Gear

Sleep in a Spoon: NEMO Viola Sleeping Bag Review

April 20, 2019 // by kawestberg// Leave a Comment

Attention side sleepers! I have THE sleeping bag for you! This post will cover all the reasons I love my NEMO Viola 20 Sleeping Bag.

I don’t do too many gear reviews, but this sleeping bag has really blown me away so I felt like I had to share it. Unsurprisingly, sleeping bags were some of the first pieces of gear Catherine and I bought when we set out on this crazy camping journey. We were able to borrow a tent but felt a little weird about using someone else’s sleeping bag. So we took the plunge (and used our REI 20% coupons) to buy ourselves sleeping bags.

Choosing a sleeping bag can be tough, but one trip to an REI and you’ll probably be able to figure out what you like and what you don’t. Of course, the REI staff are always there to help and in our case, they offered some really great advice. After trying several sleeping bags I ended up purchasing the Nemo Viola 20, a spoon-shaped sleeping bag that works great for side sleepers.

If you’re interested in all the technical specs and a video scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you want to know why I love this sleeping bag keep reading.

Here are my THREE favorite features of the NEMO Viola Sleeping Bag:

1. The Spoon™ Shape: According to NEMO’s website 70% of people sleep on their sides, and I’m one of them. During our testing phase, I tried out two mummy bags and knew without a doubt that I would feel way too claustrophobic in a bag that shape. The Viola is kind of a hybrid between a traditional rectangle bag and a mummy bag. Which basically amounts to more room at the elbows and knees so you can sleep on your side with your knees or arms bent without feeling compressed inside the bag. For me, it’s the perfect shape. I never feel like I don’t have enough room to move around and I can move from side to side easily.

2. The Blanket Fold™ : The first couple of times I used my Viola I had no idea what to do with this silly flap of comfort. Since I was sleeping in warmer temperatures I just left it outside the bag or tucked it in depending on how hot or warm I was…which is actually the purpose of the fold.

It was during our Joshua Tree camping trip that I really figured out the value of the Blanket Fold™. Even though Joshua Tree is a desert there had been a freak snowstorm before we arrived. At night the temperatures fell to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. This might seem tame to seasoned campers, but we had never camped in weather that cold. The Blanket Fold™ was perfect! I tucked it into the bag for added warmth and if I felt like my face was getting cold I used it to cover up a bit more. Even though it was 36 degrees Fahrenheit I felt warm and cozy and had no trouble sleeping. In fact, it was one of the best nights sleep I’ve had on a camping trip.

3. The Thermo Gills: This feature was one of the main selling points brought up by the REI staff member who sold me the bag. Basically, the Viola has two extra zippers that run along the top of the bag. When opened these gills release heat, allowing you to regulate your temperature a little better. If it’s cold you can keep them closed to keep cold air out. As a mostly Southern California camper, I usually keep these gills open and have found they really help to keep me from getting too warm inside the bag.

Bonus Favorite: Integrated pillow pocket!

It’s only recently that I purchased a camping pillow so before now I had no need for this feature. With our Rim to Rim backpacking trip coming up I decided to go ahead and purchase a Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow to actually put in this pillow pocket. I’m excited to try it out mostly because it means my pillow will stay in place all night. I won’t have to deal with it sliding out from under my head!

NEMO Viola Full Features Video

Specs & Material

Minimum Weight: 2lb, 11oz
Packed Size: 12.0 x 8.0 in diameter
Temperature Rating: 20 degrees
Fill Type: Synthetic
Shell Material: 40D Nylon Ripstop w/ DWR
Lining Material: 40D Nylon Taffeta w/ DWR

For a full list of product specs, sizing and materials head over to NEMO’s product page.

Ultimate Guide to Car Camping for Beginners

February 15, 2019 // by kawestberg// 6 Comments

Updated August 2019

Camping for the first time can be a little daunting. That’s why I HIGHLY RECOMMEND car camping for beginners. You can bring as much stuff as you can safely fit into your car. There’s no judgment from me, in fact, Catherine and I love car camping for this very reason. We can bring as many “luxury items” as we want. Sometimes we even camp near small towns so we can go out for dinner and not have to worry about bringing that food and washing the dishes.

One way to wrap your head around camping for beginners is to compare your camp out to sleeping out in your backyard, or your BFF’s finished basement (without furniture). You need some shelter, a place to sleep, somewhere to sit and a way to cook your meals.

This list just covers the basics. Somewhere to sleep, some light and a way to cook and eat. That’s all you need.

Car Camping for Beginners – Essentials

Tents for Car Camping

There’s a lot of things to think about when it comes to choosing your first tent. The best piece of advice I received was to go for a tent that’s a little bigger than you think you need. This led Catherine and me to purchase a 3-person tent, even though we pretty much only camp as a couple. Honestly, since buying our first tent I can’t imagine having a smaller one. Between getting our sleeping pad, sleeping bags and our gear inside there’s not too much extra room in our tent. The idea of 3 people sleeping in there is unbelievable to me.

