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mountains in the fog

Stories

Adventuring in the Great Smoky Mountains

The outdoors are chock-full of breathtaking scenes, many completely unplanned. The sun breaking through the fog of morning. The perfect mirror reflection in an alpine lake. A pair of birds gliding together through a cloudless blue sky. However, some of…

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sleeping under a tree

Tips

Minuteman Adventures

You want to respond “yes”, but you can’t bring yourself to press send. You haven’t really been training and there’s grocery shopping to do and errands to be run. Plus, that new movie comes out tomorrow. Finally, you bite the…

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Tips

Stepping Into Something New

Venturing into unknown territory is always a scary prospect. Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new city, or learning a technical outdoor pursuit, the new and unknown is intimidating. The new can challenge us both physically and…

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Tips

Mike Libecki’s Advice for Adventure

I’ve been on more than 65 expeditions and over 20 of them have been solo missions. I’ve learned that when I’m climbing and adventuring many days and miles in the backcountry where a rescue may not be an option, preparation…

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Tips

Gear Lessons From Everest

Every adventure has lessons to teach. Like that one backpacking trip that taught you to always check out the scenic overlook, even if it means a mile detour. Maybe that one rafting trip that taught you to always pack a…

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Tips

On Top Of The World

What happens when you end up on a three-week trip to attempt the highest peak in the Western hemisphere with four strangers? You quickly learn how to have fun while staying safe with your new team. After all, what other…

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Advocacy

Camping For A Change

Think back to your first trip outside. The experience is nothing short of radical. The fresh air. The views. Learning to pitch a tent or build a fire. Digging your first cathole. Now reflect on how that trip changed you…

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Stories

Adventure Travel Makes You Better

Life is full of settings and circumstances that are full of valuable lessons. However, there are few experiences more ripe with lessons than adventure travel. Every moment of everyday has something to teach you. In this edition of Therm-a-Rest Explore,…

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Stories

Generations: Climbing with my dad

Over the years, our parents have helped shape and mold us into the people we are today. It’s also likely that they embarrassed and pushed us a fair bit along the way. Many of us spent a significant part of…

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Tips

Planning Your First Sea Kayaking Adventure

Earlier this Spring, five friends and I went on a sea kayaking adventure in the San Juan Islands of Washington. We were all excited, but only a few of us had actually sea kayaked before. Luckily one of our team…

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Stories

New Adventures In Familiar Places

You park the car in the same spot as last time, knowing that the large tree will shade your car from the afternoon sun. You pass the signs at the trailhead and make your way into the familiar, wooded hills….

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