Ultralight Backpacking

Ultralight Backpacking is a style of backpacking where you bring the smallest and lightest supplies needed for a backpack trip. The general weight for an full ultralight pack is less than 20 pounds(Regular packs weigh as much as 70 pounds). This type of hike allows for the hiker to clear more distance because of the amount of weight they shaved off. Most ultralight hikers spend more money than usual to ensure they have the lightest equipment possible. I would not recommend this type of backpacking unless you are an experienced hiker but it is an interesting concept. Happy Hiking!

Mount Sopris

Mount Sopris has become the symbol of the roaring fork valley. It is located south of Carbondale, CO and accessible through Prince Creek road. The trail starts near Dinkle Lake, and proceeds 2 miles up to Thomas Lakes at treeline. From there you proceed to the peaks which is about another 3-4 miles of strenuous hiking. From the summits you can see great views of the valley and beyond. This hike can be hiked in a day but the weather usually starts getting bad in the afternoon. To avoid this start hiking in the morning. If you want to make this an overnighter, there are many camping sites at Thomas lakes. Happy Hiking!

Ditch the trails!

Lets all be honest; life is short. Sure you can hike on marked trails an be safe, or you can go out and explore the untamed wilderness! What sounds like more fun? Although it might not be as safe(check previous post about safety tips) and easy going as a short day hike, you might find things you will never forget. So get outside and explore the woods! You might be surprised.

Walking/Hiking Sticks

Also known as "Trekking Poles", hiking sticks are extremely useful when venturing out into the wilderness. One of the first things you will notice when using a hiking stick is that you are using your upper body and taking some of the stress off your legs. This will help you hike faster especially up hills and avoid many injuries due to the pounding of hiking. Everyone one sometime in their life will twist or sprain their ankle or have another injury associated with their legs and hiking poles act as another pair of legs to relieve the pressure. So where do you get a pair of these fancy sticks? Actually a straight, sturdy stick will suffice just fine or you can use a pair of old ski poles before you go spend $100 dollars on a shiny new pair from Northface. Happy Hiking!

Dangers of Hiking Alone

The woods are as dangerous as they are beautiful. This year alone, there have been 7 deaths in Colorado from avalanches. This is just the number they know. Many cases go unreported because the skier/hiker was alone. Experts mountaineers will tell you that you should never go on a hike alone. Sure if an avalanche gets triggered, there is not much a hiking partner can do but alert authority to give you a better chance of surviving. Even a hike as short as 3 miles can turn into a catastrophe. If you must hike alone follow these guidelines:

1) Try to hike on a trail with high activity 

2) Plan for any types of weather 

3) Let someone know where you are planing on hiking

4) Bring more supplies than you think you need

5) Know your limitations 

http://solofriendly.com/10-tips-for-hiking-alone-safely/

Osprey Day Pack Review

Osprey is a popular outdoor backpack manufacturer. Having used a osprey day pack for snowboarding and hiking, I have found may advantages and disadvantages with the bag. Lets be real here; a backpack is made to hold items. Osprey day packs biggest  issue is how little you can put in them. Sure you can put a water bottle, some snacks, and a small first aid kit but that's about it. If you are wearing a sweater and you want to put it away, it wont fit very easily. The reason they do this is to eliminate the bulge that other backpacks have. The backpack straps are extremely comfortable and it doesn't bounce around. I usually only use this backpack in the summer because of the amount I can fit in them. Im sure not every osprey day pack is not like this and I would buy another that would be able to put more in them. I would give my osprey day pack 3.5 stars. 

For more information on Osprey backpacks go to:http://www.ospreypacks.com/

Never Stop Exploring

This video sums up the reasons I love exploring the outdoors. I hope you will find motivation after watching this and go out and explore on your own!