Field Notes, Podcasts, and More
Room to Think with Nathan Jorgenson | Episode 181
Nathan Jorgenson joins me to talk about fly fishing, the Boundary Waters, and how time outside makes room for bigger questions about loss, faith, and what we leave our children.
I’ve Never Shot an Elk. Here’s Why.
I've been elk hunting since I was a teenager, and I've never filled my tag. Looking back, I've realized that wanting to be successful and actually making hunting a priority are two very different things. Here's what years of coming home empty-handed have taught me about effort, priorities, and what makes hunting worth pursuing.
Rebuilding My Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0: Three Years Later
After upgrading my Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0 with an MDT HNT26 chassis, Maven RS.5 scope, and Spartan bipod, I've spent three years putting the setup to use in the mountains. Here's what worked, what didn't, and why I haven't changed a thing.
The Most Important Rule I Learned About Backpacking
I once thought a real backpacking trip meant big miles and remote places. Starting with short trips taught me something more useful: hike your own hike.
Comparing My Adventures to Somebody Else’s Photoshoot
I realized I had been comparing my real adventures to somebody else’s photoshoot. Seeing how a commercial outdoor campaign was created changed how I see outdoor photography, advertising, and my own time outside.
The Frontier Within and Finding Your Way Back with Mike Martin | Episode 180
Excerpt
My conversation with Mike Martin explores journaling, meditation, Daniel Boone, and the role the outdoors can play in helping us quiet the noise, understand ourselves, and find our way forward.
Back to the Mountains with Tom French | Episode 179
Tom French returns to the mountains in his sixties after decades spent building a career and raising a family. We talk about gap years, climbing, parenting, aging, and why the parts of ourselves we set aside may still be waiting when we’re ready to return.
Rethinking How We Share Our Adventures | Episode 178
I’ve been thinking a lot about how we document our time outside and whether we’re doing it for ourselves or for everyone else. In this conversation with Nina from Polarsteps, we unpack the shift away from performative social media and why real travel is often messy, uncomfortable, and far more meaningful than what we share online.
Argali Guide X Trekking Poles Review: Trekking Poles with a Clever Twist
A hands-on review of the Argali Guide X Trekking Poles, tested over 40 miles on the Timberline Trail. This review includes a video walkthrough of their unique features, like a hidden thread that turns your poles into something more.
Mind Over Mountains: How Tia Banks Turns Setbacks Into Summits
Tia Banks turned a career-ending sports injury into a new passion: climbing mountains. In this episode, we discuss how setbacks can lead to self-discovery, the power of self-talk, and why adventure is the ultimate teacher.
Fastpacking for Busy People: How to Cover More Ground In Less Time
Learn how fastpacking can help you cover more ground in less time. Outdoor Vitals’ Tayson Whittaker shares his trail-tested strategies on gear, nutrition, and planning for big-mile days in the backcountry.
Major Developments in U.S. Outdoor Recreation: March 1-7, 2025
This outdoor recreation news roundup covers the most important developments in the United States from March 1-7, 2025. Learn about federal staffing cuts affecting public lands, new state initiatives like Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Caucus and Alabama’s Year of Trails, severe weather events, wildfire prevention efforts, and updates on fishing seasons and industry grants.
How Rucking Can Transform Your Fitness
Rucking is one of the simplest, most effective ways to build endurance, strength, and mental resilience. In this episode, Bria Ruben of Ruck Evolution shares how anyone can get started and why rucking is more than just fitness—it’s a movement.
Bridging the Divide Between Hunting and Backpacking (Rec)
Discover how Kevin Timm, founder of Seek Outside, blends the two worlds of hunting and backpacking to create some of the most trusted outdoor gear on the market. This conversation dives into bridging the outdoor divide, building reliable equipment, and protecting public lands.
From 100 Miles to Full-time Creator
Chad Lubinski joins the podcast to share his journey of becoming an experienced thru-hiker, ultra-runner, and outdoor content creator. Our conversation ranged from the surprising controversy over waterfalls to navigating life’s pivotal moments and finding purpose in the outdoors.
A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko: Lessons in Wilderness, Humility, and Conservation
Kevin Fedarko’s trek through the Grand Canyon is a story of resilience, community, and the life-changing power of wilderness. Discover the lessons behind his journey in A Walk in the Park and be inspired to see the wilderness in a whole new light.
Stop Thinking So Much
Stop obsessing over the perfectly planned adventure. Discover why letting go of expectations can lead to your best backpacking adventures yet.
Inside the Design Philosophy of Mystery Ranch
Alex Rich from Mystery Ranch reveals the thought process behind designing packs built for extreme conditions. From the groundbreaking overload system to the meticulous choice of materials, we explore how the company merges innovation with practicality. Whether for hunting or hiking, discover what makes Mystery Ranch packs stand out in the world of outdoor gear.
The Must-Have Mid-Layer for Every Adventure
Finding the right lightweight mid-layer for outdoor adventures can be challenging. After nearly two years of using the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie, I’m convinced it’s one of the best lightweight, versatile, and warm mid-layers available.
The Perfect Family Backpacking Tent
I thought the perfect family backpacking tent didn’t exist until I found the Argali Absoroka 4P. It’s now my shelter of choice for the foreseeable future. Find out why.