CLOTHES: Stoic Insulated Jacket

I just got this jacket from backcountry.com, wore it for the first time this season and was STOKED. Twenty five degrees and snowing, this jacket kept me super warm and the fit is perfect. I'm tall (5'11") so I was concerned that a medium wouldn't be large enough but it was right on. Everything about this jacket is just right; the weight, the sleeve length, the cut, the hood. I was pleasantly surprised about the hood....the fabric of the jacket is stiff enough that the hood stays 100% out of your field of vision and fits perfectly over a warm hat (I've heard it also fits over a helmet nicely). The thumb holed wrist gaiters are a great feature and add to the warmth and comfort of the jacket. In addition to its functionality, the cut of this jacket sets it apart from all others. Goodbye boxy ski jackets of the past....and hello to a more foxy feminine cut. It's part ski bunny and part bad ass! If you are looking for a good ski jacket for cold and stormy resort days, this is the one to get. Hands down. Check it out! www.backcountry.com/stoic-bombshell-insulated-jacket-womens

ADVENTURE: The Lost Coast

Turns out November can be a very wet time of year to explore the Lost Coast of Northern California. Known for its rugged terrain, steep climbs and solitude the Lost Coast became even more intense with the massive amounts of weather we got. The first choice you have to make when planning for this trip is whether you're going to do the northern section, southern section or both. There are a few key elements to planning: weather, tides, current trail conditions and time restraints.

Since no one in our party had hiked the Lost Coast before, I enlisted my father-in-law to give me all the juicy details and boy did his information help out. He's an old hand at backcountry travel and having done this trip in its entirety multiple times, he was the perfect person to talk to. Let the planning begin! We knew that rain and wind was in the forecast and that the tides were extreme given the nearly full moon. Taking all of these factors into account, we opted to hike the southern half (26 miles) since it offers a more protected route from the elements. The northern half is practically all coastal beach walking whereas the southern half is coastal redwood groves (great for sleeping on stormy nights) and has extreme elevation changes, revealing spectacular and well earned views.

It is hard to describe how special this section of coast really is. It has remained relatively untouched, protecting itself from the concrete and scarring of Highway 1 with its treacherously crinkled and extreme topography. You truly feel as though you are in a land before time. Depending on when you go, you may not see another backpacker the entire time you're out (we got lucky). Families of black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and black bear roam the dense rain forest and beaches. Osprey, eagles, and hawks rule the sky and the ecosystem thrives in this lush environment. The trails are treacherous but in the best way possible, leading you through a world most people will never get the chance to see. It's a good idea to be in the best shape possible because these days are no joke, a lot of elevation loss and gain that makes your heart pump overtime. I can't wait to go back and do it again, possibly in the spring and next time, the Lost Coast in its entirety! I highly recommend doing this trip, it is magical! Lesson learned....bring a dry bag and synthetic gear if wet weather is expected!

RESPONSE TO READER:

Question:

"Hey Nicki. I just love reading these post you share. Was wondering if you could share with us how you manage to stay in backcountry shape. What forms of fitness you take with you on the road and life in general."

Answer:

First of all, this is a great question and certainly one that is crucial to staying motivated for backcountry adventure all year long. My realization of this came at the end of last summer. I had spend the majority of the summer in the backcountry on a number of different trips and had gotten to the point where I felt the best physically that I ever had before. I mostly noticed that my recovery heart rate was the best it had ever been and I knew I didn't want to lose that. When the season came to an end and I went back to city living I knew I had to figure out a way to keep in this kind of shape so I could go seamlessly into ski season without the hurt. It's been over a year since this realization and I have gotten my exercise routine down so that I can stay in shape throughout the year. It's nothing fancy but here it is:

3-4 days per week: jog 4 miles on sand

3-4 days per week: sit ups (I do the abs section of Karen Voight's workout video "Slim Physique" http://www.karenvoight.com/ This video has other great workouts for every day of the week as well. Surf Stronger http://www.surfstronger.com/pages/SurfStrongerVolume2 is another great workout video).

3-4 days per week: 12-24 lunges (great for preparing for ski season)

3-4 days per week: stretching (Also on Karen Voight's workout video)

*I also do as much hiking/walking as I can in addition to this routine and play around with stand up paddling, surfing and kayaking on occasion.

