Month: March 2021

There are a lot of viewpoints to be found when it comes to the great outdoors. The view from your car window while driving to your desired destination. The view when you hike up a trail and come to a clearing with a view that a picture will never do justice of.  The view you get while sitting around the campfire at night after a long day exploring.  The views you see at sunrise and sunset. Don’t get me wrong. These viewpoints are amazing! However, there is one viewpoint I love above all the others.  This is the tent viewpoint.   The moment of when you open the window or door to your tent and find the beauty of nature captured all around you is unique from the other viewpoints.   It’s become the view I desire to find and capture. 

Can I share with you my favorite ever tent view?

It was my birthday two years ago.  We had found this amazing campsite the night before. The views were panoramic all around it. We didn’t go to bed until it was completely dark because it was just so beautiful. I had decided I was going to get up at sunrise to take in the views. Getting up early in the morning is not my favorite, but it did not disappoint.  It was more than my mind could of imagined.   Looking out the camp doors the view I saw took my breath away. The lake was glass that perfectly reflected the snow capped mountains. I had never felt so alive and awake so early in the morning. It was a tent view I will never forget.  

I challenge you to not just relive this moment with me.  I hope it rather inspires you to get out and camp this summer.  As you go on camping adventures, I can’t wait for you to find your favorite tent view.  

Happy Camping Adventures! 

Last summer, I decided that it was time to upgrade my current hiking daypack.  I quickly found a one in colors I love, purple and black, in a brand I absolutely adore. I thought it was so cool how it was set up with pockets and a  stuff section in the front. When I saw it, before I had even tried it on, I had pretty much made up my mind that this daypack was coming home with me. While trying it on, I remember thinking it was a little on the heavy side without my gear in it and somewhat uncomfortable how the straps dug into my arms. However, without a second thought, I moved past the warning signs that day and bought that cute daypack. 

The daypack has since become the terribly “cool” daypack. I learned that looks aren’t the only thing that matters. I learned during many hikes in the past year the daypack was in fact very heavy and caused unnecessary back strain.  The minor strap issue turned into a much larger issue causing my arms to hurt during the hike as those straps dug in. Obviously, I no longer use the terribly “cool”  daypack. It has been replaced. I learned my lesson the hard way by ignoring the warning signs. Let’s keep you from making these same mistakes when choosing a daypack.

Tips to avoid buying the terribly “cool” daypack:

1. Pay attention to feel. 

It is important how the daypack feels on your body. You are going to be wearing this often and for several hours at a time.  If something is uncomfortable or doesn’t feel right, don’t make excuses. Be willing to walk away from it, no matter how cool it looks or what brand it might be. 

2. Be Picky

Don’t sacrifice your back.  You have a right to choose something that will work best for you.  Don’t choose  based on what others have or what is top rated in an article for 2021. Reviews are helpful, but remember you are what matters most here.  How does the daypack fit you? Try different options before choosing the one that is best for you.

3. Don’t be frugal at the expense of your back.

There are some things you really just have to spend money on to get something that won’t kill your back.  The structure of the daypack itself is important. You want to buy a daypack that has been made well, with comfort and your back support in mind. It’s okay to spend more on a daypack that you will use for years and years to come versus buying one every year because it didn’t hold up. 

Good luck finding your next daypack.  Happy hiking.  Let’s wander onto the trail this week with a great daypack and find new adventures. 

We always seem to focus our energy and conversations about the hike itself.  We like to talk about the moment we came over the ridge and saw the most beautiful view.  We like to talk  about conquering the steepest part of the trail.  We like to talk about pushing ourselves past our limits.  We like to talk about how silly it was when we tripped on the smallest root and almost fell. But what about AFTER THE HIKE?  Let me tell you about a few of my favorite after the hike moments.

After the hike, its the best feeling to take off my hiking shoes when I get to the car.  That moment is just sweet relief. I did it!  It’s like I take off the shoes I conquered the mountain with and it’s a nod to saying I get to rest now.  

After the hike, its great to sit down in my car, give my feet a break, and drink an entire bottle of water.  Even though my feet and legs scream at me,  I always want to start planning for the next hike. 

After the hike, its the best feeling in the world to go and eat a ton of calories without feeling an ounce of guilt because I just burned so many on the trail. Personally, during a challenging hike I tend to like to think about what delicious food will be consumed after the hike.  I mean lets be honest, protein bars are great for energy, but never something I can’t wait to eat! 

After the hike, it’s the best feeling in the world to sit by the campfire at night, drink an orange creme Tommy Knockers with just your socks on, and talk with everyone about the adventures we found on the trail that day.  It’s not complete without sharing pictures and videos of the day and laughing at the moments you had along the way.  

Let’s think about our after the hike moments.  Aren’t they just the best? After the hike moments motivate new hiking adventures and challenge us to push ourselves beyond previous limits.  Enjoy those moments. Enjoy kicking off your hiking shoes. Don’t  lose the joy of the accomplishments of today in the pursuit of the accomplishments of tomorrow. Let’s bask in the after the hike moments.  Happy Trails!