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West Coast Trail – #1 Hike in the World

west-coast-trail-–-#1-hike-in-the-world

The WCT was closed all of 2020.

We still don’t know if it will reopen for 2021. Reservations might open in April.

Read our WCT information page.

While we wait, here’s a cute short video that captures the feel of the adventure.

ESPECIALLY the ladders.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Want to see more?

Watch Sean Tilden’s lovely edit.

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National Parks Adventure (2016)

national-parks-adventure-(2016)

Narrated by Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure is an IMAX documentary touring U.S. Parks including Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite, and Arches.

Look for it on streaming services including Netflix.

Join famed mountaineer Conrad Anker on a road trip with stepson Max Lowe and artist Rachel Pohl.

Click PLAY or watch the trailer on YouTube.

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Nature Valley restored 10k National Park trails

nature-valley-restored-10k-national-park-trails

For the past 3 years General Mill’s brand Nature Valley has done maintenance on as many as 10,000 miles of trails over 19 national parks in 16 states.

And the brand has renewed its commitment, pledging $3 million to work with the National Park Foundation to restore another 10,000 miles of trails, including the removal of invasive species, repairing structures and building boardwalks.

Details.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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How to choose a camping tent

How to choose a camping tent

How to choose a camping tent is just like assuring your home has the best roof. Actually, the tent is your shelter, your dome of protection against all the elements, your home away from home. Your family might want to spend the summer getting the feel of nature. Of course, you want to feel the cool air, the soothing sounds of the babbling brook. Ahh, but when you encounter the chill of the night because of dim knowledge on how to choose a tent, your summer vacation might not turn out the best. Most people shun away from the basic questions that are necessary to ask for them to know how to choose a camping tent. Here are some tips you should know to help you on the outdoor experience of a lifetime. Believe me, you will give yourself a pat on the back later just because you chose these extra minutes to learn a little bit more.

There are things to consider before you decide how to choose a tent. You have to consider the purpose of the tent, what season you’re going out on an outdoor experience, how many will be going on your trip, etc. Of course, when you want to spend time camping with the whole family, you should bear in mind the comfort, space and ventilation of the tent. Also think about the amount of gear (coolers, clothes, flashlights, backpacks etc.) you will keep in the tent. If you are going camping backcountry, then weight, size and durability of the tent should be considered as well.

Consider how long you will be setting camp. Are you just going for a day or two, or will you be camping a day or two every month? If you are planning to set camp for several days, buying a heavy tent is worth the expense and additional weight. If your camping adventure involves you getting exposed to the natural elements: storm, hail, snow, sleet, etc., four season tents are available for your convenience. On hot nights, poor ventilation in your tent will cause sleeping turmoil, so be sure to consider ventilation as well.

One of the most basic and most important parts of the tent is of course, its floor. A good floor will keep out ground water that could seep under your tent. Here are the different types of tent floors:

• Bathtub floor – a floor that wraps up along the sides. It is named such because it is wrapped up around 2-4 inches above ground level. This type of floor is made of heavy duty waterproof material.

• Nylon floor – this type of floor is not water repellent. Urethane treatment is needed for it to become highly waterproof.

• Polyweave floor – Contrary to nylon floors, these floors are highly waterproof but are not advisable in the presence of sharp rocks. The materials of a polyweave floor are the same ones used in covering boats or trailers. They are also heavier than nylon floors and might cause a little more weight in your backpack.

Bear in mind that tent floors can also wear out. A ground tarp is highly recommended. If you want something specifically made for your tent, you can buy a “footprint” tarp for most middle to high-end tents, such as Eureka camping tents. When camping during winter, position your tent in such a way that the early morning sun can thaw the dew or snow on your tent.

You may ask: how do I make sure that my tent seams are good? The floor seam should have lap-felled seams for it to become durably waterproof. These lap-felled seams provide extra strength because they are composed of layers of interlocking fabric joined by a double row of stitching. Nylon tents that are uncoated should have taped seams. Nylon tends to unravel. To avoid this, the end of the fabric behind the seam should be taped or hidden with another fabric. All end points should be strengthened with extra stitching or bar tacking. Always give the material a tug to make sure the weight is equally distributed across the stress points.

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Tips For Choosing The Right Camping Backpack

Tips For Choosing The Right Camping Backpack

A person who is not experienced with camping or hiking may think that all [[[backpack]]]s are the same,  but that is far from the truth. For a camper who is serious about making the most out of a camping trip, a backpack can make or break an excursion to the woods.

