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On today’s episode, we’ll be talking about the many things you can do during fall time to enjoy its particular and beautiful colors. Take advantage of the season to go out and take colorful pictures, jump on a hay ride, hop on a ski lift even when there’s no snow and of course, go camping keeping in mind some safety tips that can be very helpful during hunting season. Episode Highlights: Woobies, a fantastic piece of equipment to keep yourself warm when enjoying the outdoors.Ever thought on getting on a ski lift without actually going to ski? What you can discover during fall time from above.Events to attend to appreciate fall colors.Hay activities and seasonal treats.Forget about gloves and turn your attention to maintaining your torso warm.Have you ever worn a “Buff”? Check out the perks of wearing one.Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Northern N.Y., Minnesota and Wisconsin some of the best places for fall colors in the USA.Using your phone’s camera slow-mo to get awesome fall pictures and videos and create amazing memories.Fall season = Hunting Season. Informing yourself about the area you’ll be visiting is a good idea that can even put your life away from danger.Dress appropriately and be loud to let hunters know you’re there. Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Quotes from the episode “If you’ve never been on a hay ride, I really suggest get into a place that has one even this fall because they’re a lot of fun” Nate. “One of my biggest recommendations when it comes to fall colors…is go ahead and take photos. Taking photos of everything that’s there and the changing colors…helps me appreciate it, especially when the winter hits and you got three feet of snow outside”. Christopher. “It’s fun just to sit down and watch the leaves fall or to rake the leaves into a pile and have the kids jumping on them” Nate. “I’m all about the hoodie. I love grabbing my favorite hoodie and I probably had the same one for a decade or more…” Christopher.

The Greeks are credited to be the first ones to ever draw a map. Anaximander, back in the 6th century BC, drew a map of what the world was thought to look like: a cylinder. Since then, millions of maps have been created to navigate the seas, study the skies and, of course, to camp, hike and live. So today we’re talking about “Understanding Your Map” and how to take great advantage of one. We’ll go over the several details you find in one and how carrying a physical map can be a smart idea, besides bringing your digital ones with you. Have you found any hidden gems thanks to your maps?What kind of map is your favorite to use? Let us hear from you in our Facebook Forum! Episode Highlights: Exploring the different kinds of maps you can getThings you find inside the “legend” and how to interpret themTerrain references and special landmarks The “Compass Rose” and its utilityLearning about grid squares, black lines and scalesSimilarities in trail names and what you see on the mapGreat tool to discover new trails and placesTerrain features: ridges, saddles, hollers, cliffsSpecial question for North Carolinians: “What is your definition of hollers?”Physical maps vs Digital maps and Apps Links and Resources: Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter Quotes from the episode “Where I use maps the most in my world is canoe trips” Christopher “Kids love reading a map and running a compass” Nate “If you don’t have a compass, the landmarks that you can identify in the map are a good reference point” Christopher “How can we plan our trip? A map is so useful there and often times I find more use even before you leave” Nate

Would you agree that our head is the most important part of our bodies? We believe it is and that’s why today we’re talking about “Keeping Your Head Right”, not only on the outside but also on the inside when going out on an adventure. According to a 2008 study, “a person loses 7 to 10 percent of their body heat through their head.” This leads us to think that it’s both important to keep our head properly covered during cold hikes but at the same time, be aware of letting it breathe from time to time so it doesn’t over heat. Like anything in life, balance is key! From a mental point of view, it’s also important to keep your head right and that’s why we’re sharing tips and suggestions on how to keep the good vibes alive when facing tough challenges in mother nature. What do you like to wear to keep your head safe during your hiking adventures?How do you keep your mind strong on extreme situations? We’d love to read your comments on our Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum. Enjoy! Episode Highlights: The multiple uses of a “buff” It’s not only about hats and helmets, it’s also about the sunscreen Bug nets and what to never forget while wearing oneBandanas: their many useful applications when going hikingToday’s HT #DontWash your hair to stay bug-freeKeeping your vision clear to avoid smashing your head aroundShout out to the awesome Campers from Topeka, KansasJust like we mentioned on our previous episode “Peeling Back the Layers” your head also needs to “breathe”Depending on the outdoor activity your planning on doing, don’t forget your helmetStocking cap, hoods, buffs, regular caps, what’s your favorite?Tips on how to keep your head focus and positive when facing a great outdoor challenge Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel To Katahdin – Nate’s Appalachian Hike Playlist Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Book – Where’s the Next Shelter by Garry Sizer CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter Quotes from the episode “I don’t put shampoo on my hair because it adds a fragrance to your head that attracts bugs (…) you do smell a little bit worse quicker” Nate. “I’m ready for those blue blockers (…) I’m old enough” Christopher. “Music is a super tool to use in lifting your spirit and changing your head” Nate. “Most of the people that stop, it isn’t from a physical injury is from a mental injury” Christopher on hiking challenges.

