On a recent backcountry trip, I emerged from the wilds scarred, bruised, limping and probably losing more blood than a normal human should. Yet, although I had the appearance of someone dragged through hell, while lashed to a pack of wild horses, I was all smiles; Grinning ear to ear like it was my birthday.

It might seem hard to imagine, but I love camping. Yes, it gets dirty; yes, my sleeping bag isn’t a Tempurpedic, but for me, comfort is a distant consideration to the experience.   It’s not glamorous, and it can be rugged, but the adventure is second to none. Anything can happen while camping, and no two trips are ever the same.

Before you ask what I could possibly love about camping, I’m going to beat you to the punch and give you my top 10 reasons to love camping too:

10 Reasons to Love Camping

1. Cozying up to a blazing fire on a chilly night roasting hotdogs or marshmallows: – In the backcountry, the opportunity for a fire doesn’t come around too often. But when it does, I guarantee you I’m taking full advantage of it. On a chilly night, very few things are more comforting and tranquil than sitting around the warmth of a campfire roasting up a dog, or watching your marshmallows caramelize over an open flame.

2. Encountering wildlife – Beautifully rare and incredibly thrilling, encountering the elusive inhabitants of the wild is both awesome and mesmerizing. There is a hidden kingdom beyond our own, and if ever given the chance to peek behind the veil to see a family of grizzlies or even a herd of Deer, capture it because you’ll be talking about it for years to come
   

3. Drinking hot coco and watching the sunrise – usually getting up before dawn is met with derision and a caffeine crazed stupor; that’s because it’s usually followed by 9 hours behind a desk.   Watching the world shake off it’s slumber in the wilderness, while sipping on hot chocolate, is an unrushed calming experience, and of course a world apart from the cubies.
   
4. Dozing off in a hammock – who doesn’t love hammocks? Now add in the rhythmic cadence of a running stream, melodic harmony of the neighborhood birds, a gentle breeze, and you have yourself paradise.
5. Discovering beautiful vistas and natural beauty – there are places unreachable by anything other than old-fashioned walking.   Places so far off the beaten path, that the journey itself is as rewarding as the destination.   There is a pride in discovery, and a sense of accomplishment knowing you climbed, crawled and fought your way to a view few have seen firsthand.
   
6. The peace and solitude – Every now and then, we all need a break from real world. Whether it’s our smartphones or checking email, we spend a huge portion of our lives tethered to one thing or another. The solitude camping affords, allows us to reconnect, recharge and find our Zen.

7. The camaraderie with fellow backpackers – Even though I travel to the backcountry and endeavor to find my Zen, it’s always a pleasure to see friendly faces on the road. It’s one of the few places where strangers become friends, and where an unspoken bond of support for each other exists.
   

8. The sea of stars – You’ve never seen the sky, until you’ve seen it in the wild. The night literally comes alive with millions of stars dusted lavishly across the entire horizon. You never realize how immense and wondrous our world really is, or how small you really are, until you’ve stared into the starry sky. If you’re lucky, some nights you can even see the clouds of the Milky Way. It will be the closest many of us will ever get to the far reaches of our universe.
   

9. The smell of the wilderness – This one is hard to describe. But for anyone who has spent any time out in the wild knows that distinct smell of the outdoors. There is a crisp unpolluted freshness to the wild, making each gulp of air a newfound pleasure.
   
10. Eating - Food has never tasted soooo good. Where in the city, we take each meal for granted, with camping you savor each feast until the last bite. The days are generally planned around meal times, not for lack of things to do, but for the simple realization that we live to eat!
    

Those are my top 10 reasons to love camping!  The best thing about camping is that the adventure is unique for everyone.

What are your reasons?

The post 10 Reasons That Will Make You Love Camping appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

The Grouse Grind Vancouver is synonymous with hiking, yet many people seem to think the name is a bit of a hyperbole. It is not. It IS a GRIND. It is a painful, strenuous, sweaty, and agonizing hike – which will take the average person around an hour and a half to two hours to complete. Yes, there may be an insane number of seniors who hike up the trail (thereby creating a misplaced belief that the trail is pretty gentle), but my guess is those same seniors also run marathons, practice MMA, and do P90X daily just for fun.

Grouse Grind Timer at The Trailhead

Despite the grind, I love it. I put my head down, my earphones on, and listen to the soundtrack to all the classic 80s movie montages: The Karate Kid (“You’re the best…around…nothing’s gonna ever keep you down…”), Rocky 1, 2, 3 and 4 (“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, standing up to the challenge of our rivals…”), and Top Gun (“Take my breath awa….”, errr, I mean, “Highway to the danger zone…”). I go with no breaks, passing people along the way, feeling pretty good about that, and then feeling pretty dejected when I’m passed by a speed demon disguised as a senior citizen (I reason that it’s because they’re wearing UnderArmor, which really cuts down on their drag, plus, I’m so much bigger and heavier than them). When I get to the top, I check my time (oh, 43 minutes, a personal best) and I raise my hands and belt out a loud, “DRAGO!!!”

Grouse Grind Path

The thing is, I can spot Grouse Grind newbs all the time and it both saddens and annoys me when they’re suffering because most their problems could be avoided if only they hiked it smartly. Here are some Grouse Grind tips:

This is my biggest pet peeve. I see it all the time. A guy or girl unable to climb up some rocks because of their skinny jeans and flip flops/high heels. They need to take the hand of the person they’re with for balance, and it slows every one else down. They look surprised, out of breath, and confused as to why this hike is so difficult. Look, there’s a reason why it’s not called the Grouse Fashion show or the Grouse Posers’ Party – it’s because it’s the f*ckin’ Grouse GRIND.

