Safe drinking water is a must in the backcountry. We all know that. Whether you’re running, camping, backpacking, or just out for a day hike, staying hydrated is a top priority and there are plenty of options of how to clean and sterilize your water. There are many factors to consider when shopping for your best fit, so consider the use-case, the number of people in your group, how much water you drink, how much…
A good hike serves many purposes: a physical challenge and a good training tool, mental relief from our otherwise occupied lives, a way to connect with the outdoors, unplugged time to be alone (or share with family and friends)… I’ve been hanging out in the middle-to-tail end of a training cycle and needed a decent day outside, counting time on feet and getting in some vert without focusing so much on mileage. I gathered some…
I’ve been wandering around in the two varieties of wool-blend socks from Mountain Standard in the last two weeks and I’m loving them! They are great wardrobe additions, not only for the outdoor gear rotation, but for every day wear as well. The mid-weight Camp Socks are 56% merino wool, 41% nylon, and 3% spandex – translating to soft feeling socks that are quick drying and warm. These have a great amount of padding (without feeling bulky, like…
We all love Mt. Hood – how could you not? It is iconically Portland, a classic volcanic peak, “the mountain is out”-type goodness. However, it’s big sibling to the north, Mt. Rainier, offers some great adventure just a few hours away! I visited Mt. Rainier National Park for the first time a few summers ago for a day trip to the Panhandle Gap – I fell in love with the mountain, the scenery, the marmots,…
We’ve all been to that one aisle in our favorite outdoor store where all the food is kept. Shelves and hangers full of camping and backpacking staples like Chili Mac, Beef Stroganoff, or Cheesy Enchilada, looking tasty. Just add water and you’re good to go. Dehydrated meals are a really great, and easy, way to get nutrition on an adventure and they’re not too bad tasting either! For the in-between meal times, snacks are something…
No, this book is not about running, but it’s about a trail, and hiking and running go hand in hand for many of us. (Besides, nearly any trail you can hike, you can run.) Grandma Gatewood’s Walk is about the person known to nearly all Appalachian Trail hikers as someone who make it “a thing,” seen almost as the grandmother of the trail itself. I was drawn to the book because of the cover image. “Grandma…
If you’ve ever run on the segment of Wildwood Trail between Hoyt Arboretum and Pittock Mansion, you know that there’s a major interruption in your run: West Burnside Street. This trail crossing runs across multiple lanes of 40 mph traffic, with limited visibility for both you and the drivers, who definitely don’t want to hit you. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could run this crossing without worry? Without having to head down that hill…
I love this pack! With my third daughter entering the world about 10 months ago, things have definitely been busy in my life. Racing on the weekends has slowed a bit, but putting in miles has increased as I have realized the necessity and value in lunch hour runs. Even though we are more selective, my wife and I still get to go out to dinner and events. However, one major activity that has taken…
I love camping! I love just about every bit of it. One of my favorite things is to sit around the fire, whether to chat, cook food, or read a book. A nice chair makes the experience even nicer. There are many camping chairs out there, from little tripod stools to large loungers. When I’m packing my gear, I am looking for a good balance between small and packable, and functional and comfortable. The new…
When I first came across the Swedish apparel brand Klattermusen, I remember marvelling and chuckling at the similarities in our last names. “A Rasmussen in Klattermusen” had a nice ring to it and I was eager to attempt a connection at making this connection happen. However, after wearing a pair of Magne Shorts for the past few weeks, I can say that the love affair does not just start and stop with a clever title. First some specs:…
