10 Best photos from #theroolife in August

Whether you’re new to day-hiking or just need a little validation for not embodying The Outdoor Fantasy, I’m here to help you out! I only started hiking about 9 years ago, and every time I looked up information about trails, gear, clothing, etc., I would become so overwhelmed. Inaccessible information can be a barrier to many people getting started. How-tos make it sound like you will encounter danger, or that you have to buy up half of an outdoor retailer to get started––you don’t. It is very likely that you already have all you need. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t do research and take preparation seriously––you should. But don’t let preparation overwhelm you and keep you from getting that precious nature healing. Let’s break things down. Language Hike - Intentional movement outside on trail. Speed and distance are up to you! Outdoor media makes hiking look like it has to be remote and rugged, and it can be if you want it to be, but you define your hike. Elevation - The amount of vertical distance you gain (going up) or lose (going down) on trail from start to end. Example: a 3-mile trail with an elevation gain of 500 feet means that over the course of 3 miles, you will ascend a total of 500 feet. The 500 feet could be all in one go, or it could be a steady progression over the entire hike. Round trip - The total mileage of your hike. Out-and-back - You’ll hike to a turnaround point (halfway point) and hike out on the same route. If a trail is listed as 4 miles, it means you’ll hike 2 miles in and then 2 miles out. Point-to-point - The distance in and out. If a trail is listed as 10 miles, it will be 10 miles from one end to the other. These kinds of trails are often done as a caravan, meaning you and your buddies bring 2 cars and park one at each end so that you hike the entire trail only once. Can also be done as an out and back, but it doubles the mileage. Loop - The start and end point are the same, but you don’t (or rarely) repeat the same section of trail, as if walking around something. Loops are often favored because there’s always something new to see around the bend. Day hike - A hike you complete in one day. Distance, terrain, elevation are up to you. Multi-day hike or backpacking - Hiking with an entire camp set-up and supplies for multiple days on trail as opposed to heading home after. Picking a trail Start with trails close to home. They’re often better maintained and more likely to have bathrooms nearby if you’re not quite ready to go outside or have accessibility needs. Trails nearer to towns and cities will be more well-documented in books, online, or in hiking apps and they’ll be less remote, meaning you likely won’t be all alone in the wild. Also, depending on where you are, you’ll probably have cell reception. You’ll find out quickly it’s elevation, more so than distance, you want to be most aware of. Just because you see that something is under 3 miles doesn’t mean it will be easy! Start with a low elevation gain, something under 500 feet, and shorter distances, 3 miles or less. You need to find out what your body likes rather than picking the most Instagrammed, gasp-worthy trail right off the bat. Listening to your body This isn’t addressed in hiking guides, and neither is accurate details about terrain. The writer always assumes the person reading is fully able-bodied and part mountain goat. Not knowing where your body is at in terms of its ability, strength, and endurance could become a safety issue on the wrong trail. That’s why we start out low and slow, baby. Terms like easy, moderate, and difficult are relative. What’s difficult for me might be easy for someone else. Be aware of how you use these terms when speaking to others too. Be considerate of our innate body diversity because it’s the cool thing to do. Love your body, love your hike. Take breaks. As many as your body tells you to, and push yourself only in ways that feel productive. Be Nice to Yourself. Don’t let the inner critic and diet culture kill your vibe. Instead of fretting about goals, speed, how you look, or what you “should” be able to tackle, think about how awesome it is that you’re HIKING. The rest is noise. You can turn around whenever you want. Unless you’re on the last half of a loop—then turning around would suck. You know what I mean. Breathe. Often when our breath quickens, becomes short, and our hearts beat harder, it signals panic to our brains. Breathe with intention, slow your pace, tell your brain you are safe. EAT! DRINK! Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need. It is very common to discover that a trail is way more challenging than it looks in print, and often when our bodies are working hard, physical needs don’t register as quickly as they normally do. Keep yourself hydrated and blood sugar steady to avoid cramping, lethargy, and big baby tantrums. Snack bars, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky are easy, nourishing snacks that make the body happy. Carry at least two liters of water for even the shortest trail, and have extra water and snacks in your car for your return.  Trekking poles can take a lot of pressure off of joints and feet, especially when backpacking. They greatly assist with ascents, descents, and balance, and they can be nice to lean on when you’re tired as heck. Clothing Wear clothing that feels good to move in. Breathable, moisture-wicking athletic wear that fits your body correctly. Maybe you already have spandex leggings, tank tops, and a windbreaker in your closet. Carry a jacket too, the lighter weight the better, but bring what you’ve got. Avoid cotton—it retains sweat which can get cold and uncomfortable and cause chafing. You can acquire actual hiking clothing if you desire to along the way. A good pair of hiking pants can be a game changer, but they aren’t necessary. If you wear plus-sizes, I’ve got your back. You don’t have to buy a pair of hiking boots right away, and many hikers will tell you you don’t need to at all. Average athletic sneakers are usually fine. Personally, I swear by hiking boots. My big body likes the ankle support, and a thicker, more durable foot bed feels better on rough, rocky terrain. Like a lot of outdoor gear, a good pair of boots is expensive, but they are an investment in your overall experience and will likely help you avoid other pains. Gear + packing list Hiking book, or downloaded map and/or print out of trail map. Two forms of directions is best practice. Trekking poles Park passes, or small bills for bridge crossings and parking Wallet Day pack/backpack Hanky/sweat rag Pocket knife Tiniest first aid kit (you can probably make this from things at home) Tiniest survival kit (can often be bought in one small inexpensive kit, includes compass, matches/lighter, whistle, emergency thermal blanket, etc.) Sunglasses Spare pair of eye contacts or glasses Phone (fully charged, all apps closed, room for photos) 96oz. water bladder (and LifeStraw as a backup water filter) Snacks (jerky, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruits, and vegetables) Headlamp (for the many times it takes longer than you thought it would) Chapstick Eye drops Bodyglide or some anti-chafe aid if you’re prone Ibuprofen Tiniest insect repellent Sunscreen BATHROOM KIT: pee rag (stand-to-pee device like a pStyle, a hanky or Kula Cloth to be used instead of toilet paper when peeing), toilet paper (for #2 only, pack it out in ziplock!), small trowel Safety Being prepared is being empowered, and on some trails, it is imperative to know what to do in a wildlife encounter, though they are rare. Also rare: being attacked by creeps. It is also true that something like this is less likely to happen on trail than it would in your daily life. Comforting, right? Nah. Whether you’re hiking alone or with others, let a point of contact know where you are going, when you are going to start, and a rough idea of when you’ll be done. Notify them when you are safely on your way home. Consider bringing a hiking buddy or joining a local hiking group. Meetup is a great way to find the right group for you. Also search social media. There are now many affinity hiking groups for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, plus-size, and disabled hikers. Carry: pocket knife, pepper spray (if that feels good to you), bear spray if you’re hiking in an area known for them, and trekking poles to make noise or whack creeps (again, highly unlikely). Your homework before you go: Leave No Trace The 10 Essentials Carry a dry bag for trash—leave the trail better than you found it. Going to the bathroom outside Wildlife Safety Tips Trail etiquette is good to know, especially when it comes to multi-use trails (hikers, bikers, horses), but be discerning. It is generally written in a way that implies there is only one “right” way to enjoy the outdoors and from the perspective of someone who has an innate sense of access to nature. Many people do not feel that innate sense of access. Trail etiquette is often used to shame folks who don’t already know it. Be compassionate, share information, assume best intentions, and don’t self-deputize yourself as the freaking king of the forest. Respect the trail, respect other hikers.

