Outdoor Basics
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The benefits to hiking are countless but it can be a daunting proposition for some. By being aware of and following a few basic rules the danger of heading into the woods can be all but eliminated.
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No need to bring bulky "survival" items, just a few key things can save your afternoon on the trial.
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A proficient hiker should be a friendly and courteous hiker, sometimes we all need to be reminded of the rules of right of way and trail etiquette.
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5 Must Have Items in a First Aid Kit
Don't worry about stocking your backpack like a field hospital full of medical supplies you have no idea how to use. Just a few (cheap) items cover the majority of maladies you might encounter on the trail.
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Water bottle funk happens but a stinky Nalgene does not mean its time to retire it. This simple guide will help you thoroughly expunge the odors from an old bottle in just about 5 minutes of effort.
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Advanced Skills
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Even a fast moving storm will reveal itself hours before its arrival if you know what to look for. Identifying cloud formations allows hikers to make short term weather forecasts and is an essential wilderness skill to have.
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Hiking at altitude can be life changing but knowing about Altitude Sickness is essential to travel in the harsh world above the trees.
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During and after every rain mud lingers on trails bogging down hikers and posing challenges to even advanced hikers. These are a few quick tips to take the pain out of hiking in muck.
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Photography
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Improve Outdoor Photography without Spending Money Taking sharper, more evocative photos that people can connect with is very hard to do and takes years of practice. Regardless of your equipment many tips apply can be applied to take your photography to the next level.
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A dramatic sky can make all the difference in a photograph. This is a guide to getting the most out of an impressive sky in the editing room.
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Backpacking Skills
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Packing a backpack is an art, done improperly a backpack can burdensom and unwieldy. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to pack for a trip into the backcountry.
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First Time Backpackers Gear Guide Preparing for a first backpacking trip? This guide covers what you should buy, what to rent, where to save money, and what features to look for before your first backcountry adventure.
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Training & Conditioning Tips for Backpacking
If you struggle down the trail under a heavy pack perhaps more training and conditioning are in order. This guide covers activities that can be done in the cold months to build fitness for backpacking.
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If you have comments, feed back, or if there is something you'd like to know about Hiking, Backpacking, or Photography please email me at chris@backcountrybliss.net.












