Amputee Outdoors

 Adaptive Outdoor Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts!
 

The Trail First things first, you need a National Parks Pass  for this trail.  You can purchase one online  or at places like REI.  You can also pay for a day pass at the trail head.  The Carbon River Trail used to be a road.  So, this means that the hike is probably one of the easiest trails you’ll do.  The elevation gain is only about 600 feet and the round trip from trail head to Ipsut Creek Campgrounds and back is 10 miles.  The trail is well maintained, but there are a few areas where the Carbon River has washed over the trail.  There are three sturdy bridges (two are wood, the last is concrete) and two log bridges (one is a log with one handrail and the other is a partially washed-out bridge patched with two logs and handrails.)  Along the trail you’ll mostly encounter other hikers, but there are the occasional jogger or bicyclist sharing the trail with you.  There’s plenty of room for each to get to one side and keep out of each other’s way. At the start of the trail there’s a couple of well-maintained bathrooms and at the Ipsut Creek Campground there are two more toilets and a cabin, (more on the cabin later).  Since there are several streams flowing into the Carbon River, you could get by in the summer with just two water bottles and a water filter. What’s Along the Trail The trees!  Most of the forest is second growth trees, meaning they’ve grown up in the last 100 years.  However, along the trail and further into the woods you’ll see some old growth trees measuring 20-30 feet in circumference.  These trees are 200-300 feet high and range in age from roughly 200 years to about 500 years depending on the species and growth rates.  It’s strongly recommended that you stay on the trail and not go tramping into the forest to check out the bigger trees.  This will cause damage to the local environment and can disturb the local fauna as they go about their business. Not to worry though, there’s plenty of old growth trees alongside the trail to admire.  You can check out my video ‘ Hunting Old Growth Trees’ on Amputee Outdoors on YouTube to see them. There’s a short side trail on the right as you go up the Carbon River trail which will take you to Green Lake.  I didn’t take this trail as I was running short on time, but it’s on the list for next time. Ipsut Creek Campgrounds The last bridge you cross is a concrete bridge and the last remnants of the original road that folks traveled up to the campground.  Since it was once a drive-in campground, there are bear boxes at several sites, some picnic tables, solar powered toilets, and fire pits. It is important to note that fires are prohibited, as it is now a backcountry site.  There were some trees blown down last winter so some of the campsites are occupied by those trees. There are no reservations required for the campsites, meaning this is a first come, first serve campground.  If you’re a hammock camper the options seem limited at the campsites but if you walk up to the cabin past the toilets, there were a few trees that would work for you. The cabin is locked down but around back there is a porch with a picnic table making it a good spot to get out of the rain and have lunch.  From the campgrounds you can continue on to several destinations, however, you should check trail reports and ranger station reports regarding washouts, bridge closures and weather reports.  This was a thoroughly enjoyable hike and if you’re looking for family friendly hike, this will suit you perfectly.

This was a last-minute situation.  I’d wanted to go camping over the weekend before my house became torn apart while we have the kitchen remodeled and my outdoor adventures are postponed. However, the schedule didn’t seem to allow that.  But on Saturday afternoon my schedule opened up and the opportunity to do an overnighter became a reality.                 I chose Annette Lake as it’s just over a half hour drive from my home, only about 3.5 miles to the lake from the trailhead and the elevation gain is a paltry 1,800 feet. The highest point is 3,600 feet so I could have a campfire.  Assuming I could find any dry wood.                 Arriving at the trailhead at 4:30pm I quickly started the ascent.  We’ve had quite a bit of rain lately and the trail has a lot of mud where small streams and brooks flow over the trail.  The hike up to the intersection with the Palouse to Cascades Trail, (formerly known as the John Wayne Trail) has some elevation gain to it but nothing too challenging.  As you make your way up to the Palouse to Cascades Trail, keep an eye out for an unusual concrete artifact on your left.  I’m assuming this is a remnant of the railroad system that once went along the P to C Trail, but I could be wrong.   Once past that intersection you’ll find the trail steepens.  Volunteers have built stairs and bridges up some of the steeper parts and across the riskier stream crossings.  A note about the stairs, each step is a puddle when it’s been raining and it’s nearly impossible to avoid stepping in them.  So, make sure your boots are waterproof if it’s been raining.            Not too long after crossing the P to C Trail, you’re going to be doing a section of about eight switchbacks where the elevation gain is greatest, which may be why All Trails rates this as moderately challenging.  But I’m a 60-year-old amputee and consider this to be a moderate trail, so there’s a lot of subjectivity to their rating.                 After that, it’s a steady climb to another switchback after which the last half mile or so is a slow descent to the lake basin.  With the mud the downhill portions can be a little treacherous, so I recommend having hiking poles to help prevent slips and slides. In the last mile or so, there are also a handful of lingering snow patches next to or on the trail, but they aren’t enough to bother putting on crampons or even micro-spikes for.                 I arrived at Annette Lake at about 7:45pm.  Normally a hiker is expected to take about 2 hours to get to the lake, but with shooting video for my Amputee Outdoors  YouTube channel, it usually adds 30-45 minutes to the expected hike time.                 On the way up several day hikers coming down had informed me that at the T-intersection when you arrived at the lake, there were a couple of campers that had set up camp to the left.  I veered right at the T-intersection to see if I could find a quiet spot by the lake.  Sure enough, there was a perfect spot for a hammock camper.  This being the Pacific NorthWET, and rain was predicted, the first thing I did was set up my rainfly.  I have the OneWind 12x10 foot rainfly  and set it up in its asymmetrical diamond form to give me lots of room for my hammock and a fire.                 As if on cue the rain started as soon as the rainfly was up.  The smattering of rain falling from the trees on the rainfly as I set up my hammock, chair, and firebox was, honestly, relaxing.                 