031: Fall Colors

031: Fall Colors

 
 
00:00 / 00:24:32
 
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On today’s episode, we’ll be talking about the many things you can do during fall time to enjoy its particular and beautiful colors.

Take advantage of the season to go out and take colorful pictures, jump on a hay ride, hop on a ski lift even when there’s no snow and of course, go camping keeping in mind some safety tips that can be very helpful during hunting season.

Episode Highlights:

  • Woobies, a fantastic piece of equipment to keep yourself warm when enjoying the outdoors.
  • Ever thought on getting on a ski lift without actually going to ski? What you can discover during fall time from above.
  • Events to attend to appreciate fall colors.
  • Hay activities and seasonal treats.
  • Forget about gloves and turn your attention to maintaining your torso warm.
  • Have you ever worn a “Buff”? Check out the perks of wearing one.
  • Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Northern N.Y., Minnesota and Wisconsin some of the best places for fall colors in the USA.
  • Using your phone’s camera slow-mo to get awesome fall pictures and videos and create amazing memories.
  • Fall season = Hunting Season. Informing yourself about the area you’ll be visiting is a good idea that can even put your life away from danger.
  • Dress appropriately and be loud to let hunters know you’re there.

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Quotes from the episode

“If you’ve never been on a hay ride, I really suggest get into a place that has one even this fall because they’re a lot of fun” Nate.

“One of my biggest recommendations when it comes to fall colors…is go ahead and take photos. Taking photos of everything that’s there and the changing colors…helps me appreciate it, especially when the winter hits and you got three feet of snow outside”. Christopher.

“It’s fun just to sit down and watch the leaves fall or to rake the leaves into a pile and have the kids jumping on them” Nate.

“I’m all about the hoodie. I love grabbing my favorite hoodie and I probably had the same one for a decade or more…” Christopher.

030: Understanding Your Map

030: Understanding Your Map

 
 
00:00 / 00:24:45
 
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The Greeks are credited to be the first ones to ever draw a map. Anaximander, back in the 6th century BC, drew a map of what the world was thought to look like: a cylinder. Since then, millions of maps have been created to navigate the seas, study the skies and, of course, to camp, hike and live. So today we’re talking about “Understanding Your Map” and how to take great advantage of one.

We’ll go over the several details you find in one and how carrying a physical map can be a smart idea, besides bringing your digital ones with you.

  • Have you found any hidden gems thanks to your maps?
  • What kind of map is your favorite to use?

Let us hear from you in our Facebook Forum!

Episode Highlights:

  • Exploring the different kinds of maps you can get
  • Things you find inside the “legend” and how to interpret them
  • Terrain references and special landmarks
  • The “Compass Rose” and its utility
  • Learning about grid squares, black lines and scales
  • Similarities in trail names and what you see on the map
  • Great tool to discover new trails and places
  • Terrain features: ridges, saddles, hollers, cliffs
  • Special question for North Carolinians: “What is your definition of hollers?”
  • Physical maps vs Digital maps and Apps

Links and Resources:

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

Quotes from the episode

“Where I use maps the most in my world is canoe trips” Christopher

“Kids love reading a map and running a compass” Nate

“If you don’t have a compass, the landmarks that you can identify in the map are a good reference point” Christopher

“How can we plan our trip? A map is so useful there and often times I find more use even before you leave” Nate

029: Keeping Your Head Right

029: Keeping Your Head Right

 
 
00:00 / 00:29:04
 
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Would you agree that our head is the most important part of our bodies? We believe it is and that’s why today we’re talking about “Keeping Your Head Right”, not only on the outside but also on the inside when going out on an adventure.

According to a 2008 study, “a person loses 7 to 10 percent of their body heat through their head.” This leads us to think that it’s both important to keep our head properly covered during cold hikes but at the same time, be aware of letting it breathe from time to time so it doesn’t over heat. Like anything in life, balance is key!

From a mental point of view, it’s also important to keep your head right and that’s why we’re sharing tips and suggestions on how to keep the good vibes alive when facing tough challenges in mother nature.

  • What do you like to wear to keep your head safe during your hiking adventures?
  • How do you keep your mind strong on extreme situations?

We’d love to read your comments on our Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum. Enjoy!

