5 Things You Need for an Epic Spring Break

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Rebecca

Every year as a kid spring break was a big deal. My family didn't travel anywhere but we did use the time to ski, hike, play outside, visit Yellowstone and see how much fun and adventure we could cram into a week. As an adult I think it's important to take a little spring break too--even if it just means skipping a day of work to head into the mountains or taking the time to clean out the garage, slap some storage wax on the ski's and tune the bike. We've written about spring break adventures before & even written……

Trail’ology: It’s too damn cold to hike during the winter

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Rebecca

Let's face it, sometimes the cold, windy, dreary days of winter can make us want to stay in our warm houses rather than get out and play. As part of our Monday morning trail'ology series today we're talking about a common barrier to winter hiking...the weather. If you live in Southeastern Wyoming like we do you know the feeling of driving up to a trailhead and being afraid that if you leave your nice warm car you'll blow off the side of the mountain and into a crusty snowbank. Winter hiking can be a drag, but only if you let……

Essential Clothing and Gear for Snowshoeing

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Rebecca

As part of our snowshoe series we've talked about the history of snowshoeing, why to snowshoe, how to select a pair of snowshoes, and where to buy snowshoes. Today we're discussing some of that extra stuff, like what to wear snowshoeing and what gear to bring along. We dress for snowshoeing just like we do for cross-country skiing or winter hiking. Because it's such an aerobic activity layers are crucial. What to wear: We start with a good baselayer of merino wool, or other warm, moisture wicking synthetic material, add a midlayer of fleece and top it off with an outerlayer……

Where to Buy Snowshoes

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Rebecca

As part of our Wednesday snowshoe series we've talked a bit about the history of snowshoeing, why to snowshoe and how to choose a pair of snowshoes. Today we're talking about the best places to buy a set of snowshoes. But don't go shopping just yet! Next week we'll talk about the extra gear (poles, boots etc) that you need to go with your snowshoes. Like most gear, if you're a beginner I recommend buying used or renting a pair of snowshoes for your first few adventures to be sure that it's a sport you really want to invest money……

How to Choose a Pair of Snowshoes

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Rebecca

As part of our Wednesday snowshoe series we've discussed the history of snowshoeing and reasons to snowshoe. Today we're talking about how to choose a pair of snowshoes. We'll start with the basics. The components of a snowshoe, the types of snowshoes and how to fit a snowshoe. When I started snowshoeing I knew nothing about snowshoes. I simply headed to Sierra Trading Post and picked a pair of Redfeather Snowshoes out of the bargain barn for 25 bucks. I didn't know that snowshoes should be sized or that there were even different types of snowshoes. I guess I did……

Trail’ology: I don’t have the right clothing and gear!

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Rebecca

When we tell people about Just Trails they either tell us about an adventure that they had or they tell us reasons why they don't or can't get outside and explore. While the actual concept of hiking is pretty simple we're realizing that there are a lot of barriers, both physical and mental that keep some people inside. It's inspired a new blog series. Every Monday we're going to talk about one barrier to outdoor recreation and how to combat it. We're calling this series "Trail'ology" and today we're talking about gear. Sometimes outdoor bloggers do the outdoor recreation community……

Book Review: The Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Rebecca

Earlier this winter after a #STPLive event, the good folks at Sierra Trading Post hooked me up with a free copy of the book 'The Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide: Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail' by Andrew Skurka. Since Andrew Skurka is kind of a big deal in the outdoor community I was excited to check out his book and see what it was all about. I could do a recap of the book, but that would be ridiculous (just go buy the book). Instead here are a few points that really stood out to me. As I dove……