I wandered around the forest for a while gathering dry wood for my firebox , it’s one of those little metal boxes you assemble and feed twigs into.  I have a review  of it on Amputee Outdoors if you’re interested in getting one. Once I had a good bunch of wood, I got the fire started, cooked up a meal and relaxed with a beer or two.  Sitting by the lake, listening to the rainfall and the crackle of the wood in the firebox was very relaxing.  I sat there as the light faded and the night grew colder.  Letting the fire burn down after the second beer, I cleaned up my camp for the night and cocooned in my hammock.                  This being June in Washington, first light is at 5am.  Much too early.  I pulled the hood of my sleeping bag over my head and slept until 8am when nature forced the issue.  As it had rained all night, trying to start a fire with the twigs laying around was going to be a challenge.  Anticipating this I had brought along my Esbit alcohol stove and fired it up. Using that I enjoyed a breakfast of blueberry porridge and hot cocoa.  I took some time to admire the view of the lake, the wispy clouds moving back and forth across the mountains and the cool dampness my Californian wife can’t seem to acclimate to.                 The rain stopped for a while, so I took the chance to break camp.  Once done, I checked around for any left-over items, garbage, etc., (Leave no Trace) and headed back down the trail.                  The overnight rain had increased the size of all the puddles and made the mud patches larger.  So, again, waterproof boots are a must.  I extended the length of my poles once I had hiked up the trail that leads to the lake basin.  It was going to be all down hill from that point and having the poles taller gives you the ability to connect with the ground in front of you easier and with more control.                 Even with the rain, there were quite a few people heading up to the lake, I counted perhaps two dozen folks going up as I was going down.  This included a group of about six trail runners, one of which had a couple of bells attached to their backpack.  This was probably to alert any mountain lions or bears to their presence, but they also work to let slow, one-legged hikers know they’re coming so they can get out of the way too.                 If you live in the Seattle-Bellevue area this is a great little hike with a few good campsites.  It’s right off exit 47 on I-90 and has a large parking lot at the trailhead with a toilet.  Recommended Gear Used on This Overnighter ·         Camping Stove – G4Free Portable Wood Stove ·         Shock Absorbing Hiking Poles – Ahoye Anti Shock Poles ·         Rainfly – OneWind 12ft Ultralight Silnylon Rainfly ·         Camp Chair – G4Free Folding Chair ·         Waterproof Boots – Free Soldier Waterproof Boots ·         3 Season Sleeping Bag – Geertop Lightweight Sleeping Bag ·         Alcohol Stove – Esbit 5 Piece Cook Set ·         Overnight Backpack – G4Free 50L Backpack

There’s ultra-light, lightweight, casual, and heavy gear that folks take on the trails.  Then there’s a category all on its own of “You brought what?”. Here’s a list of ten things that I or other folks have brought on the trail which may not seem to be great idea, but definitely pay off. (Note: as an Amazon Affiliate I will make a very small amount of money if you use any of the Amazon links below) 1.       Camp Towel – one of those fake chamois towels has shown up in a lot of places, but the trail? Yep. People have used them to wipe off condensation in tents and rainfly’s, dry off gear, wipe down sweat and rain before getting into the sleeping bag and more. They are super absorbent, light and a towel the size of a bandana is all you need. https://amzn.to/3NBDVX3 2.       Speaking of Bandanas – this is my catch-all cloth.  Wiping sweat from my brow as I hike, filtering out sand and grit in the water before it goes into the water filter, waving down a friend on the trail, (always buy brightly coloured bandanas), protecting ears and neck from sunburn, tying around a bandaged cut on my leg, wash cloth for my face and hands, etc.  Multi-purpose in paisley. https://amzn.to/3NDMqAW 3.       Deck of Cards – I never saw the benefit of bringing a deck of cards until a friend pulled out his deck and we spent an evening playing cards and laughing it up.  A deck of cards weighs very little and is a compact way to provide entertainment. https://amzn.to/3GTpREM 4.       Duct Tape – I’ve always had this rolled up on my hiking poles, around my lighter and a couple of other places too.  It’s saved boots that have the soles coming loose, patched tents, rainflys, jackets, packs, and more.  You can reinforce seams that are starting to come loose, shore up a hiking pole that’s started to crack, prevent blisters, tape down bandages, emergency fire starter, mark your gear.  Duct tape is awesome. https://amzn.to/3GQgy8H 5.       Disco Ball – What!?!  Yes.  For one hiker stuck in a rainy tent, a little disco ball made all the difference in the world. The disco ball refracted the raindrops into a mesmerizing light show, transforming her cramped shelter into a personal dance party. https://amzn.to/477R0hR 6.       Bubble Wrap – A hiker has some items wrapped up in bubble wrap, and when he sprained his ankle, was able to use it as a makeshift splint providing support and padding.  https://amzn.to/3RweJ5t 7.       Tea Strainer – Being a tea aficionado, a hiker brought along their tea strainer.  On a particularly dusty trail they found it made a great way to filter out sand and grit from the water source, turning their luxury item into a survival tool. https://amzn.to/48sGWRK 8.       Ziplock Bags – I use these a lot.  Food storage, food garbage storage, keep my electronics (batteries, back up battery for phone, phone, etc.) dry, collect water, collect dry tinder, even cook up freeze dried food in the freezer Ziplock bags. https://amzn.to/3RBtqV5 9.       Trash Bags – Instead of wrapping your backpack in a cover, put a garbage bag (I recommend either the trash compactor or the heavy-duty contractor versions) in your pack and load everything into it. Cinch off the end with a twisty and you’re pretty much guaranteed to keep all your gear dry.  I’ve also used them to collect tinder, branches and other firewood and to keep it dry here in the Pacific NorthWET.  In a pinch you can make them into a rain jacket or rain skirt.  They also make good water collectors in the rain or just by scooping up a gallon or two of water from a lake or stream. https://amzn.to/488x6V9 10.   Hot Sauce – I’m not one for spicy foods most of the time, having been brought up on traditional English cooking.  Nonetheless, a little Tabasco in a freeze-dried meal or added to Top Ramen in the pot can help make the same old, same old, a little more interesting on the trail. https://amzn.to/3RFSQRA What have you brought on the trail?