Other things to consider when it comes to picking a tent:

Seasons: Three-season tents will probably cover most of your car camping needs. If you’re hoping to camp all year round you might want to go for a four-season tent. The main difference between the two is the materials. Three season tents tend to be made from lighter fabrics and have more ventilation windows, doors or other openable spaces. Four season tents are made to keep you warm in the winter and withstand some serious wind. This means they’re made of heavier materials, often have more poles and fewer windows, doors or ventilation holes.
Tent height: Do you want to be able to stand up inside your tent? Or are you okay with getting dressed laying down (that’s what we do). Either way works, but choose the height that’s best for you.
Tent floor-length: This one applies to all of the tall folk out there. Make sure your tent is long enough to fit you comfortably when laying down. Enough said.
Footprint: This is essentially a tarp you put under your tent. You can go the cheap route and simply buy a tarp or you can buy a footprint that’s the exact size of your tent. The floor of your tent can take a beating. Since it’s cheaper to replace the tarp or footprint than your entire tent I recommend splashing out on this optional piece of gear if you can.
Doors: One door or two? The first tent I was kindly lent had one door and a window. It was very nice to be able to lay in the tent and look out the window, but I kept thinking “what if a bear came by…and I couldn’t get out the door”. Granted this is a fairly unlikely event, but hey, it could happen. This thought is what led us to buy a tent with two doors. It’s always good to have an escape route.
Ventilation: It can get a little stuffy in a tent so you want to make sure you have some good ventilation. It can also help prevent condensation from building up inside. Mesh panels are a great way to solve this problem. Aside from windows or doors with mesh, you can also find tents with small ventilation openings at the top of the tent.
Vestibules: If you decide to stick with a smaller tent, or if you just need some extra storage space a vestibule really helps. You can use it to store your muddy boots or other gear outside of your tent, but away from rain and other weather conditions.
Storage: It might seem silly to have pockets and other storage inside your tent, but it can come in really handy. Pockets can hold your glasses, books, keys or other items you want near you during the night. Some tents also include a gear loft to hold extra gear on a shelf above your head.
Rainfly: This one is a must in my opinion. Some tents come with a rain fly and others are sold separately. Either way, I highly recommend you get one. It’s inevitably going to rain, or if you’re near the ocean it’s going to get foggy. A rainfly will keep you and your gear dry for the next day.

Sleeping Bags

Next up on your list is a sleeping bag. Before you go out and buy one think about what seasons you’re likely to camp in. Are you a fair-weather camper? I sure am! Or are you willing to get out there in the winter temperatures? (Hard pass from me) Once you’ve made those decisions you can use them to guide your sleeping bag choices.

Sleeping bags come with temperature ratings. Here’s a quick rundown on what temperatures work for each season. Of course, this varies and only you know whether you’re always hot (me) or always cold, but it’s a good place to start.
- Summer bags: 30°+
- Three-season bags: 15° – 30°
- Winter bags: 15° and lower
Shape: The shape you choose is purely down to personal preference. You can go for a traditional rectangle bag, a mummy bag or a hybrid semi-rectangular bag (which is what I have).
- Rectangle bags: These traditional bags are great if you want to have lots of room to stretch out and the option to unzip the entire thing and use it as a comforter. They’re great for car camping (because who cares how much they weigh!) and can come in double size or some models allow you to zip two bags together.
- Mummy bags: A mummy bag is pretty much the exact opposite of a rectangle bag. It fits close to the body and rather than you rolling around inside the bag you roll over and the bag comes with you. Mummy bags are great if you’re planning to do backpacking as well as car camping because they are often smaller and lighter. Additionally, they tend to keep you warmer because there are fewer pockets of air inside.
- Hybrid semi-rectangular bags: This style of bag is perfect for side sleepers, or those who can’t quite deal with the constriction of a mummy bag. They have a little more room at the bottom to stretch out and you can move inside the bag similar to a rectangle bag.
Insulation: When it comes to the fill material of your sleeping bag you have two options. Synthetic or down.
- Synthetic: First things first, if you have allergies to down, synthetic is for you. In addition to being hypoallergenic synthetic fill is very affordable. Once you start looking at sleeping bags it will quickly become clear that there is a major price difference between synthetic and down. Synthetic fill will also keep you warm when damp and dries very quickly.
- Down: Down is a very durable fill material. It holds up well over time, is lightweight and is often treated to be water-resistant. As you can imagine it’s also great in the cold and can compress down further than many synthetic bags, making it a good choice for backpackers. All these features come at a price and you might also want to consider the sustainability and animal welfare of the down when making a purchase.

