These shoes are so comfortable that I almost want to wear them to bed! Not really, but they sure get the job done everywhere else. From kicking it in my physical therapy clinic (Northwest Mobile), to working out in the gym, to backpacking, to running around town. There’s no shoe that I’d rather have on […]
Altra Lone Peak 7.0 Trail Running Shoe Read More »
It had never occurred to me to pack a lantern on a backpacking or bike packing trip, but at 98 grams with a packable profile, this 150-lumen light source is game on for shorter backcountry trips where some extra camp lighting would come in handy. Press the button on the top to cycle through multiple
Biolite Alpenglow Mini Lantern Read More »
Which passes you’ll need and what activities you can do on different lands For anyone who has ever been a bit confused by the breakdown of various land managers, which recreation pass is required where, and what activities are generally allowed, this guide will serve as a handy reference and starting point to explore your
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Your Public Lands Read More »
If you want a set of super strong and lightweight trekking poles that don’t blaze the trail in front of you with bright colors, the stealthy Black Series FX Carbon are for you. Pick across difficult terrain with the priceless stability of well-built trekking poles without calling unnecessary attention to them. I used these multi-purpose
Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Read More »
There’s nothing like fresh fruits and veggies on a backpacking or bikepacking trip! This recipe is a great option for the first night of any outing. (The fresh stuff won’t keep much longer.) Ingredients: Mung bean sprouts Sweet red, orange, or yellow pepper Carrot Cucumber Green onion Cilantro Peanut sauce Crushed peanuts Ramen (dried, prepackaged)
DIY Thai Peanut Ramen Read More »
Shortly after getting off-route on a backcountry backpacking trip in northcentral Idaho, I heard about Topo Maps+, a backcountry navigation and mapping app developed by 45-year-old Spokanite Stephen Johnson. Talking with him, I learned that the Topo Maps+ app was built to be a simple navigation solution for people like me who would rather be
Local Backcountry Navigation and Mapping App Read More »
OUTDOORSY EVENTS CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES at wildfire preparedness in your own backyard with a Firewise Risk Assessment, free for Spokane County residents through the Spokane Conservation District (Spokanecd.org/departments/forestry-department/firewise/). Those located outside Spokane County should check with their area’s Department of Natural Resources or other agencies for similar opportunities.
Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News Read More »
If you have been struggling to get a good night’s sleep on camping trips in recent years, this light cot might be the answer. The pros are many, including keeping your body up off of un-even surfaces and the rocks, sticks, and pinecones that seem to magically materialize overnight to torture you in your sleep.
Helinox Cot One Convertible Read More »
The first guidebook in my personal collection was a copy of Rich Landers’ 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest, purchased circa 2001, when hiking and backpacking were brand new sports to me. That initial copy was from a late printing of the 1987 book, and when the second edition came out in 2003 I wasted
Summer Picks from “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest” Read More »
Before you head out on a summer hike, take a minute to check in with yourself to make sure you’re prepared for what you’re hoping to take on. Go over a pre-hike checklist: hiking boots and wool socks, favorite trekking poles, 10 essentials (see sidebar), light-weight pack, pocketknife, camera (and more…). While there may be
Check Your Hiking Readiness Read More »