For me, the biggest part of staying motivated to workout is knowing how much more fun the backcountry will be, the better shape I am in. If this workout seems too much or too little you can adjust it accordingly so that it suits your needs. You want to be sure that you will stick with your exercise routine so make sure it is within your comfort zone and accessible! Remember, you don't need a gym or equipment to exercise...just you and the outdoors! One good tip when traveling is to bring a watch for your jog. I usually jog 20 minutes one direction and then turn around. It's much easier to track time than milage. Good luck and good health!

GEAR: MSR Reactor Stove System

Jetboils have been my main stove since I started backpacking. I started my outdoor adventures late enough in the game that I never really had to deal with finicky, temperamental, hard to light stoves. No complaints here!

First, a little on the Jetboil. This stove has an almost magical button that you push and wham! the igniter reliably sparks the stove to light so there is no need of matches or a lighter. This is a fabulous stove for one or two people and boils water super fast. I only have the best things to say about these stoves.

It wasn't until I was packing for a week long trip with two friends that I was introduced to the MSR Reactor Stove. I had planned that we would bring two Jetboils between the three of us until my friend, Greg (http://livewellnetwork.com/Motion/7624634), said that he had just bought this new stove that was perfect for three. Not only is the MSR Reactor Stove light (19 oz), it boils water at an alarming rate. Sometimes, the boiling water is ready before you have time to prep your meal! The specs on this stove say it takes 3 min and 45 sec to boil water but from my experience I can honestly say it's a lot quicker than that. If you're looking for a good all weather stove, I highly recommend the MSR Reactor Stove and if you're interested in a quiver of stoves....add the Jetboil too!

PRACTICE: Leave No Trace

When you go into the backcountry or any natural area for that matter, it is super important to have respect for the land and the ecosystems that exist within. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people on how to enjoy the outdoors while practicing good stewardship. It is definitely worth checking out their website http://www.lnt.org/index.php for more information. Make these principles your life long habits and enjoy the outdoors!

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DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Details ( + )

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LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

• Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

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MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Details ( + )

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RESPECT WILDLIFE

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

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BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
• Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
• Let nature's sound prevail.

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
• Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

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TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES

• Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
• Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas:
• Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
• In pristine areas:
• Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

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GEAR: Sleeping Outside #2

Well, I was all ready to come back from my backpacking trip last week to tell you how wonderful the new Thermarest NeoAir Sleeping Pad is...but I just can't. Now don't get me wrong, this pad is super light, extremely cushy (2.5 inches thick!) and packs the size of a 1 liter water bottle but there is a fault too large to ignore, durability. Unfortunately, even with my newfangled tarp protection system, this pad proved to be just too delicate for me. I found myself at 2 a.m. on our third night out after an exhausting day, waking up to my hip hitting the frosty ground. I thought it might be the cold weather shifting the air density but when I had to blow it up again at 4 a.m. I knew I had another leak. Darn it! As I lay under the stars unable to sleep I looked over at Tim, snoring and happily sleeping on his Big Agnes Insulated Air Core and while I wanted to wake him so he could share in my misery, I considerately held back. He's had this pad now for over two years without any trouble, pops or leaks while I've taken mine on two trips and it's given me grief both times! I'm ready to switch over to the more durable and just as comfortable Big Agnes as soon as I can muster up the energy to head back to REI. Phew!

GEAR: Sleeping Outside

Part of staying healthy in the backcountry is getting enough sleep to restore your energy and rest your muscles and bones. It wasn't until I found myself atop a volcanic crater, in the middle of the night, with a popped sleeping pad and aching hips, that I truly realized how crucial it was to get my sleeping situation dialed. My problem on the craters was that all the pumice and rough rock really puts delicate, light sleeping gear to the test. I had always known that a ground cloth was probably a good idea....but was it essential? Purchasing a lightweight footprint would cost me upwards of $50...and it's not even a fun piece...you see my struggle. Yes, I was being stubborn, I'll admit it. Feeling defeated after my sleepless night, I took a trip to REI and roamed the isles looking for a more moderately priced footprint...yeah right. What I settled on was the super basic blue tarp for $3.50! Duh...why did that take me so long? (http://www.rei.com/product/798413) When I got home, I was able to cut it in half (customized size) and enough was left over so Tim could have one too. Two ground cloths for the price of one...and super light! Problem solved.

