Our Grand Canyon trip report just published, so let’s talk about GEAR! This post features my detailed 5 day packing list, including weights in oz and the weather and water conditions that we needed to consider on this shoulder season trip. Be sure to check out the gear video from our last night of the … Continue reading What’s In My Pack? 5 Day Lightweight Gear List | Grand Canyon Edition!
How to Create Your Own One-of-a-kind Artpack!
This post covers the materials and techniques I used in designing, painting and embellishing my Undyed Granite Gear Crown3 60 backpack to create a one of a kind Artpack!
What’s In My Pack? 5 Day Lightweight Gear List!
Read about how I trimmed my pack weight back down to 25 lbs after hovering at +/- 30 lbs for a few of years. I also share what's in my 5 day Ultralight Backpacking Gear List. List includes weights in ounces, weather considerations and links to gear.
S24what?! First Bikepacking Trip, Route + Gear List
My original commuter ride: pre Pack Rat. I remember hearing the term "S24O" from a biking friend and mentor years ago. He described a Sub-24 hour overnight is a down n dirty quick overnight trip on a bike, where riders just strap stuff on their rigs wherever they can, and ride somewhere and back within … Continue reading S24what?! First Bikepacking Trip, Route + Gear List
Isle Royale | The Adventure Continues!
We’ve been back on the mainland for a few weeks, but the adventure continues!  Last week, we were invited to be on a podcast based out of Michigan, called "Hike: explore|wander|live"! I have been on the show before talking about my SHT LASH (Superior Hiking Trail Long Amazing Section Hike), and it was so … Continue reading Isle Royale | The Adventure Continues!
Whats In My Pack? 5 Day Comfort Light Gear List!
The Isle Royale trip report is up, so let's talk about gear next! This post covers my 5 day packing list, weights (according to my scale) and some of the conditions I prepared for on this trip. Be sure to also check out the accompanying gear video I shot on our last night of the … Continue reading Whats In My Pack? 5 Day Comfort Light Gear List!
The Long and Short of Insulated Skirts and How to Target Your Layering System
Pants are cool - if you love em, wear em! But I have found, as my body shape changes with age and new hiking and biking muscles, that pants are not the well fitting friend that they once were. Skirts and kilts provide a freedom of movement and fit that pants do not. But the bigger reason for adding an insulated skirt to your closet is that you can target areas that tend to get colder and add a new tool to your layering toolbox. I find that that the fronts of my thighs, rear end and middle get the coldest first, so having another layer over these spots keeps me happy. Having a separate layer of protection provides options for different conditions. Check out this post to read more about insulated skirts, kilts and wraps and a few more ideas of how to stay toasty this winter.
How to Enjoy Winter….just embrace it, they said…
It is currently -16 degrees, -32 degrees with the windchill as I write this. One of the things I've come to love about Minnesotans is their fondness for talking about the weather. Re-visitng my journey towards learning to love winter and rounding up some of my best winter posts was a fun to do over a hot cup of coffee on this cold morning. I hope these stories inspire you to keep venturing outside without worrying about freezing your buns off.
Gear Review: Winter Foot Traction!
This review covers 4 different types of Wandering Pine-tested winter foot traction, including an affordable DIY Screw Shoe option! After a few falls on the ice, I consider winter foot traction a critical piece of winter gear. I also gave traction devices a special shout out in my 2020 Outdoor Gift Guide because they are a practical and thoughtful gift for anyone living in a cold climate.
Wandering Pine Outdoor Gift Guide!
Welcome to the Wandering Pine Outdoor Gift Guide! Featuring gifting options for your favorite outdoorsy peeps (or treat yourself!) at under $25, under $50 and even gently used gear! Note: this guide was originally published in 2020, but has been edited and refreshed for this year's gift giving season- like your Christmas tree....this post is … Continue reading Wandering Pine Outdoor Gift Guide!
Hiking Southern Minnesota – Part 2: Pipestone National Monument, Split Rock Creek and Lake Shetek State Parks
Continued from part 1: Kilen Woods, Fort Ridgely and Blue Mounds State Parks! The prairie has a unique beauty and history that I am still learning more about. I'm also realizing the importance of knowing our history, in order to learn from it and avoid repeating it. So, if you are like me, and history … Continue reading Hiking Southern Minnesota – Part 2: Pipestone National Monument, Split Rock Creek and Lake Shetek State Parks
Wandering Pine Gear Picks: Sun Protection!
I'd like to interrupt my regularly scheduled post about our Southern Minnesota State Park tour to talk to you about a topic near and dear to my heart (and face...and hands...and everywhere else the sun touches): SUN PROTECTION. This week, I'm fresh off a trip to the prairie AND the dermatologist! With bandaids still covering … Continue reading Wandering Pine Gear Picks: Sun Protection!
The SHT Blooper Video is LIVE – and other things happening this week.
It's been a full week in Wandering Pine World and I wanted to give an update and check in to see how you are all doing. I was supposed to be backpacking the Kekekabic Trail last weekend and officially cancelled my Memorial Day Sioux Hustler Trail Boundary Waters Trip. It was a personal decision, but … Continue reading The SHT Blooper Video is LIVE – and other things happening this week.
How to Plan a Hike…and what is a hike anyway?
This week, a friend asked "what's the difference between a walk and a hike?" I've heard this question before, but even now...when things seem to be changing on the daily...the answer is still the same "Well, that's up to you..." When I signed up for my first 52 Hike Challenge, in 2017, my personal definition … Continue reading How to Plan a Hike…and what is a hike anyway?
What’s in My Pack? The 10 Essentials!
The first time I'd heard of the 10 essentials was in our son's Scout Handbook. It was this succinct list of survival items that every Scout should have on outdoor adventures in case of an emergency. Both of our boys assembled their items, and stowed them in their packs (just in case). Eventually, I would … Continue reading What’s in My Pack? The 10 Essentials!
Superior Hiking Trail Databook Review
Review of the brand new Superior Hiking Trail Databook and the tools that I used to plan my Superior Hiking Trail Thru Hike, turned Long Amazing Section Hike
From Minnesota, With Love: Supporting Local Gear Companies
Minnesota's Governor issued a two week 'Stay at Home' order that starts today. I feel fortunate to have already been working from home for 17 days, but half of my household will continue to go out to their workplaces each day. My last post talked about some of the ways I am staying grounded and … Continue reading From Minnesota, With Love: Supporting Local Gear Companies
Groundskeeping Season is Here!
The great thaw is upon us here in Minnesota, which the means Winter's trash is making it's BIG reveal and it's time to kick off Groundskeeping season! In case you missed it, or you are new to this space... I am part of a team of amazing humans who are committed to leaving public spaces … Continue reading Groundskeeping Season is Here!
Kula Cloth Gear Review!
Say hello to the first ever, next-level pee cloth. It's not an afterthought...it's a piece of gear. The first time I saw a Kula Cloth was on an Instagram post that my friend, Kim posted last year. It was hanging on her Christmas Tree as a decoration! Then I saw a few friends proudly displaying … Continue reading Kula Cloth Gear Review!
Backcountry Hygiene: How to Pee, Poop and Period Like a Pro!
Now that I've got you with that fantastic title, it's time to talk facts about bodily functions on the trail and how you can keep yourself and the outdoors sparkling clean! I am asked about this topic often (usually in private messages, whispered conversations and in the cover of darkness), so I'm bringing it out … Continue reading Backcountry Hygiene: How to Pee, Poop and Period Like a Pro!