Escape Outdoors this Summer with Camelbak’s Pursuit Series

By Austin Parker Published May 16, 2017

Summer is finally upon us, so that can mean only one thing: it’s time to find your next great adventure or outdoors hobby. If you’re a traditionalist, you can do what generations of outdoorsmen have done when picking up oars, bikes, or hiking boots for the first time – flounder and learn by trial by error. Of course, there are better options out there. If you’re looking for a fun environment to start SUPing, cooking like a backcountry gourmet, or learn how to ride a mountain bike like a pro, Camelbak’s new Pursuit Series is the perfect summer getaway.

In partnership with The Outbound, Camelbak’s Pursuit Series launches later this summer with two events near Salt lake City on August 11th-13th and San Fransisc0 on September 8th-10th. Think of them like summer camp for aspiring adventurers. Instead of arts and crafts and afternoons swimming in a lake, there will be courses on mountain bike handling, intro to backpacking, fly fishing basics, rock climbing, and more.

Camelbak Pursuit Series — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whether you’re a seasoned camping expert who is looking for their next adrenaline fix, or a relative outdoors newbie looking for advice on your first backpacking tent, the Pursuit Series is a perfect summer vacation. The long weekend format for both events lends itself to a personalized schedule, allowing you to take classes in different sports and skills based on your comfort level. Ready to hop on a SUP and do your best sun salutation (be prepared for a cold dip in a mountain lake)? The SUP classes are ready for you. Looking for a more mellow day spent learning campfire cooking tips? The Pursuit Series has you covered there as well.

Pursuit Series Dinner — Scott Kranz

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With sponsors like Camelbak, Snowbasin Ski Resort, Camp Chef, Lagunitas, and Backcountry.com, you can bet that a sense of community (dare we say, Outdoors Tribe?) will be a big part of each weekend. Plan on group dinners and happy hours under the stars each night, and a chance to make new friends who share your passion for hiking, camping, and enjoying the mountains. Make your plans now though, as tickets to both events will be limited, and this is one wilderness adventure you won’t want to miss.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…

Outdoors

Microspikes vs. crampons: Understanding the right gear for icy trails

Ice, ice, maybe? When to use microspikes vs crampons

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When winter hiking, one of the most essential pieces of gear will be your footwear. The right hiking boot can carry you comfortably for miles, but there are many cases where normal hiking boot lugs won't give you the traction you need. These cases become even more apparent during the wintertime when you're liable to slip on ice and dislocate your shoulder like one of my unfortunate family members — the nearest hospital was over two hours away. Microspikes and crampons can significantly reduce the risk of hospital visits while out in the winter wonderland, but how do you know which ones to pack? In this guide, we'll discuss microspikes vs crampons and how to stay safe.
Microspikes vs crampons: what's the difference?

Adventuring with microspikes
Microspikes are a flexible, rubber harness that goes over your hiking boot. The rubber is attached to several small chains that go underneath your foot, connecting multiple plates of short spikes to the bottom of your shoe. Think of it like the footwear version of tire chains. The microspikes themselves are generally a fourth of an inch to a half of an inch long, made of hardened steel. Short but sharp, these spikes are perfect for gripping packed snow and ice that might otherwise send you to the E.R.
Adventuring with crampons
Crampons are the spiked-collar version of microspikes. They have a similar rubber harness, but they will likely have additional rigid metal frames with longer spikes. The length ranging from three-fourths of an inch to even an astounding one and a half inches can look pretty intimidating once you have them strapped properly. Personally, I would resist the urge to practice karate kicks.
Choosing microspikes vs crampons
Microspikes are best for light snow, packed snow, and icy hiking trails. Ideal for winter hiking or trail running, these will serve you well on flat or moderate slopes. I love microspikes because they're lighter and less intimidating than crampons. They tend to be easier to put on and pull off, and even better, they're comfortable during long hikes.

Outdoors

How does Jones Shralpinist Outerwear handle subzero conditions?

Jones Shralpinist Outerwear tested in Vermont

Jones Shralpinist kit

It happens every winter in Stowe, Vermont. In mid to late January, deep winter sets in, bringing subzero temperatures and air like invisible ice. Overnight wind chills can reach -50 degrees, and the Green Mountains are covered in an alpine freeze. With each step, there’s a crunch of ice and snow, and the surroundings are almost silent as everyone tries to survive, let alone enjoy the snow globe setting.

But around 5:45 a.m. in late January, that’s just what I’m doing as I begin the drive to Stowe Mountain Resort. My car’s information display reads 9 degrees, and weather reports indicate a -21-degree wind chill on the mountain. Soon, I’ll be skinning up the Nosedive trail, a slow burn of roughly 2,000 vertical feet covering just over a mile. The wind will howl, and my quads will burn, and it’ll take focus and strain to make it up. I’ll be battling the cold, but also heat, as the climb takes me into my threshold heart rate and warmth builds inside. I’ll need gear suited for the task.

Outdoors

From apps to local tips: How to find the best hiking trails near you

Finding the perfect hiking trail isn't as hard as you think!

Group hiking with friends

When visiting new places, I'm always on the lookout for great hiking trails. If you're outdoorsy like me, the quality of the hike matters just as much as the surrounding town and social life. The good thing is that no matter where you are, chances are there's a hiking trail nearby. Whether you're moving someplace new or just visiting for a few hours, here's how to find hiking trails near you.
There's an app for that!

There's an app for everything these days, and that's not an understatement! As more and more people flock to the outdoors, developers have created lots of hiking and camping-related apps that can help connect you to the world around you. While you could go to Google Maps and search "hiking trails near me," one of my favorite apps for finding trails is AllTrails. AllTrails isn't just good for hikers, though! You can find mountain biking, running, backpacking, horseback riding trails, and more.