Hiking boots or shoes?

An avid outdoors person all my life, I have always worn boots when it came to camping and exploring in the outdoors.

As a relatively new hiker the game changes a bit. With more miles, differing terrain, it seams that making the correct choice can really help keep the dogs from barking too much. I know ultimately its whats best for me given a number of factors, but I wanted to hear from some of the more experienced trail hounds.

What do you prefer and why? 

Hammock Camping?

I came across this diagram for hammock camping and thought it was pretty informative. I have never used a hammock in place of a tent, but the freedom that comes with it is enticing. Light weight, sleeping under the stars, sounds almost romantic to an wilderness lover.

I had my eye on a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC an awesome hammock with all the bells and whistles. But the ENO Double Nest is much more affordable, especially since I have never truly tried sleeping in a hammock!

I would love to hear from you hammock people. What are the things that you have learned through trial and error? Please comment below.

Image from Survival Magazine

The Dark Energy Reservoir Charger

Join me on the dark side…Dark Energy Reservoir. This is a sleek dark mystical USB charger that has a ton of power. About the size of a cellphone and weighing in at a 5.9 oz, this portable charger has a power capacity of 8000 mAh. On a single charge of the Reservoir, you can charge your phone (3-6 times), camera (4-10 times), GoPro (6-7 times). That's a lot of juice! The Dark Energy Reservoir can charge 2 devices at the same time.

See more at Dark Energy Reservoir

How to use Bear Spray!!!

Check out this how to use bear spray from Backpacker Magazine and don't forget to visit their site!

Easton CTR-70 Trekking Poles

I recently ordered some new trekking poles and got to take them on trail this weekend. I have to say I really enjoyed these pole from Easton. The CTR-70 are a lightweight and durable all-carbon construction. The three-tier design features Rock-Lock™ clamping system, extended EVA foam grip, and adjustable webbing.

The webbing was easily adjusted even with a glove on. The grip design was very comfortable. Even changing the length on the fly was a breeze with the locking mechanisms.

I am extremely excited to continue to use these poles. 

Normally selling for $120.00 I got mine on sale for $40.00 delivered. Great to find things on sale and that you can use a coupon for too!

Find the full specs on Easton's site

Why Trekking Poles you might ask? Check out REI's informative link.

SOG's Seal Pup Knife Review

A couple of weeks ago I bought the SOG SEAL Pup, and have had a chance to put it to the test with several camping trips and hikes. I am really loving this blade! Its the perfect size for carrying while you hike or just for around camp. The AUS-8 blade came razor sharp and even after heavy usage held its edge well. The sheath has a pocket that's perfect for holding a multi-tool, and the snap closure on the belt loop makes attaching it to your pack or belt a breeze.

I highly recommend this knife and cant wait to try out its big brother the SEAL pup Elite.

SEAL Pup has a partially serrated blade that is powder coated for low-reflection and corrosion resistance. Its lightweight, glass-reinforced nylon handle and a raised diamond pattern for secure gripping.

Full specs here

How to stay safe in the wilderness

How to stay safe in the wilderness

1. Know the area you are going or at least do some homework. Talk to people who have been in there, or go with someone who knows the area.
2. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Use programs like Yodel that can send check in messages or emergency notification to your contact(s) allowing them to see where you are on a map and relay GPS coordinates to emergency crews. If you rely on cell phones etc make sure they are charged, and possibly have a pocket sized solar charger.
3. Bring the 10 Essentials minimum
4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Time of day (allow plenty of time.  Round trip, or in and back), weather changes, other people, animals and equipment.
5. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. How you are feeling: Tired, thirsty, sick, nervous. Maybe its time to rest or turn back.
6. Don’t take unnecessary risks and know the dangers: What animals might you encounter, and what should you do? What if there is an uncontrolled fire? Am I in a potential flash flood area and what should I do if it starts to rain?
7. Stick to the trails. Don't go off trail unless you are an experienced hiker and know the area.

Some of these may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised at how many times I read about lost hikers/runners and see how many of these were broken. It’s not usually the one mistake that gets you; it’s a series of small mistakes that leads to disaster.

My 15 Essentials For The Outdoors

Some of these are probably familiar to you others may not be. This is just what I carry; let me know how yours differs in the comment section. Always looking to improve and learn!