Episode Highlights:

  • The multiple uses of a “buff”
  • It’s not only about hats and helmets, it’s also about the sunscreen
  • Bug nets and what to never forget while wearing one
  • Bandanas: their many useful applications when going hiking
  • Today’s HT #DontWash your hair to stay bug-free
  • Keeping your vision clear to avoid smashing your head around
  • Shout out to the awesome Campers from Topeka, Kansas
  • Just like we mentioned on our previous episode “Peeling Back the Layers” your head also needs to “breathe”
  • Depending on the outdoor activity your planning on doing, don’t forget your helmet
  • Stocking cap, hoods, buffs, regular caps, what’s your favorite?
  • Tips on how to keep your head focus and positive when facing a great outdoor challenge

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

To Katahdin – Nate’s Appalachian Hike Playlist

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Book – Where’s the Next Shelter by Garry Sizer

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

Quotes from the episode

“I don’t put shampoo on my hair because it adds a fragrance to your head that attracts bugs (…) you do smell a little bit worse quicker” Nate.

“I’m ready for those blue blockers (…) I’m old enough” Christopher.

“Music is a super tool to use in lifting your spirit and changing your head” Nate.

“Most of the people that stop, it isn’t from a physical injury is from a mental injury” Christopher on hiking challenges.

028: Peeling Back the Layers

028: Peeling Back the Layers

 
 
00:00 / 00:24:55
 
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Today we’re “Peeling Back the Layers” to give you cool and hot ideas on what you can wear to keep yourself properly protected against different weather conditions.

The idea of layering, when going out on an adventure, is extremely useful, especially when cold temperatures hit or rainy conditions are scheduled to happen during your trip.

Yes, some of us may think that in order to keep ourselves warm, all we need to do is “throw on a big and heavy piece of cloth and that’ll be enough to carry on”; Or “if it rains, then put on all of your waterproof stuff…”. However, we’ll question those common myths and share what we believe are some great tips and experiences that will surely make layering your new best ally when suiting up for your next adventure.

  • What’s your usual layer combination for cold days when hiking and camping?
  • What have you found effective to protect yourself from rain?

We’d love to hear your ideas, thoughts, questions, doubts and comments about layering on our Camp Hike Live Facebook forum. See you there!

Episode Highlights:

  • Base layer, middle/heating or isolation layer and the outer layer
  • Breaking down the terminology of layers
  • Importance of layering for temperature control
  • Synthetic materials and natural fabrics for layering purposes and various clothing items
  • Ventilating and keeping the moisture under control
  • Keeping yourself dry without the need of heavy layers
  • The “half hour test” that may help on your next outdoor adventure
  • Smartly warming up key body parts to avoid over layering

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

Quotes from the episode

“The key, when you’re thinking about layers (…) is you want to be able to pull it off” Christopher

“The activity itself can help make that first decision on your layering” Nate

“The smart layer (…) the money layer (…) the business layer” Christopher on coming up with new catchy layering terminology

“Contrary to what people believe, isolation is all about keeping heat in and the weather out” Nate

027: All About Feet

027: All About Feet

 
 
00:00 / 00:28:04
 
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Today’s episode is “All about feet”. We’re talking about socks, hiking boots, hiking shoes, tennis shoes, sandals, talcum powders and even Crocs®. As usual, we are sharing a great amount of tips and suggestions, based on our hiking and camping experience, for you to avoid injuries and keep your feet safe and comfortable throughout your outdoor adventure.

Visit our Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum and share your experiences and thoughts on what works best for you when it comes to footwear. We’d love to hear from you.

This is a pretty vast topic and we know there are thousands of options out there, so we’ve tried to cover all the main things to consider when getting new shoes for your next hiking trip.

Episode Highlights:

  • Benefits from wearing Crocs® on your camping and hiking adventure
  • Bringing your sandals is not a bad idea for when you’ve already settled down at your camping site
  • Light footwear vs hiking boots and all there is in between. Why so many people are gravitating towards lighter hiking shoes
  • Boots are a great choice for an entry level hiking experience
  • Importance of socks and all the different models and designs you can choose from
  • Socks: Natural fabrics vs Synthetic materials
  • Quick throwback to our episode “Blisters Suck” and some extra tips based on socks’ fabrics
  • Using powders to keep your feet dry, smell free and prevent blisters from forming
  • The “Mom Factor” and the size of your footwear
  • Always remember to pack your sunscreen lotion to avoid “ghost white feet”
  • “Zero Drop Shoes” pros and cons