Sleeping Pads

Like all the other gear I’ve described above, sleeping pads come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and types. It might be tempting to buy a basic air mattress on Amazon, but be warned they are not insulated so you could end up feeling very cold, especially on your backside.

Again, the most important thing to do when choosing your sleeping pad is to think about how you’re gonna use it. Are you only going to go car camping? Then you can get one that’s a heavier weight, thicker, wider or more insulated. If you want to get one that can be used for car camping as well as backpacking, you might want to find something lighter weight. Sleeping pads come in three basic types:

Air pads: These are thin air mattresses that you inflate with your lungs. They can take around 3 minutes to inflate and are usually made from insulated or reflective materials for more warmth. These days air pads are light and quite affordable. One thing to consider is they can be crinkly and loud when you move around on them. Be sure to give the one you’re interested in a try before you buy.
Self-inflating pads: As the name suggests, these inflate on their own using a valve system. Self-inflating pads often combine some type of foam as well as air for added padding and comfort. They tend to be a little heavier, but are a great option for backpackers as well as car campers. We went ahead and bought a double-wide sleeping pad for the two of us and couldn’t be happier.
Closed-cell foam pads: These are the only sleeping pads that can be carried outside a pack without fear of damage. Foam pads usually fold up in a zig-zag and are thin, stiff and firm. I’ll be honest I’ve tried one of these and was not a fan at all. If you’re a side sleeper forget about it. Your hip won’t thank you for it.

Lighting

Your campsite isn’t going to have lighting…that’s just a fact. So unless you want to drain your car battery using your headlights, you’re gonna need some form of lighting. You can go one of two ways when it comes to camp lighting. You can opt for a hands-free headlamp or some sort of ambient lighting such as a lantern. Sure a flashlight can be handy, but give me a lantern or a headlamp any day.

Cooking & Eating

There are ways around needing to bring an entire kitchen (you could go the meal bar route, bring a cooler and only eat cold meals or utilize your campfire), but chances are you’re going to need at least a few things to get your meals up and running. You probably have most of what you need in your house already and since you’re car camping the weight doesn’t even matter so pack it in! Here’s a quick list to jog your memory:

Plates, cups, forks, knives, and spoons
Mugs or insulated tumbler for coffee or tea
Coffee maker (or instant coffee)
Camp stove + fuel
Pots or pans plus cooking utensils
Washbasin, towels, clothes, and soap
Cooler

Chairs

This is the last item on my essential car camping for beginners list and honestly, it’s the one thing I’ve forgotten and deeply regretted on my campouts. While most campsites come with a picnic table, there’s nothing quite like sitting on a comfortable chair by the campfire. You might have folding chairs from your kid’s soccer games or a set of beach chairs. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what kind of chair you have so long as it’s comfortable for you. We just bring our beach chairs. We might be sitting a little closer to the ground, but it’s no problem for us.

Car Camping for Beginners – Etiquette

When you start car camping it’s hard to know exactly what’s expected of you at your campsite. There are a few basic rules that will not only make your stay enjoyable, but your camper neighbors will be very appreciative.

Quiet Hours

Most campgrounds have set quiet hours. When you check-in at your site look around for a sign or ask the ranger when quiet hours start and end. In general, most campsites have quiet hours between 10 pm and 6 am. Lots of campers like to play music in the evenings, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just make sure to be mindful of others wanting to hit the hay early. Turn down music, televisions, your voice, and any other noise when the time comes. At the end of the day just remember to be a good human. Everyone likes good humans.

Keep it Clean

Hopefully, when you arrived at your campsite it was clean. Make sure you leave it better than you found it for the next person. It’s also good to keep food and other trash put away to keep animals out of your campsite during the day or night. Lots of animals have become accustomed to stealing human food, it’s sad but true. Do your part to keep animals wild.

Pets

Lots of campers bring their dogs along for the trip. Who doesn’t want their furry friend out in the woods with them? Just remember to keep them on a leash and do your best to keep the barking to a minimum.

Where to Go Car Camping

Finding the perfect place to go car camping can seem daunting. If you’re struggling to find a spot head over to Recreation.gov and search for National Parks near you. You can also head to your home state’s state park website for additional options. One other place to start is HipCamp, it’s Airbnb for camping. Plenty of great folks out there have set up campsites on their land for public use. It’s pretty great!

Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek Campground

This was my very first camping trip. Located about 5 hours northeast of Los Angeles, Death Valley offers some amazing camping. Make sure to head out there in the fall or winter to avoid the extreme heat. I wrote a full review of the Furnace Creek and shared one of my favorite hikes ever around Ubehebe Crater.

Leo Carrillo State Park – Leo Carrillo Campground (Malibu, CA)

If you’re looking to car camp near the beach Leo Carrillo could be the spot for you. Located in very scenic Malibu, CA, Leo Carrillo campground is steps away from the beach, a short drive away from grocery stores and restaurants, and has plenty of hiking nearby. This beach campground is great for families. There are lots of kids around to play, plenty of open spaces to run around, and a nearby beach to catch some waves or just splash around.

