Orcas Island has the best hiking of the San Juan Islands. And luckily for us, those hikes are all close to some delicious beer!
Gear n’ Beer
What to Do After Backpacking
Sunburned, bug-bitten, fatigued–I know the feeling after getting home from a backpacking trip. But there’s a few things you just have to do before putting bags of frozen peas on your knees and ordering that pizza!
Dru Bru: Cle Elum

Dru Bru at Snoqualmie Pass is a great beer stop for anyone hiking or snowshoeing near the pass. They’ve added a second location for the lucky folks in Cle Elum!
Why a Casual Hiker Bought an SOS Device
I still consider myself a ‘casual’ hiker and backpacker. I don’t do any trails that are too dangerous, and still have yet to do a multi-night trek. So why buy a pricy safety device?
In Tents Research: Picking a Backpacking Tent

Ever noticed how hermit crabs fit snugly in their shells? If you are carrying your home with you, you don’t want to be lugging around something too big. Same applies for backpacking tents!
Water Water Everywhere

When backpacking, you *can* bring all of your water with you, but that can be very heavy. It’s far easier to get water on the trail. While some may think filtering or purifying water isn’t necessary, that’s a gamble I would only make in a life-or-death instance. But with so many options, which treatment is […]
Worth the Weight: My Backpacking Luxuries
For backpacking, bringing ‘just the essentials’ can feel like a ton (especially if it’s your first time or you’re not using the most-lightweight stuff money can buy), and every single ounce counts. So why would I advocate bringing luxury items? Because you’ve earned it! Lugging your own gear over miles should be celebrated–and here’s how […]
Lighten Your Load!

Remember seven weeks ago when I said “tune in next week for a post about lightening your load while backpacking?” Well, better late than never.
Tucson Breweries: Downtown

After exploring the western Tuscon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, what to do but wet my whistle at a local brewery?!
Skol to Poulsbo Breweries!

As I mentioned last week, my cousin recently moved to Poulsbo, WA. I decided to pay him, and some of the breweries there, a visit!