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Pop this orange beauty into your pack and you will be assured of surviving some serious inclement weather… Designed to protect you from exposure, this shelter also shields you from reality (i.e. the big bear coming your way). 

Today, Discover Outdoors’ only South African guide Gary reviews the pros & cons of having a bright orange emergency shelter.

In 2009, I set off to thru-hike the 2,178-mile long Appalachian Trail, which spans from Georgia to Maine.

That was the first illusion to be broken: dates and daily mileage charts…

First, I want to say that I won’t hike without trekking poles. They help keep me steady on the trail, act as probes for the path ahead, allow me to dig-in when going up a steep slope and save my knees during long descents.

All of that said, the choices in trekking poles vary widely and I have tried several types including the twist-lock variety and an ultra-light pair.

This recipe is more of a good idea than a stroke of genius. It is for the simple chef, but I promise it is always a satisfying and filling way to end a long, arduous day.

This is a tasty, fairly healthy way of getting protein and much needed carbohydrates so you’re powered up the next morning.

Bandana’s have been around for years but these days the buff is coming to the forefront of awesome headwear.

I like it because if it’s lack of seams and because it’s lightweight and stretchy. Most buffs are also made of polyester so no more wet cotton wrapped around your head on the trail.

As summer approaches more and more people head out to the trail. It’s a good time to remind ourselves about the importance of Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics.

The hope is that every hiker, biker, and outdoorsman takes these principles seriously, leaving the woods just as beautiful as before they arrived.

It’s that weird time of year again when the weather seems to fluctuate every day. Last weekend, when heading out to Minnewaska State Park, Pete knew he’d need an extra layer so he threw on his Patagonia R1 Jacket.

Today he gives us the low-down on the pros and cons of his grid fleece.

Kirk grew up in small town Missouri but after ten years in New York and seven NYC marathons, he’s become a true New Yorker.

Kirk enjoys the excitement and energy of the city during the week and loves heading out to the mountains and woods with new adventurers each weekend.

Happy feet makes for a happy Pete.

Or so they say. Today, Pete talks about one of the most important pieces of gear in our packs: socks.

With a good pair of socks you’ll be able to keep hiking longer without blisters (and you’ll stay warm at night).

What should I pack for a day on the trail?

“Let me give it to you straight—there’s no greater buzzkill on a hike than feeling so alive, then eating dead (dull, lifeless, processed) food. 

Nix food-like substances which are easily identified by ingredients that are unpronounceable and contain preservatives.”

Last week we covered rain gear which is sure to keep you dry on a day trip. But what about when you have a pack full of extra layers and gear?

Today, Pete reviews his favorite dry bags that will keep your extra stuff dry when the storms ablowin.

“Looking for the low down on how to train for outdoor and high altitude adventure? Well, here it is. There is no silver bullet, no straight, smooth path to success.  When prepping for outdoor adventure, especially to altitude, those of us who live at low elevation (sea level) are faced with some specific hurdles we simply must deal with…”

Summers approaching fast, which means warmer temperatures and less layers. Yet, there’s one layer that we’ll have tucked in our packs throughout our adventures: our rain gear.

Today, Pete reviews his favorite set of rain gear that is light weight for longer treks, breathable for the hot days, and most importantly, ridiculously good at resisting water.

Power Morning Chocolate Oats Because who doesn’t want chocolate in the morning?

Salt Lake City based outdoor enthusiast Laura Stade gives us one of her favorite recipes for a morning treat to give you energy on the trails.

Long known for its unpleasant texture, wool was banished to the outskirts of modern technical wear. However, due in part to its natural properties and, in part, to human induced upgrades, wool is making a comeback. Therefore, after years of homebound car rides where I subjected family, friends, and clients to the horror of a confined space that would make the strongest of will faint, I decided to give the much heralded, “improved” wool a second chance…