There are many options when it comes to what kind of insulation to use on your outdoor adventures. Down insulation is one of the most popular options because of its weight-to-warmth ratio and compressibility. It’s also extremely durable if taken care of properly. Kammok’s Bobcat, Firebelly and Arctos quilts are examples of gear that uses down insulation. The down’s ability to trap heat depends on how well it lofts, which is measured by the amount of space a certain weight of down takes up. The fluffier it is, the warmer it will keep you.  When your down insulation has been compressed in a stuff sack or storage, the fill can appear flat or displaced when taken out. Before using, we recommend allowing it to loft.  How to loft insulation: Give the quilt a good shake.  Lay it on a flat surface to allow the down time to loft evenly.  Let the gear lay out for a few hours, shaking occasionally to bring to its full loftiness. Where your down trail quilt or sleeping bag is stored when you’re not using it affects its lifespan. Here are a few tips on how and where to store your down insulation. How to store insulation: When down gear is not in use, keep in a roomy storage bag to maintain gear lofted.  Store the bag in a climate-controlled room or a sealed container. This will help your gear avoid getting wet or damaged by pests.  Pack into the stuff sack only when needed for travel.   How to wash down insulation: Sleeping bags and trail quilts don’t have to be washed after every use, however, as with any great adventure gear, it’s bound to get grimy after regular use and will need to be washed on occasion.  If using a washing machine, only use a front-loading washer or a machine without an agitator.  If the inside of your washer has the center ‘agitator’ part, hand wash with warm water in a large bucket or bathtub. When using a washing machine, place the product in the washer by itself, and add the recommended amount of insulation cleaner. We recommend using Grangers Down Wash and Repel. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water.  Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or stain removal products.  To dry, place the product in the dryer with 3 dryer balls or clean tennis balls. Heat is required to activate the water resistance on the fabric. Tumble dry on low-medium heat. Your insulation is now clean and ready for the adventures ahead. We put our gear through a lot, and sometimes we get too close to an ember from the fire or snag it on a sharp rock. If you have a small hole in your insulated gear, you can repair it with a patch kit. We recommend using Noso Patches, though any fabric gear patch brand will do. You’ll also need rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab handy.    How to repair insulation: Tuck in any loose down feathers or snip away loose threads from the damaged area.  Clean the spot with rubbing alcohol. Allow time to dry. Crack and peel the paper release liner.  Center patch over the damaged area. Apply pressure from the center out to the edges.  If using a Noso patch, apply the patch permanently by tumble drying on low for 10 minutes.  Remove from the dryer and press the patch in a circular motion for 30 seconds.  These tips for down insulation care and repair will increase the lifespan of your sleeping bag or trail quilt. If something went wrong with your Kammok gear that isn’t easily repairable, remember that we have a lifetime warranty on all our products. Please reach out to our customer experience team or fill out the warranty form for any concerns regarding the durability of your elevated gear. 

Dr. Felicia Wong is a physician, outdoor enthusiast, and wellness blogger based in Southern California. Between her and her husband (also a physician)'s busy work schedules, raising two young sons, and running her popular Instagram account Everyday Adventure Fam and blog on adventure tips, she exemplifies what it means to live intentionally and joyfully with her family. The Wong family can be found hiking, biking, enjoying a day at the beach or skiing in the nearby mountains on any given weekend. However, one of their favorite activities is camping. In this blog post, Dr. Felicia Wong shares her experience gradually introducing the wonders of camp to her family.     It can be done, and it can be enjoyable. This is the most popular post request I’ve gotten from our friends and the Instagram community. Disclaimer – I’m writing this post for those who have never camped before, who may not consider themselves “outdoorsy”, and/ or who might be feeling a bit intimated about staying anywhere other than a hotel (aka “camping phobia”). I recognize that there are many individuals and families who are camping experts, and whom I’d love to learn a thing or two from, but for this post – I’m sharing how my family went from hotel to glamping to camping enthusiasts.  