https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/images/logo.png en-us https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/embrace-the-mellow-why-you-should-explore-nature-at-a-slower-pace 68 Fri, 02 Oct 2020 11:36:00 EDT Chris Olson Chris Olson a Vermont-based writer offers perspective on discovering the surprising joy found in life's in-between adventures   Enjoy this 5-min read and maybe you too will start to slow things down from time to time ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/how-to-clean-cams-climbing-gear-care-101 67 Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:25:00 EDT Chris Olson Follow these simple steps to eliminate rust improve trigger pull and ensure that your cams are part of your climbing gear kit for many years ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/best-hikes-in-virginia 66 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 10:32:00 EST Chris Olson Growing up in central Virginia gives you a real sense of the geographic diversity found there Here is a list of my favorite places to hike in Virginia ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/how-i-carry-a-dslr-camera-while-traveling-outside 65 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 10:16:00 EST Chris Olson The struggle for creating a way to comfortably and efficiently tote camera gear into the wild is real Here's the system that I use to carry a DSLR camera on hiking backpacking and even ski trips ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/my-favorite-water-bottles-for-outdoor-adventure 64 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:31:00 EST Chris Olson All water bottles are not created equal While it s true that any old container can carry the thirst-quenching hydration your muscles crave and need during outdoor activity subtle contrasts in style weight and performance can make a big difference Check out my thoughts below based on years of experience chugging water from many different bottles on what I choose to carry on my outdoor explorations   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/new-friends-in-wild-places 61 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:55:00 EST Chris Olson I'm an introvert So how is it that one of my favorite aspects of adventuring outside is meeting new people Follow along as I recount one small example of the power that nature has in bringing us together ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/soak-it-all-in 60 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:52:00 EST Chris Olson Life is great here s why In this post I d like to share a story of how the same mental approach cited in creating great performers can be used to change your life or your perception of it   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/make-it-a-plastic-bag-wallet-kind-of-day 59 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:46:00 EST Chris Olson What does it mean to live a plastic bag wallet kind of day Keep reading for a humorous view and a unique perspective into why your choice of a wallet matters ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/live-where-you-love-and-life-is-a-vacation 58 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:45:00 EST Chris Olson See how living in a tent for a summer next to Acadia National Park changed my understanding of how important the decision of where to call home really is ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/what-is-the-power-of-beauty 57 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:42:00 EST Chris Olson Such a difficult thing to define or put into words at all Yet as I sit here watching the sunset over Sommes Sound I m feeling inspired to write   So here goes nothing   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/step-up-your-backcountry-cooking 56 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:35:00 EST Chris Olson Stop relying on prepackaged freeze-dried meal pouches   Improve the quality of your menu and your experience by adding this simple item to your outdoor adventure gear quiver ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/winter-doesn-t-mean-the-end-to-outdoor-fun 55 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:26:00 EST Chris Olson 10 Fun activities to try outside during winter   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/how-to-secure-your-tent-when-traditional-stakes-won-t-work 54 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:20:00 EST Chris Olson Staking down a tent without soft soil can be a serious challenge Check out these tricks for securing your camping or backpacking tent when standard tent stakes aren't up to the task   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/how-to-navigate-when-you-can-t-see 53 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:13:00 EST Chris Olson Wait what Yes this title sounds counterintuitive but it is a more common scenario in backcountry travel than you might realize Learn some new navigational skills with this post by experienced adventurer Chris Olson ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/should-you-bring-a-tarp-on-your-backpacking-trip-or-just-a-tent-both 52 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:33:00 EST Chris Olson Whether you re venturing into the lightweight game or simply looking to outfit your first trip into the backcountry it s a gear decision you ve likely discussed: do I need a tarp Keep reading for examples of when  having a tarp is clutch  and why sometimes it's just not necessary   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/what-is-a-panic-time-and-why-you-should-always-have-one 51 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:26:00 EST Chris Olson Do you ever spend time adventuring in places away from other people Then continue reading One day your life may depend on what you learn below ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/gear-rich-cash-poor-how-to-justify-your-obsession-with-outdoor-gear 50 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 09:54:00 EST Chris Olson Gear envy amongst outdoor recreation lovers is real Keep reading for a slew of reasons on why maybe you don't need to feel so guilty about that outdoor gear purchase you've been lusting over   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/trail-runners-hiking-shoes-or-boots 48 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 09:43:00 EST Chris Olson Footwear selection for outdoor adventure while important is often overlooked   Before you throw on whatever pair is closest to the door and head outside check out our advice and comparisons based on experience of the different styles available   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-all-your-outdoor-adventures 47 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 16:18:00 EST Chris Olson It s the simple question you have answered we hope every day of your life since you were old enough to do the choosing yourself: what am I going to wear today The answer to that question is anything but simple however when considering a day outside Check out our tips below for selecting the best clothing for outdoor recreation ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/5-reasons-to-get-outside-and-be-active-now 46 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 16:10:00 EST Chris Olson Check out these five reasons for why outdoor recreation can be so valuable to your physical and mental health ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/thank-you-climbing 62 Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:02:00 EST Chris Olson A peek at the  calendar  reveals that  another November has come and almost gone   thus signifying another important milestone in my life my climberversary Exactly four years ago this month marked the beginning of my journey into the amazing sport of rock climbing and I couldn t be more thankful for everything it has given me   ]]> https://www.chrisolsonoutside.com/blog/please-stop-leaving-trash-in-beautiful-places 49 Fri, 14 Nov 2014 09:49:00 EST Chris Olson In this week s post we are going to address one of our all time biggest pet peeves: litter on the trail Discover exactly why  finding discarded trash amongst beautiful scenery drives us absolutely crazy   ]]>