Lots of folks have written about how popular exploring the outdoors has become and lots of companies have been taking advantage of it. Lots of social media folks and YouTubers too, (yours truly included, check out Amputee Outdoors on YouTube). But just how popular? And what's driving it? I've done some research and was able to track down the number of National Park visits dating back to 1904. To make it easier to understand, I've put it all into this graph. That first little climb between 1932 and 1936 is when personally owned cars started becoming more available to the public purchasing limits. There was a dip during WWII. In 2002 a severe dip which I think was a collateral effect from September 11th, 2001. The sudden drop-off in 2020 is the result of COVID-19. Look at that sudden climb in 2012 and the fast recovery post-2020. What's going on there? I think there are four upward driving factors starting in 2012: The popularity of social media: Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become increasingly influential sources of information and inspiration for travelers, especially younger generations. Many people use social media to share their photos and videos of their trips, as well as to find and follow other travelers who post about their adventures. Social media can also create viral trends and challenges that motivate people to visit certain places or do certain activities. For example, the #FindYourPark and #RecreateResponsibly hashtags have been widely used by park visitors and advocates to promote and celebrate national parks. The centennial of the National Park Service: In 2016, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th anniversary, which generated a lot of publicity and interest in national parks. The agency launched the Find Your Park campaign, which encouraged people to discover and explore the diverse and unique parks across the country. The campaign also featured celebrities, influencers, and partners who shared their stories and experiences in national parks. As a result, national park visitation reached a record high of 331 million in 2016. The diversity and accessibility of parks: The United States has a rich and varied network of national and state parks that offer something for everyone. Whether people are looking for history, culture, wildlife, scenery, or adventure, they can find a park that suits their interests and preferences. Moreover, many parks are accessible and affordable, with low or no entrance fees, free or discounted passes, and various amenities and facilities. Some parks also have special programs and events that cater to different groups and communities, such as veterans, seniors, students, and families. The awareness and appreciation of nature: More people are becoming aware and concerned about the environmental and social issues that affect the planet, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social justice. They are also becoming more appreciative of the benefits and values of nature, such as health, well-being, and happiness. These factors can inspire and motivate people to visit national and state parks, where they can learn about and enjoy nature, as well as support conservation and stewardship efforts. More people enjoying the health (mental and physical) benefits of the outdoors and learning to appreciate the glorious beauty and value of our nation's natural landscapes is a good thing. To a point. In a follow-up article, I'll examine the downsides of so many folks experiencing the great outdoors.

#1 Nature Doesn't Care if You Live or Die Harsh but it's true. Nature doesn't care who we are. All those things that we argue and worry about regarding who or what we are mean nothing to the natural world. And although Nature may be the mother of us all, she can be a mean m-Samuel L. Jackson-r. Nature is perfectly happy to recycle our physical bodies into nutrients for all the other flora and fauna we share this world with. This is a truth overlooked when living in a technologically advanced civilization. When we go out into nature we are at the mercy of the weather, whatever resources (food, water, building materials, etc.) are in the vicinity, happenstance occurrences like a misplaced foot resulting in an injurious slide down a ravine, etc. There is no home, apartment, or even car we can find shelter in, what we have in our backpacks or can forage is all we have, and there's no Urgent Care clinic or ER on the trail. Which is why Principle #2 is so critical. #2 Knowledge is Power We're the dominant species on this planet to the point where we've started exploring off our home world. This isn't because of our claws, horns, speed, or anything like that. In fact of all the world's many creatures, we're one of the most defenseless, especially for the first few years of life. So how have we achieved such mastery of the natural world? Knowledge. Our ability to gain knowledge, transfer it, combine knowledge, access knowledge, grow our knowledge, and build upon it has taken us from living in nature to being so very comfortable in our homes that we go looking for nature to live in. Knowledge is the most important thing we take on our hikes and backpacking adventures. This means knowledge of not just the weather, the trail and its conditions. We need knowledge of our equipment, our capabilities, our hiking partner's abilities, and more. Knowledge makes the difference between a fun day on the trail and a day best forgotten. Knowledge makes the difference between a minor incident and a news story. The nice thing about knowledge is that it's ultra-light! Weighs nothing! #3 Gear Based on principle #2 is the fact that we are tool-using creatures. Other animals use tools from time to time, but our entire existence is based on making and using tools. This is especially true when we've left the safety and convenience of our homes. When we plan our adventures in nature we combine our almost unconscious awareness of our vulnerability in nature with our knowledge to select the right tools. Knowledge of what a tool will be used for, how it will be used, and maintained is a crucial aspect of our trekking. Whether it's our boots, backpacks, or clothes, we rely on that gear to do what we need it to do in the circumstances our knowledge has indicated. And of course, we take care of our gear so our gear can take care of us. These three principles are the basis of all my plans in nature and I'm always working to expand my knowledge and take care of my gear.