Links and Resources:

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Quotes from the episode

” Moisture can be such a detrimental thing to your feet” Nate

” If I plan on hiking the trails or riding my bike (…) I tend to lean towards wool” Christopher

” One pound on your feet is equal to ten pounds on your back” Nate

” You’ve walked your whole life with a huge cushion, don’t just throw it out the window and think you’re going to be fine” Christopher

On leather boots ” I wouldn’t go out and hike on these all day for 10 miles until I took them out for a few 1 or 2 mile walks” Nate

026: Blisters Suck

026: Blisters Suck

 
 
00:00 / 00:26:51
 
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We couldn’t find a better title for this one because it is true, Blisters Suck…big time.

That’s why we wanted to put together this episode and share some experiences, tips and suggestions on how to try and prevent getting blisters on your hiking adventures.

There’s not one-single miraculous solution for them. Since each human being is unique our feet react differently to blisters’ formation, so in order to avoid them and keep them away we’re laying out a bunch of solutions for you to try and see which works better.

Episode Highlights:

  • Figuring out the best system for you to prevent from getting blisters
  • Choosing between talcum powder and a greasy product for your skin. It all depends on your situation
  • It’s not only about what you apply to your skin, but it’s also about what kind of socks you wear
  • What to keep in mind when buying your hiking shoes or boots to avoid getting blisters
  • Are waterproof shoes the best option against blisters?
  • Don’t forget to take some breaks while hiking. Could be the best idea to “calm down the blister factor”
  • Ancient blistering dilemma: “to pop or not to pop”
  • Keep your nails clipped and you may add another defense point against blisters

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

“Fixing your Feet” on CamperChris

Quotes from the episode

“Even if you’re not a person who whines, blisters make you whine” Christopher

“If you’re trying to keep your feet from getting blisters, try to keep your feet dry” Nate

“There’s nothing silly when you’re trying to save your feet” Christopher

“When it comes to blisters, moisture can really be the worst case scenario when your feet get wet” Nate

025: Choosing your Pack

025: Choosing your Pack

 
 
00:00 / 00:28:20
 
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Today we’re talking about what to take into consideration when choosing your pack. We know there are many different brands and models out there, all with a huge variety of prices, pockets, zippers and designs. It can get overwhelming but that’s why we’re bringing this episode to you Campers to try and shed some light on the matter.

Choosing the proper pack will not only assure you’ll have all the right space for your camping or hiking stuff but it will definitely make the difference between enjoying your trip or make it a painful one for your back, shoulders, legs, knees and feet.

Episode Highlights:

  • Proper pack size depending on the needs of your adventure and the gear you’re going to carry
  • Taking your gear to the outfitters to check what pack to get, is not as crazy as it sounds
  • Different brands and models
  • Pockets and zippers…it’s all about access and organization
  • Just like we recommended with a tent, practice packing your gear at home
  • Learn what “The Brain” is on a pack and how useful it can be
  • Properly distributing the weight around your body to avoid injuries
  • Weight rating for optimal performance
  • Compression straps
  • Price vs Durability
  • Packs with external frames. Some may giggle when they see one but they offer plenty of advantages
  • Portage Packs: check out all their benefits
  • “Ultra-light backpacking” may not be as easy as it sounds

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Quotes from the episode

“Before you go out to buy a pack (…) find the gear you’re going to use first (…) That’s going to determine the size” Nate

“In the military we have an external frame pack (…) keeps it sturdy, it’s durable, it’s able to take a beating” Christopher

“Whether is the right color, whether is the right brand (…) doesn’t matter. For me is actually how it actually fits and how it carries” Nate

“I tend to over-pack on the outside of my pack (…) it keeps the bears away” Christopher

“The pack is not the place to skimp on the money” Nate

024: Canoe Q&A

024: Canoe Q&A

 
 
00:00 / 00:31:01
 
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We have a particular episode for you guys. Nate will pick Christopher’s brain on canoeing and all there is to know about this amazing activity. If you’ve never done it before and you’re curious about trying it out some time soon, then you definitely need to check out all the amazing tips and suggestions we have for you today.

Canoeing can even be an invitation to get back in touch with old navigation systems.

