Camphikelive

“The repair dollars go down when you buy high quality gear.” Christopher Hiller

“Through this podcast we can get so many people in the outdoors that we can open up opportunities for new businesses.” Nate Harrington

020: Choosing The Right Cooler

00:00 / 00:30:10

Today we have a very cool episode for our listeners. Everyone knows the importance of keeping your food and beverages as cold as possible when out hiking and camping, but before you grab the first – sometimes cheapest option, stop to consider the kind of trip you’re taking and what you will need.

Coolers come in all shapes and sizes, from an insulated portable to a heavy duty option with batteries and usb options, choosing the right cooler is different for every type of adventure.

We’re breaking down our tips and picks for a chilled out experience in the great outdoors.

Episode Highlights:

Function is key.
Plan your trip before making your choice. Know what you need before you shop.
Size. Think about how much you have to keep cold and choose the option that best fits your needs.
Be wary of preservation times for the ice when cooling meats and other perishables.
If you’re going on a multi-day adventure, we explain why to consider bringing two coolers.
Take into account the different materials: metal, styrofoam, fabric and plastic.
Water elimination is an essential feature for larger campground coolers.
Consider mobility and check the durability of the handles and wheels.
One-use items (i.e. styrofoam) tend to be not favorable. There are options now that are more eco-friendly.
Next tier camping coolers have air seal gaskets, usb, and cigarette lighter adaptors.
How to shop around for other features and more usability.

Links and Resources:

“Your cooler has to work for what you’re doing.” Christopher Hiller

“The simpler the better, in my opinion.” Nate Harrington

019: Slackpacking

00:00 / 00:24:05

What the heck is slackpacking? Do you love hiking but feel daunted by trickier distances? Would you like to lessen your load or add a little comfort to your adventure? What started as a way to get in a day on the trail and then hop in a car to sleep at hostel or hotel at night – untethered by a big pack – slackpacking has grown into a widespread movement. For people that may not have the physical fitness to take on certain trails, having the option to slackpack is a new way to enjoy challenging hikes.

Nate, our expert on all things hiking, fills us in today on the phenomenon of slackpacking and the importance of being true to the hike that you’re on. There is more to slackpacking than you might think.

Episode Highlights:

How slackpacking allows hikers to strip down to the bare minimum.
You can cover much more trail without your pack.
Taking on higher and harder trails is the main advantage of slackpacking.
The difference between purists and slackpackers.
Leaving out some or all of “the big 4.”
Prep your back by adjusting other gear you won’t need to take along.
Any gear that has multiple function is perfect for this day pack option.
Food is your biggest weight saver on a slackpack hike.
Nate’s own slackpack tips.
Slackpacking allows the wonders of nature to be opened up to more people.
Plan your slackpack properly and trust the person helping you with your pack.

Links and Resources:

“I can see slackpacking becoming very beneficial.” Christopher Hiller

“It really shines with the difficult sections.” Nate Harrington

018: Tailgate Camping

00:00 / 00:26:50

It’s game day! Fall is here and that can mean only one thing – tailgating season is upon us. Today’s episode is for all our hometown sports fans. Bring along friends and family and anyone who enjoys a fun event in the outdoors!

Cheering on your local sporting events is something that happens all over the country and today we’re talking about a unique spin on watching the game. Hosting tailgate camping parties can be a lot of fun for all ages. We’re sharing tips on how you can set up for an optimal day of tailgating in the outdoors!

Episode Highlights:

Preparation is the key to enjoying all that these fun parties have to offer.
Check to be sure you can hook up the tv when planning tailgate camping.
Take advantage of watching sports events – away from the comfort of your couch!
We’re sharing our top tips for setting up your tailgate.
You’ll find out what the heck a “chuckbox” is!
All your gear should be functional. From chairs, to cooking, to coolers, we cover it all.
Prepare games and entertainment to make your tailgate even more fun.
Get everyone in on the fun and get creative with party food!

Links and Resources:

“It’s the people and what you’re doing that makes it super fun.” Christopher Hiller

“It can be really fun in that preparation stage to go all out!” Nate Harrington

017: Theft? Should I Worry?

00:00 / 00:25:08

Today’s topic is about theft in the outdoors and whether you need to be worried about your personal items when out on your next adventure. What can you do to avoid the potential for losing valuables you may have with you? We’re going through the top things to do if you’re worried about theft while camping and hiking.

The takeaway, as many in the outdoor community already know, is that theft does not happen very often, but using common sense and taking stock of your surroundings can help avoid any chance of being a victim of theft.

Episode Highlights

Relax. Theft doesn’t happen often, especially if you take away easy targets.
Have your 10 essentials and your ID on your person at all times.
Mark your gear with a sharpie.
Use and overuse your gear, it will lose its appeal.
Stealth camp and keep a low profile. Avoid high traffic areas.
Count on your fellow campers and hikers if necessary
Protect yourself safely as you would in everyday life.
Be careful and be aware of your surroundings.

Links and Resources:

“If you want something to be worried about, find something else.” Christopher Hiller

“The people out there hiking and camping are good people.” Nate Harrington

016: Fur Friends

00:00 / 00:26:07

We are talking today about the outdoors and our furry friends. How can you introduce your pets to outdoor life? We discuss what to do and what not to do.

If you are someone who loves being outdoors, being able to share those moments with your pet can provide even more satisfaction. Before you take your pet with you, you need to prepare and consider these outdoor pet tips.

