Category: Gear
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Becoming a Hiking Family – 6 tips to get you on your way
The New Year is well under way, the holiday lights are down, the excitement of a fresh start is fading, and we are getting to the tasks of building new habits. Does your New Year’s Resolution involve becoming a hiking family? Do you yearn to be outside more with your kids, and to live a…
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Book Review and Interview: Backpacking 101 by Heather Balogh Rochfort
Summer is in full swing, and our thoughts are full of adventures we’re planning. We yearn to travel far and light, and sleep in the backcountry, with the stars and moon in view. If you’re new to backpacking, or are a dayhiker contemplating the next level of adventure, then you’ll appreciate a new book about…
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Gear Review – Armadillo LT Gaiters from Hillsound
At the beginning of winter, I received a set of Armadillo LT Gaiters from Hillsound Equipment to review. Thankfully, we’ve had a great winter so far, with plenty of opportunities for me to try them out. First of all, these gaiters are a step up from my old, inexpensive set I’ve been using for years.…
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The Hike That Wasn’t
I was so excited last Friday to take my new friend Susana on a hike in the mountains. She just moved here from Spain a few months ago, and I wanted to show her the beauty of our wilderness. We had planned to go to Dock Butte and Blue Lake up by Mt. Baker. We…
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Gear Review: Lowepro Passport Sling III and Toploader Zoom AW II
Earlier this year, Lowepro sent me some more camera bags to review. First is the Passport Sling III, a sling-style camera bag with room for much more. I use this bag all the time now. It’s become my go-to travel purse and tourist bag. There is a removable padded sleeve for my DSLR, and a…
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Second Review of Lowepro Photo Sport Pro 30L AW Pack
Last summer I wrote a review for a photography backpack that Lowepro sent me to test. I have been using the pack a lot, and thought I’d write a follow-up to my first impressions. This pack is built as a technical backpack, but it has a special camera compartment built into the bottom of the…
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Gear Review and Giveaway: Coleman Outdoor Essentials First Aid Kit
I don’t know about you, but we go through a lot of bandages at our house. Seems like every day someone has a cut or scratch that they need fixed up. Since we’re on the go, we often need bandages in the car or at the park, too. While I usually have a good stock…
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Thinking About Fall and Winter
Well, we had a hike planned today. I even had the kids pick where to go, and they were looking forward to it. But when we woke up this morning, my most sensitive and emotional child burst into tears at the thought of hiking. I couldn’t get him to budge on the idea, even with…
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Tips for Fall Hiking
We were fortunate this year that our warm, sunny weather extended well into October. We were able to get out into nature without too much preparation. But now the rains have started, bringing cooler weather and snow to the mountains. Our attentions will turn closer to home, as we explore trails at lower elevations. We…
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And A Child Shall Lead Them: A Nature Walk
Sometimes my kids know better than I do what they need. Lately Annika has been asking every day to go out into nature, to have a peaceful walk in the forest. We are fortunate to have a green belt behind our home (it was one of the reasons we picked this house) and it makes…