Those speed demons (a.k.a. freakishly fit senior citizens) have all got something in common: they wear shorts, a t-shirt, a hat, and a pair of hiking shoes, and they carry a Sigg bottle of water. That’s it! No back packs, no picnic baskets, and certainly no make-up purses. No wonder they’re so fast. That being said, I tend to bring a backpack because I like to train with the added weight. Yes, I know I’m being a hypocrite.

You will sweat. Lots. And there are no majestic streams of glacial mountain water where you can grab a cold drink. It’s called the Grouse Grind, not the Grouse Brewing company.

There are restroom facilities in the Grouse mountain parking lot. Use them. It’s hard enough holding in pee while watching a movie in a movie theatre let alone hiking up a mountain for an hour or so while holding in pee.

You’ll need to pay for the Gondola ride back down to the base of the mountain, unless you’re deciding on hiking down the mountain as well. Lucky for us, the ride down is a fraction of the cost for the ride up.

 It’s always more painful to stop and start. When you feel yourself getting tired, slow down, keep moving your feet no matter how slow it feels, turn up the tunes on your iPod, and remember, “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, standing up to the challenge of our rivals…”.

The easy part!

The Grind usually opens up in May when the weather in Vancouver improves and the trails aren’t as slippery any more. Grouse Grind competitions occur quite frequently, and being a competitive person myself, I do try to train with the intent of one day making it on the Daily Best list (but my time would have to be in the low 30’s to qualify).

Grouse Grind Hours of Operation:

The Grouse Grind is generally a spring to fall hike.  Opening late May to September.   During the summer months,  the trail is open from 6:15 am to 7:00 pm.

Good luck on your trip up the Grind. Who knows, we may pass each other on the trail – only to be passed by another senior citizen seconds later. Damn, those seniors really can excel at this hike.

Please share your best times in the comments below!

The post 6 Tips to Dominate Grouse Grind Vancouver appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Being lifelong travelers, we all love our lightweight, multipurpose gear that can withstand the rigors of the road. Gear should be dependable, multifunctional, durable and perform beyond expectations. Nothing could be truer when it comes to buying a good hiking backpack, especially considering it’s going to be your home away from home. Traveling, especially long-term, will literally test the limits of your bag and your body, and as such this decision should never be made impulsively. Buying your backpack should not be a rushed decision and factors like trip length, capacity, material, functionally and comfort should always be considered. When I first got serious about investing in a good pack, I was at REI for a good 3 hours –I think they started to suspect I was applying for a job.

If my three hours was any indication, buying a good backpack is not an easy task. With hundreds of backpack manufacturers and styles, it can understandably be overwhelming. Whatever you do, don’t go cheap. You’ll be doing yourself a disservice and end up buying a new one anyways. A good backpack is an investment. You needn’t spend $500 on a backpack, but be wary of cheap, no-frills, run of the mill $70 brands, as you’ll regret the design flaws and absence of extras. Spend a little more for a good backpack from a trusted brand, and it will be your companion for many trips to come. The Osprey pack I eventually settled on has traveled with me from the U.S to the Middle East for 10 awesome years and I know it has another good 10 years to go.

Travel Backpack or Hiking Backpack

Before you begin shopping for the right pack, it’s important to know the difference between travel backpacks and hiking backpacks. A travel backpack is a backpack-suitcase hybrid with a zippered side panel similar to a suitcase. Hiking backpacks are the more commonly seen cylindrical top loading packs with straps, clips and a top lid. Some people have an opinion that hiking backpacks are only suited for the backcountry and has no place for the backpacker, I disagree. What works for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and style of travel. Travel backpacks are great for easy, organized access to gear and transporting from hostel to hostel. They also function well for short walks or even as a daypack.

On the other hand, if you possibly have camping or long treks in your travel plans, you may want to consider a hiking backpack. Hiking backpacks are designed for comfort, proper weight distribution, and toughness. Unlike a travel backpack, hiking backpacks will have enhancements like full-sized hip belts, shoulder and back suspension systems along with plenty of load bearing straps to mitigate discomfort. Granted the top down packing isn’t as convenient to access your gear, but that’s part in parcel to proper weight distribution. A good compromise would be to get a hiking backpack with side load access.

I am generalizing a bit as they do have travel backpacks that are in the upper capacity range with more advanced suspension systems, but if you’re going to get a 70L travel backpack, you may as well go with a hiking backpack. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did for that unexpected 20 mile trek to the next town.

Personal Backpacking Style

Next, determine the style of travel you normally like to do. Unless you’re willing to buy a different backpack for each trip, figuring out your travel style will save you a lot of money in the long run and give you a piece of foundation gear that’s ready for any trip. For instance, if you generally go on week long trips you needn’t get a high capacity bag and could probably get away with a 35 liter to 50 liter (L) pack, whereas living long-term on the road may require 65L or greater.

Size is pretty subjective though and shouldn’t be the only determining factor. Some people are able to pack very bare bones, where others require a bit more. Consider these factors:

How long is your trip:

Depending on the length of your trip the capacity and overall weight of your pack will vary. Short trips require less capacity, and long trips typically require more. But be aware that the bigger the pack the heavier it will become. 50lbs may not seem a lot at first, but 2 months in and it will feel like a ton of bricks.

What Type of Activities will you do:

I personally feel that one bag can rule them all since I generally use my pack for everything. However, this may not be the case for everyone. Knowing what type of activity you’ll be doing will help you zero in on that perfect backpack. If you’re not planning on carrying it around much, consider a travel backpack or even a wheeled backpack, whereas if you foresee yourself doing long treks then a hiking backpack may be more suitable. I like to be prepared for any type of spontaneous activity, so I lean more towards hiking backpacks. Also, hiking backpacks are generally made a bit tougher, so keep in mind that the more challenging the activity, the greater the stress on the bag.