Today we’re “Peeling Back the Layers” to give you cool and hot ideas on what you can wear to keep yourself properly protected against different weather conditions. The idea of layering, when going out on an adventure, is extremely useful, especially when cold temperatures hit or rainy conditions are scheduled to happen during your trip. Yes, some of us may think that in order to keep ourselves warm, all we need to do is “throw on a big and heavy piece of cloth and that’ll be enough to carry on”; Or “if it rains, then put on all of your waterproof stuff…”. However, we’ll question those common myths and share what we believe are some great tips and experiences that will surely make layering your new best ally when suiting up for your next adventure. What’s your usual layer combination for cold days when hiking and camping? What have you found effective to protect yourself from rain? We’d love to hear your ideas, thoughts, questions, doubts and comments about layering on our Camp Hike Live Facebook forum. See you there! Episode Highlights: Base layer, middle/heating or isolation layer and the outer layerBreaking down the terminology of layersImportance of layering for temperature controlSynthetic materials and natural fabrics for layering purposes and various clothing itemsVentilating and keeping the moisture under controlKeeping yourself dry without the need of heavy layersThe “half hour test” that may help on your next outdoor adventureSmartly warming up key body parts to avoid over layering Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter Quotes from the episode “The key, when you’re thinking about layers (…) is you want to be able to pull it off” Christopher “The activity itself can help make that first decision on your layering” Nate “The smart layer (…) the money layer (…) the business layer” Christopher on coming up with new catchy layering terminology “Contrary to what people believe, isolation is all about keeping heat in and the weather out” Nate

Today’s episode is “All about feet”. We’re talking about socks, hiking boots, hiking shoes, tennis shoes, sandals, talcum powders and even Crocs®. As usual, we are sharing a great amount of tips and suggestions, based on our hiking and camping experience, for you to avoid injuries and keep your feet safe and comfortable throughout your outdoor adventure. Visit our Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum and share your experiences and thoughts on what works best for you when it comes to footwear. We’d love to hear from you. This is a pretty vast topic and we know there are thousands of options out there, so we’ve tried to cover all the main things to consider when getting new shoes for your next hiking trip. Episode Highlights: Benefits from wearing Crocs® on your camping and hiking adventureBringing your sandals is not a bad idea for when you’ve already settled down at your camping siteLight footwear vs hiking boots and all there is in between. Why so many people are gravitating towards lighter hiking shoesBoots are a great choice for an entry level hiking experienceImportance of socks and all the different models and designs you can choose from Socks: Natural fabrics vs Synthetic materialsQuick throwback to our episode “Blisters Suck” and some extra tips based on socks’ fabricsUsing powders to keep your feet dry, smell free and prevent blisters from formingThe “Mom Factor” and the size of your footwearAlways remember to pack your sunscreen lotion to avoid “ghost white feet”“Zero Drop Shoes” pros and cons Links and Resources: Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Quotes from the episode ” Moisture can be such a detrimental thing to your feet” Nate ” If I plan on hiking the trails or riding my bike (…) I tend to lean towards wool” Christopher ” One pound on your feet is equal to ten pounds on your back” Nate ” You’ve walked your whole life with a huge cushion, don’t just throw it out the window and think you’re going to be fine” Christopher On leather boots ” I wouldn’t go out and hike on these all day for 10 miles until I took them out for a few 1 or 2 mile walks” Nate

We couldn’t find a better title for this one because it is true, Blisters Suck…big time. That’s why we wanted to put together this episode and share some experiences, tips and suggestions on how to try and prevent getting blisters on your hiking adventures. There’s not one-single miraculous solution for them. Since each human being is unique our feet react differently to blisters’ formation, so in order to avoid them and keep them away we’re laying out a bunch of solutions for you to try and see which works better. Episode Highlights: Figuring out the best system for you to prevent from getting blisters Choosing between talcum powder and a greasy product for your skin. It all depends on your situationIt’s not only about what you apply to your skin, but it’s also about what kind of socks you wearWhat to keep in mind when buying your hiking shoes or boots to avoid getting blisters Are waterproof shoes the best option against blisters?Don’t forget to take some breaks while hiking. Could be the best idea to “calm down the blister factor”Ancient blistering dilemma: “to pop or not to pop”Keep your nails clipped and you may add another defense point against blisters Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum “Fixing your Feet” on CamperChris Quotes from the episode “Even if you’re not a person who whines, blisters make you whine” Christopher “If you’re trying to keep your feet from getting blisters, try to keep your feet dry” Nate “There’s nothing silly when you’re trying to save your feet” Christopher “When it comes to blisters, moisture can really be the worst case scenario when your feet get wet” Nate

