Wow... Say that 5 Times Fast!
Hiking Forward's Can't Miss Father's Day Gift List
Hiking Forward's Fathers ahhh!
Hiking Forward's Cant' Miss Gift UGH

Okay Okay... Again this year we have put together an awesome list of items that just can't miss, no matter the type of Dad you are buying for this Father's Day.

All of the products below have been tested by Hiking Forward and none of them will break the bank and all are sure to put a smile on dear ole dad's face on Father's Day.

As a Dad I know there are a few things all dads enjoy... we love to relax, we love to chill out and we love to be comfy. Boys and Girls let me introduce you the WindPouch.

Before, We get to deep into discussing the Windpouch... Ladies, let me let you in on a little secret. Come here... closer "you are gonna want one of these too!"

Order TWO! Trust me. I got the Windpouch in the mail, I blew it up via the wind, get it now, WIND pouch... and within a matter of minutes, this happened.

Don't get me wrong... I love the Windpouch too, the problem is I never get to use it, because "someone" is always in it. So, ladies order two. Give one to the hubby for Father's Day. When he lets u sit in it and says "hey honey isn't this amazing and so comfy" then you say, "hmmm maybe I should order me one". Wink! You already did!

Tell them your ole pale Hiking Forward sent you. Now both of you can enjoy the summer laying on a cloud. Yes, that is exactly what it feels like. Oh did I mention it FLOATS. Yes indeed! So, a have pool? BONUS@ Live near a pond or a lake? SCORE! Going on a campout this summer near a river? You will be floating in style.

www.windpouch.com
Windpouch on Facebook

You have probably heard me recommend Stanley Products for Dad's before as well as in general. I do this for a couple of reasons. First, to me the green metal shell is nostalgic and while the product is new it brings about the feeling of something old that maybe your dad or grandpa had. So, while to the gift giver it may be just a coffee mug or something to keep coffee hot in all day long... to the user it is durable, will never fail them and maybe just maybe it reminds them of their own dad or grandpa every-time they use it. And remembering those important people and the outdoor experiences they had together in ones life throughout the year... that is the most important gift of all. 

It goes without saying that everything Stanley makes is made to last and take a beating. As a gift giver this is something important to take into account when budgeting for and purchasing a Father's Day gift... is the gift going to last? The simple answer when it comes to what Stanley makes is a resounding Yes!

No matter what Dad enjoy's in his cupStanley will ensure it stays hot or colder longer. No matter what kind of adventure or activities he participates in, Stanley has the right container to allow him to carry his favorite beverage.

For more information on Stanley Products click here.

So does Dad Fish? Does Dad Hike or Backpack? If he does he has to eat! Keep dad on the shore or on the trail and give him something tasty to eat. A new and environmentally friendly Backcountry meal manufacture is cranking out some tasty meals in disposable (burnable) packaging. Most meals come in foil packs that have been thrown away, so essentially packed out till you reach a proper trash can. 2-3 meals a day can create a decent amount of trash that one has to carry out on a backpacking trip. 

For more information concerning Sasquatch Fuel click here. 

Have you seen Dad's hiking/outdoor shoes lately? Uh Gross right? Time for a new pair of shoes/boots for the ole man! Oboz has a huge array of shoes for every occasion. I highly recommend the above pictured Scapegoat Low or Mid, as a great summer / fall shoe for hiking and outdoor activities. Comfort, lightweight and won't break the bank, and will last for multiple seasons to come. 

For more information on all Oboz has to offer click here.

The Tribe Provisions Adventure Bag is the perfect bag for those weekend family camping trips or impromptu backpacking adventures Dad may take from time to time. The bag is lightweight, durable and comes with an attached stuff sack so Dad won't lose it, like he always is looses his keys. The bag retails for $49.95 so it won't break the bank either. Another great item that doesn't cost a lot and will replace something of Dad's that is older then dirt. Is your Dad still trying to use his sleeping bag from his Cub Scout days? Get him a new sleeping bag! 

For more information about Tribe Provisions click here.

Does your Dad simply look for a "good stick" when he is out on the trail to use as a hiking stick? (momentary pause as we shake our heads at Dad)...

Okay, get Dad some amazing lightweight Carbon Fiber hiking sticks. Typically sticks like these would cost twice as much. This is something dear ole Dad would never by for himself and probably doesn't realize he needs. But you know he does having walked behind him for years. And lets be honest dear ole dad isn't getting any younger. 

