Winter Hiking Gear: What I’m Wearing Now

Winter may have officially begun last week, but that doesn’t mean the outdoor play season is over. With the right gear, you can hike and stay warm all winter long.  For winter hiking – especially in the Pacific Northwest – you must be ready for wet weather. It may be snow, rain, mist or mud,

Adventures in Prana: #7DayStretch

As I’m packing my bags for another adventure filled weekend, my Prana Halle pants are on the top of the heap. From mountain tops, to weekends lounging in the city, they are my go-to pants that go-anywhere. So when I was invited to participate in Prana’s #7DayStretch campaign, I gladly said yes. For the next

10 Gear Essentials for Fall and Winter Hiking in the Pacific Northwest

Let the wind whip, the leaves fly, and the rain drizzle this fall and winter, but don’t let it stop you.  As the seasons change, you just need to change with it. So leave the days of flash packs and beer cans behind you and stock up your backpack with warm layers and the ten

Mountain Warehouse’s Summit 300 Sleeping Bag

We’ve all been there. It’s cold, wet, windy – or all three. You’re curled up in your sleeping bag, inside your tent, and it feels like you are still out in the elements. I can say from experience (way too many times), that it’s no fun. Luckily on my most recent trip to the Rocky Mountains,

7 Essentials for Happy Spring Hiking

When the snows start to melt and the mercury rises, I get that excited, jittery feeling – and it’s not just from the added vitamin D. Spring represents new beginnings, new buds and blooms, and the best part… the start of hiking season! So start planning with these seven essentials for happy Spring trails. 1.

Grand Trunk Good’s Double Hammock

After a bike ride along the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, my family and I decided to relax out at Woodard Bay and test out my new Grand Trunk Good‘s Double Hammock. Made of Parachute nylon, the hammock was a snap to set up with everything you needed for easy lounging included in the attached

National Hammock Day Photo Contest

There are two things that almost all hikers have in common: we work hard and play hard. And on July 22nd, I’d like to add a third, relax hard. Find two trees along the trail or even just in your backyard and kick up your kicks on National Hammock Day. Don’t have a hammock?….shame on

Bring Fun Forward with the Ribz Front Pack

Ribzwear recently sent me their new Ribz Front Pack to review. I had never used a front pack before, but was excited to take it out on a new hike up in the Tillamook National Forest. The Ribz Front Pack is a light weight bag that – as the name implies – wraps around your

Packing for Long-term Trekking and Travel

From first aid kits to wick-and-wear clothing, packing for the climb to Everest Base Camp feels almost more daunting than the mountain.  I prefer to pack as light as possible, but for such a big climb I also don’t want to forget anything. Luckily the guide company I will be traveling with in April sent

Packing For My First Multi-Day Bike Trip

In less than 36 hours I will be testing my leg strength and sunscreen in my first multi-day cycling trip through the Willamette Valley. While passing lush, growing vineyards and farm grounds being tilled, there are a few essentials that I know I’ll need along the way and a few things that are bulk just