This page serves as a reference for educating yourself on treks near you, weather conditions, gear lists/research/purchases, and all around getting outside on the trail.
There are TONS of resources out there. Books, websites, word of mouth. These are just a few Go To sites I use to find hike, climbs, and all around adventure.
Be safe out there!
Do your research on your hike! ALWAYS bring a paper map, do not EVER solely rely on a GPS track to get you there. Alright, now that the “spiel” is out of the way . . . here is how you create some killer custom GPS tracks for yourself that you cannot already download online (and just straight up don’t want to pay for).
Online Resources:
Downloadable Programs:
!!!Always bring a paper map, GPS is the backup!!!
Put your GPS tracks to work. You should technically use an actual GPS devise for your tracks. Garmin’s are super solid, accurate, waterproof, and wont break when you drop them. If you don’t have $300 to drop on a GPS, and you are just hiking around town, there are a few good phone Apps will serve the same purpose. The following Apps will allow you to pre-download maps and overlay both GPS tracks and your current GPS location (you don’t need a cell signal, just a clear view to the sky for GPS):
GPS Units:
Phone Apps:
Go prepared! Places like slot canyons or river crossings could quickly swell, or turn into flash flood areas, leaving you stranded or worse. As a part of prepping for your trek, choosing the appropriate gear for weather is critical so you aren’t caught with your pants down.
I like to use a few different sources to cross reference. Here are some great sites I use regularly to check for weather:
Gear can be the difference between loving an adventure or suffering the entire time. Due to how expensive most gear out there is, I like to do a ton of research before settling on the product that fits me best. Remember, word of mouth from people who have actually used and relied on the gear is always a great resource for research!
Online Research:
Purchasing:
If an item that I don’t know how it will fit or wear, I will purchase it at REI (for their 1 year no questions asked return policy). If it is a non-returnable item (like climbing gear for example – carabiners, slings, rope, ect), then I will check the item out wherever I can, then purchase it online at the cheapest price I can find.
Soon to come: Gear Lists & How to Choose Gear for the Occasion