Take the plight of a trekker who traveled to the Appalachians in 1994. Rather than a thrilling camping expedition, he needed to return home injured from the weight of an ill-fitted backpack that damaged his hips. A decade later, the same hiker, utilizing a backpack more suited to his needs, walked over 950 miles of terrain, turning what could have been another ugly experience into a more pleasant memory.

Loowoko Hiking Backpack, 50L Waterproof Travel Backpack Trekking Rucksack Mountaineering Backpack with Rain Cover for Men Women Outdoor Sport

Made of high-quality nylon fabric, water-resistant, tear and wear-resistant, reinforced straps, neat stitches, durable buckle with SBS Zippers, high quality and durable.
Top loading main compartment with gusseted girdle closure and adjustable top cover. Large front pockets, multiple zippered side pockets and a number of elastic bands, powerful storage features inside the bag, a hat room design, very convenient for outdoor sports.
Ergonomic design fits back structure, protecting your back while you are carrying a heavy load. Widened and adjustable straps help release burdens on the shoulder. Breathable mesh padding gives you a comfortable and dry hike.
Large Capacity: 50L capacity can hold all your daily necessities such as tent, moisture pad, sleeping bag, alpenstocks, clothes, climbing shoes, umbrella, iPad, Macbook, cup, shampoo, toothbrush, facial cleanser, first aid kit, rope, food, etc.
High quality professional backpack for trekking, camping, hiking. Main compartment with divider, hip-belt pockets, front pockets and side pockets to keep your stuff separate and organized

There are a few key tips you should bear in mind when selecting a backpack for the outdoors.

First, you need to assemble a fairly comprehensive list of gear you need to bring on the trip. Whereas some campers prefer to haul a bare minimum, others like to be well equipped and ready for almost any eventuality. Consequently, the size of your backpack is important. If you intend to camp or hike for several days – or even simply overnight -you need a sufficient amount of supplies to cover your time and prospective needs.

Second, make sure your backpack is comfortable to wear for a lengthy period of time. The best styles of backpacks distribute the weight in the bag evenly so that you can wear it comfortably for a few hours while hiking. Try it on at the store to ensure it meets your need. Some camping stores even provide weights inside so you get the full effect of the backpack. By placing these in the pack, you can walk around the store to get a sense of how well the weight distributes and how much you can actually hold while remaining comfortable and not overly straining your back or shoulders.

Third, select a frame for the backpack. You can choose between an internal and external frame, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Internal frames are more slender and allow the pack to remain close to your body which makes it great for densely wooded and more narrow trails. They do not restrain your ability to move in the least, but are admittedly more cumbersome to load and sometimes do not hold as much gear.

LOCAL LION HWJIANFENG 80L Backpack for Outdoor Sports Hiking Traveling Trekking Camping Waterproof Mountaineering Ultralarge Capacity Internal Frame Men Women 80L+5L

  • BREATHABLE & COMFORTABLE: Adopted suspension air exchange carrying system, the bag does not touch body directly for maximum breathability. Made of durable material, not easily deformed. Designed according to ergonomic, can more effectively fit the spine curve.
  • MINIMAL PRESSURE: With thicker waist support pads and 3D sponge pads, can effectively transfer the weight of the shoulders to the crotch, good for energy conservation, and delay muscle fatigue caused by long-distance traveling. Shoulder belts used honeycomb breathable mesh fabric, can relieve shoulder pressure.
  • EXTRA LARGE AND EXPANDABLE STORAGE SPACE: The main compartment has a large capacity of 80L. Using drawstring to close the main compartment, you can expand the capacity.
  • VARIOUS HANGING SYSTEM & ORGANISATION SYSTEM: With lanyards, you can hang climbing stick, tents, folding chairs and so on. The hanging ring on strap can hang the kettle, flashlight; Bottom compartment can carry sleeping bags or shoes. Top compartment can carry clothes. Both sides are equipped with large-capacity pocket (about 2L) , can carry a large number of trivial items. With zipper pocket on both waist strap, you can put the small items in it, like mobile phones, flashlights.
  • SECURITY GUARANTEE: The backpack can protect the body from emergency as a buffer, the top compartment can protect the head. With whistle on strap, you can use it in the emergency situation.

External frames, on the other hand, are great for clear walking paths and wider trails and are generally easier to pack. However, they tend to restrict mobility because they are larger and less flexible, making them seem more uncomfortable at first. External frames are the best option, though, when buying a backpack for beginners or children.