Today we’re talking about what to take into consideration when choosing your pack. We know there are many different brands and models out there, all with a huge variety of prices, pockets, zippers and designs. It can get overwhelming but that’s why we’re bringing this episode to you Campers to try and shed some light on the matter. Choosing the proper pack will not only assure you’ll have all the right space for your camping or hiking stuff but it will definitely make the difference between enjoying your trip or make it a painful one for your back, shoulders, legs, knees and feet. Episode Highlights: Proper pack size depending on the needs of your adventure and the gear you’re going to carryTaking your gear to the outfitters to check what pack to get, is not as crazy as it soundsDifferent brands and models Pockets and zippers…it’s all about access and organization Just like we recommended with a tent, practice packing your gear at home Learn what “The Brain” is on a pack and how useful it can beProperly distributing the weight around your body to avoid injuriesWeight rating for optimal performanceCompression strapsPrice vs DurabilityPacks with external frames. Some may giggle when they see one but they offer plenty of advantagesPortage Packs: check out all their benefits“Ultra-light backpacking” may not be as easy as it sounds Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Quotes from the episode “Before you go out to buy a pack (…) find the gear you’re going to use first (…) That’s going to determine the size” Nate “In the military we have an external frame pack (…) keeps it sturdy, it’s durable, it’s able to take a beating” Christopher “Whether is the right color, whether is the right brand (…) doesn’t matter. For me is actually how it actually fits and how it carries” Nate “I tend to over-pack on the outside of my pack (…) it keeps the bears away” Christopher “The pack is not the place to skimp on the money” Nate

We have a particular episode for you guys. Nate will pick Christopher’s brain on canoeing and all there is to know about this amazing activity. If you’ve never done it before and you’re curious about trying it out some time soon, then you definitely need to check out all the amazing tips and suggestions we have for you today. Canoeing can even be an invitation to get back in touch with old navigation systems. Episode Highlights: If you’ve never gone canoeing before, check out some tips that’ll help you get startedKayak vs Canoe. Which can be of better use when going on your trip and what are their main differences“Portage” if you don’t know what this means, Christopher tells you all about itHiking trips vs Camping trips vs Canoe tripsCanoe performance under rainWind factor and how it can affect your canoe tripDon’t let mosquitoes ruin your canoe adventureSmart ways to carry your canoe aroundCanoe styles, sizes and pricesCool gadgets for canoeing Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Boundary Waters Canoe Area Info Quotes from the episode “If anyone is going to plan an outdoor trip(…)I recommend the Boundary Water Canoe Area” Christopher “I see a canoe as a vessel that floats in water. It is impenetrable from water. What happens when it rains?” Nate “Your canoe can handle probably three inches of rain before it actually starts causing issues” Christopher “Getting into a place that you can go and rent them for the day and not actually having to purchase one, would be a good starting point” Nate ” When you’re in a canoe trip you tend to go back to old school maps” Christopher

Today we’ll be talking about the experience that is going hiking and camping STOVELESS. Things you can actually gain from skipping to pack your stove and what are some things that you might be giving up. Bringing a stove to your camping trip or to your hiking adventure usually means you’ll be able to enjoy warm food, hot beverages and even the cozy and fun experience of cooking with your friends and family. Certainly, there are times when it is almost mandatory to bring one with you however, on today’s conversation, we’ll lay out some cool and smart options that might persuade you to leave your stove at home and enjoy a STOVELESS trip.   Episode Highlights: Perks of not packing your stove and things you actually need to pack when going stovelessIt’s not just about the weight, it’s about saving precious time that can be invested in going longer distancesAre you a “speed hiker”? Then you’re going to love some of the tips we’ve got in this episodeBenefits of leaving your stove at home when you’re a camperMinimize camp odors that can, for example, attract animalsSummer might be the best season to go stovelessNate gives a good reason why he still hasn’t gone stovelessIf you like to lick the bowl after cooking, then maybe you do need to bring your stove with you.Top foods when there’s no stove aroundUsing body heat can be a great asset Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Quotes from the episode “Going stoveless can be quite a bit faster” Nate ” There are some stoves out there that you can purchase that use the materials of the woods” Christopher ” If you’re doing a longer hike…it becomes logistically hard to find places, (…) that potentially have and sell the gas that fits your stove” Nate “You don’t have that saliva producing food when you’re going stoveless” Christopher

On today’s episode, we’re discussing how to properly set up a tent and take full advantage of it. This is, without a doubt, one of those main camping elements that really need our attention since it’ll be our shelter for the entire trip. Whether it’s a one-person tent or one that can fit many people, there are some basic guidelines you can follow in order to have a good rest and enjoy your nights in the outdoors. Ever thought of setting up your new tent at home before jumping to the woods? Might be a good idea and we’ll tell you why. Episode Highlights: Differences between tents and what their uses can beLooking for the perfect spot to set up your tent. Variables to take into considerationLearning what a “Footprint” is and how much it can helpStudying your surroundings for safety reasons is a smart thing to doGoing online to check how to properly set up your tent when manuals are not enoughUseful tips when you use fiber glass poles and they start to worn out How to properly set up Lightweight tentsDouble use of trekking poles. Believe it or not, one of them is helping set up a tent Taking full advantage of your rain flyThinking ahead of time to fully enjoy your trip to the outdoors and be more time effective Links and Resources: CAMP HIKE LIVE on Twitter CAMP HIKE LIVE on Facebook Visit Christopher’s store Camper Chris on Facebook Nate’s YouTube Channel Camp Hike Live Facebook Forum Quotes from the episode “Once I know this is where I want to set up my tent (…), the last thing I’ll do is look up” Nate ” I want to make sure that my door is going in the proper direction” Christopher ” If the tent is fighting you, you’re doing something wrong” Nate ” If you take the time and you focus on setting up your tent properly, then you can forget about the tent, the rest of the time you’re out to enjoy the outdoors” Christopher