Going camping this winter? If so, seriously consider packing a sleeping bag rated down to 0° Fahrenheit. Why? Two good reasons: 1) Plummeting temperatures often catch people off guard, with 500 Americans dying every year of hypothermia; and 2) Many thousands more survive freezing temperatures but shiver miserably through the night! Here are our picks … Read more
It’s challenging to find perfect gifts for people who already have everything they want. I’m talking about those who choose to live with very few possessions. To keep your gift out of their white elephant dumpster, here are a few tips on 2023’s best gift ideas for men and women who identify as minimalists. Before … Read more
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, you … Read more
If I had to sit down and draw up my dream U.S. road trip itinerary, I’d have a hell of a hard time ever leaving my home state of Colorado. I’m a hopeless skiing, hiking, camping, and outdoor addict, and I simply can’t imagine a better setting to fire up my camper van and start … Read more
It’s difficult to buy gifts for hikers and backpackers in 2023. I understand. We’re a gear-hungry bunch who spend far too much of our free time searching for products that’ll take our trail game to the next level. Buying something for an avid hiker that’s both unique and worthwhile can get overwhelming because we don’t … Read more
Smart travelers know the value of great shoes. When you’re on your feet all day — whether it’s hiking a trail or exploring neighborhoods in a new city — the shoes you wear can make an enormous difference. So thanks for joining me here as I report on the best men’s and women’s travel shoes … Read more
I’ve been searching for a more minimalist approach to footwear for years since I bought my first Vibram Five Finger style back in 2005. From my years of research, I’ve put together my list of the best minimalist barefoot running sandals for men and women in 2023. What are minimalist barefoot sandals? They’re typically lightweight, … Read more
I’ve spent years assembling the best ultralight backpacking gear setup for my multi-day hikes into the wilderness, and I’d love to share my 2023 list with you. Because the gear you bring along backpacking will make or break your trip. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. On a 2014 attempted trek of the Laugavegur … Read more
As a former REI employee with three-and-a-half years of experience in the footwear department, customers have approached me countless times to ask which socks to buy for their next adventure. I’m a sock nerd and know that small details make all the difference in creating the best experience outdoors. These are my recommendations for the … Read more
Once you’ve learned how to become a house sitter and landed your first long-term job, it might all seem too good to be true. You may just feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret travel cheat code or struck the cash-strapped traveler lottery. Feelings like these are bound to bubble up from time to time. … Read more