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Chris Olson

In addition to his role as an outdoor adventure guide, Chris Olson seeks to share his passion for, and experience in, the great outdoors through writing and photography. He has backpacked, hiked, climbed, kayaked, biked, and skied throughout much of the eastern United States, as well as iconic locations such as Zion National Park, Newfoundland, and Puerto Rico.

His passion for fresh air, and beautiful places, reminds us all of the simple joys to be had from spending time outside!

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A lake reflecting nearby forest and mountains

Best Biodegradable Soap for Backpacking & Camping

An adventure into the wilderness can become a messy endeavor. Learn how to keep clean when using soap outdoors while minimizing any environmental impact with our quick guide to the best biodegradable soaps.
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Hidden Lake Lookout Hiking Trail Guide

Forests, alpine meadows, stay in an old Forestry Service firehouse. Sounds awesome, right? Find out what you need to hike the Hidden Lake Trail, WA.
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High Sierra Trail Backpacking Guide

Expansive alpine meadows, famous forests, crystal-clear moraine ponds, granite peaks towering into the sky, and the highest summit within the contiguous United States...all in one hike. Our guide will lay out all you need to know to plan your trip.
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Pemi Loop, New Hampshire – Backpacking Trail Guide

Connecting eight 4,000+ ft. summits throughout the western half of the beautiful Pemigewasset Wilderness, the Pemi Loop is considered one of the most sought-after accomplishments for all hikers in the northeast United States.
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Camping for Beginners: Your Camping 101 Essential Guide

A little bit of know how can be the difference between ok and an awesome trip. Read our guide to camping for beginners to jump start your outdoor adventures
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How Much Water for Hiking? Measurements & Logistics Explained

How much water do you need on a hike? Don’t risk your health and enjoyment while venturing into wild places. Check out our tips for calculating the correct amount of water to take, as well as the best methods for carrying it. Ensuring that you will stay hydrated should be a primary planning concern for every adventure.
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Going in the Woods: How to Dig a Cathole

One of the seven principals of Leave No Trace tackles the issue of human waste, so on a personal level, how do we accomplish this? We'll guide you through the what? the why? the when? and the how? of digging a cathole in the woods.
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The Indispensable Guide to Backpacking for Beginners

As experienced backpackers, it's clear to us the many reasons why hiking and backpacking has exploded in popularity over the last decade. If you are interested in getting started, we take you through everything you need to know in our backpacking for beginners guide.