Winter hiking often has two very special highlights: Magical views and fewer people. For those that are willing and able to venture out into the snowy mountains, the views can be spectacular. For those folks that like a little more solitude on even the most popular trails, winter hiking usually deters the larger crowds. However, and this is a big ‘however’, there are some serious issues that should be taken into consideration when hiking in winter. Here are the top ten mistakes folks make when winter hiking. 1. Not properly researching the trail or route before setting out. It's important to know the conditions of the trail, including any potential hazards such as ice or avalanche risk. Spend a while reading trail reports and weather forecasts. Check the local ranger site too. 2. Building on #1, not checking the weather forecast and being unprepared for the conditions. The weather forecast you’re reading is usually for the town near where you’re going hiking. It’s likely the weather will be different on the trail than in the town nearby. Remember, in the winter, the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly. It's important to be prepared for the potential for extreme cold, snow, and wind. This is especially true if you hike in the mountains. I have had the weather go from a balmy 50F to 30F in under 30 minutes. 3. Not carrying enough water or food. It's important to stay hydrated and fueled up, especially in cold weather. Bring extra water and high-energy snacks in case your hike takes longer than expected. A couple of Snickers bars are good to bring. You’ve got lots of sugar in them to fuel your body. 4. Not telling someone where you are going and when you plan to return. It's always a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back, in case of an emergency. Leave them a map of where you’re going too. 5. Not wearing appropriate clothing or footwear. Layering is key for winter hiking, as is having proper footwear with good traction for walking on snow and ice. (You want that moisture-wicking base layer, a thermal layer, (maybe two), and a weatherproof layer. Oh, and no cotton. 6. Not bringing a map and compass (or knowing how to use them). In the winter, trails may be covered in snow, making them harder to follow. It's important to bring a map and compass and know how to use them in case you need to navigate off-trail. Download AllTrails or some similar hiking app then download a copy of the trail you plan to hike. Check your progress often and make course corrections as needed. 7. Not knowing how to handle an emergency situation. Cold weather can be dangerous, and it's important to know what to do in case of emergencies, such as frostbite or hypothermia. Take a class on wilderness first aid, and do some research on what to do in case of frostbite or hypothermia. Bring along one of those $4.99 thermal reflective blankets. 8. Not being aware of your surroundings and potential hazards. In the winter, there are additional hazards to be aware of, such as thin ice on lakes and rivers, and tree wells (holes around the base of trees filled with snow). Use your hiking poles to check the snow, especially if you’re venturing into areas no one else has hiked. Listen and look at the slopes around you. 9. Not being respectful of the environment and Leave No Trace principles. It's important to practice Leave No Trace principles in the winter to protect the environment and prevent damage to fragile ecosystems. Often those winter trails aren’t quite the usual trail. The snow will obscure the official trail and you’ll be tramping over bushes, small trees, etc., that would usually be left unmolested. 10. Not being prepared for the physical demands of the hike. Winter hikes can be more strenuous due to the cold weather and potentially challenging trail conditions. It's important to be physically fit and prepared for the hike. A four-mile hike uphill in snow shoes is a very different hike than your normal hike. You will burn a lot of calories and work up a serious sweat quickly. Be aware of your body’s limitations and respect them.

Now don’t get me wrong, putting thought into how you can reduce your pack weight is a good thing to do. Having said that, I’m of the opinion that you can go too far. Ultra-light backpacking, carrying minimal gear and supplies in an effort to reduce weight, can be a useful strategy for certain types of trips and activities. However, it's not always a good idea, and there are some potential drawbacks and risks associated with this approach One of the main drawbacks of ultra-light backpacking is that it can limit your ability to cope with unexpected situations or emergencies. By carrying minimal gear and supplies, you may not have the resources or equipment needed to deal with unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather, injuries, or equipment failures. This is especially true in the wintertime and shoulder seasons up in the mountains. Fast-changing weather, colder temperatures, wind, downed trees, etc., can all create situations where more durable, but heavier, gear is needed. For example, if you are caught in a severe storm while ultra-light backpacking, you may not have the necessary gear to stay warm and dry, and this could put you at risk of hypothermia or other health problems. Similarly, if you are injured or become ill while ultra-light backpacking, you may not have the supplies or equipment needed to provide first-aid or seek help. Another potential drawback of ultra-light backpacking is that it can reduce your enjoyment and comfort on the trail. By carrying minimal gear, you may have to sacrifice certain amenities or comforts that can make your trip more enjoyable, such as a comfortable sleeping pad, a stove to cook with, or a shelter to protect you from the elements. For example, if you are ultra-light backpacking and are forced to sleep on the ground, you may not have the necessary gear to create a comfortable sleeping surface, and this could lead to a restless and uncomfortable night. Similarly, if you are ultra-light backpacking and are unable to cook your own meals, you may have to rely on trail mixes and other minimal food options, which can be less satisfying and enjoyable than a hot meal. Overall, while ultra-light backpacking can be a useful strategy in some situations, there remain many situations where ultra-light is the wrong strategy.