Episode Highlights:

Check the rules of your campground. Verify whether they allow dogs, and familiarize yourself with the guidelines of the campsite.
Make sure your pet is healthy and ready for exposure to the outdoors.
Be very aware of ticks and tick treatment both before and after your adventure.
Know your pet and make sure you keep an eye on anything they can get into.
Have the appropriate pet gear and of course identification tags.
Keep in mind the elements and weather conditions when heading into the outdoors with pets.
If they are well-trained, pets will be less likely to act out among strangers.
Ways to be sure pets and wild animals don’t cross paths.
Consider others at your campground. Remember and follow the rules of “leave no trace” from episode 5.
Expose your pet slowly and keep it short. Dog’s aren’t built the same as humans.

Links and Resources:

“If they are part of your family and they make you happy, they should make you happy in the outdoors too.” Christopher Hiller

“We make mistakes and we have got to expect that our pets are going to do the same thing.” Nate Harrington

015: Giving Back

00:00 / 00:21:01

On today’s episode we are talking about giving back and ways that you can help preserve the trails and campgrounds to help save them for the next generation. We are sharing with our listeners all the ways we give back and how you can too!

Paying it forward is the best thing you can do for nature in such a variety of ways. If you do it, perhaps someone else will too, and if that keeps on happening, it will inevitably come back around to you when you need it. Let yourself be that ripple in the pond and learn to help others to follow.

Episode Highlights:

Preserve nature for the people coming behind us.
Plan your clean up and exit from nature ahead of time so the task is seamless.
Educate yourself and teach others what they don’t perhaps know.
Learning how to “do” the outdoors is one of the first steps in giving back.
How to get involved in the “Trail Magic” movement.
How camping festivals and events are venues for giving back to numerous charities.
Ways to volunteer your time or money on the trails or at campgrounds.
How podcasts, youtube channels, and other social media help enhance the positive community that we’re giving to.
Why we want to give back and benefit those who have yet to experience the outdoors for themselves.

Links and Resources:

“The more you do, the more you give, the more it comes back to you.” Nate Harrington

“Giving back is so fantastic, especially when you’re giving back to what you love.” Christopher Hiller

014: Rain Rain Go Away

00:00 / 00:33:02

We all love camping and hiking in perfect temperatures beneath a bright, sunny, sky but let’s face it, bad weather happens and eventually we all get rained on while in the outdoors. Here’s how not to suffer when it happens and hey, you might even learn to enjoy a rainy adventure!

If you only go out when the weather is fine, you’re only seeing part of the outdoor story. We’ve had the opportunity to deal with rain or the potential for rain on many occasions and we are sharing all of our tips for keeping dry until the rain goes away.

Episode Highlights:

Ways to avoid the rain when planning your trip.
Tips for making the experience fun.
When you pair rain with wind and cold you have to be prepared.
How to be safe and know where to be during a storm.
What to do and not do in a dangerous weather event.
Lightweight gear options for rain preparation.
How to keep your gear dry at all costs.
Keep the waterproof jacket, but ditch the pants.
A shammy towel is easy to pack and fantastic to have onhand.
The longer the adventure the more the need to prepare water resistant gear that can be layered.
Tips for setting up your shelter to deal with the rain.
Have the right rain attitude!

Links and Resources:

“If you plan to have fun, rain should not have that negative effect.” Nate Harrington

“Dance with life, it’s awesome.” Christopher Hiller

013: Parenting

00:00 / 00:28:32

Parents who love the outdoors can pass their enthusiasm onto their children. These days, with all of the indoor digital toys they can access, children are spending less time outdoors than ever. Today’s episode is all about parenting and getting them excited about getting out on the trail or onto the campground.

Helping children enjoy the experience as much as they can with a sense of humor and silly fun will be the foundation for a lifelong love and appreciation of nature. With a simple set of tools and ideas, we will show you a new lens through which to approach adventure and enhance your children’s connection to the outdoors.

Episode Highlights:

How parents can start to strip away all of the technology and get children out.
Ways parents can model openness to new experiences and show children of all ages that it’s okay to let their guard down.
How to plan to be sure that your adventure has elements of fun for all the family.
Knowing your children and knowing what they do and don’t like can give you an advantage before setting out.
Remember, even older children can surprise you and really enjoy the experience.
We discuss different ways you can change perspective so that children can have fun even with things they think are frightening.
Giving the kids the opportunity to make the decisions about what you’re going to do will enhance their engagement.
Start small and build the adventure from there.
We cover some technology and gear ideas you can bring along to get your kids excited about the experience.
Don’t hesitate to bring along those comfort items that nip any negative moments in the bud.
Outdoor electronics can be a logical transition from indoor electronics.
Age should never be a factor in getting the kids out even in small ways.
Don’t forget safety and first aid on your adventure!

Links and Resources:

“I like the option of giving them options.” Christopher Hiller

“You can make darkness fun.” Nate Harrington

012: Music in the Outdoors

00:00 / 00:24:37

Camping and hiking are great way to enjoy the outdoors alone or with family and friends and music can make the experience even better. Following up from last week’s power episode, music and entertainment can often involve the latest technology and we’re talking about all the ways music can be part of your next adventure.

We cover the when, the why and the how – just about everything music when it comes to the outdoors. We’ll look at musical entertainment from both the camping and the hiking perspectives and see how each have benefits and drawbacks.

Episode Highlights:

Is music your focus or your background?
The sound of nature vs. the sound of music.
Hiking is physical and often music can drive that adrenalin, pace, and rhythm.
Campfire music is essential to a great time, adding a calming and celebratory aspect to your camp.
Nate shares his do’s and don’ts of music on the hiking trail.
Be courteous with your music in either setting. Find that musical happy medium.
We cover the gizmos and gadgets that are available for you to carry your tunes.
Remember that audio and music can have an affect on the wilderness and the people that are in it.
Taking a creative approach to music can be fun for the whole family!

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