Instant security and stability will now be the mantra when Dad is out for a hike or backpacking adventure. Trust me he will feel like the kid in school with the "new" whatever with these super light and durable sticks. These sticks collapse small and can be attached to most any of packs and have really comfortable handles and handstraps. 

For more information on OutdoorMaster click here.
For more information on these poles click here.

Keep Hiking Forward! 

And Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

​Scott

Recently, I have had the opportunity to attend a couple group camping trips. You all know as you do, that I love being outdoors, the deeper in the woods the better. But, recently I have found myself wondering about large group versus small group campouts and car camping versus car camping with a slimmed down amount of gear. The question is, does the gear do more then weigh us down? Is there an emotional tie one way or the other? Some people may need more comforts from home while others truly need the sense that they are not at home an need less creature comforts to feel comfortable while in the woods.

This is clear as mud, right? Good… lets carry on.

When I typically car camp… George (that’s my Jeep) is usually packed to the gills with gear. I have a lot of gear. Yes Scott… so do I, you’re proabably saying. No seriously, I have a lot of gear and I usualy bring extra’s of things for others who forget something or something breaks, “No worries I got one!”. I’m THAT GUY.

Plus in addition to being that guy, I am always bringing new gear to try, put through it’s paces and review. This is on top of the normal gear one needs on a camping trip with fifteen of your closest buds from you local hiking group. Lately, I got the feeling that with so much stuff I was constantly touching something, looking for something, wondering where I put something etc. This truly started to drive me almost insane. I was relishing in the ability to be backpacking instead of car camping where every ten minutes I was looking inside George for something, a knife, my headlamp, more beer, rope, more beer etc.

Having lots of stuff gave me almost more options to be doing something with something all the time. Being in the woods for me means doing nothing but being able to relish in the woods and soak it in. So, is the gear getting in the way? My mates would say hell no! As we collectively scarfed on 16 pounds of smoked ham that I smoked on one of these recent campouts. Damm that was good stuff. Yes, I brought my smoker car camping. I wouldn’t do it if the stuff I smoked didn’t taste soooo damn good.

I won’t say that I didn’t enjoy myself on this particular campout, but I will honestly say that these thoughts came into my mind which led to this post. Camping is not about the gear. It’s about nature, escaping, friends and or family and reconnecting with yourself. No matter what gets in the way of that goal, in my opinion needs to re-evaluated if it hampers your ability to feel how you want to feel when you’re outside.

I paused on writing this post right after this particular trip because I wanted to see how I would do with a new thoughtout perspective on an upcoming one night trip. So, a few weeks ago I did attended a simple one night trip. While the weather was less then favorable, I did have a good time. While I downsized the “stuff” (for lack of a better term) I still don’t feel that given the time I was camping the gear met the trip.

Awareness of the somewhat emotional weight of gear and how it can impact me and my camping experience was now more present in mind as I gathered my gear and prepared for my night away. On this particular trip I hammocked versus tented. However, on this trip I still fell into some but not all of my habits that caused some internal strife once I arrived. I hate messing with gear or searching for things versus enjoying the moment. While I admit I did less searching and messing, that may have to do with the weather conditions and the time of the trip versus the previous three night four day excursion.

In addition to gear weight and how it impacts your trip, the other element that can have a positive or potentially negative impact on your camping experience is the number of people in your group. Small groups, who are like minded, are safer bets, especially if you are familiar and have similar skill levels. The larger the group the odds grow of potential differences in personalities, experience, skill and knowledge level. While most of the time these differences are subtle they have virtually little or no impact on you or your camping experience.

So in closing, maybe you don’t resonate with these issues but if you do, be aware of how group dynamics and gear impact you before you head out. Having an understanding of these things will ensure that you can fully enjoy each and every outdoor experience. 

Keep Hiking Forward!

​Scott

You have spent all summer and fall tooling around in your family adventure mobile. I bet you have put tons of miles on your vehicle out camping, hiking, climbing, shopping for gear and paddling. Now for most of us in the United States as we begin to transition from warm and cool temps to cold temps and slushy roads its important to take a moment to stop and ensure our adventure mobile is ready, willing and able to get us to grandmothers house this holiday season for pumpkin pie (mmm pumpkin pie!) and holiday cheer.

Typically we don' think to much in general of these things, we just grab the pack and go, right? But, now that winter is soon to be upon most of us, it is now more important then ever to make sure your vehicle is in tip top form and ready to get you to and from your destination in one piece. Because, who likes eating holiday dinner in the breakdown lane? 