1. First aid kit- Gauze, rolled gauze, butterfly bandages, emergency blanket, tape etc. Also any prescription medications that you may need if that day hike becomes an oh my gosh I got lost or injured multi-day hike.
2. Filled water bottle- 1 liter a day is recommended for moderate climates. I also recommend carrying water tablets, a filter straw, Sawyer Filter, or a UV light etc. These are smaller, lighter, and maybe more economical than most water filtration devices.
3. Flashlight- I like a hands free option, don’t forget extra batteries and bulb.
4. Food- You’re burning calories and will get hungry, especially if you end up staying longer than expected. Pack food that takes no preparation and can be eaten on the go. Calories are important here, as they are energy.
5. Sunscreen and sun protection- A bad burn can lead not only to skin cancer but to dehydration. Keep some sun screen and a hat in your pack, and don’t forget to use them!
6. Bandanna- Better yet a Shemagh- See post on uses of a Shemagh
7. Whistle- I would couple this with a signal mirror
8. Map and Compass- Also know how to use alternate methods, a sundial etc.
9. Rain gear- A poncho can keep your dry, helping to prevent hypothermia, and it can also be used as an improvised shelter
10. Knife- More than just a Swiss army knife, I like a fixed blade. My go to is SOGs Seal Pup. The sheath even has a place for a Multi-tool…see next.
11. Multi-tool- You know, for doing MacGyver stuff
12. Matches or fire starters- I recommend both. Always have more than one way to start a fire. Fire can be used to sterilize water, cook food, keep you warm and signal for help with.
13. Tender- Dryer lint, cotton balls slathered with petroleum jelly, whatever you like, have some tender to get that fire going even in the worst conditions.
14. 550 Paracord- I lace my boots with paracord, as well as carrying some extra. Paracord can support 550 lbs, individual strands 50lbs. Great for lashing, fishing line, bow cord etc. Don’t leave home without it.
15. Gorilla Tape- Its Duct tape on steroids. There is nothing you can’t do from fixing a ripped tent, to taping up blistered feet. Wrap around an old gift card or wrap a few times around your trekking poles near the top. It will come in handy!

Bottom line: You are responsible for you, be prepared, and have fun!

How to make fresh drinkable water

Building a solar still is an important craft to know. Stranded on a beach, in a desert, or lost in the wilderness on a day hike gone bad? This can save your life.

Rule of 3's: The average human body can go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.

Knowing how to create drinkable water from a stagnant source or from vegetation can save your life!

Hike alone? Check out Yodel to help keep you safe.

Written by Adam Nutting at hikingthetrail.com make sure to check out his blog!

This past weekend I tried a new iPhone app called Yodel. Its a very simple little app that allows you to send information out to people to tell them where you are. I chose to set up 3 friends for my first trip. You can also have it check into Facebook or send out a message to email addresses.  I would typically do this all manually before I went on a hike but the one thing that Yodel provides that I did not have off hand was my coordinates.  Overall the app is very simple to use.  You schedule a notification that transmits your location to your contacts where you are what you are doing and when you will be back. You can set your activity by typing in a short description. Hit save and off you go. A timer keeps track of when you are scheduled to be done and when you reach your completion time a notification pops up that requires you to check in. The program runs in the background to help save battery life.There is also an SOS button to send an emergency message out to your contacts. One of the settings I did not activated  was when you push the SOS button it can  automatically dial 911.    The app is only 99 cents and can be purchased via the Apple app store.

The app was worth the money and worked great. There are only two things I might suggest. The first one is to be able to cancel your scheduled notifications rather than having it notify you your time is up and have to hit cancel before sending the message. The second feature I might suggest is adding integration with a twitter account.

Overall a great little app and it does exactly what they say it will. I would recommend it to anyone who has an iPhone who does any kind of outdoor adventure sports.

To find out more information about the app and the company  please visit their website .

How many of these 40 knots do you know?

Knots are important to know for many different reasons. From tying your shoes to securing something on the roof of your car, to saving your life or the life of a friend.

How many of 40 knots do you know?

Fire Starting- Whats your favorite method?