 Lightweight or the kitchen sink:

Although I mentioned earlier that size is not the main determining factor, it’s still important to consider capacity based on what you plan to bring. If ultra light is your goal, avoid high capacity backpacks as you’ll invariably bring too much or if you do manage to pack light your backpack won’t distribute the weight properly. Conversely, if your backpack is too small, you won’t be able to fit everything in. Have an idea of the gear you’re bringing and pick the capacity of your bag accordingly. Don’t hesitate to bring your items to the store to see how it fits in the packs. A reputable retailer, like REI, won’t have a problem with this.

What To Look For In A Hiking Backpack

Backpacks vary in functionality as much as they do in appearance, with the more expensive models having the most bells and whistles. As with everything, your decision here is closely related to what type of traveling you like to do.

Water Resistant

Your pack is probably not going to be completely waterproof. Meaning, if submerged, or in a torrential downpour your clothing and equipment will still get wet. Although most backpacks now come with a rain cover, you still want it to be made of a tough, rip proof, and lightweight silicone coated nylon or Cordura type material that allows rain or water to bead off and not soak through.

Detachable Daypack

this option is really a personal preference, and not really a deal breaker, as many travelers bring an additional pack for day trips. But for those focused on traveling light, carrying two bags can be cumbersome. I personally like the option of a detachable daypack as I have it only when I need it. On my Osprey, the top lid doubles as a daypack. Not as comfortable as a dedicated daypack, but it serves its purpose.

Heavy-duty Lockable Zippers

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. No matter how good the material of the backpack, if the attachment points, like zippers, are weak the whole bag is worthless. Make sure the zippers are tough and lockable where applicable.

Pockets and Compartments

The more compartments the better. Good backpacks usually have a number of compartments to help store and separate your gear so you won’t have to sift through layers of clothes just to find your chapstick. For instance, maps can go in the top flap, while your flip-flops are stored conveniently in the side pocket. However you decide to pack, separate pockets allow easy and quick access to your gear. Most backpacks will also have strategically placed pockets, like on the hipbelt, so you can get to your gear without having to drop your pack.

Lightweight Internal Frame

Backpacks generally come with an internal frame, external frame, or no frame at all. I strongly recommend a lightweight internal frame made from strong carbon fiber rods. This provides more load support and just looks better. External frames are bulky, conspicuous, and use dated technology and frameless backpacks have awful load support at higher weights.   Trust me, without proper weight distribution, you’re shoulders are going to feel every single one of those pounds.

Side Load Access

I’m seeing less and less of this function on the newer backpacks, but if you do happen to find one with side access you’re golden. You’ll be able to access items from the main compartment of the bag without digging in from the top. You’re life will just be that much simpler.

Suspension System with Padded Shoulders and Load Bearing Straps

Don’t even consider buying a backpack unless it has either an adjustable or fixed suspension system, along with a bunch of load bearing straps. The suspension system is the part that usually rests against your back and where the padded shoulders connect. Fixed system means that it fits to one torso size, whereas the adjustable system can be calibrated. The whole system is meant to help stabilize load and transfer weight to your hips. The load bearing straps, like the sternum strap, will also help move the weight around minimizing pain and discomfort.

Ventilation

To minimize the discomfort from an annoying sweaty back, get a backpack with ventilation. Most internal-frame packs will have some sort of ventilation system or design feature that promotes airflow, creating a permanent breathable layer between yourself and the backpack. Although not essential for load support, it certainly increases your comfort level.

Padded Full-size Hip belt

This is probably the most important feature of any backpack since your hips will be carrying 80% of your backpacks weight. The padding in the belt will help you avoid fatigue, discomfort, and of course load distribution. Make sure you get one that’s full-size, where the padding comes around your hip bone to the front, and isn’t just a thin strap with a clip.

Multiple Straps and Tool Attachment Points

This feature is a personal preference and doesn’t really impact comfort and load distribution but I do feel it’s just as important. I like the idea of having excess straps, clips and tool attachment points. You’re able to perform on-the-fly spot fixes for a variety of unexpected circumstances, making your backpack function more than just as a bag. You’re able to tie, hook, and rig a whole mess of things while on the road without having to carry additional gear. Some backpacks have begun to include “daisy chains” (typically found on climbing packs) which is a series of tool attachment loops.

Internal Hydration Reservoir

An internal compartment that holds your favorite hydration bladder (i.e. Camelpak, Platypus) so you have hands free access to H₂O. Openings on the backpack will allow you access to the sip tube making it a very practical feature during your long treks. You won’t have to dig into your pack or stop your momentum looking for your water bottle.

What size backpack do I need

There’s no definitive rule for this question, as it completely depends on your own travel style, trip duration and weather. Generally, the colder the weather the greater the capacity needed; the greater the capacity the greater the overall weight. I try to pack light and bring only what fits in the backpack. So the best advice is to find a bag capacity you’re comfortable with, and pack in only what you absolutely need and what fits. I’ve provided a very broad guideline below:

Length of Trip	Size in Liters (L)
Day Trips	25-35
1-3 Nights	35-50
3-5 Nights	50 to 75
5+ Nights	65+

How to find the right fit

Image from Gregory Packs

For the best comfort and proper load distribution you need to make sure your backpack fits correctly. Ideally, you should try it before you buy it, but that’s not always an option. To find the correct fit you’ll need to find your torso length, not your height, which is the distance, in inches, between your 7^th cervical vertebra, and your iliac crest. In other words, from the base of the neck to the top of your hip bones. Once you have this measurement, use this guide:

As for your waist size, most backpacks have adjustable hip belts so finding your precise hip size is not as important as determining your torso length. Just make sure the belt sits on top of your hips, with about an inch above and below the belly button.