Another wonderfully cheap and durable ground cloth is Tyvek Home Wrap! It's really light and can be even cheaper than your basic tarp...try free! Tim had this great idea just as a house in our neighborhood was undergoing a remodel. He asked one of the workers if he could have a small scrap of Tyvek and they were more than generous. The Tyvek now serves as our tent footprint and is on it's second season with no signs of wearing. Goodbye sleepless nights and sore hips...hello sweet sleep relief. That's just the beginning of my sleep secrets....stay tuned for more!

Exploring: Southern Utah

Tim and I just got back from an adventure to the Southwest. From California to Nevada, Utah to Arizona and back we certainly saw our fair share of natural beauty. The trip was a mix of business and pleasure so after playing shows at the Zion Canyon Music Festival and Powellapalooza on Lake Powell, we set off to explore some of Southern Utah's magical slot canyons. Tim has been cruising around these parts for years so I was fortunate to have him as my

personal guide :). If you don't have someone experienced to go with, there are many things you can do to prepare for trips like this. By getting as much information as you can about the area you'll be traveling to (ie. expected weather, availability of water) and the possibility of flash floods altering routes (shifted boulders, log jams, etc.) you can prepare accordingly. Slot canyons should be avoided if there is any chance of expected/recent rain in the area or anywhere upstream. Most of these canyon trail heads are extremely remote and require driving miles down dirt roads. Be aware that any kind of precipitation can drastically change road conditions. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the middle of the desert! It's a good idea to always carry lots of water, extra food and a shovel in your car in case this happens. Talking to people that have had successful experiences is also a plus. If you don't know anyone who can give you sound advice, there are blogs and chat rooms discussing such things in great detail. (http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/content.htm, http://canyoneering-adventure.blogspot.com/)

Another option is using guide books. It is usually best to get recommended books from other backcountry travelers as there are many on the market that are less than adequate. When it comes to the Colorado Plateau (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Plateau), Tim and his brother Erik go to the Michael R. Kelsey collection of canyon and mountain guide books. Kelsey has 16 self published guide books (http://kelseyguidebooks.com/index.html). He gives hand drawn maps of each route, photographs, and history of the area in both technical and non-technical editions. While we find these books quite useful, there are those who criticize Kelsey for his boastful tone. One should know that he is an exceptionally fast hiker so his suggested time frames may not be realistic for the average hiker. With that said, he is certainly knowledgeable of these areas and suggests wonderful routes. We had a fabulous trip and found his information to be incredibly accurate. A word of advice: Always know the mileage of your route and factor in how quickly you travel to get the right hiking times for you. An average hiker in the canyons walks about 1 mile/hour. It's a good idea to know your own hiking pace in different terrains and fun to dial in your own procedures! And as always, tell someone in the front country where you are going and when you expect to be out!

Clothes:

Depending on the time of year and where you are going, a simple sarong can be a wonderfully light luxury item to bring along. Last year, Tim and I were lucky enough to raft down the Colorado River of the Grand Canyon and every evening after pulling into camp I would change into mine. It felt so good to get into something loose, light and dry. Sarongs are also great in the Sierra for cover ups around the lake, as a towel to dry off, for bathing, wetting and wrapping around your neck or head to stay cool, and so much more! It's one of those multi-use items that doesn't take up a lot of space but can add that vacation vibe to a trip. We're leaving for the Southwest this week to play some shows (my husband and I are both musicians) and are hoping to get some backcountry time in as well. Think I'll throw in a sarong and hope for warm weather!