This past Thanksgiving we traveled to my wife's families home in the St. Louis suburbs. While only a state away some simple travel preparations are always put into place when we know we are traveling far and will be traveling home late at night. My general rule of them time of year is maintaining the proper survival gear in "George" (my jeep) - read more about George here.

While I know that we will never be far from people, help or general assistance, I don't have what you would classify as "survival" gear in the jeep, but more classified as comfort gear. 

Comfort Gear Items:
Sleeping Bag
Snacks and Food
Water Bottles
First Aid Kit
Flashlights
Extra Batteries
Battery Charger for Cell Phones
Cords for phones and other devices
Knife
Extra Cold weather gear
​Jumper Cables

These tips are obviously not just for the trip to grandma's house this holiday season or for the trip to great uncle Carl's annual New Year's Day Celebration in Chicken Falls, Minnesota. These tips are tips we have picked up along they way during our multiple day and multi-day cross country journeys to see family and visit national parks. ​

Yes...It's that time of year again. Seems like yesterday It was 107 degrees in Hells Canyon and the furthest thing from mine or my cohorts minds was gift giving or the now impending holiday season. 

Never Fear! Hiking Forward is here with an awesome list of gear and non-gear items to help you find that perfect gift for that special outdoorsy and overly technical person on your shopping list this season. Don't take the easy road and just get them a gift card to their favorite outdoor retailer! Show them that you did your homework and care enough to make a real honest to goodness purchase.

I guarantee they will love you for going the extra mile. Get it? Hiker Humor!

Okay... Here we go!

I crave the wild.
The smell of the woods in the morning as it first begins to come alive with the sound of birds singing and the delicate pitter patter of ground animals.
I yearn for the sense of accomplishment that only a taxing hike will provide.
I hunger for the laughter and the overwhelming sense of camaraderie that is bestowed amongst those sharing together in fellowship surrounded by what nature provides us. 
I need the flowing water to be my nourishment, to cleanse my body and soul. 
I dream of relishing in the solemn silence in the still of the forest under a wondrous and bright moon above.
I feel an overwhelming sense of desire to be simply with nature and to be where I know I truly feel at home.

I wonder... am I the only hungry one out there?

Keep Hiking Forward!

Scott

It’s a normal day, then suddenly someone posts an offer for free gear stickers or an adventure or hiking blog that you follow does the same thing on Facebook or Twitter. Suddenly, you’re giddy, full of joy and dreaming of slapping that new sticker on the back of your adventure mobile, laptop cover or tablet.

Why?

I get questioned a lot at the grocery store or from friends about the back of my Jeep (aka “George”). Recently, I started to think am I that different from other people in town? As I would drive back and forth to school to pick up and drop off the girls, I began paying specific attention to other cars. I think I am a little different than most in town I have noticed. I am sure that other people in places that are closer to adventure and hiking are just like me too. Jeez, I hope so anyway!

Here in town the only people who are even similar in the amount of stickers that I have on the back of George are the few overzealous progressive folks with the Obama, Ready for Hillary, Peace stickers and now the Buy Local Eat Local stickers covering the backs of their Prius. Good for them! On the other political side of the spectrum I have witnessed a few half rusted out pick-ups with the exact polar opposite bumper stickers plastered all over truck. Some of these I wonder on a few of these trucks are to prove or make a statement as much as they are to keep the truck together.

Ok… So now there are other people in town who are crazy about stickers too. What I have found is that we are a very small, small minority of the population out on the road. Obviously the people who have social issues or political stickers on their rides are doing it for a cause or to make a statement. The question still looms, why are we doing it?

I like letting people know that I love being outside, hiking and adventuring. Some people just buy Subaru’s and Jeep’s because they want people to think they are in fact like the rest of us. What posers! HA! I am selective on what stickers I put on George or on gear boxers and other locations. But I do as mentioned get super excited when I know stickers are coming in the mail. Working from home and knowing “they” might come today is a huge deal. I’m not sure who is more excited about seeing the mailman on those days, me or Boston (my dog).

I think the bigger reason for me and maybe for others is a sense of being a part of something bigger then you. To me seeing the back of the Jeep every day and looking at a gear sticker reminds me of that piece of gear and where I used it and how much I enjoyed the experience and settings. Blogger stickers remind me of maybe a story, trip report that led me to a new place or actually hiking with that person. And finally trip or locale stickers remind me of that place, the amazing experiences and new friends turned hiker family members that I now have. Stickers have been come a visual representation of my outdoor life and where better to place them on my adventure mobile that takes me to and from my adventures.