How much should I spend on a Hiking backpack

You’ll find backpacks ranging from under $100 to as high as $600. Unless you have an unlimited budget and want the latest model just because, it isn’t necessary to spend more than $300. With that being said, I would also stay away from anything under $150 as they will be lacking on essential features like a suspension system or a padded hip belt. Buying a backpack is an investment, and the last thing you want is for the seams to rip or a shoulder strap to tear off when you need it most. Just make sure your backpack has, at a minimum, the above features and fits comfortably.

The Best Backpack Brands

There are hundreds of great brands out there with an equally daunting number of styles and models. I’m not really the authority on which brand is better than the next. I can only tell you the brands I prefer and those whose quality I have confidence in. I’ve been using the same Osprey backpack since 2004, and my wife has been using a Gregory for nearly as long. I can honestly say, that after relentless airline abuse, backcountry trips, and overseas adventures, not a single strap, zipper or clip has ever needed replacement. Worth mentioning as well, Osprey and Gregory offer lifetime warranties on all their bags. You’ll probably never need it, but it’s great to know that the company stands behind their products.

Osprey

With 40 years experience manufacturing backpacks, and a lifetime warranty, Osprey exudes quality. They have one of the largest selections of styles and sizes for all sorts of adventuring, and their packs sport the latest backpacking technology. Osprey is my personal favorite and go to brand of choice; you really can’t go wrong with these guys.

Gregory

Like Osprey, these guys specialize in backpacks. My wife will attest to their quality and comfort. She has used her backpack for close to 10 years without a need to ever repair or replace. Gregory also stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty.

The North Face

Originating in San Francisco, The North Face has been developing adventure gear for over 40 years. I’ve never had the pleasure of using their backpacks, but with their pedigree and lifetime warranty, I would feel confidant carrying their packs any day of the week.

Arc’teryx

Along with having a really cool name, Arc’teryx pumps out some pretty awesome products. They are one of the more expensive brands out there, but if you’re willing to pay the price, you’ll most certainly get the quality

Deuter

A low to mid range brand, Deuter is a solid choice if you want function for a reasonable price. They’ve been in the backpacking game since 1968 and are very popular amongst Europeans.

Backpack Accessories

Rain Cover (separate or built in)

Most backpacks are water resistant but not waterproof, making them susceptible to persistent rain exposure. It’s a worthwhile addition if your backpack doesn’t already come with a built in rain cover. You needn’t get a fancy one or spend a lot of money, just make sure it fits your pack size. I use the REI Ducks Back Rain Cover, and it works perfectly fine.

Airporter Bag

The last thing you want is to have your backpack damaged before you even start your trip. With all the straps, exposed shoulder, and hipbelt, it’s easy for something to get caught and tear right off. An Airporter bag will cover your entire backpack (think bag within a bag) and protect it during transport. As well, you can put a lock on the lockable zippers as an extra layer of theft deterrence. I have the Osprey Airporter LZ. I wish it was lighter (weighs about 1lb) but I suppose it’s worth it for the extra peace of mind.

Well, there you have it, my “how to buy an awesome hiking backpack” guide.

What are some of your favorite backpacks and why?  Please feel free share your own experiences below.

The post How to Buy an Awesome Hiking Backpack appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

To all you nature lovers, it’s time to dust off them hiking boots and get your cameras ready.  The U.S National Parks Service has listed their free entrance days for 2015!  For the dates listed below, it will cost you $0 to visit some of the most beautiful landscapes the U.S. has to offer.

Not that you really need an excuse to visit the National Parks, but if you do need a little incentive, this is a great time to plan a trip and get some miles under your boots. Unfortunately, at the time of this posting, the January 19^th date has come and gone, but you still have until November to take advantage of the free days.

U.S National Parks Entrance Free-Days 2015

The entrance free days waive all entrance and commercial tour fees at any of the paid U.S National Parks including popular destinations like Yosemite and Yellowstone. You’ll still be responsible for campsite reservations, and any fees charged by third party tours or groups not affiliated directly with the National Parks Service, but entrance into the parks on foot or by car, will cost absolutely nothing.

Half Dome Yosemite

Be aware though, during entrance free days, expect the crowds to descend in droves.  Parks like Yosemite are generally busy all year-round but will be even crazier during the free days. If you want to maintain your Zen, a great alternative is to arrange a backcountry permit in advance for the day or even a few days. You can find out more about how to arrange backcountry permits at the U.S National Parks site.

 Tip – Don’t try to get the backcountry permit the day of. You’ll wake up at an ungodly hour to stand in line forever, only to be disappointed when the permits are sold out.

For campsites, make an advanced reservation. In fact, this is a general rule of thumb all year-round. You can find out how to plan your camping trip and site reservations in my post – Camping 101

If you still wish to see National Parks, but wish to avoid the heavy crowds, consider purchasing the annual pass for $80 and get access to all the U.S National Parks.  As well, all U.S military personnel qualify for a free annual pass, while seniors can purchase an annual pass for $10.

Now stop procrastinating and get out there!

The post Visit U.S National Parks For Free in 2015! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Traveling to new places can be both exhilarating an unbelievably rewarding. Conversely, without proper preparation, traveling to a new country or unfamiliar place can also be a source of great anxiety and in the worst case, dangerous. A tiny incident can easily snowball into a disaster. Preparation and research will make all the difference between a mediocre trip to a great one. As well, as much as we would like to bring with us all the conceivable comforts of home, a great trip is one where you’re not bogged down by over-packing.  Freeing clutter, is freeing your mind. One of the tenets of traveling-pack light!

I’ve compiled a list of resources that we feel will help you pick your next dream destination, mitigate the unforeseen, assist in preparations and planning, find the coolest traveling gear, and most importantly, save money. Travel cheap, travel smart, and travel safe.

