I'm currently all-synthetic, except for my wool socks, which provide the right amount of heat and moisture control as well as cushioning. I've been doing well in both warm and cold conditions by layering synthetics, but based on the info here will consider wool base layers!  ... View more

It is interesting for sure. Summers can be fairly brutal here. Fall and spring are usually great, but we do have severe weather that can hamper our plans. Winter can be really cold, but we do have occasional warm spells that are nice for camping too. And of course, not everyone in OK feels like I do. Some here will only camp in the summer. I think they are nuts though. 🤪 ... View more

@Buzz281 Everyone is different, but I love my On Cloudflyers! Once Merrell stopped making my old shoe, I had to hunt for a new model I liked. I tried Brooks Cascadia 12 (too heavy) and the Asics G2000 (too structured) before finally settling on On Cloudflyers. They're so light and comfortable! I put about 460 miles on my first pair and have put 70 miles on my current pair, including my first full marathon! I will say (I think others have brought this up, too) that they wear down a little faster than my old shoes, but considering they're touting a lightweight shoe I think that is expected. ... View more

I just weighed my CDT big three: just over 6 lbs; Osprey 48L pack at 2.625 lbs, Black Diamond Distance Tent at 1.98 lbs, Western Mountain Versalite Sleeping bag at 2.16 lbs, a mummy silk bag liner at 0.26 lbs and a Thermarest Prolite Apex air pad at 1.39 lbs for a total of 6.325 lbs. These are all well used and very comfortable!  ... View more

yes - day hikes come before any overnight trips.  BTW - Mono Pass (and back) via Rock Creek is a great day trip for a newbie. There is a lake at the top for fresh water. In August you could sleep up there and watch the Perseid meteor shower.  Or simply stay at Tom's Place (an alternative to the not the $$$ Rock Creek Resort).   ... View more

I like to switch it up - If I know I'm running a longer distance, I'll listen to some true crime podcasts that hook me into the story and my run feels less long. Sometimes if I'm running more for speed or interval training, I'll listen to Nike Run Club's playlists on Spotify. Their Speed Run playlist pumps me up every time! ... View more

Thank you and great question! I live in Denton, so I'm slightly north of the metro. My go to places are Lake Ray Roberts (Isle Du Bois Unit), Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and Eisenhower State Park. These aren't exactly DFW areas, but they are probably closer than many people realize. I'm looking forward to, Lord willing, checking out LEELA Nature Preserve in the near future.  ... View more

Therm-a-rest makes some really nice quilts. I have a corus HD and its rated to 40 degrees so its keeps me warm on the chilly summer nights but comfortable on warmer ones too. It weighs 1lb 8oz so a little heavy but worth it!  ... View more

I’m in the same boat as you but I wanted to say way to go! Don’t give up and good luck! ... View more

Awesome!!! The first time I ever climbed was outdoors (multi-pitch), and I've been completely hooked ever since. Finding good outdoor climbing mentors is key, as is taking a few initial courses through a guide service. Learning the basics and practicing until you've got them in your muscle memory will serve you well. (All things recommended to me back then, and I'll forever be grateful for all of the sage advice.)  ... View more

My brief experience with bridge hammocks was similar...it just felt more tippy to me. I like gathered-end hammocks because I can often pull the extra fabric around me like a cocoon...perfect for taking naps in the backyard or the woods. I am a side-sleeper and haven't had too many issues in a gathered-end hammock, but I would like to try bridges again.  ... View more