Oh, how we love our backpacks. And how backpack manufacturers love to tinker with them. Everything from backpacks specifically designed to be theft-proof, to sections that rotate around to your front, to backpacks that stay stationary as you hike, and backpacks with built-in umbrellas. I've collected a few samples of innovative backpacks for your review and entertainment. One thing to keep in mind, all of these backpacks are pricey. Innovation doesn't come cheap you know. Note: Some of these are available from Amazon and as an Amazon Affiliate I will get slightly compensated if you buy one of them. First up we have the 2in1 Built-in Sun Umbrella Backpack from Mavigadet. Its advertising claims, "Waterproof. Rain cover and back anti-theft pocket. UV protection protects the sun and rain from the outdoors". Read that out loud. Considering the backpack retails for $499.95 you would think they could afford a proofreader. Aside from the umbrella attribute, this backpack doesn't offer much more than standard backpacks this size. And considering you can buy an umbrella that's larger and clips onto your existing backpack for $32, I'm not sure this is worth the cost. On the more functional and affordable end, we have the Tenba Solstice 12L Backpack. This starts at $155.95 and is designed with photographers in mind. What's unique about this design is that it opens fully from the straps side of the backpack. If you take off the straps while wearing it and swivel the pack around from the belt strap, you can open it up with the pack in front of you. It comes in three sizes, 12L, 20L, and 24L, and I can see where even for those that just use their smartphones for capturing nature's beauty, this would make a convenient day hike pack. Next up we have the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Backpack. Mystery Ranch has produced a lot of high-end backpacks. And this interesting pack is right there with them. This will cost you $217.98 but considering its lineage, probably money well spent. The pack has all the usual features you'd expect, but what makes this pack stand out is the three-way zipper setup. Instead of the usual plebian method of opening the backpack from the top. You can open the top and front of the back to get full access to the contents of your pack. The advertising says that it's designed for "Everyday urban missions" but you can probably take this out into the woods too. If you're looking for a pack designed for a very active day, then you're going to want something like the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 40L Daypack. This pack has four pouches on the front straps for small water bottles, snacks, phones, etc., and is probably a little more exciting than this guy makes it seem. It's a roll-top backpack with a side zipper to access your gear. This front-loaded pack comes in three sizes, 20L, 30L, 40L, and will set you back $194.95. (Maybe that price is why the guy looks so glum?) Similar to the Tenba, is the Upranger from Eberlestock. This pack has a hard plastic back with the designed intention that you put that side down in the mud and dirt and then open it up from the strap side. This is no lightweight day pack. It weighs in at 6.45 lbs and is designed for use at the outdoor gun range, or other events where your hike is short, the conditions are messy and you don't want your gear getting muddy. The pack costs $329 and only comes in tactical colours. But it's Eberlestock and for those familiar with that brand, neither the price nor colours are a surprise. I can see where this pack would be favoured by those that have outdoor work, linemen, surveyors, and loggers. Probably one of the most innovative backpacks in recent years is the HoverGlide backpack. Initially, this was a pack developed for military use, but the Department of Defence dropped it and the developers have gone private since. This pack bounces on up and down on your back and is supposed to reduce impact forces on your back by 86%. The HoverGlide uses a combination of pulleys and bungee cords to prevent the weight of the pack from pulling down on your shoulders. A unique idea and the videos on their site do a good job of explaining the mechanics of the system. However, with all those moving parts, I'd be a little concerned about its durability. Sand, dirt, moisture, etc., would likely cause mechanical problems over time. Nonetheless, of all the backpacks in this article, this is the one I'd most like to try out. But at $599 for the smallest pack, I don't think that will be happening anytime soon. The Paxis Shuttle Pod backpack is similar to the Tenba in that it allows you to access some of your backpack gear without taking off the pack. Unlike the Tenba though, you don't have to take the should straps off. Just swivel the lower part of the pack around to the front. The pack retails for $225 and apparently, sales are good as the more expensive models ($325) are sold out. I do a lot of filming and photographing on my hikes and would definitely make use of this clever backpack. Like the HoverGlide, it has moving parts and again, dirt, sand, moisture may be a problem if not addressed properly. It's a small backpack designed more for day trips and hikes. I wasn't able to find any information on the weight of the pack but I'm guessing that with the swing arm, pack frame and padding in the section that swings out front, it's probably not a lightweight pack. For men and apparently, for men only, we have L.L. Bean's Men's Technical Upland Vest Pack. I looked for a woman's version but to no avail. This pack is designed sort of like a vest, but with its large lower storage on the back, it has the capacity for a day hike gear. This is one of the most affordable backpacks in this article at $149. One interesting feature of this pack is its "Large, lined bloodproof game bag." The pack is designed for hunters and the like but that doesn't mean a casual day hiker wouldn't benefit from its design. You'll notice in the photo that the majority of the weight is low on the back. This will help keep your center of gravity close to the hips and reduce the pack exposure to branches and the like if you're bushwhacking. Finally, we have the VITAL GEAR 2017VTGRJMMLORG Modular Travel Get Home Backpack. Selling at $349.95. This pack also comes in two gender-specific harnesses and is designed more for the traveler and not the hiker. Nonetheless, I can see this pack being very functional for hikers or overnight backpacking trips. With dimensions of ‎22 x 13 x 7 inches, there's plenty of room for your gear. And with more MOLLE straps than a squad of Marines, there are plenty of ways you can add to this pack and carry more gear. Another interesting feature is how it opens. One big zipper that goes all the way around three sides enables it to open up like a suitcase. The outdoor recreation business is a billion+ dollar a year part of our economy. With that much money going around, I don't think we'll see an end to folks trying to build a better mousetrap to snare us. That's fine with me. :)

