Category: Personal
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My first attempt at fly fishing from a standup paddleboard was essentially a mitigated disaster while trying to deal with wind, too much clutter on the boat deck, and fish that were easily spooked. I have since learned to actually… Read More
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Big Agnes Copper Spur vs Tiger Wall
As a former Steamboat Springs local, I’m a bit biased toward the hometown team of Big Agnes. Having already used their Fly Creek and Copper Spur tents, I was excited to try the blended design of the new Tiger Wall… Read More
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Freeze-Dried Meals For People With Food Sensitivities and Allergies
I know firsthand how challenging it is to deal with food sensitivities and allergies, especially in the backcountry. So after researching what pre-packaged, freeze-dried meals were compatible with my various medical restrictions, I built a comprehensive chart for the more… Read More
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My Backpacking Gear
I started backpacking in high school with an external frame pack, a 4-pound sleeping bag thrown on top of a heavy foam pad, a tent that would drip condensation on my face nearly every night, and a wardrobe that oftentimes… Read More
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My First Bikepacking Trip
I like biking, camping, and backpacking, so I was sure to enjoy bikepacking. But I didn’t really know much about it or have any specific gear when I decided to give things a try. And thus began a couple weeks… Read More
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Family of 4 Backpacking Through Mt. Sneffels Wilderness
My first multi-day backpacking trip was a 5-night excursion through the San Juan mountains of Colorado. The snow-capped fourteeners and lush river valleys were quite a sight for a 14-year-old from Kansas. Flash forward nearly three decades and I was… Read More
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If You Don’t Do It This Year, You’ll Be One Year Older When You Do
I saw my first Warren Miller ski film in 1998. Some friends and I were watching it over college winter break, and before the movie was over, I had convinced several of them to leave that night for a ski… Read More
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Kayaking & Camping On the Black Canyon Water Trail
The Black Canyon Water Trail is a 30-mile section of tailwater that extends out of Lake Mead from the Hoover Dam. This rugged and remote portion of the Colorado River offers clear water, sandy beaches, towering cliffs, colorful caves, and… Read More
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Goodbye Steamboat
“Came for the winters, stayed for the summers.” A common saying amongst Steamboat Springs residents. Many credit the “Yampa Valley Curse” from a Ute Indian leader who swore nobody could leave once they moved in. Ironically, our family is now… Read More