Snowboarding for Beginners Part 2: The Gear
I’m back with part two of my snowboard gear series—this one’s a must-read if you’re gearing up for a full season on the mountain. From layering tips to choosing the right boots, I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to. I’ll cover essentials like helmets, jackets, pants vs. bibs, and more. Plus, I work in the industry, so you’re getting insider knowledge. Whether you’re renting or buying, staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key. Let’s break it all down—read on or jump to the section you need!
Snowboarding for Beginners Part 1: The Basics
Thinking about learning to snowboard but not sure where to start? This guide covers everything you need to know. Plus, get expert tips on lessons, gear, and making the most of your first day on the mountain. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a smoother start, this is your go-to resource for getting into snowboarding!
Choosing A Snowboard: A Guide For The Gals
Are you looking for a snowboard and have no idea what the hell camber, flex, sizing, and directional even mean? I gotcha boo boo. Read on for my ultimate guide on what the HECK all these terms mean, why they matter, and how to choose a board for the best season ever.
What is Happiness?
Happiness isn’t the absence of challenges but the ability to navigate them. Life is like a train station, with good and bad rides constantly passing through. True happiness comes from embracing both, savoring the good and enduring the bad, finding joy in the journey and gratitude for every moment.
Beyond the Basics: 5 EXTRA Hiking Essentials
5 EXTRA Essentials When it comes to hiking, the Ten Essentials are a must, but there are always a few extra items I throw into my pack for comfort, safety, and a little extra fun. These are the extras I can’t hit the trail without: Cheese – The Perfect Hiking Snack As a vegetarian who struggles to find appealing trail snacks, cheese is my go-to. It’s savory, filling, and packs just the right punch of protein and fat to keep me going. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about a little luxury mid-hike. Here are my favorite cheeses for the trail: Aged Cheddar: Sturdy and flavorful, it doesn’t mind a bit of warmth. Babybel: Individually wrapped and perfect for tossing in a pack. Hard Cheeses (like Parmesan): Almost indestructible and deliciously salty. Smoked Gouda: Holds up well and adds a rich, smoky flavor. String Cheese: Classic and portioned—easy to eat on the go. Pro tip: Pair cheese with some sturdy crackers for the ultimate snack combo. A Lightweight Tripod Whether I’m snapping photos of stunning vistas or setting up for a self-timer photoshoot on a solo hike, my phone tripod has become a must-have. It’s lightweight and compact, so it doesn’t add much bulk to my pack but opens up endless creative possibilities. Bonus: it comes with a mini Bluetooth remote to snap away to your heart’s content. Trekking Poles They’re not on the official list, but trekking poles are game-changers for tackling steep ascents, rocky descents, and sketchy trails. They save your knees, provide stability, and can double as tent poles for ultralight shelters. Even on flatter terrain, I’ve found them useful for maintaining rhythm and balance—plus, they’re handy for poking at questionable water crossings or thick underbrush. Portable Charger Your phone might be your camera, GPS, emergency lifeline, or all three. A lightweight, portable charger ensures you’re not left with a dead battery when you’re halfway through snapping that epic summit selfie or need to call for help. Bonus points if you pair it with a short charging cable to save weight. Entertainment (aka a Book or Notebook) Sure, a hike is entertaining by itself, but to enhance my experience and ensure I am present in the moment, I often carve out time to pause and soak in my surroundings with something extra. I recently purchased a sweet little workbook to bring along and help me to reflect on the day. You can also bring along a small sketchpad or a notebook to jot down trail notes that turn these moments into something special. Honorable Mentions While the five above are my go-to extras, I’ll occasionally throw in: Duct Tape (wrapped around a trekking pole): For emergency gear fixes. Miniature Foam Sit Pad: To keep your backside dry and comfy during breaks. Lightweight Camera: When my phone’s camera doesn’t feel like enough. related posts
24 Lesson Learned in 2024
2024 was a year of lessons: trusting intuition, embracing change, and finding strength in setbacks. From the power of kindness to the freedom of setting boundaries, these 24 reflections remind us that growth often comes from discomfort and joy from perspective. Here’s to embracing life’s contrasts and showing up boldly.