Many of these sites, I’ve had phenomenal experiences with. Worthy of mention are the sharing recommendations. Not only do they lessen the financial impact of traveling, they also provides fantastic opportunities to meet like minded adventurers facilitating experiences otherwise not found in guidebooks.

Tech/AppsTraveling GuidesTravel BookingAirfare & Transportation

Travel GearAccommodationsVoluntourismCamping & Backpacking

Pet FriendlyTravel InsuranceGreat Blogs

Travel Gear

Part of the preparation process that I thoroughly enjoy is the gearing up. Being a bit of a gear junkie myself, I’m always in search of the most awesome light-weight gadgets and clothing. What’s needed is always determined by destination, activity and desire. You can find anything you need at these sites:

REI Gear

Brick and mortar stores throughout the US with great membership benefits and points program. Great selection of everything you need, and even their in-house brand is high quality. Awesome return policy.

Backcountry

A huge reputable online emporium of gear. . Decent and reasonable return policy on used and unused equipment. Truly a site for the avid adventurer.

Sierra Trading Post

Tons of products at good prices. They primarily sell sports and outdoor gear, but oddly have a section for home goods as well. I’m not complaining.  After 3 months beating down mountains and eating dry food, returning to a decked out home, sounds pretty good to me.

Sim Cards: Roam for Less

As much as we try, it’s hard to completely disconnect from the grid at times. Roam4less has affordable World SIM Cards, and World phones to keep you connected when traveling the wide wide world. You can monitor usage onsite, as well as recharge when necessary. They aren’t the cheapest, but after traveling through SE Asia and Europe using their service, they are certainly the most dependable.

Accommodations

I love hostels and community sharing services. Both are fantastic opportunities to meet new people, and really be part of the vibe that makes travel so fun. For a fraction of the cost of hotels, hostels now offer clean private rooms, food, and free wifi. Although the price range of hostels have slowly begun to creep north, they are still a fraction of what you would pay at hotels. Here are some of my favorite services:

CouchSurfing

An amazing community of people all over the world willing to open their home’s to like minded travelers. Couchsurfing.com is a great way to travel on the cheap while meeting locals and making new friends. They do take safety seriously, so stay informed, but don’t be afraid to use them.

Wwoof (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Technically this could be considered more voluntourism then it does accommodations, as you do offer part of your day to help around the farm. In exchange though, you are provided food and accommodations. Experiences do differ depending on the host, but personally I had an amazing host that made my Italian immersion complete.

Hostel bookers

Like the name suggests, you can find customer reviewed quality hostels in thousands of destinations worldwide. A very good resource for anyone looking for budget accommodations. They have no booking fees and they take their “lowest price guarantee” quite seriously. I used them religiously while traveling through SE Asia without any hiccups.

Hotels.com

A very dependable hotel booking site. They don’t offer the cheapest results, but their customer service does make up for the price at times, making quite the difference when traveling overseas or when you’re in a pinch. I use them on occasion to supplement my choices.

Home Exchange

I haven’t used this site personally, but I really like the concept. Basically the company helps facilitate a “home swap” with other travelers. There is a monthly fee to be a member. Again, I’ve never used them personally, so I can’t honestly share any relevant experience.

Hostelling International

A membership based hostelling group with destinations worldwide. Hostels in this group do need to meet minimum standards of safety, quality and location. Not absolutely necessary, but certainly doesn’t hurt to have additional budget options especially when traveling with family.

Airfare/Transportation

This resource is certainly subjective. Wherever you may go, there is no limit on how to travel or how to get from point A to point B. Within each country, options abound. I’ve listed the main resources for macro planning.

Kayak

A meta search engine for flights, cars, hotels and even vacation packages on trips originating from the US. Great service for quick comparison shopping across multiple companies.

Momondo

Another great search engine to include when planning your travels. Use in conjunction with other search engines to increase your choices and chance to find the best price.

Skyscanner

One of the cheaper flight, cars and hotel search engines I’ve used. Results are noticeably cheaper, providing options across major carriers and budget carriers.

Vayama

An international fare specialists. Like all, travel sites, you can search for every facet of travel you need, but Vayama touts themselves as being uniquely focused on international travel. I have seen significantly cheaper fares when compared to other search engines.

Airfare Watchdog

Like the name suggests, this site monitors US airlines for changes in ticket price and deals. Be sure to sign up for their fare alerts and newsletter. You can never get enough information.

Skiplagged

This site has a very interesting business model, and really worth watching. With some clever planning and flexibility you can definitely find significantly cheaper flights. The service takes advantage of “hidden city ticketing” whereby your target destination is enroute to the final destination. Since ticket prices are based on market forces and not necessarily distance traveled, skiplagged takes this under consideration and finds the best prices. There are risks though.  So read through their policies and stay informed.

Rail Europe

Europe is best traveled by train. With tracks crisscrossing all across the continent, you’re almost certainly going to find yourself on a train more than once. With a rail pass, your life not only gets easier, but you’ll save tons of money for your beer budget. On my 4 month trip through Europe, I saved easily hundreds of dollar; and you will too!

Man in seat 61

For those who love traveling via train and ferry, this website by Mark Smith is the definitive site for all things rail. An incredible resource to find routes, ticket prices, times, and status anywhere in the world. A must for the overland traveler.

Travel Insurance

World nomads

Covers probably any destination and activity you can think of. Policies are exceptionally accommodating, allowing claims while still traveling. Company also has worldwide service for emergencies, and also covers your gear! Also did I mention the traveling community loves them? Read the fine print though. No two policies are ever the same.

Traveling Guides

Guidebooks (Lonely Planet)

Personally I use Lonely Planet. However, there are literally hundreds of guide books to choose from, and I can’t honestly say one is better than the other. Preference would be wholly dependent on your style of travel, the writing style of the guide book itself, and cost.