Ever had a conversation with someone and realized you’re both using the same word, but defining it differently? This has happened to me a few times when talking about hiking, backpacking, and camping. This blog post isn’t going to be the definitive definition for those words, in fact, it might cause a few arguments, but here goes anyway. Hiking The word "hike" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "hican," which means "to walk" or "to move quickly." It is thought to be related to the Old Norse word "hikja," which has the same meaning. The word "hike" first appeared in the English language in the early 16th century, and it was originally used to refer to a quick, energetic walk. Over time, the meaning of the word "hike" has evolved to refer to a long walk or journey, particularly one taken in a natural setting such as the countryside or mountains. Today, the word "hike" is commonly used to refer to a long, leisurely walk or trek, often undertaken for enjoyment or exercise. For some, if the trail is under a mile and there’s little elevation gain, it’s a ‘nature walk’ and not a hike. For others, any stroll in nature counts as a hike. So, there’s some subjectivity to the word. Going a little further into the rabbit hole of definitions, some folks will use the word 'hike' to mean any trek that includes an overnight stay, and 'day hike' for those trekking adventures where you return home at the end of the day. Backpacking The word "backpacking" is a combination of the words "back" and "packing," which literally means "carrying a pack on the back." This term originated in the early 20th century, and it was first used to refer to the act of carrying a pack on one's back while hiking or traveling. The use of the word "backpacking" to refer specifically to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s. At this time, the term was used to refer to a style of outdoor recreation that involved carrying a backpack and camping in the wilderness for extended periods of time. Today, the word "backpacking" is commonly used to refer to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and traveling, in which the participants carry all of their equipment and supplies in a backpack. Again, there’s some subjectivity here. Many of us call any walk in nature where you return that day, a hike or day hike. If you spend at least one night out, you were backpacking. And there's the definition of 'hiker' as opposed to 'backpacker'. A backpacker spends at least one night out in nature, a hiker returns to the trailhead at the end of the day. Camping The word "camping" is derived from the Old French word "camp," which means "field" or "open space." The word "camp" originated from the Latin word "campus," which means "field" or "open land." The use of the word "camping" to refer specifically to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century. At this time, the term was used to refer to the act of setting up a temporary shelter or dwelling in a natural setting, such as a field or forest. Today, the word "camping" is commonly used to refer to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and traveling, in which the participants set up a temporary shelter and spend time in a natural setting. It is also used to refer to the act of staying in a campground or other type of outdoor accommodation. Here’s where things get interesting. There’s car camping, where you drive to the location and set up your tent/hammock/lean-to within a few yards of your car. Going a step further you have camping where you stay in a pre-built structure. Leaving civilization behind, there’s backpack camping where you carry everything and set up a shelter you bring with you for the night. Finally, there’s bushwhacking where you build a shelter using the materials found in the environment you’re in. I don’t think it matters too much what we call our outdoor adventures. A rose would still smell as sweet by any other name and nature will still be grand regardless of how we experience it.

After you’ve been hiking and come home exhausted, have you also noticed you feel good? This is because hiking in nature is good for your mind and emotions. You also get an excellent physical workout too, so that’s a bonus. The benefits of hiking and being in nature are so great that some doctors are now prescribing it to their patients. Reduce Stress, Anxiety, Depression Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of physical well-being. This isn’t just the opinion of your crazy, tree-hugging friends. A study in 2018 showed that “…walking through forest areas decreased the negative moods of “depression-dejection”, “tension-anxiety”, “anger-hostility”, “fatigue”, and “confusion” and improved the participants’ positive mood of “vigor” compared with walking through city areas.” Got that? Hiking in nature is better than walking through town. Find some trees to walk amongst. Be More Creative Want to be more creative? Then take a hike. Hiking in nature removes us from the information-dense, high-impact, 5-second attention span world many of us live in. A peer-reviewed study in 2012 found that “…the corresponding disconnection from multi-media and technology, increases performance on a creativity, problem-solving task by a full 50% in a group of naive hikers.” That’s naïve hikers, newbies. If you’re a regular hiker you’re already operating at a higher level of creativity than your non-hiking co-workers. Stay Sharp as You Age Worried about losing your mental edge as you age? Hiking can help your brain stay sharp and functioning as you age according to the American Academy of Neurology. In their 2018 study, they found that physical exercise was associated, “with improved cognitive performance in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.” A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found, “Aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume in older women with probable mild cognitive impairment.” I’m 59 and plan on hiking until I drop. Stay Sane Hiking can help save you from mental illness. That’s a bold statement, but there is data to show it’s true. A study in 2015 showed that “Participants who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment.” The opportunity to relax our minds, and just enjoy the natural world is something we don’t get to experience a lot in our modern world. ADHD When I was a kid, I was called fidgety and unruly so my parents would kick me outside and tell me to go play in the forest near where we lived. Turns out they were helping me with my undiagnosed ADHD. In a study published in 2004 by the National Library of Medicine, it was found that “Green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children across a wide range of individual, residential, and case characteristics.” Seems our parents and grandparents knew where we needed to be.In nature.

