdoors (yes that's me) is giving away a Big Agnes Husted 20F Sleeping bag. Technically the giveaway hasn't started yet, but if you subscribe by email you can enter early. Giveaway Ends: May 13th. Section Hiker is giving
Avalanche Lake – Adirondacks, New York
I have spent most of my time hiking in the West. And I will admit in the past I have turned my nose up at Eastern mountains. Eastern mountains seem more like hills than mountains. The highest peak in the East isn’t even as tall as the Texas high point. And Texas is stereotyped as being flat. Avalanche Lake So when my wife and I took an epic road trip from Texas to Maine…I went looking for a good overnight trip to
Devil’s Postpile National Monument – California
On our second Day (click here for day one) in California we woke up absurdly early to head to Yosemite from San Francisco. We were so ready to get out of the city and experience the part of California that had called us onto this adventure. We drove about six hours from the city to our campsite. Along the drive, while we were enjoying an amazing first view of the iconic granite monoliths, we were trying to make final plans
Montane Atomic Rain Jacket – Review
One of the best pieces of rain gear I have ever owned are the Montane Astro Ascent pants with Event. Most rain gear I have used leaves you more wet from your own sweat than you would be if you just faced the rain. Montane’s event pants are the only rain gear I have ever owned that made me think, “this is what breathable fabric must feel like.” Unwilling to fork out $300+ dollars I have never found a jacket
Muir Woods and San Francisco – California Trip – Day One
Last year sometime my wife and I decided that we wanted to take a trip to California. She had never been, and my parents tell me that I visited as a child but I only vaguely recollect this event. We were excited to spend a few days in San Francisco and several days in the Yosemite National Park area. We were ready for an adventure of good food, iconic sights, and some peaceful trail time. California wouldn’t disappoint.Muir Woods We began
Grand Trunk Parachute Nylon Double Hammock – Review
I’ve never been much interested in a backcountry hammock. For one, I’m a stomach sleeper (actually I like to flop around) and a hammock just doesn't seem like it would be comfortable for extended sleep. I changed my mind when Grand Trunk offered me the Grand Trunk Parachute Nylon Double Hammock. Well, my wife changed my mind for me. She convinced me to give it a try, after all that’s what reviewing is all about. Grand Trunk Double HammockGrand Trunk
How To Prevent Blisters – WrightSocks Double Layer Technology – Review
This is the one of several posts contributed by my wife. 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. When I think of hiking I am transported to a place where life is simpler. Where all I have to worry about is my survival in the backcountry of some remote and beautiful location. I think of quiet time.