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!