Reason I do like the Lonely Planet series: they have a very casual and easy to follow style of writing; they offer great suggestions for the backpacker; they include cultural expectations such as tipping etiquette; and they have individual destinations or compilations of regions in digital format. Their city guides also have detailed maps, including suggestions on modes of travels to the most far reaching places.

But as with all guidebooks take it merely as a loose framework and find your adventure outside of it.

Vayable

What better way to learn about a destination than from a friendly local? With Vayable you can request a trip from a local “Vayable insider” to cultivate an experience of a lifetime. All guides are non-commercial and range from writers, historians students to farmers, dancers and more. Best of all, you’ll make new friends in the process.

Voluntourism

Wwoof (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

From their website: WWOOF organizations link people who want to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help. WWOOF aims to provide volunteers with first-hand experience in organic and ecologically sound growing methods, to help the organic movement, and to let volunteers experience life in a rural setting or a different country. WWOOF volunteers (‘WWOOFers’) generally do not receive financial payment. The host provides food, accommodation, and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities.

http://grassrootsvolunteering.org/

Vacation Booking companies

Intrepid travels

STA travels

AirTreks

Camping Resources

Finding campgrounds

Unless you’re one of the fortunate few who already have their favorite “secret” campsite hideaway, finding the perfect campsite can be tantamount to mission impossible. Lucky for you, I’ve put together a guide “camping preparedness, along with the below resources:

National Park Service

Great site providing a broad overview of all National Parks managed by the Federal National Park Service. Regular updates on weather and park conditions are also included.

State Park Websites

Each state manages their own parks and accordingly have their own websites and policies. I’ve prepared the page, “state parks” consolidating all their websites by regions. Go here for detailed information on fees and regulations.

Campsitephotos.com

One of the biggest problems of choosing a campsite is trying to pick one based on a campsite number. Campsitephotos.com combats this problem through their huge library of actual campsite photos. Organized by park and site number, you can easily reference the precise site on campsite reservation portals. Public and RV campgrounds also included.

Reservations

Reservations are highly recommended during high season at most National and State parks, and can be made at either of these 2 sites:

Reserve America
Recreation.gov

Hiking Trails

Backpacking is quickly becoming one of the most popular styles of camping. Offering unparalleled scenic vistas and solitude, the journey is sometimes more rewarding than the destinations. Finding the perfect trail that satisfies all your objectives can be very daunting. With hundreds of crisscrossing paths throughout the US, knowing trail information in advance is worth it’s weight in gear.

Everytrail.com

Day hikes and overnight hikes galore! From national parks to city hikes, this site has it all. Great functionality including offline TOPO maps for smartphone users. You can also create and share your own hiking experience with the community.

Videowaypoint.com

This site is an awesome idea that incorporates our love for watching and sharing videos! Videos are of great quality and provide visual answers to the questions we’re all asking. Somewhat limited in their inventory of available trails, what they do offer is still top notch! I’m going to enjoy watching these guys expand their offerings.

Trails.com

A bit more commercial than the previous recommendation, this site is very sleek and provides ample information and detailed guides. You do have to sign up for a free account to view the guides.

14ers.com

Literally a ton of information, with a forum to boot. Site navigation can be a little overwhelming, but information provided is exceptionally valuable. Make sure to add this site as part of your planning repertoire.

Trailjournals.com

I like this site because It’s real people sharing real trips. Although some of the entries are not as detailed as some of the other sites, they offer a practical, and often entertaining overview on what can be expected in the wild. Every experience is beautiful and unique, and it’s spirit is captured in these personal entries.

Americanhiking.org

Dog Friendly destinations/Dog Friendly guides

Some trips by their nature are not conducive to bringing along fido. However, there are times when fido needs a vacation just as much as you do, and bringing them along becomes a requirement, not an option. Here are some links that aggregate dog friendly destinations and facilities:

Dogfriendly.com

Fantastic resource that functions better than it looks. Don’t get thrown off by the “directory” feel of the site as it offers valuable information for dog friendly hotels, dog city guides, parks, attractions and more across the US and the world.

Bringfido.com

Another awesome resource site for all-things-pets incorporated in a familiar interface. Bringfido providers an additional service where you can speak to a Pet expert who will assist in planning Rover’s ultimate getaway. Services are worldwide, with an existing community to bounce questions and ideas off of.

Hikewithyourdog.com

For the wilderness aficionado, hikewithyourdog.com compiles a list of pet friendly trails across the State and National parks in the US. The site is very bare bones, but a good place to start in your research.

Pettravel.com

Need more information? Want to do some comparison shopping? Pettravel.com, providers yet even more info to ensure your pets are happy and well cared for. They also have a Pet travel store to gear out your pup.

The post Travel Resources appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