Joshua Tree National Park – Black Rock Campground

Since moving to California three years ago, I’ve made several trips out to Joshua Tree. At first, I thought the desert would be bleak, but after my first trip, I fell in love. Joshua Tree has many campgrounds, Black Rock campground is located at the northwest corner of the park right beside one of the largest Joshua Tree forests. The hiking is incredible and well worth the stay. If you’re more interested in staying in the main part of the park you can also check out Cottonwood campground.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it. To get your car camping started all you need is a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, lighting, kitchen equipment, and a couple of chairs. I have several pages with gear recommendations as well as affordable camping gear if you’re looking for items I’ve tested and love. Otherwise, my motto is to pack the car and go!

Beach Day Must Haves: Best Beach Umbrella & More

January 17, 2019 // by kawestberg// 1 Comment

When Catherine and I first moved to California we quickly headed off to Zuma Beach in Malibu. We quickly realized that if we wanted to come back we would need to bring our own shade. As two fair skin fair haired people we wouldn’t survive otherwise. And so began the search for the best beach umbrella.

As we strolled we made sure to take notice of as many umbrella brand names as possible. Beach umbrellas come in lots of shapes, patterns and sizes, and we wanted to make sure we found the best beach umbrella for our needs. After what could be considered a ridiculous amount of online research we went with the Sport Brella X-Large umbrella (shown below).

Three years later we have a pretty good stash of beach gear. We own almost everything on this list and I can say wholeheartedly that it’s all great.

Sport Brella X-Large Umbrella — The Sport Brella comes in several sizes and colors. We’ve found the XL version fits 2-3 people comfortably and keeps your cooler and other bags under shade.

I think it’s the best beach umbrella for a couple reasons. First, it’s easy to put up. Watch one YouTube video and you’ll know just what to do. Second, it can stand upright with two additional tethers to add extra shade. Or it can be set down on one side to form a more private tent. There are two windows that you can open to allow for air flow. The side flaps also have pockets to store your book or if it’s extra windy I’ve also filled them with sand to help secure the tent to the ground.

CleverMade SnapBasket Soft-Sided Collapsible Cooler — We have used or own pretty much everything on this list, except this little guy. The cooler we use is no longer made by REI. According to the Amazon reviews (over 700 reviews and 4 stars) it’s a winner. I like that it’s light weight and collapsible. If you’re worried about it not keeping your food and drinks cold enough you can always spring for a YETI or an Orca cooler.

Dock & Bay Microfiber Towel — These are the original sand free microfiber towels. They might feel a little different than a regular towel, but they dry out super quick and the sand rolls right off them.

Deluxe Rio Aluminum Backpack Chair with Large Storage Pouch — There are a lot of beach chairs out there. By the time I did all my best beach umbrella research I was a little burnt out. Luckily these backpack chairs turned out perfect. I love that the arm rests are wood. They are super light, recline, have a large pouch and can be used as a backpack. The cushy head rest is great too.

Corkcicle Thermos-Triple Insulated Shatterproof Stainless Steel — I’ll admit that this particular item is a real luxury. I’ve been known to make a batch of frosé for a frozen beach treat. It keeps the frozen rose cold and makes for a spectacular beach drink. Of course you can keep any hot or cold beverage of choice inside.

Lucky Bums Body Board with EPS Core Slick Bottom and Leash for Kids and Adults — Never in a million years did I think I’d buy a boogie board. Turns out I now own two! One pink and one orange. We’re not serious boogie boarders, but like to take them out for a few spins when the water is warmer. Both of ours have held up great plus they come in several sizes for kids and adults.

BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 — You probably didn’t know this, but I’m a big fan of BeautyCounter. All of their products are clean and free of weird ingredients, plus they’re local to me which is an added bonus. I’ve been using their sunscreen for a couple years now and I love it. My second favorite is Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse. It goes on smooth and has a very nice scent.

Supergoop! Fusion Lip Balm SPF 30, Mint, 0.5 fl.oz. — While you’re protecting your skin from those UV rays, you might as well grab a lip balm with sunscreen too. I got a sample of this on last summer and really liked it.

Birkenstock Women’s Eva Madrid Open Toe Beach Slide Sandals — These aren’t your usual Birks. They are waterproof, slip on and off easily and come in lots of great colors! I have a double strap pair and they have basically replaced my flip flops.

Ynport Mens/Womens Polarized Bamboo Frame Classic Wooden Coated Sunglasses — If you’ve lost your favorite sunglasses to the sea, these might be for you. Not only are they super cute, but they also float! So even if the waves knock them off your face, you’ll be able to grab them.