Equipment:

A really fun thing to have in the backcountry, among other places, is a video camera to catch stuff on film (or our modern version of film :). Tim and I started documenting our adventures with the Flip Camera which was a great way to start the process. While the Flip is great at some things (ie. audio), it is not the best for action shots and requires you to hold it in your hand (tough to do while skiing). As we contemplated our situation, we decided to try GoPro Cameras last winter and have had a great time filming our outings ever since! Our friend and professional surfer, Holly Beck, takes great footage of herself surfing (comes with a waterproof casing) and tipped us off to these crafty little cameras. GoPros are super small, light and come with a variety of attachments that allows you to mount them on anything from your head, to your chest, surfboard or ski tips! They are very easy to use, reasonably priced and give a unique video style that makes your movies look artsy and interesting. Bonus?... you get tons of attachments and accessories included with purchase! Check out our latest video (uses both Flip and GoPro) and then be sure to stop by GoPro's website! http://www.goprocamera.com/

Check out Holly while you're at it! hollybecksurfs.blogspot.com/

Clothes:

So, my birthday is next week and I decided to gift myself something I have been needing (ok, wanting) for the last couple months. Patagonia's Nano Puff Pullover! I really have been NEEDING a replacement for my old, pilling fleece mid-layer and this seemed to be the perfect solution. My friend, Greg, swears by this piece and I think I can trust him on this one :) It is lightweight, water proof, wind proof, very compressible (stuffs into the chest pocket) and can be worn as an insulation or outer layer. My new upper body warmth plan (weather permitting) is to bring one wool or capilene base layer, the Nano and my puffy jacket. I think this should make for one toasty torso! The best part is you have two "down" pieces so when you turn your puffy jacket into a pillow (more on that later) you can still have a puffy piece on during the night if temperatures drop to the lows. This would also be a great for beach walks and day hikes or as your extra "emergency" layer. The Nano gets great reviews on Patagonia's website, calling it a "cult classic". AND it's on sale now!! Check it out...

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-womens-nano-puff-pullover?p=84025-1-760#BVRRWidgetID

Clothes:

Looking for the perfect hat? Let your search end here. Everest Designs makes beautiful, comfortable and functional hats that will suit your every need. These hats are hand made in Nepal by a women's knitting co-op working in a fair trade environment. Better yet, a portion of sales goes back to women's health and development programs in Nepal.

No matter the season, I always bring a winter hat for extra warmth. These are fully lined with plush, dense fleece and have a wool exterior that will shape naturally to your head. I've had mine for three years now and I have no future plans to replace it. Great for gifts too!

http://www.everestdesigns.net/

Clothes:

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you about spending time in the backcountry is: TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET! I mean it. Spoil your feet rotten. They are, in fact, your only mode of transportation out there! Since I have a few pins left in mine from an old surgery, I am super conscious of this. First of all, don't save weight on socks (my personal opinion). It is so important to have cozy, cushy, dry socks every day and each night. I'm not saying you can't hike a couple days in one pair (depending on the conditions) but you'll be sorry if you skimp on your feet. I've had a good run with Smartwool's Light or Medium Hiking Crew. Made of Merino Wool (ooh la la) they are not only comfy but have an arch brace that supports your foot and keeps things straight (no sock slippage here!). They dry quickly (hang in your tent at night for an "all natural" air freshener :), come in lots of cute colors (no reason not to have style on the trail :) and are very durable.

In addition to the right socks, other foot maintenance is also a vital part of keeping your feet happy. I like to designate a pair of "night socks" that will only be used at camp and while sleeping. It's important to get out of the socks you've been hiking in all day. Wanna go a step further? Bring along a travel size Gold Bond Powder and douse your feet and socks before putting on your clean pair. Ahhhhhh! It's tingly, refreshing heaven. If you really want to put the icing on the cake, throw a small pot of Tiger Balm (great for all sore body parts) in your pack (it's the size of chapstick) and rub your feet pre-powder and clean socks....you won't be sorry. Take care of your tootsies! They deserve it.

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Womens/Socks/_/_/2002/

Hydration: Part 2

While I'm on the subject of hydration, I might as well take it one step further. If you're going to be in the backcountry for any amount of time longer than a day hike, it is important that you are able to hydrate well and often. In many places that are "still wild" it may not be necessary to filter and we can freely drink from streams and creeks. Most places, however, require some sort of water treatment before drinking. Many people choose to save weight and bring iodine tablets. I've actually never used them (too many icky stories from friends). From what I've heard, they make the water taste metallic and you cannot drink the treated water instantly. With this said, it is a good idea to carry iodine tablets in your medical kit just in case your filter breaks or is on the fritz. If you must use iodine, my friend Chloe always uses Raspberry Zinger Tea to mask the flavor :)

The first water filter I ever used was a choice ceramic filter belonging to Tim. While it does a great job filtering and is relatively easy to clean, it is rather heavy and requires a lot of love. Ceramic filters are fragile when you are working on them which increases your chance of breaking them, so if you have one of these.....handle with care!