Ultimate Car Camping Packing List
Car camping involves sleeping in or near your vehicle, offering an accessible outdoor experience with proximity to amenities like toilets and clean water. Ideal for beginners, car camping allows for heavier gear compared to backpacking. Essential gear includes tents, sleeping bags, and pads. Enhance comfort with items like specialized cookware and sturdy lanterns, and prioritize safety with a multi-tool and first aid kit. For extra comfort, consider investing in quality sleeping arrangements and campsite extras like chairs and portable chargers.
Road Trip Reflection
Over three years, a dream of exploring the American West and its National Parks materialized into a momentous road trip filled with self-discovery. From planning in a Colorado coffee shop to camping under the stars, the journey spanned over 3,800 miles and included iconic hikes like Yosemite’s Half Dome. I transformed a silly itinerary into a life-altering experience about finding connection and redefining home beyond physical boundaries, ultimately influencing a major life and career shift.
The Difference Between National Parks, National Recreation Lands, and National Monuments
The USA has many amazing protected areas that are perfect to preserve and show off the natural and cultural heritage of the country. These areas are taken care of to guarantee their conservation and provide opportunities for fun and learning. There are three main types of these areas: National Parks, National Recreation Lands, and National Monuments. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the things that make each of these places unique. National Parks National Parks are the crown jewels of the U.S. conservation system, characterized by their exceptional natural and cultural significance. These areas are selected for their outstanding beauty, unique ecosystems, geological formations, or historical value. Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the first national park in the world and set a precedent for preserving natural wonders. Some of the key features of National Parks include: Breathtaking Landscapes: National Parks showcase awe-inspiring landscapes, ranging from towering mountains and cascading waterfalls to pristine lakes and vast canyons. Examples include the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion National Park. Rich Biodiversity: These parks provide a sanctuary for diverse plant and animal species, often encompassing unique ecosystems. They offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and exploring vibrant ecosystems. Visitor Facilities: National Parks typically have well-developed visitor facilities such as visitor centers, campgrounds, hiking trails, and educational programs. This infrastructure supports the visitor experience while minimizing the impact on the environment. National Recreation Lands National Recreation Lands focus on providing recreational opportunities for visitors, often encompassing vast areas of natural and recreational value. These lands are managed by various agencies, including the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some of the key features of National Recreation Lands include: Multiple Use Areas: National Recreation Lands offer diverse recreational activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and off-road vehicle use. These lands cater to a wide range of interests and often provide flexibility in terms of permitted activities. Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage: While recreation is a primary focus, these areas also preserve natural, scenic, and cultural resources. Examples of National Recreation Lands include the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Collaborative Management: Different federal agencies manage National Recreation Lands, often in collaboration with state and local entities. This cooperative approach ensures the protection and sustainable use of these lands for present and future generations. National Monuments National Monuments are designated to protect unique natural, cultural, or historical features of national significance. They can be created by the President of the United States using the Antiquities Act of 1906 or by Congress. National Monuments are generally smaller in size compared to national parks, but their value lies in their distinctive attributes. Some of the key features of National Recreation Lands include: Cultural and Historical Significance: National Monuments preserve archaeological sites, historic structures, cultural landscapes, and other objects of cultural or historical importance. For instance, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial are iconic examples. Ecological Diversity: While cultural and historical preservation is paramount, many National Monuments also harbor diverse ecosystems and provide habitats for wildlife. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring unique natural features. Varied Management Approaches: National Monuments can be managed by different agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or the U.S. Forest Service, depending on the specific monument’s needs and resources,
Rossignol After Hours vs. the Competition – What’s the Real Deal?
The Rossignol After Hours snowboard offers a twin-like feel with a perfect blend of flexibility and stability, outperforming past boards like the Capita Birds of a Feather, Jones Twin Sister, and Dreamcatcher. With its sturdy, playful, and versatile design influenced by Marion Haerty, it excels in carving, speed, and all-mountain riding, making it the author’s preferred choice for a diverse and reliable snowboarding experience.