If your search for a perfect jacket has led you to compare Columbia vs North Face, you’ve come to the right place. Both Columbia and North Face are high-quality American sportswear brands, and they make some of the best jackets on the market.
This is a transcript of a talk I was asked to give at an information session on walking the Camino, presented in September 2016 and sponsored by the Albuquerque, New Mexico Chapter of The American Friends of the Camino.
Long before the discovery of St. James’ relics, there was Cruachan Aille in Ireland. The sacred grounds had been there since 3,000 BC and attracted pilgrims from all over Europe. Pagans frequented the area and so did early Christians when it was popularized by St. Patrick. When Camino de Santiago became famous, the ancient pilgrimage was sadly forgotten in favor of Spain’s. Memories of these medieval footpaths aren’t completely lost, however, and revivalists are attempting to reclaim the pilgrim routes of Ireland.
Bottles, flasks, and travel mugs designed and sold by Polar Camel look quite similar to that of Yeti – the most well-known name in the world of insulated tumblers and mugs. However, the products offered by Polar Camel are typically sold with custom printing options or custom laser engravings, which makes them quite different and unique.
After spending a few cold months cooped up inside, I was dying to get out and explore more of Scotland. I was looking for a trail that’s scenic, well-signposted, and close to home, not too busy, and with plenty of camping options and services. The Fife Coastal Path ticked all the boxes.
Ever since I read an article about the Speyside Way, its beautiful landscape, traditional pubs, and rich culture and history, it had been on my bucket list.
After finally completing the trail in three go’s, I must admit that the author of the aforementioned article was right—the Speyside Way is indeed the perfect way to experience the northeast of Scotland.
I tackled the Annandale Way a few years ago. This is a fairly new long-distance trail that runs along the river Annan. Although it’s only a 55-mile walk, I gained a whole new perspective on my home country during my journey. While exploring the South West on foot, I discovered new places and rediscovered old ones.
St Cuthbert’s Way has shown me that the Camino isn’t the only magical pilgrimage of the sort. I first learned about St Cuthbert’s Way completely by accident. When walking one section of the Northumberland Coast Path, I was told that it links directly to STW.
It’s about time that I let you in on a little secret called the Arran Coastal Way. When I walked the Ayrshire Coastal Path, I …
Running between Glenapp in the South and Skelmorlie in the North, the Ayrshire Coastal Path allows you to explore one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles.
If you are a beginner, the Great Glen Way is one of the best introductions to long-distance walking. It Is also the perfect continuation of the West Highland Way, as it starts in Fort William.
Merrell vs Salomon – Who Makes the Most Comfortable Hiking Shoes? Two of the top brands fight it out in this review. Read which one comes out the best. You must read this before going to buy new hiking shoes.
I first walked the Camino de Santiago in 2004 on the Camino Frances route.
If you want to get away from it all on one of Scotland’s long-distance hiking routes then there’s perhaps nowhere better than the Southern Upland Way in Galloway.
When it comes to hiking in Scotland, its absolute pinnacle is undoubtedly Munro bagging. Although this means leaving the safe low-level trekking trails behind you, a lot of outdoor enthusiasts have Munro Bagging as their favorite pastime.
Here are 9 great quality budget backpacks at less than $100 to suit almost all possible uses.
Offering an uplifting sense of freedom and remoteness, wild camping is unlike anything else. Many outdoor enthusiasts will tell you that there’s no better way to reconnect with nature but by sleeping under the stars.
I asked for book suggestions a few weeks back on the Camino Facebook page and on the weekly newsletter and The Way, My Way by Bill Bennett was suggested in both, so I bought it and read.
For me, there are two types of wild camping. One where I am hiking all day and camp each night on a multiday hike like …
When it comes to coolers, flasks, tumblers, and drinkware, Yeti is widely considered an industry standard. However, in terms of durability, quality, ice retention, and …
The Best Yeti Alternative Coolers & Water Bottles Read More »
Who would say that two reusable bottle brands can stir up such a debate? But, Yeti vs Hydro Flask does exactly that. Both promise to …
I am obsessive about the socks I wear when hiking. These small bits of fabric can make or break a decent hike. In 2004 at …
As a part of our ongoing series of comparing the best backpacking backpacks, we’ve decided to pit Osprey against Deuter and try to figure out …
When it comes to backpacks that are lightweight, spacious, comfortable, and secure, the ones made by Kelty and Osprey are among the best on the …
From affordable synthetic sacks for music festivals to ultralight goose-down sleeping bags for long-distance trails, there are many different models and brands of sleeping bag …
When I go camping for the weekend I want the best 4 person tent for me and my small family. Staying dry is the number one priority, but also keeping out the light is important in the summer.
The Pennine Way is one of the most famous and most beautiful long-distance walks in the UK. But, if you are already done with it, …
When thinking of a long distance hiking holiday, England does not automatically come to mind. However, England and Wales have some of the best long distance hiking routes.
Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Spain’s northwesternmost region called Galicia (as well as of the province of La Coruña), is among the most important …
Depending on the terrain and the weather I like to have a good choice of hiking shoes, walking boots or trail running shoes for my many treks. As I am generally a fair weather hiker I have good experience in buying lightweight hiking shoes that I use all summer long.
Hiking is a wonderful way of exploring the great outdoors, and as I live in a city it refreshes me every weekend when I get out onto a hill and get in a decent long hike.
If I am walking the Camino in summer I use hiking shoes, and I usually take along minimalist sandals to wear in the evenings.