We stumbled upon our newest choice by chance. Last summer, Tim and I were heading out to Yosemite when we realized we had only brought iodine tabs. It also happened to be late in the season so our chances of finding clean water were minimal. We pulled into the last little store in the park and bought the only water filter they had (it didn't hurt that it was 60% off!). We really didn't know much about this model (though Katadyn is a very reputable brand), but took the chance on the Katadyn Vario. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised! While this filter still has a small ceramic part, it's main component is a glass fiber and charcoal filter which makes for a much lighter load! The pump handles well, pumps smoothly, can handle even the muckiest water and is compatible with all kinds of bottles and bladders. I highly recommend this water filter. It makes pumping water in the backcountry so much easier...even fun! Check out this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqXFr27KRO8

Hydration:

Carrying water in the backcountry is tricky business. You might not think so but varying seasons and personal preference can lead you down many different roads. I started my backpacking experience toting around the ever so popular Camelback so many of us have come to adopt. I must say that for a while there, I was really liking the convenience of the hose right on my shoulder, felt I drank more often and liked the idea of an out of sight water contraption. My contentment, however, came into question as we began approaching warmer seasons. Suddenly that convenient hose began delivering an unpleasant stream of plastic tasting water. Not what you want when you have some of the best tasting water on the planet at your finger tips (thanks Sierra Nevada!) My faith in Camelbacks continued to decline when my husband busted through 3 bladders in one season! Needless to say, we opted to ditch our tender water bags and move on to buffer territories.

I'm sure Klean Kanteens are no stranger to you after the whole Nalgene plastic scare. People have been making the switch from plastic to stainless steel bottles in both urban and rural environments all over. I love the clean, flavorless water you get from a Klean Kanteen. No "funky" flavors there! Now, I know what you're thinking..."my Camelback is so convenient and easy to use! I'll never switch." I'll admit, using a metal bottle while backpacking took some getting used to. At first I clumsily struggled getting it in and out of my backpack during hikes or needed constant assistance from fellow hikers. "Hey...can you hand me my water bottle?" :) Now, I'm as quick as Clint Eastwood on the draw, effortlessly pulling my metal bottle out and in all on my own! In my opinion, it's definitely worth retraining your brain and getting the muscle memory for it. If you're afraid you won't drink as much water with a metal bottle, they just came up with a new "sport cap" that some of my friends are really digging. Whether you're in the backcountry a lot or a little, everyone needs a Klean Kanteen to help keep the planet green! They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors. There's bound to be one for you.

http://www.kleankanteen.com/index.php

Howdy Friends:

Well, I never thought I would have a blog of my own but when a friend of mine asked me to put together a supply list for her first backpacking trip to Yosemite, I figured I might as well do it for other beginning, interested and enthused backpackers!

To begin, let's get some things straight. I did not grow up going on camping trips with my family. I never slept in tents aside from summer camp and I certainly never thought I would become an avid backpacker and outdoors woman! When I met my husband, he introduced me to a world that is still wild and I have been devouring it ever since. I would like to share what I have learned about spending time in the backcountry with those of you who have the interest but may be a little gun shy to get started. My goal is to give you all the tips on outdoor equipment, clothing, food and gear to make your time in the backcountry an experience that will keep you coming back. The most important thing that I have learned is you can be just as comfortable in the outdoors as you are indoors as long as you have the right stuff.

