Bringing your dog on the trail is one of the best parts of hiking — but summer heat hits them a lot harder than it hits you, and most folks don’t realize it until their dog is already in trouble. I’ve got my own dog with me on plenty of trail days, and I’ve learned […]

I always shake my head when I day hike with people who show up with next to no supplies. Why wouldn’t they want to be ready for an unplanned emergency? If you’ve been to one of my classes you have heard my displeasure with those who hit the trail with their water bottle, chapstick, hair […]

Navigation – Far too many hikers today rely solely on technology. Yes those phone apps and maps are great but have you ever lost a phone? Broken one? Had a dead battery? A good old map and compass are the perfect backup and can be quite fun to use. Sun Protection – Getting extra crispy […]

Sitting here today approaching the summer of 2022 with mask mandates finally disappearing at each turn, I’m wondering what this means for the outdoor industry. The cabin fever that came with 2 years of seclusion has seen more and more people venturing into the ”wild”. If you have tried to pick up a slot at […]

As the owner of a wilderness survival school who spends time teaching outdoor skills to people from all walks of life, I often get asked what I think of this post. Frequently our classes have seasoned hikers and backpackers who have gotten lost recently….which can be quite the eye opener. The experience of being lost […]