Side Quest Overland

Unleash the Inner Explorer: Top 5 Gifts for Your Adventurous Child Do you have a little explorer in your life? A child who's always itching to get outside, climb the highest rock, and discover the wonders of nature? Whether they dream of spotting majestic eagles soaring through the sky or collecting unique insects hiding beneath leaves, nurturing their love for the outdoors is a gift that keeps on giving. But what do you get a child who already has dirt under their fingernails and a thirst for adventure? Fear not, fellow explorer parents! Here are the top 5 gifts that will spark their curiosity, ignite their imagination, and fuel their exploration: 1. The Essential Explorer's Backpack: Opens in a new window www.outdoorgearlab.com child's backpack filled with outdoor exploration tools. Every adventurer needs a trusty companion for their journeys, and this backpack is more than just a bag. It's a mobile command center, a treasure chest of discoveries, and a symbol of inde...

 Bikepacking 101 The permutations available in bikepacking setups are endless. Essentials + comforts + style points  = what will be best for you.  The obvious foundation for a bikepacking setup is the bike itself comprised of the wheels, the components or groupset, and the frame. Within these three are even more options that should work synergistically, and chosen to make your journey as successful as possible. Some ask what the perfect bike for bikepacking would be. In my opinion, the bike that you have is the best option because "it's much easier to ride what you have than to ride what you want."  The gear. From an S24O (sub-24hour-overnighter) to multi-day excursions, you should know what you have, how to use it, and how to live without it if something were to go wrong. Equipment mishaps are rare but can happen, and cooking over a fire might be the only option you have, instead of using your jetboil stove. How to Plan Your First Bikepacking Trip Bikepacking is a...

Yes, you CAN bring baby camping....Here's how! New parents have one job...to keep their little ones safe and happy. Safe from ouchies, burns, scrapes, fevers, itches, bug bites, and hurt feelings. With the right preparation, gear, and of course, some sleep, babies not only enjoy the wonders of the outdoors, they can thrive in an environment with natural colors, sights, sounds, smells, and textures. We adults refer to it as nature therapy. According to mind.org.uk , Nature Therapy, or " Ecotherapy, is  a formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature ". The main purpose being to improve mental health. Slowing down and separating ones' self from the daily grind or the 9-5 has shown to have therapeutic effects on mood and self-esteem.  Checkout my blog on The Importance of Outdoor Education at an Early Age . An obstacle some encounter is that camping in general may be a new concept or experience. Rewind to infancy and we can consid...

How  3F UL GEAR  is challenging the big names in ultralight tents If you are looking for a high-quality, lightweight and affordable tent for your next backpacking adventure, you might want to check out 3F UL GEAR, a Chinese brand that has been making waves in the ultralight community. 3F UL GEAR  has been manufacturing ultralight tents since 2009, and they have a range of models to suit different needs and preferences.   One of their most popular products is the Lanshan 2, a two-person, double-wall tent that weighs only 1120g (2.47 lbs) and costs $174 . That’s a fraction of the price of some of the big-name brands like  MSR  and  Big Agnes , which can charge over $400 for similar tents. So what makes 3F UL GEAR tents so good? Here are some of the features that set them apart They use high-quality materials like 15D or 20D silnylon fabric, which is durable, waterproof and lightweight. They have a clever design that maximizes space and ventilation, while...

  How to Camp in the Heat and Stay Cool Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and have fun with your family and friends. But camping in the heat can also be challenging and uncomfortable if you are not prepared. Here are some tips on how to camp in the heat and stay cool. Choose the Right Equipment Use a tent that is designed for warm-weather camping. Look for a tent with plenty of mesh windows and walls to allow air circulation and ventilation. Avoid dark-colored tents that absorb heat. You can also remove the rain fly or use a tarp or sunshade to create some shade over your tent . Use a mesh cot or an air mattress to sleep off the ground and let the air flow under you. Avoid sleeping bags that are too warm and cozy. Use a light sheet, a fleece liner, or a silk liner instead . Use a tent fan or a battery-operated fan to create some breeze inside your tent. You can also hang a wet towel or cloth in front of the fan to cool the air . Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of wat...