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
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.
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
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
Chalk Bucket Review – Mondo Chalk Pot by Black Dimond
Awhile back I got tired of carrying my small drawstring chalk bag during bouldering sessions. At the gym I prefer bouldering over ropes due to the community that always seems to develop around a boulder problem. With that in mind I decided I needed a chalk bucket that I could share with that community as well.
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