Columbine Lake Trail: Superb Hiking Near Silverton, Colorado
Columbine Lake Trail in San Juan National Forest My route of the Columbine Lake Trail I arrived at Silverton’s Columbine Lake Trailhead on an ominously overcast afternoon with dull thunder rumbling overhead and cold rain sprinkling down. I started the high-elevation hike against my better judgment, unsure of what the weather would bring. […]
Road Trip Essentials: Interactive Packing List + 55 Must-Haves
I’ve been learning the ins and outs of road trip essentials and perfecting my packing list since I was old enough to get behind the wheel. The open road attracted me at a very young age and will continue to draw me in for the rest of my days. As an eager teenager, I […]
Herman Gulch Trail: Incredible CDT Day Hiking Near Denver
Herman Gulch Trail in Arapaho National Forest The Herman Gulch Trail is undoubtedly one of the best day hikes near Denver. With its trailhead situated just an hour’s drive from the heart of Colorado’s bustling capital, this Arapaho National Forest hiking gem is as beautiful as it is easy to reach. Over its […]
105 Best Gifts for Hikers 2020: Unique Gift Ideas (Any Budget)
It’s hard to buy gifts for hikers and backpackers in 2020. I get it. We’re a gear-hungry bunch who spends an obscene amount of time searching for products that’ll take our trail game to the next level. Finding unique gifts for us hikers can get overwhelming because we don’t just want good gear, we […]
Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Review
Price: $439 MSRP – Check Price on Montbell Keri’s Rating: 4.6 of 5 stars Pros: Extremely warm and lightweight, very comfortable, full set of features Cons: Not very water-resistant, slightly delicate, expensive Weight: 8.4 oz Women’s Model: Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Lighter Option: Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Jacket: 4.8 oz Budget Option: Superior Down Parka: $209 […]
How to Start a Travel Blog in 2020: Travel, Create (& Get Paid)
Back in 2017, I saved up a chunk of money, quit my job, and started traveling. I had the world at my fingertips and big, shiny plans for the future. That’s right, I was going to start a travel blog and make money while exploring the earth at my leisure! How’d that turn out, […]
Ultra-Minimalist Travel Packing List for a Week
Ultra minimalist travel — these three words sound a tad extreme, don’t they? If they conjure up images of a sunburnt drifter hobbling down the sidewalk with ragged clothes and nothing to their name, I can’t blame you. But, it’s not like that, I swear. Ultra-minimalist travel is anything but an aimless struggle. It’s […]
Budget Backpacking Gear: Cheap 10 lb Ultralight Kit [Sub-$500]
Quality backpacking gear has a reputation for being pricey, but I’m here to show you that it’s entirely possible to put together an affordable ultralight setup on a $500 budget. That’s right; you can get your hands on a brand-new backpacking gear kit with a 10-pound base weight without having to max out your […]
What to Bring on a Day Hike: The Essential Gear [Full Checklist]
Okay, I’ll admit it: years ago, I would never have been qualified to tell you what to bring on a day hike. I used to set off on trails completely unprepared for the twists and turns that lay ahead. I’ve left my rain jacket in my car, and hiked unsuspectingly into chilling alpine storms. […]
Montbell Permafrost Light Down Parka: Women’s Jacket Review
Price: $279 MSRP – Check Price on Montbell Keri’s Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars Pros: Great weight to warmth ratio; practically waterproof; extremely comfortable Cons: No internal zippered pockets; a tad bulky for ultralight backpacking Weight: 13.8 oz Men’s Model: Permafrost Light Down Parka Lighter Option: Alpine Light Down Parka: 12 oz Budget Option: Highland Parka: $149 […]