Quite honestly I could keep adding items to this list, but I figure that’s enough for now. What I’m really wondering is what you like to bring to the beach? What’s missing from my list?

Thinking about going camping at the beach? Check out these posts:

Leo Carrillo Camping Review
My First Official Backpacking Trip (at Crystal Cove near Laguna Beach, CA)

Target Camping Gear: Everything You Need at an Affordable Price

December 12, 2018 // by kawestberg// 2 Comments

Did you know Target has an entire aisle filled with camping gear? Who knew Target camping gear was a thing? I sure didn’t!

Indoorsy person that I am I usually spend my time in Target perusing the clothing, accessories, holiday aisles and personal care products. As far as I’m concerned you can never have enough lotions and potions, but that’s for another post.

One of the biggest hurdles for Catherine at I to start camping was the sheer cost of camping. One trip to REI and we were in complete sticker shock. In order to fund our first camping trip we were going to have to fork over hundreds of dollars and that was just so we could get a sleeping bag and a tent! That’s money we could have easily spent on a lovely hotel room in San Diego so we could spend our weekend poolside.

Luckily we figured out another way for our first camping trip. We were able to pick up a couple sleeping bags, a friend loaned us her tent and we even rented a camp stove and sleeping pads. All in our first camping trip was still kinda pricey, but it could have been WAY worse.

It wasn’t until I started Googling camping equipment that I put two and two together. Beside the workout videos, free weights and luggage Target has an entire section filled with camping and outdoor gear.

Being a HUGE fan of the place this got me VERY excited, so much so that I had to share a list of the many pieces of Target camping equipment you can pick up on your next visit.

Tents at Target

For me a tent is a necessary piece of camping equipment. Some might enjoy sleeping under the stars, but I’m a fan of having a little nook to hunker down that will potentially keep me a little warmer and much dryer should the need arise. Target has a fairly large selection of tents in store as well as online.

They carry tents for 1-9 people and range in price from around $30-$200. I will say that when we bought our tent we were reminded that if you want to keep your stuff inside think of it as another person. A two person tent pretty much only holds two people….but adding in your stuff makes it pretty tight. We ended up going with a three person tent. This allows us to keep our backpacks inside without making us feel too crowded.

While I haven’t bought a Coleman tent myself, from looking at Target’s stock it seems like this Coleman Flatwoods II 4 Person Tent is a real winner. It has 91 reviews and 4.5 stars, not too shabby.

Sleeping Bags & Camp Bedding at Target

Whether you go for a classic rectangular bag like this Coleman Bannack 50 Degree Sleeping Bag or a mummy style bag like this Coleman Silverton 25 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag a sleeping bag is a must when it comes to camping.

A few things to remember when you’re purchasing a sleeping bag. You want the bag to fit fairly snug. I know it seems like you want lots of extra space around you, but those empty spaces will just fill with cold air and make you cold. If you end up with a bag that’s a little too long you can always put some extra clothes at the bottom to fill up the space and help keep you warmer.

If you’re planning on car camping and weight isn’t an issue you can also pick up a sleeping pad or air mattress to make your nights a little more comfortable. For me the sleeping pad is the most important piece of equipment we own. There’s nothing worse than getting a bad nights sleep.

The Target camping gear aisle or online shop as a wide range of sleeping pads and air mattresses. Whether you decide on a single, double, or queen remember to think about overall weight (especially if you’re backpacking), insulation and pump method. Some air mattresses self inflate, some require a powered pump and others you blow up the old fashioned way.

Camp Furniture at Target

Our second trip to Joshua Tree I made the mistake of forgetting to put our camp chairs in the car. It was a REAL bummer. We still managed to sit by the fire and roast marshmallows, but we were sitting on a blanket on the ground which is not nearly as comfortable as a chair.

Rather than buy new chairs we opted to use our beach chairs, which means we sit a little closer to the ground, but it does the trick. I we were to buy new camp chairs we would spring for something like this Deluxe Red Captain Chair with Carrying Case by Embark. With comfy arm rests, a cup holder (a must), and a carrying case it stores away quickly and easily.

Camp Stoves & Grills at Target

You could cook all your camp meals over a fire, but if you’re indoorsy like me you might feel a little more comfortable with a gas burner stove. On our first campout in Death Valley National Park we rented one of these Coleman Classic 2-Burner Portable Propane Stoves. It took us a few tries to get the propane tank attached at first, but now we’re pros at it. We used it to heat our dinner, boil water for coffee and hot chocolate and to cook up a mean breakfast. If you’re cooking for a crowd…or even just a pair you might want to consider picking one up.

My other favorite purchase from the Target camping equipment aisle are these Coleman Extendable Cooking Forks. They’re perfect for roasting marshmallows, cooking hot dogs and sausages, or you might even be able to get away with toasting some bread using one. I love that they extend in length so they can be packed away easily and the wooden handle doesn’t heat up so you can toast as many marshmallows as you like.