1. Shelter
   • Tent
   • Tarps
2. Bedding
   •  Sleeping bag (check temperature rating depending on destination & season)
   • Light weight sleeping pad
   • Light weight air pillow
3. Cooking & Kitchen
   • Propane, or wood burning stove
   • Extra propane canisters
   • Water filter
   • Water receptacle
   • Coolers/ice
   • Thermos
   • Pots, Pans & cooking utensils
   • Plates, bowls & eating utensils
   • Tablecloth, tacks/clips
   • Drinking cups
   • Heavy Duty Aluminum foil
   • Paper towels/napkins
   • Trash bags
   • Eco friendly dish and hand soap
   • Coconut oil
   • Food storage containers
   • Tongs
   • Skewers & Grill Forks
   • Folding table
   • Ziplock bags
   • Seasoning/sugar/condiments
4. Clothes
   • Sturdy good traction hiking shoes
   • Water shoes/sandals
   • Convertible polyester based pants/shorts
   • Socks, extra socks
   • Synthetic polyester based T-shirts
   • Goretex lined jacket/outwear
   • Swimsuit
   • Quickdry towel
   • Compression sack for clothes
   • Underwear
   • Scarf or bandana
   • Hat
5. Personal
   • Quickdry towel
   • Biodegradable soap with case
   • Biodegradable Shampoo
   • Deodorant
   • Comb/brush
   • Toothbrush, toothpaste
   • Feminine products
   • Toilet paper
   • Portable shower
   • Medications
6. Tools & Miscellaneous
   • Sunscreen, chapstick
   • Headlamp, flashlights, Lanterns
   • Extra mantles and batteries
   • Whistle
   • Park and trail maps
   • Compass
   • Insect repellant
   • Extra Water Filters, treatment methods
   • Knife
   • axe,
   • multi-tool
   • Daypack
   • Fishing gear
   • Camp chairs
   • Sunglasses
   • Hammock
   • Rope
   • Zip Ties
   • Bungi Cords
   • Water bottles
   • Duct Tape
   • Cell phone charger or extra battery
   • Shovel
   • Gloves
   • Hand wipes
   • Sewing kit
7. First Aid Kit, allergy and prescription medications
   • Personal medications
   • Anti Allergi medications (epipen)
   • Roll bandages
   • Bandage tape
   • Antiseptic wipes
   • Cotton swabs & gauze pads
   • Tweezers
   • Safety pins
   • Sinus medications
   • Sterile compresses
   • Splinting materials
   • Emergency blankets
   • Razor blades
   • Small Mirror
   • Triangular bandages
   • Band aids
   • Antacids
   • Ipecac
   • Antibiotic Cream
   • Ibuprofen/aspirin/Tylenol
   • Eye Drops
   • Nail Clippers
   • Hydrogen peroxide
   • Iodine
   • Burn ointment
   • Twine
   • Scissors

The post Car Camping – what to bring appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Wilderness awareness/staying safe

1. Know your surroundings
   • emergency services and Ranger offices locations
   • Always have a map and compass with you
   • Know basic navigation techniques
   • Establish meeting points in case of separation or loss of bearing
2.  Food & Storage
   • Always store food properly. Use bear kegs or provided food lockers if available
   • Treat or boil water (even if says potable)
   • Throw trash away daily
   • Always keep food within arms reach
3. Preservation
   • Practice no-impact camping
   • Camp in only designated/developed areas
   • Leave no trace behind
4. Safety
   • Know your basic first aid (bind/treat a wound or break)
   • Always carry a quality knife or multi-tool, whistle, and headlamp, hat or scarf
   • Know basic fire starting techniques to start a fire
   • Know how to tie a knot
   • Stay hydrated and always carry water
   • Ensure you have sturdy good traction footwear
   • Know your limits
   • Practice self-saving techniques
5. Wildlife Awareness
   • Never let bears approach you, keep 50 yards distance minimum
   • Make loud yelling noises
   • Try to appear as large as possible
   • Never feed wildlife
   • Never surround wildlife
   • Never Run

The post What you need to know for Wilderness Survival appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

There’s a special place in my heart when it comes to the great outdoors. As John Muir once said, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity”. Camping in the wild is an opportunity to travel back in time; a chance to reconnect to an uncluttered, simpler existence. It’s an opportunity to see the earth shaking off it’s slumber, to feel the slow, deliberate embrace of the sun as it illuminates the mountains and the trees in it’s wake. No matter how often you may witness this event, no two experiences are ever alike, each one unique from the one that preceded it.

Camping is an experience worthy of exploration. Camping is not simply the act of pitching a tent; it is the immersion into nature that qualifies the activity. It is our duty as visitors to these protected lands to understand the personality and the life that hides from our gaze. To know that, although unseen, behind the trees is a the wilderness teeming with life as vibrant as the cities we come from.

With over 59 national parks and 6625 state parks in the US alone, you needn’t travel far for that kick-ass camping trip. A rewarding, budget friendly vacation can be literally a few hours away.

like any activity, to fully harness the experience, preparation is key. The difference between a weekend trip to a kick-ass life altering trip is in your readiness.

My Essential Camping Guide

Decide what type of camping: Backcountry or Car camping

Strong proponents exist for either side with great arguments for either approach. Ultimately, how you decide to camp comes down to your style and the level of comfort that you desire.

Car camping, as it’s colloquially known, is a more luxurious form of camping, allowing you to haul creature comforts such as, air mattresses, larger tents, coolers, food (always a good thing!), games and various pieces of camping furniture, while still being able to enjoy the wilderness. Generally, car camping requires very little advanced planning, survival or wilderness knowledge. Campsites are developed and pre-impacted with established fire pits and within proximity of modernized facilities that are shared amongst other campers. All that is needed to enjoy is optimism for a great time and love for the great outdoors!

Backpacking on the other hand requires a little more physicality. Gear and food is pre-determined by necessity, and limited further by bag volume and what you can carry. But what it lacks in comfort, it makes up for in experience. Backpacking generally offers the best opportunity for solitude, and immersion into the wild country. Unlike car camping, there are no facilities, established camping loops, and in some cases, camping fires are not allowed. Backpacking does require a backcountry permit and some wilderness awareness. Pre-planning is highly recommended for safety. For more information on camping in the backcountry, check out our backpacking blog.

Choose where you want to go camping

Between National and State parks, the US has 6684 protected lands worthy of visitation at one point in your life. So wherever you may be in the US, a park or campground should be accessible with minimal commuting, for a quick weekend adventure fix. Of course, this is not to say road trips can’t be part of the fun too (check out our road trip blog)!

We’ve compiled a list of National parks and State Park websites to help with your research.   Click on any of the links below for more information.

