Leaderboard · 728×90
How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Backcountry Skills

How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Maps, generally speaking, have been around since the times of Babylon. Though they’ve evolved over time, the basic concept remains the same: We must know where we are and where we’re going. When it comes to the outdoor world, a person can easily look at a globe or a standard map of the country they […]

3 min read · Aug 22, 2019 · Christina Applin

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10 Hacks for the Trail

Backcountry Skills

10 Hacks for the Trail

If the time has come for you to get into nature, the time has come for you to get prepared for it. You want to be comfortable. You want to be safe. And, of course, you want to have a great time! The following 10 hacks will help to ensure your adventure goes swimmingly! Garbage […]

1 min read · Aug 20, 2019 · Christina Applin

How to Recognize and Treat Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Sumac

First Aid

How to Recognize and Treat Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Sumac

While we’d all love for our outdoor adventures to run flawlessly from start to finish, that is not always the case. Sometimes, we accidentally collide with the not-so-friendly plant life out there in the wild. Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac are good examples. All three of these plants bear an oil called urushiol. When […]

1 min read · Aug 15, 2019 · Christina Applin

Meet Tim Dube and Capitol Hill Outfitters

Stories

Meet Tim Dube and Capitol Hill Outfitters

I was just recently introduced to Tim Dube and Capitol Hill Outfitters and really appreciated his story. We’re all about helping people get out into the wilderness to do some backpacking, camping and hiking and Tim is serving an area that definitely doesn’t get enough of it! Can you tell us a little about you […]

1 min read · Aug 12, 2019 · Ian Campbell

Between-posts · 728×90
Proper Layering for Alpine Climbing in Intense Winter Conditions

Backcountry Skills

Proper Layering for Alpine Climbing in Intense Winter Conditions

When the temperatures begin to drop, layering up properly becomes more important than ever, especially for anyone pursuing wintertime outdoor activities such as ice climbing. Too many layers can be cumbersome and cause overheating while too few layers can lead to a chilly and potentially miserable day out. If you have plans to head out […]

1 min read · Jan 24, 2019 · Ian Campbell

Cooking while Camping

Backcountry Skills

How to Set Up a Camp Kitchen

Even the top chefs have trouble cooking when it comes to cooking in the wild. Cooking can be a challenging task when you are outdoors and away from home and if your camp kitchen is not set up right then it makes it even harder for you to cook a decent meal. A proper camp kitchen […]

1 min read · Jan 9, 2019 · Ian Campbell

Indoorsy to Outdoorsy: 10 Ways to Transform Your Lifestyle

Backcountry Skills

Indoorsy to Outdoorsy: 10 Ways to Transform Your Lifestyle

Looking to get outside more and enjoy the grand outdoors? Not sure where to start? The lifestyle shift doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is an open mind and the will to say yes to new opportunities. Here’s how you can transform yourself from living a life indoors to exploring the outdoors: 10.       […]

1 min read · Sep 12, 2018 · Ian Campbell

Field Notes

Stories from the trail, in your inbox.

Trip reports, gear takes, and the occasional reminder that the trailhead is closer than you think.

How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Backcountry Skills

How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Maps, generally speaking, have been around since the times of Babylon. Though they’ve evolved over time, the basic concept remains the same: We must know where we are and where we’re going. When it comes to the outdoor world, a person can easily look at a globe or a standard map of the country they […]

1 min read · Aug 22, 2019 · Christina Applin

10 Hacks for the Trail

Backcountry Skills

10 Hacks for the Trail

If the time has come for you to get into nature, the time has come for you to get prepared for it. You want to be comfortable. You want to be safe. And, of course, you want to have a great time! The following 10 hacks will help to ensure your adventure goes swimmingly! Garbage […]

1 min read · Aug 20, 2019 · Christina Applin

Indoorsy to Outdoorsy: 10 Ways to Transform Your Lifestyle

Backcountry Skills

Indoorsy to Outdoorsy: 10 Ways to Transform Your Lifestyle

Looking to get outside more and enjoy the grand outdoors? Not sure where to start? The lifestyle shift doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is an open mind and the will to say yes to new opportunities. Here’s how you can transform yourself from living a life indoors to exploring the outdoors: 10.       […]

1 min read · Sep 12, 2018 · Ian Campbell

Tips for Hiking with Chronic Back Pain

Backpacking

Tips for Hiking with Chronic Back Pain

Four out of five Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives making it one of the most common physical health problems in the United States. Some causes of back pain are inevitable such as aging or genetics, but other causes can be avoided such as injury and strain. Luckily, there […]

1 min read · Nov 2, 2017 · Ian Campbell

Between-posts · 728×90
How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Backcountry Skills

How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Maps, generally speaking, have been around since the times of Babylon. Though they’ve evolved over time, the basic concept remains the same: We must know where we are and where we’re going. When it comes to the outdoor world, a person can easily look at a globe or a standard map of the country they […]