Lights & Lanterns at Target

One lighting option that I love and sometimes hate is the headlamp. They’re great for reading while you lay in your tent, but wear one on your way to the bathroom at night and the bugs will be attracted to your head. Not exactly where I want bugs flying toward. Either way I’ve really enjoyed having a headlamp and would recommend picking one up if you have a chance.

The other light you might also want to eventually add to your camping kit is a lantern or a flashlight. Regardless of which type of light source you choose I’d recommend getting a rechargable version. We have a rechargable lantern and it’s great. We plug it in and charge it on our way to our campsite and it’s ready for the weekend.

More Target camping equipment you can find online and in store:

Of course there’s plenty of other gear you can buy at Target. Each season you might want to add one or two more items to your kit and eventually you might have everything you want. Here’s a list of other items you might want to check out from the Target camping equipment aisle.

11 Surprisingly Clever Trekking Pole Uses

November 13, 2018 // by kawestberg// Leave a Comment

Updated September 2019

You probably don’t need to be convinced that trekking poles are a great piece of gear to bring along on a hike or on a backpacking trip, but you might not have thought of these 11 other uses for your trekking poles! They can do so much more than give you support and stability. It took me a LONG time to get on the trekking pole bandwagon. Catherine has been using trekking poles for pretty much as long as I’ve known her. For a long time, she only used one to support her sometimes aching knee. Later she bought a set and more recently she splurged on these babies during the REI semi-annual sale (which I’m totally jealous of).

I used to feel like trekking poles were a sign of weakness, an extra couple of things to carry, and unnecessary to my kind of hiking. BUT the truth is whenever we did a river crossing or came down a steep set of rocks Catherine would go first and then very kindly lend me her poles to help stabilize my balance and provide extra support on the way.

So it turns out I DO use trekking poles…just not my own. Realizing this I purchased my own set on Amazon and have been very happy with my purchase ever since.

There are plenty of blog posts, videos, and tutorials on how to choose and use trekking poles. If you’re looking for that information I suggest you go here, here or here. Instead, I want to share a few non-traditional trekking pole uses.

1. Trekking Pole Chair

There’s a couple of ways you can turn your trekking poles into a comfy seat. If you’re backpacking (every ounce counts) you can prop your pack against your poles to create a nice backrest. It’s a little comfier than leaning against a tree and the likelihood of being bit by ants is much lower.

If you want to get really fancy you can hop on Amazon and buy the Mountainsmith SlingBack Chair. It’s basically a sling with a little pouch in the back that holds your trekking poles in place to create a perfect trekking pole chair. This option is great for longer day hikes when your pack is smaller, but you still want a spot to have a bite of lunch.

One last option if you’re crafty with a sewing machine is to make your own slingback chair. The plus side of this option is you can pick a cute fabric in your favorite color or pattern. Just remember to make sure it’s waterproof, it’s no fun having a soggy bottom on the trails.

2. Trekking Pole Torch

This one could come in handy in very specific situations. Say you arrive at your campsite and it’s already dark. If you need to shed a little light in a faraway place (and your headlamp can’t seem to throw the light far enough) go ahead and tighten the strap as much as possible and wrap it around your trekking pole.

Think of it as a fireless torch that you can use to light up far away places you don’t want to get too close to.

If you’re really committed to lighting up your trekking poles, check out this instructable that teaches you how to add LED lights to your poles.

3. Trekking Pole Tent / Shelter

Shelter is one of the “10 Essentials” and is something you should carry with you at all times when hiking, backpacking or camping. It might seem silly, but it’s always to good to be prepared. Having some form of shelter can protect you from the sun, rain, wind or any other unexpected weather or conditions that arise. REI has a wide range of emergency shelters; everything from a space blanket to a lightweight emergency bivy.

In a bind, you can use your trekking poles to create a tent using a tarp or emergency blanket. Use the poles to hold the tarp up at two ends creating a traditional triangle-shaped shelter. Rocks or logs can be used to hold the tarp close to the ground.

Another option is the River Country Products Trekking Pole Tent. This two man tent is lightweight, all-weather and uses your trekking poles as supports rather than traditional tent poles. The coolest part is when it’s folded up it’s roughly the size of a football so it won’t take too much space in your pack.

REI also has a variety of tent and shelter options that utilize trekking poles as supports.

4. The Perfect Animal Deterrent

I don’t know about you, but I have NO interest in seeing a snake on the trail, especially not a rattlesnake. Of course, the best thing to do when a rattler gives you its warning is to stop, assess the situation and slowly back away.

Trekking poles aren’t really a weapon, but they can be used as an early warning system. Tapping them together or on a tree can warn wildlife that you’re around. Most of the time animals will move on if they hear you coming.

