Feature: The Hiker’s Guide to Search and Rescue
The Hiker’s Guide to Search and Rescue Written for Washington Trails magazine Visit the published article here and the companion web pages here For Josh Hancock, 31, there was never a reason to suspect that his daytrip to Alpental would end any differently than the dozens of excursions he’d done before. It was an ordinary Wednesday, and the environmental consultant was taking a day off work with his climbing partner, Kjel. The weather was beautiful and the climbing conditions were favorable—it should have been a fun day away from the office and enjoying the great outdoors. Instead, it was one of the scariest days of Hancock’s life. The two friends hiked 3 snowy miles toward Kiddie Cliff and a spectacular frozen waterfall that was...
Gear Feature: Time for Spring Cleaning
Time for Spring Cleaning Written for Washington Trails magazine Visit the published article here and the companion blogs here There are many things to love about spring: warmer temperatures, longer days and the sweet promise of another hiking season just around the corner. But before you hit the trail, it’s time for some good old-fashioned spring cleaning. Don’t know where to start? It’s as easy as one, two, three. One: Reorganize | Two: Refresh | Three: Restock Reorganize Your Gear Small Items Don’t let your matches or your toothbrush get lost in your pack—give them a home. Here are some of our favorite organizers for everything from toiletries to odds and ends. Toiletries: Tired of trying to squeeze the last bit of ecofriendly shampoo out...
Book Review: Survival Book Roundup
Survival Book Roundup Written for Washington Trails magazine Visit the published article here and the companion blog here When it comes to resourcefulness in the outdoors, you don’t need to learn everything by trial and error. There are plenty of great books that can help you sharpen your skills and become a more prepared hiker. Here are some we recommend—and our favorite tips to get you started. Bushcraft 101 By Dave Canterbury Best For: Survival Skills Get ready for whatever nature could throw your way with this guide on bushcraft, (the art of surviving in the woods with as little modern gear as possible). Detailed lessons include firemaking, manufacturing your own tools and gear, foraging, and trapping and processing game. Top Tips: Stones...
Media Review: Best Outdoor Apps for 2015
Best Outdoor Apps for 2015 Written for Washington Trails magazine Visit the published magazine article here and the companion blog here Smartphones aren’t just for angry avians and hunting zombies. Put your device to work on your hikes with any of these mobile apps. Get links at wta.org/bestapps. Hiking WTA Trailblazer: Explore 1,000s of Washington’s trails and the latest Trip Reports without being tethered to your computer. Bonus points: This app can read your GPS location and suggest trails near you. Best for: iPhone, Android, Windows; Free Field Guides Skyview: Point your smartphone at the sky to identify stars, constellations and satellites. Once downloaded, can be used without cell service. Best for: iPhone, iPad; Free. Have an...
Gear Review: Winter Warm Wear
Winter Warm Wear Written for Washington Trails magazine Visit the published article here Just because the days are shorter and the temperature plummets doesn’t mean you need to hole up and hibernate through winter. Just bundle up and get outside. Some of the latest offerings in winter outerwear will keep you warm and cozy on your favorite snowy trails, from casual snowshoe strolls to more challenging winter hikes—and even zipping down the ski slopes. Big Agnes Pyramid DownTek Jacket For the ultimate in trail warmth, look no further than the women’s Pyramid Jacket. (Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies.) Its ultra-warmth comes from 850-fill hydrophobic down under a wind- and water-resistant shell specially designed to keep...
Feature: Revolutionize Your Life With an Outdoor Challenge
Revolutionize Your Life With an Outdoor Challenge: One Inspiring Woman Shows You How Written for Washington Trails magazine Visit the published magazine article here and the companion blog here Do you have trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions? Maybe you’re thinking too small. Whether it’s to get outside more, hike farther or discover new trails, there’s a cure for the common New Year’s resolution. It’s a big, bold audacious yearlong challenge. Think it can’t be done? Meet Beautiful Existence. We first learned of Beautiful Existence (yes, that’s her legal name) and her signature yearlong challenges in early 2014, as she set out to spend the year trying every sport that REI offers gear for. In the process, she revolutionized her...