Side Quest Overland

Some trips are meticulously planned months in advance; others take unexpected turns, leading to unforeseen adventures. Ours was the latter. The night before our eagerly awaited trek in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains , we received news of safety concerns in the region, necessitating a sudden change of plans. In response, Solomon at Mesob Tours swiftly redirected us to a new destination: a four-day expedition in the Bale Mountains National Park . With this pivot, we set our sights southward, trading the Simien's rugged peaks for the Bale's expansive high-altitude landscapes. Arrival in Goba Our journey commenced with a flight into Goba , a modest town on the periphery of the Bale Mountains. The Robe Airport (GOB) was minimalistic— a single gate devoid of amenities , merely a straightforward runway amidst open terrain. The absence of bustling crowds and commercial distractions underscored the remoteness of our location. Awaiting us was Houssain , our guide for the expedition. His ...

I’ll never forget rolling up to Yosemite National Park just before sunrise, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs, eager to hike one of it's most iconic hikes—only to be stopped at the entrance. "Do you have a vehicle reservation?" the ranger asked. My stomach sank. I hadn’t realized that this season, entry permits were mandatory. Fortunately, I had a backup plan. I turned my truck toward Kootenai National Forest, where rugged singletrack wove through old-growth cedar, and alpine lakes mirrored the morning sky. No permits, no crowds—just pure, unfiltered adventure. National park reservations have become a hot topic among outdoor enthusiasts, often leaving travelers frustrated when plans fall through unexpectedly. As of 2025, more parks than ever require timed-entry permits to manage crowds. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here’s a breakdown of which parks need advance reservations this year—and where to head if you want to avoid the hassle altogether. Nationa...

Exhaustion & Fatigue: Invisible Threats in the Remote Environment When we think about survival in the wilderness, our minds often focus on external dangers—steep cliffs, flash floods, or wildlife encounters. But one of the most insidious threats in remote environments isn’t visible at all. Exhaustion and fatigue can creep in unnoticed, degrading decision-making, slowing reaction times, and pushing even the most experienced adventurer into life-threatening situations. As an avid outdoor advocate and recreation leader, I've witnessed many types of fatigue. From children struggling to keep pace on a long hike, to elite athletes overexerting in extreme conditions, to elderly adventurers facing increased risks from exhaustion, fatigue presents differently in every individual. Recognizing these distinctions is key to prevention. If you are just getting into outdoor adventuring, read this article How Fatigue Affects Different Age Groups Children: Higher Risk, Fewer Warning Signs Chi...

You’ve meticulously planned your next backcountry trip. The maps are printed, your gear list is set, and you’re eyeing that ultralight tent that would shave a pound off your pack weight. But when you check the price, you do a double-take. Did this tent really cost $100 less last year? While inflation and supply chain disruptions have played their roles, another force is silently reshaping the price of your gear: tariffs . These hidden economic policies don’t just affect your wallet—they’re also influencing the sustainability movement in outdoor gear . As gear prices climb and manufacturers rethink supply chains, outdoor enthusiasts face an important question: Will tariffs push the industry toward sustainability, or make eco-conscious gear even harder to access? Understanding Tariffs: How Policy Meets the Outdoors Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, meant to protect domestic industries and encourage local manufacturing. However, for the outdoor industry—where cutting-edge mat...