A map and compass are the quintessential dynamic duo of backcountry navigation – any time you head out for a hike, you should keep this route-finding Batman and Robin close at hand in an easily accessible pocket of your pack (even if you plan on sticking to the trails!). But what would happen if you found yourself caught off guard by a broken compass, or even worse, a broken compass and a missing map?
All modern explorers have felt the draw of trekking out into the wilderness alone, with nothing but some basic necessities and our wits for company. As great as it can be traveling with a group or even a few close friends, there’s something beyond compare in taking a few days of quiet solitude to reconnect with nature and contemplate our place in the world.
Iconified by the misadventures of Jack Kerouac, the road trip has been a staple of American culture for generations. Kerouac passed the time on his trip in less-than-admirable ways, but you can follow in his footsteps — no rampant drug use or questionable life decisions required — using these simple boredom busters.
Depending on your personal relationship with the early hours of the day (and the extent of your caffeine addiction), you might consider a morning mug of coffee an occasional luxury, a pleasant pick-me-up, or an absolute necessity.
There’s one thing you know for certain: you’re looking to get away, get outdoors, and go exploring. But where are you going? Chances are you want to visit a place where the natural world is front and center, which means state parks and national parks are probably your two best options
At a recent Fourth of July celebration, I witnessed a tourist yanking on the low-hanging boughs of a beautiful 100-year-old oak tree in one of our local parks. My friends and I watched in angst, lambasting the man as a disrespectful out-of-towner.
There’s only one drug on this planet that comes free: Adrenaline. At least, that was once the case, until corporate interests put a dollar amount on every cave and mountain out there. Here’s the good news: You can still find amazing experiences, in any location, for pennies on the dollar. All it takes is a little creative thinking.
If you consider yourself an adventure dad, chances are you don’t need a lecture on the virtues of outdoor exploration. But when you’re used to hoofing it through the woods solo or with a group of buddies, you might not be sure how to get the most out of outdoor adventures with your kids.
Camping trips are the ultimate summer getaway – what better way to take advantage of the warm weather than by shedding your responsibilities, sleeping out under the stars, and waking up to a breathtaking landscape, a whole day of your favorite outdoor activities waiting just around the corner (if not closer)?
It’s a bit of a misnomer: Beating the heat. In reality, it’s the one obstacle you can’t naturally overcome; you can’t power through dehydration or heat exhaustion. But you can prepare for the sweltering temps of summer instead of fighting the heat.
Staying fit takes hours of time in the gym — or does it? With the rise of the internet and fitness bloggers, clever ways of combining workouts and outdoor activities are endless. If being outdoors and keeping in shape are both important to you, take some ideas from the following list of common gym alternatives to combine them and save yourself some time.
Among value-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, “accessory” can sometimes sound like a dirty word. But in terms of sunglass care, accessories aren’t just superficial consumables – they’re part of the minimum required for keeping your sunglasses working as effectively as possible, for as long as possible. As a savvy adventurer, you know that extending the lifespan of your gear is the best way to increase its value.