I always have several methods for starting fire with me when I go out into the wild. My favorite has to be flint and steel, coupled with using petroleum jelly covered cotton balls as tinder. This is my go to. I carry a half dozen cotton balls slathered in petroleum jelly in a small container.  Works like a charm and the cotton balls burn for 2-4 minutes. What is your favorite method?

Shemagh- Top 10 Uses for this Tactical Scarf

Worn in the Middle East for centuries this piece of cloth became popular in the United States after Special Ops groups realized the benefits that they offer. Pronounced shmog I recommend adding one of these to your day pack or bug out bag.

Sporting goods stores sell the glamorized "Buff" but in my opinion its no Shemagh!!!

Here are my top ten uses for the Shemagh, please comment below any uses you may have below!!!

1. Cooling wrap– Soak it before tying it around your head or placing it under your hat, coupled with convection it will actually make you cooler. Great way to prevent sunburn too.
2. Warm wrap – Wear it under a hat, or around your neck for extra warmth in cold weather.
3. As dust protection – Even if you don’t live in a very sand or dust storm prone region, it makes great protection from sawdust, grass clippings, or other flying particles.
4. As a backpack or shoulder sling – Tie the corners together, put over your head and across your chest, and carry anything in the middle pocket that is formed.
5. As a pillow – Wrap clothes, leaves etc inside to form a pillow to rest your head on if you forgot your camp pillow.
6. As a sling – Much better than a bandanna in my opinion due to its size for slinging broken arms/collar bones.
7. Trauma bandage – Its not a replacement, but in an emergency it can be tied around a gusher to help control bleeding.
8. Filter your water – It wont protect you from microbes but its a first line filter to get the chunky stuff out.
9. Towel– I used mine to wipe sweat off my face, or you can even use it as a towel for those river dips.
10. Bug Protection– I use mine during the day and at night to keep those pesky buzzing flies out of my ears! It does also help to keep mosquito's off your face and neck, although I still use products containing Deet.

Dana Point Cave Hike

Great time today hiking to the sea cave in Dana Point. Easy hike that does require walking over loose rocks and gravel and some maneuvering around large rocks. The entrance shown below is covered during high tide, so check the tide schedules and give yourself plenty of time to hike in, explore, and hike out. If not, you will be swimming.

This is a great hike for families with lots to see.

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

Time: 40 min round trip not including explore time
Difficulty: Easy

The cave is a through cave 

Cave entrance

This guy was neon

Opening at the other end

Big Starfish

Great time at the tide pools

Gear Review: REI Airrail 1.5 Sleeping Pad

I recently purchased the Airrail 1.5 and I have to say I love it. As a big guy this provides excellent support and comfort and at a 1lb. 15oz is fairly light. The side rails, coupled with the non-slip material, are designed to cradle you your bag. Preventing the middle of the night shuffle trying to get your bag back on the pad.

With a combination of foam and self-inflating air pockets this is one of the most comfy pads I have slept on.

I would definitely check this one out if you re in the market for a great sleeping pad.

I will do a YouTube video on this later.

Specs:

* Weight 1lb 15oz
* Self-inflating
* 25" x 78" with 2.5" side tubes
* R-Value 4.2
* Thickness 1.5"
* Non slip texture
* Foam and Air
* Stuff sack
* Orange and Grey
* Cost About $100.00

Pizza Burritos for Camping

Great little dinner item that can be pre-made at home.

*Large tortillas not those little soft taco kind but the GRANDE
*Pizza sauce
*Your choice of toppings- We used cheese and pepperoni
*Aluminium foil





Pretty self explanatory on how to put them together, just roll it up tight and make sure the foil is rolled tight with the ends sealed. Throw them in your cooler  and when you are ready place them on the grill or right on the coals for 3-5 min on each side.

CAUTION- The foil does get hot, I use a glove to turn and remove them.

Get creative! Let me know what concoctions you come up with!

To New Adventures in 2014

2014 is the year for adventure. A life lived of no fear.

This May I have a white water rafting trip planned with some friends on the Kern River.

In August a 5 day back packing trip on part of the JMT doing the Rae Lakes Loop. 7000ft elevation gain peaking at 12000ft, and stretching 46 miles.

The year for adventure....