List of National parks
List of State Parks

Keep in mind, some parks are more popular than others, and depending on the season you may find yourself competing for that prime campsite. Living in California, my favorites are Yosemite and sequoia/kings canyon. And in my case the proximity doesn’t hurt either.

Best Time to go Camping

Anytime! Short of my own personal enthusiasm of camping all year long, this decision is once again a personal one, and will certainly depend on where you are, where you want to go, type of camping and activities you have planned. Regardless of where you end up, be sure to always check the weather forecast, as weather can change suddenly and radically, especially in the mountains. Some Parks also have winter closures to consider also.

Here are some resources to help you plan your perfect camping trip. I’ve attempted to provide as much detail as possible to help in your research, alternatively, you can also go directly to the National Park Service or the respective State Park websites.

National Parks

State Parks

National Weather Service

National parks Details page

For most, summer is the best time to go camping.   Accordingly it’s also the busiest time for camping. Throngs of vacationers and nature lovers alike peel off from the cities in summer months in order to reconnect with the wild. Finding the perfect campsite will be near impossible. If disappointment’s not in your summer plans, and that it’s affecting your zen, advance reservation is an absolute must.

First come, first serve or reservations

For the more adventurous, first come, first serve campgrounds can be an option. Among the protected lands the National Park Service and State systems oversee, there are always a few that are available on a first come first serve basis. But these are often taken within a matter of moments. Each park differs in their campsite availabilities policies. In most cases, during low-season, reservations are not as imperative and making spontaneous, last minute trips becomes a feasible approach. In the summer months though, I wouldn’t risk it. Successfully finding a campsite becomes a game of patience and luck, with no guarantees. Nothing skewers a camping trip like driving 5 hrs, and failing to get a campsite.

Campsite reservations sometimes have booking windows 6 to 7 months in advance. For example, if your desired camping dates are June 20^th, you would reserve on January 20th. The actual open dates for reservations will differ from park to park. For dates by park, go to our parks page

Our National Parks and State Parks page has detailed information on campsite booking windows.

Another idea is to make a hard reservation on a campsite, just as a backup, and then trying for a first come, first serve. These campgrounds sometimes offer gorgeous campsites and unparalleled isolation. If you’re lucky to find that hidden gem, be sure to let the Rangers know, so your previously reserved site can be offered to someone else. In some cases transferring the prepaid reservation is possible.

This strategy will always ensure you have a place to set up tent.   Reserve campsites here:

Reserve America
Recreation.gov

Another option is camping in the backcountry. Read our backcountry blog for more information. !

Identifying the perfect campsite

This is one of the most common questions without a clearly defined answer. What makes a perfect campsite is too subjective. A large party may need multiple adjacent sites; if it’s isolation, then the campsite on the tip of the campground loop would be ideal. Yet, whatever your criteria, a perfect site, will surely predicate the perfect trip.

Besides scouring the internet reading opinion after opinion, one resource that I think is awesome is www.campsitephotos.com. They provide photos of the sites allowing you to view it without scouting in advance or showing up blindly to disappointment. Not all parks are represented, but it does give some perspective.

From here, jot down the site number and the park and make your reservations:

Reserve America
Recreation.gov

Driving and parking

Ironically, most parks are very auto friendly. National parks especially tend to have modern facilities which include paved roads, signage and abundant parking. Driving your own vehicle to the park itself is certainly the most convenient method. However, when available, please do take advantage of the parks public transportation system. It’s easier on the environment and offers you the opportunity to do some sight seeing.

Here are some maps of the parks, detailing roads, parking and facilities:

Maps of national parks
Maps of State Parks

Fees

In most cases there will be 2 separate fees for most parks: Park entrance fees, and camping per night fees. Entrance fees and Camping fees sometimes vary depending on your party size. For instance, tent camping with a party of six can be 15 per night, whereas a larger group of 7 to 10 can be 20 per night. As well, different entrance fees vary on if you have a vehicle or not.   Go to our park page for an outline of 2015 park fees. Entrance fees are generally good for mulitple rentries within an established consecutive period. Both are pretty much unavoidable, but well worth it as it does go to preservation and maintenance of the parks.

If you happen to be a wilderness nut, annual passes are available for multi-park entrances throughout the US. For national parks and Federal Recreational Lands it is $80 annually.

For state parks, you’ll need to check the relevant websites which you can find here:

State Parks

Camping with pets

Pet policy will differ across all the National and state parks. Restrictions usually apply to the backcountry, and trails as this protects both pets and wildlife from diseases and each other. Within the campsite, leashed pets are generally allowed. This isn’t an across the board rule however, as some parks have more relaxed rules governing pets whereas others do not allow them at all. To make it even more confusing, some parks, such as those in and around Big Sur California, Federal and State jurisdications may have overlapping regulations.   The take away, do your research to avoid penalties or limiting your own activities. Our park page lists pet policies by destination.

National park page

Official park website are also generally very up front with pet policy

Things to do: Outdoor activities

At every campsite, you’ll be sure to have plenty of activities to keep you and the family busy. Camping is an opportunity to bring out your outdoor gear and go crazy! Depending on the park, activities range from easy to challenging hikes, canoeing and rafting, climbing, fishing to horseback riding, and in some cases winter sports as well. For the nature lover, there’s always photography and night astronomy. More specific activities will be dependent on where you are, and the park you decided to visit. Our Parks page lists the activities by destination.

Make your lists:

Have a good checklist for items such as food, clothing, and gear to avoid leaving something important behind. Although everything you need can be purchased for a premium at the lodge, try to avoid this extra expense and bring the items you need with you.

See our other guides to help with your camping preparations.  Feel free to add anything else essential for you trip, and print, use and distribute freely!

Wilderness Awareness – Guide To Staying Safe

Car Camping Gear – Guide to Essential Equipment

Food Guide

Now Get out there, stay safe and enjoy!

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