First of all, let me come clean and tell you I solo hike a lot. 95% of my hikes are solitary. Aside from the reasons below, I have one very crucial reason for hiking alone, I record my hikes for YouTube, (Check out my channel, Amputee Outdoors). I will stop frequently and spend several minutes setting up my tripod, framing the shot, shooting the sequence 2-3 times, etc. I’ve found that most people get really tired of my doing that very quickly. Aside from my particular example, there are lots of good reasons to hike alone, several reasons you shouldn’t, and a few where it’s risky. Let’s start with the good. The Good Setting your own pace. As mentioned above, I have a specific reason for hiking an extra hour or so. This is also true for a lot of other folks. You may have a pace that is slower or faster than others. You may like to take frequent breaks. Viewpoints that others may think are so-so, you may think to deserve a longer look. When it's just you, there’s no worrying about annoying anyone by slowing them down or making them feel like they are the slow ones. Peace and quiet. For many folks, the absence of conversation is a highly sought-after joy. The chance to just walk along a trail and let your mind wander, with no one asking you questions, talking about work, the kids, the budget, etc., is a wonderful thing. It’s sort of like meditating but you’re getting a workout. Logistics. I don’t know about you, but if I’m hiking with others, I find myself worrying if they’ve brought enough food and water. I’ll pack along extra just in case and that’s extra weight. There’s also the problem of meeting at the trailhead at a designated time and you’re running late (or they are) and there’s no cell phone reception in the mountains to let them know. Confidence building. You’ve planned, practiced, and packed the right gear for the environment and weather. A few challenges came your way and you, all by yourself, were able to overcome them. The feeling of accomplishment and confidence that comes from that fills the soul. Changing your trail. There’s been plenty of times when I’ve been hiking along, found a crossing trail, checked it out on the map, and decided to take a detour. No need to discuss and agree with anyone else. You may find yourself on a trail and for you, the conditions indicate it’s time to turn back. That’s your decision, no need to feel like you need to continue on because your hiking buddies feel like they can. Wasting time. There’s been plenty of trails where I’ve stopped for a while and played around with different ways to set up my hammock and rainfly. Or practiced fire starting. Whatever I want. I’m just playing about with no concern for how long I might take to do it. The Bad It can get lonely. For those that are more social, solo hiking is a bit of a strain. Having no one to talk with is unsettling and when you do find someone on the trail to talk with, you might find yourself overdoing it. Sitting around a campfire, drinking a beer, and eating freeze-dried food all by yourself can be pretty dull. Having friends sitting around that campfire with you is a lot more fun. You have to carry more. Hiking and backpacking with a group means that gear can be spread across two or more backpacks. If it’s just you, you’re carrying the whole tent, all the food, the water filtration system, the bear barrel, etc. No one to share the joy with. The bonding experience of hiking up to a peak and marveling at the view with your friends is like no other. It’s a shared memory that you and your friends will treasure forever. Not going to get that all by yourself. Your friends can reality-check you. I’ve fallen victim to the “I can do this” thinking once or twice and really wish I’d had a friend with me to provide a more reasoned opinion. With a group of friends on a trail you have a mix of experiences and skills that can provide insight into a situation that you alone might not have. It’s all on you. You’re setting up the tent, building the fire, rigging up the bear bag, filtering the water, cooking the food, chopping the wood, etc. Just you. Dividing that work among friends gets it all done sooner and you all move onto the camaraderie being out in nature together brings. The Ugly No one to help you if you’re injured or sick. This is the worst-case scenario. You’ve cut your hand, broken a leg, drank some unfiltered water, whatever the case is, there’s no one to help you. Knowing this is a possibility, as a solo hiker, you have to take it into consideration. Plan for this. This will mean that your First Aid kit is a little larger than if you were with others. It also means that you must be honest about your abilities and limitations and by doing so, prevent problems. Is that stream flowing fast? Don’t cross it. Is it getting late? Set up camp now, it’s going to take longer by yourself. Is the trail steeper and muddier/icier than you planned? Time to turn back. Help! I’m lost! Even the most experienced hikers can get lost and one person alone in the woods is vulnerable. Don’t let those shows on the Discovery channel tell you otherwise! You have fewer resources, collective knowledge, and experience. Combine being lost with an injury and you’re very close to being on the news for the wrong reasons. Again, prevention is the key to making this problem not happen. A map, compass, and navigation app on your phone or a dedicated GPS device should be part of your gear every time you hit the trail. Check your map or navigation app frequently. On many trails, I will check my location at every junction, stream crossing, or landmark just to confirm I’m where I’m supposed to be. Whether you are solo hiking or with friends, preparation is key. Know where you’re going, and what the conditions will be like, review recent hiking reports, check your gear for wear and tear, make sure you’re taking the right gear for the conditions and environment, and most importantly, know yourself.