If you do come upon an animal unexpectedly you can use your trekking poles to make yourself look bigger and a little intimidating.

5. Trekking Pole Clothes Line

There’s a couple of ways you can turn your trekking poles into a clothesline. If you’re in a forested area you can extend a pole between two trees like a tension rod. Once in place, you can drape your clothing over the pole to dry.

If you’re in an open area with few trees you can attach a rope or backpack strap to each trekking pole and create a more traditional clothesline by staking the poles in place.

6. Trekking Pole Splint

Hopefully, you never need to use this one on the trail, but it’s a good bit of first aid to have in your arsenal.

Splints help prevent a broken or injured limb from moving around too much. You can turn a trekking pole into a splint with a few extra pieces of equipment you’re probably already carrying. To make one place the trekking pole along the injured arm or leg and tie it in place using shoelaces, straps from your backpack or a belt.

7. Hiking Pole Massage

Thru hikes can really take a toll on your body. It would be lovely for a massage therapist to follow you around, but sadly that could get pretty expensive.

In a pinch, you can use a trekking pole to massage out tight leg muscles. Place the trekking pole perpendicular to your outstretched leg and roll it up and down to help release some tension. If you’re traveling with a partner, friend or in a group you can even recruit someone to massage the backs of your legs or shoulders.

8. Trekking Pole Tape Dispenser

Camping and hiking involve so many moving parts. There are lots of things that can potentially go wrong, but if you’re in a pinch there’s a good chance that a piece duct tape will fix your problem.

Sleeping pad with a hole, a broken tent pole or a busted sandal strap (remember Wild? it happens!) duct tape is your new friend. Instead of carrying around an entire roll of the stuff tear off a few lengths and wrap it around your trekking pole or your water bottle, as REI showed us in this 2014 tweet.

9. Trekking Pole Flag Pole

I’m not sure how much explanation this one needs, but let’s just say that if you want to carry a flag, wave one for help or just celebrate in general you can tie anything ya like to your trekking pole and boom it’s a flag pole.

10. Hiking Pole Path Clear-er

As a southern California resident, many of my hikes involve walking past spiky plants. Rather than being punctured over and over again I often used my trekking poles to hold back branches, overgrown grasses, and other plants that have started creeping into the path.

They can also come in handy when you’re dealing with heavily infested poison ivy or poison oak areas, just make sure you wipe them down afterward.

11. Trekking Pole Selfie Stick

I hate selfie sticks! I cannot stress this enough.

The last time I visited the Grand Canyon I felt like they were everywhere! They were thrust in front of me unexpectedly, they blocked the trails and generally reduced my enjoyment. Luckily most of the selfie stick wielders didn’t venture too far down the trails.

BUT I would be remiss if I didn’t share this easy idea for turning your trekking pole into one. All you need is a clamp mount and a remote shutter. Attach your phone to the clamp mount, attach the clamp mount to your trekking pole and use your remote shutter as you say cheese. You could even forgo the remote shutter for a photo app that has a timer.

There you have it. Eleven alternative uses for your trekking poles. Have you tried out any of these ideas? Or better yet do you have another idea for a clever way to use your trekking poles? If you do drop it in the comments below, I’d love to hear about it.

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

10 Best Gifts for Kayakers

September 14, 2018 // by kawestberg// Leave a Comment

Best Gifts for Kayakers

Looking for a gift for your favorite kayaker? I’ve compiled a list of 10 gifts that any kayaker would want. Be sure to scroll all the way to the number 10, it’s going to blow your mind.

Cambond Waterproof Phone Pouch — This little guy is pretty clever. It lets you bring your phone on the water, keeps it dry, has an anti-break lanyard and acts as a floatie for your phone.

Kayak Handles — This might not seem as sexy as some of the other gifts on this list, but having one kayak handle break is a real drag….literally. Any avid kayaker would love to have a couple extras on hand just in case.

Bonnlo Kayak Cart — Hauling kayaks around is easier with two people, but for times you’re heading out on your own this carrier will get your kayak to the water quick and easy. The wheels are no-flat airless tires so you’re never have to worry about pumping them up and it easily carries a single or double kayak.

Campark ACT74 Action Camera — With a 2 inch HD screen, WIFI remote control and super 4K recording this little guy packs a punch. You can even add additional acessories to mount it on your kayak or if you’re entering white water your helmet.

NRS Ultra Light Paddler Medical Kit — It’s always good to be prepared, even when you’re out on the water. This little guy is small, lightweight and compact. The bag is made from tough ripstop nylon and it has a HydroLock zip seal to keep your supplies dry.

Astral Layla Women’s Life Jacket PFD — I know what you’re thinking….a “women’s life jacket”? Seriously though this is a GREAT life jacket. It’s women’s because they actually take into account your bust size! No more feeling like you can’t breath! Trust me it’s a winner.

