JenK, that blog has a list of a lot of organizations attempting to remedy the alleged problem which is all well and good. However I see not a word there about why the outdoors isn't a safe and equitable place for all; the descriptions seem to assume a problem without providing evidence. And by the way, I'd suggest you also include Big City Mountaineers, a group that takes inner city youth backpacking etc. I've volunteered with them and they do great work (sadly not last summer with COVID though). Some of the kids they take into the backcountry have never seen stars. ... View more

I'd be careful with dryer lint. If you've been drying synthetics, that lint will contain synthetic material, not good to breathe the smoke. And for cotton, be certain the garment is not treated to be fire resistant before using cotton lint. Cotton balls dipped in vasoline are great for starting fires. And vasoline is cheaper than the lip balm someone else suggested. ... View more

I had the pleasure of living in Windsor Colorado for 3 years, I currently live in CA for work but I miss CO every day, you are so lucky to be there!  I've done that loop around Red Rocks Amphitheater mentioned above and it's mellow as well as beautiful, plus you get the chance to walk around the amphitheater itself during the day, so that's a great option, especially if you are a music lover becuase they have a really cool display on the inside in their visitors center. If you feel like driving, there are some really beautiful and more mellow, i.e. flat to rolling types of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the views are just stunning!!  You could make a weekend out of it and rent a cabin on the Fall River and enjoy your weekend exploring trails in RMNP.  The town is fun to check out too.   Good luck in your trail finding and HAVE FUN!!   ... View more

@isabelmc  You are not alone!  I have been an avid outdoors person - hiking, camping, backpacking - you name - it for over 20 years.  I also have Crohn's disease which during a flare-up can cause some pretty serious medical issues.  I have to be super careful about my diet and about the water I drink because my immune system is already on a hair-trigger.  I've consulted extensively with both my family doctor as well as my specialist about the precautions I need to take before venturing outdoors, and how to take care of myself if a flare-up happens when I'm far away from home.  If you have not already done so, I would request a special appointment with your doctor and let them know ahead of time the reason for the appointment - you want to talk specifically about self-care in a wilderness setting. Mainly I'm sharing because I want you to know that, as I said, you are not alone.  Even REI Employees and other outdoor professionals have challenges that we have to overcome, but at REI we believe the outdoors are for everyone, and that "A life outdoors is a life well lived." Happy trails, and all the best to you! ... View more

LOL! DUH!! The first rule of wild food is, "If you don't know what it is, or how it died, DON'T eat it!" No, I didn't forget, I just thought it was obvious. ... View more

I agree with Dmitry. Unless you confine your skiing to resort areas, emergency supplies are a must. Look up "ten essentials" and adapt to your situation. Things happen, equipment breaks, people get hurt or off trail or otherwise have problems. And as for water, be sure the container is well insulated and, if outside a resort, it is a good idea for someone in the group to carry a stove, fuel, and pan so you can melt ice or snow. ... View more

First, be certain that your boots fit well. Then as others have suggested, try double socks but be certain that does not cut off circulation in your feet. For me, double socks do not help but for others they are great. And as quick as you feel a hot spot on your foot, take off boot and sock and apply Vasoline or something to  the area, or put tape over that area. You should prevent blisters and not need to treat them. ... View more