When winter snows fill the high country of the Northwest, there are still plenty of low-elevation, snow-free trails for dedicated hikers to enjoy. And one of the best ways to take advantage of year-round trail fun is by car camping.
Camping in the winter can be great. The crowds are gone and the wildlife is less skittish, creating a wonderfully peaceful wildland environment.
One of the most important considerations for four-season camping is the quality of your tent.
By Dan A. Nelson | December 26, 2002
Have you ever been stuck in the woods with a flashlight full of dead batteries? Well I have, and it's the kind of mistake you only make once. In my case, it was a winter trip, so the days were short and the nights were very, very long. Not to mention dark.
The way I see it, there was no excuse for my blunder. Spare batteries should always be on your packing list, and it's smart to bring some sort of backup light source, too (such as a candle).
By Kristin Hostetter | December 19, 2002
Nobody enjoys the gift-giving tradition of Christmas more than kids and outdoor enthusiasts. Kids, naturally, love any holiday that brings free toys. But so do outdoor-sports fiends.
If there's a hiker, biker, kayaker, climber, skier or snowboarder on your list, we have done the research for you. Here's a list of sure-to-please gadgets, gizmos and gear items:
Arc'Teryx Covert Sweater, $100
By Dan A. Nelson | December 5, 2002
A good hat serves many purposes, not the least of which is covering up your dirty, bedraggled, hat-headed hairdo. (OK, maybe your hair looks great after a few days in the woods, but mine does not.)
Hats are absolutely vital to our outdoor safety and comfort. They protect us from the rain, sun and wind. They keep us cool in the heat, and warm in the cold. I've used my hat to collect berries and seashells. I've used a mesh hat to strain pasta. And I've used a fleece hat as a pillow. The list goes on and on.
By Kristin Hostetter | October 31, 2002
Have you ever read a description of what it's like to be severely dehydrated? Thick, swollen tongue; cracked, bleeding lips; sandpaper throat. Headaches, hallucinations, nausea -- the list of symptoms goes on and on. It's enough to make you chug a gallon of water on the spot -- just because you can. I'm happy to say that I've never been close to that level of dehydration, and I plan to keep it that way.
By Kristin Hostetter | August 22, 2002
Ask hard-core hikers and backpackers what their most important and beloved piece of equipment is, and chances are the answer will be "my boots."
That's because comfort starts with your feet. Without good-fitting, supportive and comfortable boots, a trip will quickly become a forced march.
It usually takes some trial and error to find that perfect pair of boots -- your solemate -- and once you do, you'll want to know how to provide maximum TLC to ensure a long happy relationship.
Here are some tips:
By Kristin Hostetter | August 8, 2002