Gear:

If you're planning on doing any kind of backpacking, be it one night or 14, a good backpack is one of the most crucial pieces of gear. If you are up in your attic digging out your older brother's external frame pack from the '80s (I say this from experience), stop right there and check out Osprey Backpacks! These packs are lightweight, super comfortable, carry well and come in 3 torso sizes and 4 hipbelt sizes which can be customized to fit you perfectly! Having a pack that fits you will make your outdoor experience worlds better, after all, you are carrying ALL your stuff in it! These packs are sleek, have a great packing capacity and are durable even in the most rugged environments. I have the Ariel 65 and have been really happy with it. I think the best part is that you can fit everything inside which makes for a tidy pack. Hanging stuff off your pack is typically not a good idea. It will throw your weight off, catch on tree branches and you risk losing or damaging those items. Imagine how bummed you would be getting into camp only to find a tear in your precious sleeping pad. Keep it tight with an Osprey Pack. You won't be sorry!

http://www.ospreypacks.com/

*One more thing...remember to get a pack raincover for those surprise showers! It's a must!

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/OspreyAddOns/ULRaincover/

Clothes:

This is an item I am coveting. When you're in the backcountry, layering is a must. Being ready for the unexpected is one thing you can expect. I typically always bring two bottom base layers for those chili nights but why bring two when you could just pack one! This is Patagonia's warmest bottom baselayer, a Capilene 4 expedition weight. Keep your legs toasty with minimal weight. The best part is...they are recyclable through Common Threads Recycling Program when their life is over! Patagonia has TONS of amazing clothing for the outdoors, and though it's expensive, their warranties and customer service make it all worth while!

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-womens-capilene-4-expedition-weight-bottoms-long-johns-underwear?p=43517-0-155

Shoes!:
First things first....getting the right shoes! When my husband told me the only shoes to get were 5.10 Camp Fours I was skeptical. Weren't my old hiking boots or tennis shoes just fine? Oh how wrong I was! After my first day wearing them on Sierra granite in Yosemite, I have never gone back. The company founder (and rock climber), Charles Cole, created stealth rubber that comprises the sole of the shoe offering super sticky friction and high durability. A great choice for a light weight, yet extremely rugged hiking shoe. Take safter, better and more confident steps. Check them out!

http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/39-camp-four-womens

*Add Superfeet insoles for extra coziness! http://www.superfeet.com/

Grub:

A little bit on food....I just got back from a 6 day, cross country backpacking trip in the Yosemite high country. Since everything you need is carried on your back, it is super important to try and save as much weight as possible in all departments, even food. (I should note that many backpackers will bring back breaking elaborate meals, I'm just not one of them). With that said, I typically bring my childhood favorite, Top Ramen, as a delicious dinner entree. As much as I love Ramen's salty goodness and chewy noodles, 5 nights in a row of it was enough to make me dry heave. I went to my resources for advice. Though my husband, Tim, couldn't personally recommend it, he suggested I give Mountain House freeze dried meals a try. I mean, could it be any worse than ramen? I wearily made the trek to REI and purchased the Chicken Teriyaki with Rice for $5.90...stepping it up from my $0.99 beloved ramen. As night 3 in the backcountry approched, this tightly sealed, 4 oz. blue bag began to make me drool with excitement. Just add boiling water to the bag (you don't even have to do dishes!), wait 9 minutes and BOOM! a hot, delicious meal that is not Top Ramen! Bulk it up with some chicken bullion for extra flavor...yum. I would say that Mountain House Meals are a welcome break from a more simple food. They have lots of choices....even vegetarian. Check it out!

http://www.mountainhouse.com/

*beef stroganoff not recommended :)

Backcountry Beauty:

My beauty routine in the backcountry is relatively limited...how I love a mirrorless world! One thing I never leave without, however, is a tube of Mountain Ocean's Lip Trip in my pocket. It goes on smooth, tastes sweet and has SPF 15 to protect from the sun. Keep those lips soft and moist! Mountain Ocean is a wonderful family owned company with many other delicious products. Not to be missed!

http://www.mountainocean.com/index.htm

Balanced Rock:

Last summer I went on an amazing adventure with the lovely ladies at Balanced Rock. This is a nonprofit organization based in El Portal (just outside Yosemite Valley) with a team of inspirational women that guide trips in and around Yosemite National Park. These wilderness trips are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the backcountry in a safe and comfortable way. Most trips are led by women, for women. A typical course incorporates elements of hiking, writing, yoga, and art. Let Balanced Rock nurture you into the wilderness.

http://www.balancedrock.org