Unsinkable Polarized Women’s Karma Sunglasses — I have lost more than one pair of sunglasses to the ocean. It stinks. I feel bad that my plastic sunglasses are in there and my eyes can’t really take the blaring sun. BUT no more! These babies float! Meaning if they fly off your face you can paddle over and retrieve them.

Werner Sho-Gun 1 PC Straight Shaft Paddle — I LOVE this paddle. Back when I lived in MA I helped lead kayak tours around Salem. This paddle is super lightweight and very comfortable….but with those two characteristics comes price. If the carbon fiber paddle is a little too much this Bending Branches Whisper Paddle is pretty good (but heavier).

See-it-safe Sport Case — This case makes a great stocking suffer or small gift for a new paddler. It holds your money, ID, credit cards, keys or any other items you need to keep dry when you’re out on the water.

Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding Portable Lightweight Kayak — I’m a little obsessed with this thing. It’s like a giant piece of origami! It’s a kayak that folds up and can be carried in a bag on your shoulder. It’s amazing! At the very least you should click through to see the other photos….and possibly watch a video.

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Save Money: The Hiking Gear Can Wait

July 17, 2018 // by kawestberg// Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love a trip to REI? When I walk in the store I get this invincible, adventurous, go out and get’em feelin that makes me want to do crazy things like hike the PCT or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. First they seduce you with a pitched tent right at the door then the rest of the store bamboozles you into purchasing a new water filtration system, special breathable underwear or an artisanal bag of dehydrated camp food.

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE going there…but my bank account lets out a tiny scream when I enter the store. The thing that keeps bringing me back again and again is the knowledgeable staff. During my most recent visit I eavesdropped on an associate teaching a family about camp stoves. Then I tried on some hiking pants. And I rounded things out with a solid lesson on the various types of water filters and purification systems they currently sell. Every time I walk out of the store I feel a tiny bit smarter.

As I made my way to the register I had the pleasure of being helped by a gentleman who we’ll call Mark. As Mark was scanning my purchases he asked me if I had a trip coming up. I said I was working up to backpacking, but wasn’t quite sure where my first trip would take me yet.

In response he leaned in and whispered, “don’t tell anyone, but I’ve actually never been hiking, camping or backpacking”.

We laughed about it and then he let me know my total. My face must have given away my shock because he followed his comment up by saying that he hasn’t gone because getting the gear is so expensive.

This comment struck me as true and really sad.

If I could say one thing to the people who aren’t getting outside because of cost I would say, start small and just go. You don’t need special shoes, high-tech clothing or a fancy pair of trekking poles to hike. All of that gear can wait.

The first step to getting outside is to GO OUTSIDE. The outdoors are all around us. There’s no need to drive for hours to a national or state park to be outdoors. Take a walk around your neighborhood or in a city park. Even when you live in a densely populated urban area you can get outside.

The key is to open your mind to what “outside” means. If you want to be technical about it, outside is simply a space beyond an enclosure. The moment you step out of your house, your car, work or school you are in the outdoors. Once you start paying greater attention to the world around you and you will start to notice new pathways, plants, bugs and animals.

This is pretty much how I started getting outside. Before moving to California I lived in Massachusetts. Back then I was mostly a gym rat, but occasionally on a crisp fall day I would take a walk. These walks were mostly around the streets near my apartment….I wouldn’t want to stray too far, I was indoorsy, what if I got lost?! So I walked. I slowly increased my distance. I enjoyed looking at all of the New England houses (as someone who grew up in Texas the colonials and Cape Cods were new and exciting). I listened to the leaves blow in the wind and the birds singing. Yes, there were car noises, lawn mowers and the occasional leaf blower, but I enjoyed my time outside.

Once I’d exhausted all of my nearby streets I asked a coworker about local trails and she mentioned one just steps from my house. It was a pretty tame loop that amounted to roughly 3 miles from door to door. I started walking that loop in my sneakers and gym wear. No new equipment necessary. I jumped when twigs cracked, moved away from rustling bushes, and occasionally cursed at the bugs who refused to fly anywhere but in front of my face. I bought bug repellent. And I sprayed it on my hat.

Over the next several years I started hiking more. I got a little braver and a lot stronger. I bought a backpack and went on longer hikes. I made travel plans and visited state and national parks. Now I hike several times a month, but until a few weeks ago I didn’t even own a proper pair of hiking shoes. And so I’ll say it again, all of the gear can wait. I’m a testament to this fact. I hiked for many years in my runners, jeans and a t-shirt. I hiked with my phone in my pocket and my water bottle in hand. And it was great!

I got to go outside, appreciate nature, figure out how much I loved it and start saving for the gear I needed and the trips I was dreaming about. You don’t need to go broke to go outside, you just need to open your eyes to the beauty and be brave enough to start a new adventure.