If we can do it, you can too! Growing up in New England, raised by immigrant Chinese parents , my exposure to camping was fairly limited. My parents did bring my brother and me tent camping a couple of times when we were little. But that promptly stopped after we were caught, unprepared, in torrential downpour which leaked into our tent and soaked us and our belongings. My interest in camping was piqued again years later when I went on overnight backpacking camping trips in West Virginia the summer after high school during National Youth Science Camp. During college, I intended to join the wilderness club. But then 1) The Blair Witch Project (for those of you who were born after 2000, this was a horror camping movie) came out; and 2) a dancing injury left me with chronic back pain for several years. These derailed my plan to get out and camp for a few years. Then medical school and residency happened, which meant not a lot of time for much else other than studying. Finally, in 2015, I decided it was time to give camping another go, and I dragged my entire family (husband, toddler, infant, and parents) with me. When our youngest son was 3 months old, we booked a glamping cabin at El Capitan Canyon . It was a perfect intro back into the “wilderness”.  We purchased their BBQ Canyon Tri-Tip Kit, cooked it over an open flame, and then enjoyed S’mores and hot chocolate around the campfire. We not only survived this wilderness experience, we had a great time. The next summer 2016, we decided to try again. This time, we stayed in the most adorable and fun vintage trailers in a camp community set up by hosts Andy and Liz of The Holidays in San Clemente.  The four of us stayed in the trailer, and my parents pitched a small tent next to our trailer. Our friends and their boys (new to camping) joined us on this trip as well. I think the pictures speak for themselves. We had a blast. We’ve returned to The Holidays every summer since. In 2017, my husband and I were trying to figure out what to do for our anniversary (which happens to be in August), and we decided it would be nice to share a new experience as a family. We chose the Crystal Cove Moro Campground as our inaugural tent campsite. We researched and bought recommended camp gear, and drove 20 minutes from our home to this bluff side campground with an ocean view. We braced ourself, thinking we’re close to home and it’s just one night. When morning came, we didn’t want to leave. Success! This is another campsite we’ve continued to return to each summer. Since then, we’ve done a few more camping trips throughout Southern California including at William Heise County Park in Julian, and on a private farm in Oak Glen via hipcamp. This past summer, we glamped at Under Canvas Zion.  It’s safe to say, we’ve become camping/glamping enthusiasts and ambassadors. We love it, and have convinced several other friends and families to join us. We hope this post inspires you to give it a try as well! Summary of tips: If you’ve never camped before and/or do not own any camping gear, try easing into the camping experience with glamping.  There are many great options available these days throughout the US and internationally. A good place to search is Glamping Hub. It’s important to prepare and invest in the gear that you need to be comfortable. For some, this means a tarp and sleeping bag. For others, it means an air mattress. There is no right or wrong way to camp. Do what works for you! Campsites with views (i.e. those near beaches, or in national or state parks) tend to be high demand. Research the booking window, and make sure you are ready to book when those dates open (for many places, it is 6 months to 1 year out). A great resource we love for private and unique campsites is hipcamp.  For $10 off your first booking on hipcamp, you can use the code “EVERYDAYADVENTUREFAM“, or follow this link. There is a range of primitive camping to glamping options available on hipcamp. If possible, it might be good idea try booking your first camping trip close to home and/ or close to some amenities and civilization. This will reduce your “what if I forgot this, what will I eat, or what if the baby can’t sleep in the tent?” anxiety. We’ve never actually gone home to get anything while camping, but it is reassuring to know that we could, especially when travelling with young kids. When camping with 4 other families this past summer, we brought and cooked most of our camp meals, but it was nice to be able to order pizza for one of the meals. I repeat and stress. There is no right or wrong way to camp. What’s important, is that you try it. If you’re comfortable and prepared, you’ll enjoy it more. Here are some links to help with your planning. Happy Camping! Reserve California: https://www.reservecalifornia.com San Diego County Parks: http://reservations.sdparks.org El Capitan Canyon – Santa Barbara glamping: http://www.elcapitancanyon.com Under Canvas (Zion, Grand Canyon, Moab etc) : http://www.undercanvas.com The Holidays:  www.theholidaysca.com, book on Reserve California Hipcamp:  www.hipcamp.com ($10 off code “EVERYDAYADVENTUREFAM) Glampinghub: http://www.glampinghub.com Airbnb: http://www.airbnb.com ($40 off code with this link) has glamping options such as yurts and canvas tents.   I've you've never been camping with kids, National Camp At Home Day is perfect excuse to build a campsite in the backyard and learn what you like and where you can improve before heading into the wilderness. Check out Dr. Felicia Wong's glamping gear guide to get started on your next adventure. For more family camping, traveling tips and inspiration, follow her Instagram account Everyday Adventure Fam and blog. 