1 min read · Aug 22, 2019 · Christina Applin

Tips for Hiking with Chronic Back Pain

Backpacking

Tips for Hiking with Chronic Back Pain

Four out of five Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives making it one of the most common physical health problems in the United States. Some causes of back pain are inevitable such as aging or genetics, but other causes can be avoided such as injury and strain. Luckily, there […]

1 min read · Nov 2, 2017 · Ian Campbell

Stay Park City’s Top Hiking and Biking Trails

Backcountry Destinations

Stay Park City’s Top Hiking and Biking Trails

Stay Park City isn’t just about booking hotels and recommending restaurants. We’re all major outdoor enthusiasts with years of Park City hiking and biking experience. We think everyone should know where to find the best trails in Park City, and made this list just for you. Even more resources are available on our trails page. […]

1 min read · Jun 27, 2017 · Ian Campbell

how to pack for your backpacking trip

Backcountry Skills

Don’t Know How to Pack for Your Backpacking Trip? Let Us Help

Are you planning a backpacking trip?  You must be excited! Backpacking is a great way to explore the areas around you without necessarily be confined to a strict schedule. It’s a freeing experience that can really change a person’s outlook on the things going on their life. Whether you’re going backpacking just to have fun […]

1 min read · Jan 10, 2017 · hanalarock

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Backcountry Skills

All Backcountry Skills
How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Backcountry Skills

How to Read a Topographical Trail Map

Maps, generally speaking, have been around since the times of Babylon. Though they’ve evolved over time, the basic concept remains the same: We must know where we are and where we’re going. When it comes to the outdoor world, a person can easily look at a globe or a standard map of the country they […]

1 min read · Aug 22, 2019 · Christina Applin

10 Hacks for the Trail

Backcountry Skills

10 Hacks for the Trail

If the time has come for you to get into nature, the time has come for you to get prepared for it. You want to be comfortable. You want to be safe. And, of course, you want to have a great time! The following 10 hacks will help to ensure your adventure goes swimmingly! Garbage […]

1 min read · Aug 20, 2019 · Christina Applin

Proper Layering for Alpine Climbing in Intense Winter Conditions

Backcountry Skills

Proper Layering for Alpine Climbing in Intense Winter Conditions

When the temperatures begin to drop, layering up properly becomes more important than ever, especially for anyone pursuing wintertime outdoor activities such as ice climbing. Too many layers can be cumbersome and cause overheating while too few layers can lead to a chilly and potentially miserable day out. If you have plans to head out […]

1 min read · Jan 24, 2019 · Ian Campbell

Cooking while Camping

Backcountry Skills

How to Set Up a Camp Kitchen

Even the top chefs have trouble cooking when it comes to cooking in the wild. Cooking can be a challenging task when you are outdoors and away from home and if your camp kitchen is not set up right then it makes it even harder for you to cook a decent meal. A proper camp kitchen […]

1 min read · Jan 9, 2019 · Ian Campbell

Between-posts · 728×90
buy cheap hiking gear

Gear

Gear Questions: When Do You Think It’s Okay To Buy Cheap Hiking Gear?

So, the other day I was walking around Wal-Mart and I noticed they sell A LOT of stuff for hiking. They had everything from winter jackets, to hiking boots, to crampons, to backpacks, and I didn’t even get to the sporting equipment section yet! Did I mention how CHEAP this stuff was? But, knowing what […]

1 min read · Apr 17, 2017 · hanalarock

snowshoeing accessories

Gear

5 Must Have Snowshoeing Accessories for the Backcountry

After getting your snowshoes, you’re just about ready to take on trail. While snowshoes function pretty well on their own, it never hurts to have some extra supportive gear. By adding certain accessories onto your snowshoe getup, you can really get the most of your winter backcountry adventure. Here are your must-have snowshoeing accessories: 1. […]

1 min read · Mar 15, 2017 · hanalarock

snowshoes for kids

Gear

You’ll Want to Check Out These Snowshoes for Kids

The wonderful thing about a sport like snowshoeing is that it’s fun for all abilities and ages. For kids who might not be quite ready for skiing, snowboarding, or intense backcountry hiking, snowshoeing is an excellent alternative. In general, snowshoeing is the perfect way to experience the outdoors without too much of a hassle. Here are some […]

1 min read · Mar 8, 2017 · hanalarock

hiking boots and snowshoes

Backcountry Skills

The Very Important Differences Between Hiking Boots and Snowshoes

With all this talk about snowshoes, you might be wondering “Why on Earth can’t I just wear my hiking boots in the snow?!” After all, many hiking boots are designed for winter terrain anyway. And, they are ultimately more comfortable to walk in compared to snowshoes – just one of the many differences between hiking boots […]

1 min read · Mar 7, 2017 · hanalarock