Episode Highlights:

  • If you’ve never gone canoeing before, check out some tips that’ll help you get started
  • Kayak vs Canoe. Which can be of better use when going on your trip and what are their main differences
  • “Portage” if you don’t know what this means, Christopher tells you all about it
  • Hiking trips vs Camping trips vs Canoe trips
  • Canoe performance under rain
  • Wind factor and how it can affect your canoe trip
  • Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your canoe adventure
  • Smart ways to carry your canoe around
  • Canoe styles, sizes and prices
  • Cool gadgets for canoeing

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Info

Quotes from the episode

“If anyone is going to plan an outdoor trip(…)I recommend the Boundary Water Canoe Area” Christopher

“I see a canoe as a vessel that floats in water. It is impenetrable from water. What happens when it rains?” Nate

“Your canoe can handle probably three inches of rain before it actually starts causing issues” Christopher

“Getting into a place that you can go and rent them for the day and not actually having to purchase one, would be a good starting point” Nate

” When you’re in a canoe trip you tend to go back to old school maps” Christopher

023: Going Stoveless

023: Going Stoveless

 
 
00:00 / 00:25:13
 
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Today we’ll be talking about the experience that is going hiking and camping STOVELESS. Things you can actually gain from skipping to pack your stove and what are some things that you might be giving up.

Bringing a stove to your camping trip or to your hiking adventure usually means you’ll be able to enjoy warm food, hot beverages and even the cozy and fun experience of cooking with your friends and family. Certainly, there are times when it is almost mandatory to bring one with you however, on today’s conversation, we’ll lay out some cool and smart options that might persuade you to leave your stove at home and enjoy a STOVELESS trip.  

Episode Highlights:

  • Perks of not packing your stove and things you actually need to pack when going stoveless
  • It’s not just about the weight, it’s about saving precious time that can be invested in going longer distances
  • Are you a “speed hiker”? Then you’re going to love some of the tips we’ve got in this episode
  • Benefits of leaving your stove at home when you’re a camper
  • Minimize camp odors that can, for example, attract animals
  • Summer might be the best season to go stoveless
  • Nate gives a good reason why he still hasn’t gone stoveless
  • If you like to lick the bowl after cooking, then maybe you do need to bring your stove with you.
  • Top foods when there’s no stove around
  • Using body heat can be a great asset

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Quotes from the episode

“Going stoveless can be quite a bit faster” Nate

” There are some stoves out there that you can purchase that use the materials of the woods” Christopher

” If you’re doing a longer hike…it becomes logistically hard to find places, (…) that potentially have and sell the gas that fits your stove” Nate

“You don’t have that saliva producing food when you’re going stoveless” Christopher

022: That’s in Tents

022: That’s in Tents

 
 
00:00 / 00:27:32
 
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On today’s episode, we’re discussing how to properly set up a tent and take full advantage of it.

This is, without a doubt, one of those main camping elements that really need our attention since it’ll be our shelter for the entire trip. Whether it’s a one-person tent or one that can fit many people, there are some basic guidelines you can follow in order to have a good rest and enjoy your nights in the outdoors.

Ever thought of setting up your new tent at home before jumping to the woods? Might be a good idea and we’ll tell you why.

Episode Highlights:

  • Differences between tents and what their uses can be
  • Looking for the perfect spot to set up your tent. Variables to take into consideration
  • Learning what a “Footprint” is and how much it can help
  • Studying your surroundings for safety reasons is a smart thing to do
  • Going online to check how to properly set up your tent when manuals are not enough
  • Useful tips when you use fiber glass poles and they start to worn out
  • How to properly set up Lightweight tents
  • Double use of trekking poles. Believe it or not, one of them is helping set up a tent
  • Taking full advantage of your rain fly
  • Thinking ahead of time to fully enjoy your trip to the outdoors and be more time effective

Links and Resources:

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter

CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook

Visit Christopher’s store

Camper Chris on Facebook

Nate’s YouTube Channel

Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum

Quotes from the episode

“Once I know this is where I want to set up my tent (…), the last thing I’ll do is look up” Nate

” I want to make sure that my door is going in the proper direction” Christopher

” If the tent is fighting you, you’re doing something wrong” Nate

” If you take the time and you focus on setting up your tent properly, then you can forget about the tent, the rest of the time you’re out to enjoy the outdoors” Christopher