The phrase “home is where the heart is” may be a bit cliché and worn-out, but there’s still something very true about it. Thoughts of home are different for everyone, but often there’s a common thread of somewhere comfortable and easy—the place where your tribe lives. Now swap out “home” for “camp” and you arrive at the spirit of National Camp at Home Day. Is it a little cheesy? Maybe. But can you really have too much cheese? There is definitely something to be said for a beautiful campsite in the backcountry with stunning views or a basecamp in your favorite park as migratory songbirds dance in the trees. But more importantly, the people you share your campsite with make these adventures worthwhile. Camp doesn’t have to be a specific place. With the right group of people, that same adventurous spirit can live anywhere. This year, National Camp at Home Day is all about getting ready for the next big camping trip. That said, if you’re the friend in the group that takes gear prep to the next level (You know who you are. The trip to Joshua Tree isn’t for another two months and you’ve already made the Costco run, uploaded your purchases to Splitwise, and packed and repacked until everything fit in your rucksack just so.) don’t forget to sit back and have a cocktail—you can’t beat Moscow mules and hot toddies around the campfire. To the laid back crew, the ones that stuff everything in a bag day-of and spend the trip in mismatched socks: Make sure your planners have fun and remember to pitch in when it’s time to do the dishes. Side note: If you’re not using Splitwise to track group expenses, you may want to check it out the next time your crew goes away for the weekend. Step one: Campsite vibes. If you have access to outdoor space, by all means use it. Fresh city air might not beat fresh mountain air, but with a little imagination your backyard can be a vintage Airstream campsite in Marfa or the perfect hideout along a river in Yellowstone. Just don’t let your imagination get the best of you. Those are squirrels—leave the bear spray inside. Camping in an apartment? Not to worry! Spread your tent out in the living room, “stake out” the rain fly with heavy books weighing down the corners, and stream your favorite virtual campfire. If setting up a tent just sounds boring, grab every blanket in sight and build the ultimate fort. No matter what you choose, do your best to recreate one of your favorite campsites. You can use house plants to bring the outdoor feels close to camp and play your favorite nature sounds from this awesome Spotify playlist (welcome to the jungle). Looking to do some stargazing? You’ll probably want a pack of these. No matter where you set up camp, get out on your favorite trail before the sun goes down and soak up some Vitamin D. Step two: Let’s get cooking. You may be tempted to order your favorite pizza for a night like this (a decision which we fully support), but consider testing out a new camping recipe you’ve been wanting to take on the trail. If you’re outside, work on building the perfect Dutch oven fire for a Basecamp lasagna or even a cobbler for dessert. Indoor camping can be a great time to test out a new Backcountry recipe you’ll be able to enjoy on a future trek into the mountains. One of our favorites is this simple, three-ingredient chili mac recipe: Ingredients:  1 Box of your favorite instant mac (you really can’t beat shells and cheese) 1 can pinto beans (or 1 cup dehydrated beans)/li> 1 package of chili seasoning Directions: Prepare the mac and cheese using the instructions on the box. With the pot on medium/low heat, add in the beans and cook until heated. Stir in the chili seasoning until fully incorporated, and enjoy! (Optional: Throw in some cured sausage you could easily take on a backpacking trip.) Step three: Make it fun. Even if the stars are faint in your backyard, we have the perfect way for you to get more acquainted with the night sky. SkyView is an augmented reality app that allows you to identify constellations simply by pointing your camera in any direction you want to learn more about. Next time you’re under a blanket of stars, you’ll be the expert at camp. Another great learning tool for the outdoors is Merlin Bird ID, an app created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. If you have any interest in learning about the wildlife in your neck of the woods, this birding app is a great way to get started. Just select and download your region, input the size and colors of a bird you spotted, and then search through a list of potential matches until you find your bird. Each bird profile comes with a snapshot of info, multiple photos, and a recording of the sounds they make for better identification. Now when you hear that familiar chirping in the woods, you’ll know exactly what you’re listening to. If playing games around the campfire is more your speed, maybe Fish Bowl is right for your group. For rules on how to play, check out this clever website. It even has virtual scoring and cards so no paper is necessary—win for Mother Nature! Now that we’ve mentioned campfires, maybe it’s time to discuss this quintessential part of National Camp at Home Day. If you’re in your backyard with access to a firepit, good on you. Fire up a roaring blaze (safely, of course) and slow roast your perfect mallow. Don’t get discouraged, living room campers—you just have to get a bit more creative. Try arranging throw pillows into a make-shit fire ring and use a lantern to set the mood. No matter what your campfire is made of, let this be the gathering place for eating meals, playing games, sharing stories of past adventures, and hopefully planning future ones as well. Invite friends to camp at home from afar and connect your campfires through the trendy new website you may have heard of called Zoom. Mouth still watering over the possibility of s’mores? Turn the oven on broil and roast your graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallows in the oven until everything is nice and gooey. Pro tip: Leave the s’more sandwich open to brown your marshmallow, then stack the remaining graham cracker on top before eating. Who said you need a campfire for the perfect s’more? More than anything, we hope National Camp at Home Day inspires you to get outside with the people you love. We encourage you to use this time to prepare for the next trip. Check the bug net for holes, make sure your straps are in good shape, and by all means start laying out an itinerary for your next national park exploration. But most importantly, take in the moments. High on a mountain or under a ceiling fan, in person with friends or chatting on FaceTime from afar—the time is now for making memories you’ll always hold onto. So plan, definitely. Just do your best when the time comes to let go and allow the spirit of adventure take hold.