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Hey Flatlanders, it’s another beautiful day here in the Midwest, and the heat of summer is passing, giving way to my favorite time of the year. Fall is my favorite. With the cooler weather and nightly temps dropping once more into the 60s and below, the potential for fun is there. This is the time I begin altering my day bag for quick adventures outside. Here is a helpful list if you are trying to make that fall bag for your next adventure. This particular rig is best for bushcraft, but much of it is applicable to any day bag.

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Backpacking 101

Welcome to your crash course in backpacking – the guide to get you started on your journey into the great outdoors. Whether you’re an urbanite looking for a refreshing escape, a novice dipping your toes into the wilderness, or a seasoned hiker seeking to hone your skills, this post is for you.

I’ve been backpacking with newbies and seasoned backpackers for years, from trips involving a large group to just two-man trail runs. There are certain things you begin to understand and “know” after you’ve been on multiple backpacking trips, things that are hard to learn unless you are “in the thick of it.”

I’m going to try an impart some of those tips and help others who might be moving

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Probably one of the greatest hidden treasures is without a doubt, the Lake Superiors North Shore, also simply known as the North Shore. It’s funny, I’ve traveled hither and thither doing adventures all around the States, up and down mountains from Colorado, to Utah, to Wyoming, always looking for those untouched places, far from the busy hustle and bustle of traffic and people.

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If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you are either a seasoned backpacker or an aspiring one eager to take on the vast, beautiful expanse of nature that the world has to offer. As thrilling and liberating as backpacking can be, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It demands you to be resilient, resourceful and prepared. But don’t worry – whether you’re gearing up for your first adventure or you’re a veteran looking to brush up on some essential skills, we’ve got you covered.

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As the seasons’ change and winter brings its cold and howling winds and snow down upon us, it’s time to switch gears, pun intended, and swap out our day packs for a more winter focus.

Today, another Average Flatlander shows us what gear items he keeps in his winter day pack to make sure every trip to the woods is a success.

 

Want to do something difficult, something most people will do? I have one for you. Combine a few of the most difficult things you can do as an adventurous outdoors person. Fastpacking (ultralight), camping, the cold dark woods of the North along Lake Superior, and running.

This will test the metal of any person. Wolves howling at night, running in the dark. Doing 20+ miles in a single day.


This is what the Average Flatlander’s decided to do. Arriving late a night, we ran miles into the dark to our first camp spot, which I missed and had to backtrack.

Eventually, we settled into the night with a fire and the sound of wolves howling all around. The next day we ran and fastpacked 22 miles, a brutal and hard overland hike that left us exhausted. Endless forests and trees, a lack of clean water, and 14lb backpacks made for an interesting trip. Enjoy!