I hope you or someone like you is just like me and enjoys their stickers too! If you are proud of your ride that is plastered with stickers let us see it, post it to our Facebook page and we will share for all too see. 

If you would like a Hiking Forward Sticker for your adventure mobile send us a note by clicking here.

Keep Hiking Forward!

Scott

As I sit and look back at the year that was 2014 all I can do is smile. Hiking Forward started the year off quite slow as the continual polar vortex's kept us inside and at bay for the large portion of the winter. But just a spring broke the idea of an epic adventure sprouted and adventure was just around the corner. I owe my good friend Adam Nutting from Hiking The Trail a lot due to the creation of an epic adventure that he invited me to participate in and offering continual counsel on how to take Hiking Forward where I wanted it to go. Thanks brother!

Being added to Hell Hike and Raft in early 2014 was definitely one of the many highlights of my year. This event catapulted me into being more creative, engaged and gave me the energy to expand Hiking Forward. I had no idea back in March what this singular moment would mean now. 

Below are the top 5 moments and events that helped shape my year and Hiking Forward.

# 5 Time on the Ice Age Trail - Nothing Like Getting Away 
There is nothing like an impromptu trip away. Especially a trip with good friends, hiking a National Scenic Trail with great food and tons of laughter. Theses experiences always fill the soul yet leave you dreaming of the next opportunity to share the outdoors again. Earlier this year I got to hike along the Ice Age Trail in southern Wisconsin with some good friends and enjoy this very kind of experience. Getting outdoors doesn't have to be complicated. Simplicity and the right ingredients make for the perfect experience. 

#4 Chosen as a Teton Sports Mountain Adventurer and Potable Aqua Ambassador 

On May 23, 2014 I announced that I was formally asked to participate as a Teton Sports Mountain Adventurer and serve as a Potable Aqua Ambassador.  I was extremely honored to be asked to serve in both capacities for these amazing and "forward" thinking companies. I have enjoyed utilizing the gear that both organizations create and look forward to continuing the relationships into 2015. 

Teton Sports Ambassador Page
Potable Aqua

#1 Growing My Outdoor Family























With the addition Hell Hike and Raft to my list of adventures this year, the transformation of Hiking Forward, addition of ambassadorships and increased activity in #hikerchat and other online venues my outdoor family has grown. Some I have have had the privilege to meet in person and share an epic adventure with. Others, I learn from a far and hope to one day be able to adventure along side. The amazing thing about our community of practice is the openness and willingness to share ones own experiences and knowledge. 

Meeting my new friends turned trail family during Hell Hike and Raft solidified my vision of a what an experience should be like when on trail. A lucky adventurer was I to be teamed up with eleven other amazing people and awesome guides to share an epic adventure with. I can't wait to see what is in store for all of us as the calendar turns. 

I look forward to adventuring with you again and meeting those of you I haven't yet. 

A Happy, Safe and EPIC New Year to you All!

Keep Hiking Forward!

Scott

Grace and Gabby got together today to create of list of the top 10 best things an outdoor kid could love to receive from Jolly Ole Saint Nick this year. Grace took charge of creating list and detailing why these items are very important for young adventurers like to have when out camping or hiking. Gabby, helped Grace in creating the list and drew all the pictures of the items (shown below). 

I hope you enjoy the list and the reasons these girls think these items are necessary.

Scott

1. Backpack - So you can store the snacks and water that you need to get through the day
   
   
2. Tent - To sleep in because if you don't then you would have to sleep on the ground outside
   
   
3. Water Bottle - So if you are thirsty around camp you will have water
   
   
4. Sleeping Bag - A sleeping bag is important so you can be warm at night
   
   
5. Bug Spray - To keep bugs away and so you do not get bug bites
   
   
6. S'mores - You need graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows to make s'mores
   
   
7.  Hiking Boots - So you don't have to get your new shoes all muddy
   
   
8. Hiking Stick - So you don't slip and fall
   
   
9. Water Bladder - So when you hike you can drink water
   
   
10. Hammock - So you can relax after a long day of hiking

Like our our Daddy always says...


Keep Hiking Forward!


Grace & Gabby

I am honored and pleased to announce that HikingForward.com was awarded the Golden Boots Blogger Award for June 2014. 

