@MynameisKay  Hi! I bought my ticket at the Blue Lagoon so I I’m not sure about any other companies. I was there two years ago and I don’t remember the cost but I’m sure it wasn’t cheap. You could find it online if you go to their website I would imagine. I went at night and it was gorgeous. Have fun! ... View more

@Shahriar  To pay at the pump, you have to put in your  PIN number when using your credit card.  ... View more

Just to be clear for people who may be looking for an actual purifier, the Sawyer Squeeze mini (and original) as well as the Katadyn BeFree are not purifiers but rather just filters. They are both great but they will not purify your water. Water filters and water purifiers are not synonymous. The MSR Guardian is an excellent water purifier if you don’t want chemical treatments or will be using cloudy water where a UV filter isn’t trustworthy.  ... View more

I just found a tinted version of Badger that is my new go to. It’s the only zinc based sunscreen that doesn’t leave me all white.  ... View more

@REI-RobD I do agree with @Ben regarding offroad driving skills, tires, locker, and winch although I would recommend getting the 4x4 model. If you’re having to ask if you need 4 wheel drive than I’m guessing you may not have a substantial amount of offroad driving seat time such as those of us who have been rock crawling for decades. It’s a skill just like any other outdoor pursuit that comes with practice and is a lot of fun to practice. In my opinion, if you’re getting the vehicle to go exploring, you don’t want to miss out on going to locations because you’re questioning whether or not you’ll get stuck and you definitely don’t want to take the road and not have the proper equipment for that road. Just like with a winch, most of the time you won’t need 4x4 but when you do...you really need it.  ... View more

@JoeMcMullin  Gaia GPS app. With the premium version you have access to every National Geographic Trails  illustrated map including the national parks. Plus hundreds of other maps. It and CalTopo are arguably the gold standard in mapping apps/software although Gaia GPS is much more user friendly.  CalTopo is better if you want to get super in-depth into making your own maps and things like that but it takes time to learn. Gaia GPS has most anything you could want for maps already available. ... View more

@MattBromley If you’re looking into winter hiking/mountaineering, reading up on everything you just mentioned is a great start but it is no substitute for training from professionals. You can go to AMGA.com or just google IFMGA guides to find qualified guides in your area. There are also many guiding companies who offer different courses as well as certain local clubs. I’d also recommend taking the level 1 and 2 AIARE courses for avalanche/snow safety.  ... View more

@JD The Appalachian Mountain Club is the big one up there.  ... View more

You should research the numerous lightweight cottage manufacturers available nowadays. They will save pounds off your gear  ... View more

@Garmire I’m not female but you should check out the 5400 Porter from Hyperlite Mountain Gear. It’s super strong and would save you 4.5 pounds in pack weight alone.  ... View more

Check out Zpacks and Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) for top notch DCF (formerly cuben fiber) packs. I also really like my Cilo Gear pack.  ... View more