Can I Pet That Dog? The Short Answer Is No…

Unless you live a life I dream of – off-grid with no need to get online, like, ever – you’ve heard the viral audio. “Can I pet that dog?” the child pleads. “Can I pet that dooooog?!” The hint of drawl/twang and urgency in the voice captured the hearts of millions and became an internet […]
Hiking for Seasonal Depression – The Healing Power of Nature

Sparks spattered the edges of the fire ring as I stoked the fire on a recent family camping trip. The temperature dropped as the sun slid behind tall pines, extending shadows over our site. It was almost bedtime for the kids, which meant I’d have ample time to stare into the flames and get lost […]
Bear Attack Statistics

Here’s what bear attack statistics can teach you about exploring bear country responsibly…
Tips for Opening Your BearVault

You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re trying to break into a top-security holding facility in some underground Area 51 bunker when opening your BearVault. Safes take a lot of work, or privileged information, to open. ATMs are tricky, I hear. Opening your bear-proof food storage container? That shouldn’t be on the same level! But […]
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Pack

Choosing your first backpack can feel a bit like buying your first car. Smaller stakes, maybe… but you have a lot of the same elements. There’s all these new terms getting tossed around, you don’t know what a good price is, and you probably fall into one of two camps. You’re either the kid that […]
The Ultimate Guide to Fitting a BearVault in Your Pack

Part of having a successful backpacking adventure is gear efficiency. Knowing how each piece works lets you bring them together for a cohesive set-up that lets you spend less time figuring out camp and more time enjoying the trail. Two big pieces of this puzzle are your pack and your responsible food-storage system. Fitting these […]
Backpacking in Grizzly Country: How to Do It Safely

How-To Guide for safely backpacking or camping in grizzly country | Backpacking Yellowstone | Camping in the Tetons | Facts about grizzly bears
Backpacking In the Rain – How to Enjoy Wet Weather on the Trail

Even if your favorite weather is hot and dry, backpacking in the rain can be an absolute joy! The dust has been washed away, leaving the air fresh and the foliage at its greenest. Water droplets smack the canopy overhead in a funky, offbeat pattern. The earth wafts the smell of freshly moistened dirt… my […]
Go Desert Camping in Southern California

Explore desert camping options in 3 southern California parks | Mojave Desert Camping | Joshua Tree Camping | Anza-Borrego Camping
How to Find Food in the Wild

What is Foraging? | How to Forage for Wild Food When Backpacking | Safety Tips for Foraging | How to Find Food in the Wild