The Golden Boots Blogger awarded by Hikingthetrail.com is aimed at recognizing outdoor adventure bloggers who are adventuring and providing amazing stories. Do you have a favorite blog that you would like to suggest? Click here to submit your favorite blogs.

The other June 2014 winners were:

Trails 2 Brews – Trails2brews.com
Beers at the bottom – beersatthebottom.com
Section Hiker – sectionhiker.com



Keep Hiking Forward

Scott

The Liebster Award is a Blogstöcken (Blogstöcken translated means Blog Stick.)  This award has been around for nearly a decade and the idea is to tag bloggers to learn more about them and their blogs.  I was tagged by Hiking The Trail - Adam Nutting. It was fun to read his answers to the questions he has provided. Without further ado let the Liebster award roll.

The Rules:

1. Link the Person who “tagged” you.

2. Answer the 11 questions that the person has asked you.

                                                                         3. Look for 11 Bloggers and nominate them.

                                                                         4. Come up with your own 11 question for your 11 nominees.

1. Most favorite travel destination? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) no other place has provided me and my family such pure enjoyment, relaxation and sense of home away from home. We have been twice, each time staying in the same chalet. Our girls still refer to it as "Our Cabin".

2. What is your best adventure story? While in the Smoky's, I awake one morning to a Black Bear outside our door circling my Suburban. He later tried to climb the long porch supports to get on to the porch where the trash was kept. Soon after as he began to walk away he and I came eye to eye. I on the side porch he safely just out of reach below me. An awesome moment to stand eye to eye with such a magnificent animal.

3. What is 1 thing you never leave home without when going on an adventure / trip? As any Boy Scout should, I never leave the house without a swiss army knife in my pocket. Any day can turn into an adventure. 

4. What is the longest (time or distance) adventure you have completed? Rather then long or time related, the most adventuresome event I take place in each year is my local hiking groups Freeze Your Butt Off event which takes place the last weekend in January. We spend 3 days and two nights camping out. No matter how wet, cold or how much snow we get. Its an awesome event, with truly liked-minded souls.

5. What is your blog about? Its about me, the journeys that I take to feed my soul with nature, the outdoors and good friends who seek the same. It's about the adventures that me and my young family undertakes and about sharing the knowledge that I garner along the way.

6. What is your next scheduled adventure / trip? Scheduled, would have to be the Hell Hike and Raft epic social adventure in northern Idaho. For more information go to www.hellhikeandraft.com 

7. What is your favorite part about being in the outdoors? Simply put, peace. No where else can any other place provide you that feeling. 

8. What is your most favorite spur of the moment adventure / trip? Throwing the kayak on top of the Jeep and hitting the lake or nearby river some quick peace and tranquility. 

9. What is your favorite outdoor themed podcast? Without a doubt the Pox and Puss Podcast. There is nothing like it. What else can you listen too about you love and almost piss yourself at 30,000 feet while listening to it on an airplane?

10. What is your favorite outdoor themed book? A fan of everything the Muir wrote. Also love reading the travelogues of all those that have hiked the AT. Yes even A Walk in the Woods.

11.  What advice do you give to anyone who wants to get outdoors more? As Nike says, Just do it! Take small steps, take a walk in a local park, go geocaching, find a local meetup hiking group, or ask your friends who participate in outdoor activities to tag along. Once there, enjoy yourself and remember how you it makes you feel to be outdoors. Use that feeling as the motivation to get out again and again. 

The 11 Bloggers I Chose for the Liebster Award:

1. Walk Outside 
2. A Trail Life
3. Things Going Smoothly 
4. Sticks Blog 
5. Ardent Camper
6. The Outdoor Adventure
7. Central Florida Hiker
8. Tammy on the Trail 
9. Wood Thrush Hikes 
10. ADK Bug
11. Adventurous Moms

 
Questions for my Blog Selections:

1. What do you consider your first outdoor experience?
2. When out on a multi-day excursion, what is the one thing your dream about doing or having when returning home?
3. What long trail do you want to complete or complete again and why?
4. Trailname? and how did you get it? Or what would you want your trail name to be if you don't have one and why?
5. What do you want to do when you retiree?
6. Last outing, where, when... etc.
7. Favorite backpacking meal.
8. Favorite memory on trail or camping.
9. Goal for the year.
10. Have you ever been tweeted to or RT'ed by a celebrity? Who.
11. Favorite National Park? and Why?