Finally, when purchasing a backpack, take into consideration whether it is designed to work efficiently with weather sheets that help protect your pack against dew and rain. Also assess how attachments can be accommodated for your pack. Most backpacks have either rings or snap-ons (or both), allowing the convenient integration of accessories with your pack.

Finding a backpack doesn’t need to be a challenge if you familiarize yourself with options ahead of time. By following these few tips, you should be able to purchase one that fits your budget and your camping experience needs, helping to make sure you have a wonderful adventure in the woods.

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Best Hiking Books & DVD’s

The Wainwright Collection (Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk / Wainwright’s Lakeland & England’s North Country / Highlands and Islands of Scotland

THE WAINWRIGHT COLLECTION 3-DVD BOX SET


The only series the legendary fell-walker, ALFRED WAINWRIGHT, made for television.

WAINWRIGHT’S LAKELAND & ENGLAND’S NORTH COUNTRY DVD.
When the young Alfred Wainwright first saw the mountains of the Lake District it was an experience that changed his life. As an old man AW recreated his love affair with Lakeland in broadcaster Eric Robson’s company. They explored Orrest Head and Kendal, Haweswater, Borrowdale and made an emotional visit to AW’s favourite mountain Haystacks. He also introduced Eric to the Howgill Fells, Penyghent and the Pennine valley of Teesdale.

 

WAINWRIGHT’S HIGHLANDS & ISLAND of SCOTLAND DVD including additional programme THE CAIRNGORMS.
In 1987 Wainwright and Eric travelled from Cape Wrath in the far north of Scotland to the Isle of Skye, the Torridon mountains, Glen Coe, the Cairngorms and many other special places.

WAINWRIGHT’S COAST TO COAST WALK.
AW shares the highlights of his 190 mile walk from the Irish Sea at St. Bees Head in the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. Two thirds of the route lies within three contrasting National Parks: the rugged mountains and beautiful lakes of the Lake District, the rolling hills and pretty valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and the expansive heather moorland of the North York Moors, with dramatic coastal scenery at each end.

 

 

 

 

 

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Camping Essentials

Camping Essentials

With camping season right around the corner, you are sure to be
planning the best camping trip ever with your family. In order to make
it a great camping trip, you need to be sure that you have the gear you
need for camping. We have created this great checklist for you to use,
to be sure that you do not forget any camping essentials.

Cooking Essentials For Camping


• Water
• Can Opener
Food
• Pots and Pans
• Ice Chest
• Charcoal
• Lighter
• Plates/Bowls/Mugs
• Eating Utensils
• Spices
• Salt and Pepper
• Garbage Bags
• Drinks

Don’t Forget About Clean Up After Cooking

• Dish Soap
• Dish Towel
Large Tub For Washing Up Cookware

Be sure that you plan meals that are easy. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and
sandwiches are some of the easiest low maintenance camping meals that you
will find.

Sleeping Essentials For Camping

Tent
Sleeping Bags
• Pillows
• Extra Blankets If Needed

Personal Hygiene and Shower Essentials

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towels
• Wash Cloths
• Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Hair Brush and Hair Accessories
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Toilet Paper
• Small Mirror
• Deodorant

Clothing Essentials

• T- Shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Socks
• Underwear
• Boots
• Tennis Shoes
• Swimsuit

Miscellaneous Essentials

• Bug Spray
• Binoculars
First Aid Kit
• Fishing Gear
• Hunting Gear
• Oil Lamps
• Flash Lights
• Deck of Cards
• Screen Room
• Knife
• Extra Batteries
• Cell Phone
• Battery Powered Fan

Camping is a lot of fun, and the more prepared you are, the better your
trip will be. Be sure and print this list out so that you will not
forget anything important for your camping trip.

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Wyoming’s Wind River Range Traverse

wyoming’s-wind-river-range-traverse

Wyoming’s Wind River Range Traverse. Tim Seymour put together a route higher and more adventurous than the adjacent Continental Divide Trail.

They got some weather.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (42min)

Click PLAY or watch a Google Earth flyover of their route on YouTube.

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WHY WALK?

why-walk?

One of the few good things about the pandemic is the number of non-hikers rediscovering the pleasures of walking.

It’s healthy, too.

Around 8,000 steps a day was linked with a 51 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared with taking 4,000 steps.

Taking 12,000 steps a day was linked with a 65 per cent lower risk than taking 4,000 steps a day.

CBC