I came across the Tentsile Tree Tent and thought it looked pretty interesting.  This two-person tent is essentially a suspended hammock with an integrated tent.  It’s not exactly a hammock because the floor of the tent is attached to three trees.  The straps that attach to the trees are tensioned with ratchets, just like a slackline.  This creates […]

When backpacking it’s really nice to have a towel along to dry off after that refreshing dip in a chilly stream. Anything bigger than a hand towel is too big and heavy to be carrying in a backpack. Always on the search for something effective, light and inexpensive, I gave the Handy Shammy a try. […]

I seem to be continually finding outdoor activities I didn’t know existed.  Tightwire walking is common in the circus, but becomes an extreme sport when practiced between skyscrapers.  We hear about these events from time to time, but slacklining is new to me, although I suspected it was just walking on a not-so-tight wire.  Not  quite. […]

Susan G. Solomon has written a book titled The Science of Play: How to Build Playgrounds That Enhance Children’s Development. In her own words: “I have been frustrated by recent discussions about play. These have been well-meaning but not very effective in improving venues for kids and their families. I have tried to shift the debate […]

Born to Explore by Richard Wiese I wrote a full review of this book in the eMagazine, but wanted to mention it here for those that missed the article.  I summarized my review this way: “Overall, this book brought back memories from around age ten or twelve when I made bread-on-a-stick, built an iglo0, learned […]

  The photo shows an example of a “fat bike.”  These bikes are essentially mountain bikes that are specifically designed to handle very wide tires . . .  like four inches, and more, wide. You can see how the fork and the rear triangle must be considerably wider than your typical bicycle.  These types of […]

I came across a book the other day,  The Golden Book of Camping and Camp Crafts.  It was published in 1959 and I got it when I was around 8 or 9.  My happiest memories from that age and younger are all about outdoor adventures.  Whether it was playing cowboys and Indians (I was always […]

Outdoor News, December 20, highlighted a new video from Destination British Columbia and noted that they have also produced a virtual reality experience for users of Oculus Rift equipment.  They also produced a “making of” video about the virtual reality experience.  Destination BC has a mission to bring visitors to British Columbia.  If potential visitors can […]