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Real-world review of the women’s Altra Lone Peak 8 after taking it up Mount Washington, across the Grand Canyon, and through a Spartan Race.
Here's what I found - - I like the wide-toe box - I like the tread for climbing and descending dirt and mud trails - The tread was not super sticky on the wet rocks of Mount Washington - I need more cushioning for running on pavement I describe how the show worked for me in multiple conditions: hiking the Grand Canyon, climbing Mount Washington, hiking Vermont trails, and running on pavement. I put three easy backpacking coffee-making methods to a taste test, none requiring special equipment. I test brew-in-the-bag (brew-company) classic cowboy coffee 3 popular instant coffee brands: Medaglia d’Oro, Folgers, and Starbucks VIA to see how they stack up on the trail. I wrap up with my go-to recommendation for easy, great-tasting coffee in the backcountry. I’ll share my favorite option and a handy hack for packing coffee for multi-day trips.
Join us on an unforgettable 3-day backpacking adventure in the White Mountains! In this video, I’ll take you through our whole trip to the Lakes of the Clouds, the challenging yet rewarding summit of Mount Washington, and the stunning views from Mount Monroe.
Our group, with a range of ages and experience levels, set out from the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead. We navigated through woods, crossed streams, and scrambled up rocky terrains. Despite the varying levels of experience and even overcoming bronchitis, our group bonded and supported each other throughout the trip. We reached the magical Lakes of the Clouds Hut, where the fog and rugged terrain made every moment feel like a scene from a fantasy novel. The hut provided us with a cozy night’s rest and a delicious breakfast, setting us up for our next challenge: summiting Mount Washington. The climb to Mount Washington was a short but exhilarating trek through exposed alpine zones and powerful winds. Despite the famous unpredictable weather, we reached the summit and marveled at the scene at the top. On our descent, we took the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, passing by Tuckerman Ravine with its iconic skiing history, before circling back to the hut. That afternoon, we walked up Mount Monroe, where we were blessed with clear skies and breathtaking vistas. Throughout this trip, we experienced everything from dense fog to sudden clear skies, strengthening our appreciation for the rugged beauty of the White Mountains. Our journey concluded with a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear mountain pool, the perfect end to an incredible trip. In July, our group of six, ranging in age from 18 to mid-60s, enjoyed an unforgettable adventure in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We hiked up to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut via the craggy Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, summited Mount Washington, traversed Mount Monroe, and returned on the third day.
Here's everything I wish I had known: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail Highlights: Elevation Gain: Over 2,500 feet, with several stream and waterfall crossings. Trail Conditions: Constantly changing terrain, making it an exciting and challenging hike. Tips for Staying at Lakes of the Clouds Hut: Book Early: Reservations fill up fast! Packing Essentials: Bring your sleeping bag and, if possible, comfy clothes for relaxing. Facilities: The composting bathrooms are odor-free. Remember, there are no lights in the rooms, so a headlamp is essential. Group Dynamics: The diverse age range added to the fun. Healthier members assisted others, making it a team effort. The terrain was exciting and challenging for everyone, providing a great bonding experience and we laughed...a lot! Gear Recommendations: Layers: Even in July, the weather can be cold, wet, and windy. Pack accordingly. Good gripppy trail runners for shoes. Hiking from Lakes of the Clouds Hut: Mount Washington: A short but exposed hike of 1.5 miles with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Visibility can drop to 20 feet in fog and rain. Mount Monroe: A much easier hike with only about 500 feet of elevation gain. On a clear day, the views are spectacular! General Tips: Take Your Time: Don’t rush, and use 'four points of contact' (hands and feet) for stability on challenging terrain. Join me as I share all the insights and tips for staying at this iconic AMC hut and hiking these legendary trails, and LOTS of videos so you can see before you go. More videos coming soon! We took an overnight backpacking trip for the first time in a few years. We made a bunch of mistakes, but we got a few things right, too. Here's what I learned. What did you learn your first time out?
1. Don't take equipment you haven't tested 2. Don't be super cheap 3. Don't bring too much food 4. Do download specific local maps and apps 5. Do plan a lot but be ready to change the plan 6. Do make sure your maps are downloaded 7. Do share things so you don't have to carry so much 8. Don't drive away without checking everyone's pack for borrowed gear 9.Do ask questions 10. Do enjoy it all! It was my first overnight backpacking trip in a few years, we planned to hike about 23 miles over Mount Mansfield near Stowe, Vermont in two days. Things did not turn out as planned, but here's exactly where we hiked, where we stayed and what the trails were like.
Places and trails in this video - Vermont Long Trail section 10 at Mount Mansfield - The Lake Mansfield Trail - The Clara Bow Trail - The Wampahoofus Trail - The Butler Lodge Shelter - The Taylor Lodge Shelter - The "Forehead" at Mount Mansfield - A very cool beaver pond Here I am, planning my first overnight backpacking trip in a while! In this video, I'll walk you through every step of my preparation process, from picking the perfect trail section on the Long Trail in Vermont to selecting the right gear and food for the journey. Tell me what I missed, then come back in a week or so, and I'll do a debrief video or AAR and tell you what I did right and what I did wrong.
Introduction and Purpose - 00:00:00:00 Picking the Route - 00:00:32:17 Using the Long Trail Guide - 00:01:14:06 Planning with Digital and Paper Maps - 00:02:02:03 Food Planning and Grocery Store Run - 00:02:27:08 Essential Snacks and Meals - 00:03:55:11 Water and Hydration - 00:05:43:01 Tent and Gear Check - 00:06:14:06 Final Thoughts and Preparation Summary - 00:07:12:16 I was searching for a versatile daypack that would seamlessly transition between carrying camera gear and serving as an all-around pack for your outdoor adventures.
I found the Gregory Jade 22 Women's Daypack. I share practical insights into how I use the Gregory Jade 28 Women's Daypack to carry my camera equipment while shooting videos and spending time outdoors. In the video: - The key features of the Gregory Jade 28 Women's Daypack that make it ideal for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. - How the hip pockets, adjustable setup, and strong frame support of the daypack enhance functionality and comfort during long hikes and outdoor shoots. - Practical tips on organizing and accessing camera gear within the compartments of the Gregory Jade 22 Women's Daypack. - Real-life experiences and anecdotes showcasing the daypack's reliability and versatility in various outdoor settings. Whether you have plans for a photo or video expedition or a weekend hike, I hope this video provides valuable insights. I should change out of my sweatshirt. I should brush my hair, I should put on makeup.
But I want to talk about this now. I love looking at reviews. Whenever I'm going to buy something new, like a piece of video equipment, audio gear, something for backpacking, something for camping, or new clothes, I search YouTube. I want to see the object. I want to hear real-life reactions to it. The other day I was curious about a knapsack. It's a women's specific pack, and I looked it up on YouTube. There was a video from the manufacturer, there was a pretty good video from an outdoor retailer, but I wanted some real-life perspective. Someone who's actually used it... and this is why I'm telling you the story. I could not find a review from somebody who actually used the pack. I did find two videos. TWO of them that featured a woman wearing the pack (because it is a women-specific pack) with a man standing next to her, pointing and talking about its features and fit, but NOTHING from the person actually using it. I'm thinking about a little experiment ... I'm not going to buy anything new for this. I'm just going to talk about some of the things that I use. You should probably do it too ... we need more voices trying out gear and sharing their reactions. |
MarionI make content about the outdoors and about making content. I’ve done it since before the internet existed. Archives
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