What is it about hiking and camping in the snow we enjoy so much? The pristine beauty of the snowy forest? The crispness of the air? The intense quiet? Or is it a blend of everything we love about nature, experienced in a different and challenging environment? In any case, for those of us that love a moderate hike through a snowy forest and campsites a-plenty, Ollalie Lake on the western slopes of the Cascade mountains in Washington is a great choice. I camped there recently, (you can find the video on my YouTube channel, Amputee Outdoors) and found myself running through ideas of how I could make a career hiking professionally so I could do it more often. The hike starts at the Pratt Lake trailhead and along the way you have the opportunity to go for Granite mountain, Talapus Lake, Ollalie Lake or Pratt Lake. There is a danger of avalanches on the trail to Granite mountain, so I suggest forgoing that hike until later in spring. The roughly 4-mile trail to Ollalie Lake was clear and well-traveled, making it easy to follow. The elevation gain is moderate, you’ll gain about 2,500 feet to an elevation of 3,880 feet, and although you are below the usual 4,000-foot limitation on campfires, no campfires are allowed near the lake. I put my crampons on at the trailhead as the trail started with a slippery mix of slush, snow, and ice. The trail didn’t require snowshoes, but after about two miles, if you step off the trail, you’ll need snowshoes to keep from post-holing. As an amputee, hiking is a challenge, even with my Ossur Cheetah Xplore which is made for high-activity level K4s like myself. Hiking in the snow, and carrying close to 40 lbs gear in my backpack, requires a lot of effort. A lot of calories are burned, and body heat increases accordingly. I found myself taking a layer off about the first mile and had to stop often to catch my breath and give my biological leg a rest. Even with that challenge, I arrived at Ollalie Lake a little before lunch with plenty of energy to set up my rainfly. Once that was done it was time to get out the Esbit camping stove my son got for me. It’s a great little stove, lightweight, fuel is really cheap, measurements are on the inside of the pot instead of the outside, pour spout and silicon-covered handles. I’m not being reimbursed for singing its praises, it’s just a really good camp stove. In the video I posted, there’s a little trick I use to light it without having to put the lighter to the fuel. Lunch was a simple recipe of chicken flavoured ramen noodles and chick chunks out of a foil bag. Four-star camping meal. 😊 Once I’d warmed myself up with some hot soup it was time to set up the hammock. For this hammock camping adventure, I deviated from the usual straps I use and instead opted for 6-foot straps with 15 feet of Dyneema line attached to each strap. Dyneema cordage is amazingly strong and light, so it makes a good option for hammock whoopie slings. I was concerned that a whoopie sling would freeze up in the night so instead, I rigged up my hammock using a trucker's hitch to pull the hammock taut. It worked well and by using slippery knots I was able to undo everything the next day very quickly. The sun descended to the edges of the mountains and with it the temperature. In the fading light, I boiled up some water and added that to a package of Mountain House Beef Stew. To keep the food warm and keep my fingers from burning on the hot bag, I put the Mountain House bag inside a Reflectix pouch I made just for this purpose. I’m sure others who have camped in the winter will agree with me when I confidently state that hot meals while camping in the snow somehow taste better and are more satisfying. You feel the warmth more, and the flavours and smells are stronger. Like I usually do when camping, I hit the sack early. For winter hammock camping my setup is designed to provide insulation and flexibility. The hammock is surrounded by my Flying Tent underquilt, between the underquilt and the hammock I have a Reflectix pad. In the hammock, I have my Geertop four-season sleeping bag and inside that a sleeping bag liner. For my foot, an extra merino wool sock and then my snow jacket draped over the end of the sleeping bag. For extra warmth, I filled a Nalgene bottle, (this is the only situation where I bother with those heavy bottles) with hot water and put it between my legs. This warms the blood flowing up the large veins in my thighs going back to my heart and helping warm my whole body. Occasionally in the night a clump of snow would fall off a tree and hit the rainfly hard enough to wake me, but being cozy and swaddled in my hammock as I was, I quickly drifted off back to sleep. I slept later than I expected. Normally I’m up at first light when I camp but in this case, I didn’t wake up until about 8 am. Being nice and warm, I just lay in my hammock until I felt hungry and only then decided to get up. In the night another few inches of snow had fallen, smoothing out all the sharp edges of the footprints I’d made the day before. Breakfast consisted of hot porridge and even hotter coffee. Again, made all the more satisfying and tasty sitting in a hammock next to an alpine lake in a forest. I could have sat around for a few more hours just enjoying the snow falling and the view of the frozen and snow-covered lake surrounded by mountains. Knowing how my wife worries about my solo camping, I made the difficult decision to break camp and start the journey down the mountain to the trailhead. In the summer months, I plan to do this hike again and camp aside Ollalie Lake so I can enjoy its beauty from another perspective. Happy hiking and camping, see you out there!