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The Limits of Solitude

I experienced a first on my last backpacking trip in that it ended up not being a backpacking trip at all. It instead became a day hike with an absurdly excessive pack. I had planned to drive two hours...

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Embracing the Irrational

Be honest, what preoccupies you more when hiking – a fear of bear attacks and snake bites, or a fear of hypothermia and drowning? I know I’m much more fearful of serpent strikes than moving water and a...

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Gear Haiku: Kuhl Renegade Cap

Kuhl Renegade CapRead more »Toward Simple is devoted to hiking, backpacking, camping, and experiencing wilderness unfiltered.

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The People's Climate March - A Politically Impotent Work of Inspiring Art

Yesterday, New York City was host to the largest climate change demonstration in history. Events took the place the world over, but the largest and most public was the march in Manhattan that drew more...

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Integrating and Refining Multiple Passions

I often have trouble negotiating how much energy I want to pour into any one endeavor. When I become interested in something, I can tend to get somewhat obsessed (even going so far as devoting daily...

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Trail Review: Burgess Falls State Park

Location: 4000 Burgess Falls Drive; Sparta., TN 38583Trail Length: Apprx. 2.5 Miles Round Trip (for River Trail, spur to falls, Ridge Trail loop, and return to parking lot)Difficulty: Moderate (with...

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Outdoor Photography Hack - Washer & Cord Tripod Plate Tightener

I'll admit, this hack is not the sexiest, most complicated, or most elegant, but I use it EVERY time I shoot in the backcountry (or anywhere else for that matter.) This "hack" is nothing more than...

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Gear Haiku: Mountain Hardwear Thermostatic Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Thermostatic JacketRead more »Toward Simple is devoted to hiking, backpacking, camping, and experiencing wilderness unfiltered.

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The Benefits of Hiking with Trekking Poles

For the uninitiated, using trekking poles to hike might appear a bit superfluous. After all, they do kind of seem like training wheels for walking. Together with gaiters and those "mudflap" baseball...

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A Quick Guide to Trekking Poles

I'm a big advocate of trekking poles as are most hikers with even modest experience. They just make life easier on the trail. I won't bother to restate that argument, as my last post details the many...

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Finally, Autumn

With October's arrival, we can officially begin to celebrate autumn. I love the fall like no other season. Much more than spring, the traditional season of rebirth, autumn feels like a new beginning....

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Video: Tiny House Inspiration

As I've mentioned in the past, this blog started with the idea of radically downsizing and simplifying my life. At that time, I was hugely inspired by the tiny house movement and I remain fascinated...

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Gear Haiku: Cheap-Ass Rayovac Keychain Flashlight

Cheap-Ass Rayovac Keychain FlashlightRead more »Toward Simple is devoted to hiking, backpacking, camping, and experiencing wilderness unfiltered.

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From The Mailbag: Car Camping for Newbies

I recently had a friend reach out with a question on a subject I realize I hadn't addressed much on this blog. Her email asked for tips directed to those new to car camping, and I'm glad for the...

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Car Camping for Beginners, Part I: Where to Camp

Having really gotten into backpacking over the past couple of years, I tend to forget that simple car camping is not necessarily a self-explanatory endeavor. Because I didn't grow up in a family that...

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Car Camping for Beginners, Part II: Gear & Clothing

In Part I of this quick Car Camping for Beginners series, we discussed where to find a good campground and the differences in types of campsites. Moving on from there, we should discuss some of the...

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Car Camping for Beginners, Part III: Food, Fire, & Fun

This is the last post in a three part series offering some basics in car camping. In Part I we discussed where to find a good campground and the differences in types of campsites. Part IIcovered gear...

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Trail Review: Collins Gulf Loop at Savage Gulf

Skinny FallsTrail: Collins Gulf LoopLocation: Savage Gulf State Recreation Area; Tracy City, TNTrail Length: 13 MilesDifficulty: Moderate with Strenuous stretchesSolitude: Moderate with crowded...

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Trail Review: Perimeter Trail; Bowie Nature Park

Click map for larger image.Trail: Perimeter LoopLocation: Bowie Nature Park; Fairview, TNTrail Length: 4.7 MilesDifficulty: EasySolitude: Moderate weekend crowds, good solitude during weekRead more...

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In Praise of Danger

I am not an adrenaline junkie. Despite surviving a childhood of scrapes, scars, and concussions from helmet-less BMX biking and helmet-abusing football games, I am now a fairly cautious middle age man....

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In Praise Of Winter

This is the time of year when I hear many friends bemoan the onset of winter. With grey skies, wet weather, cold temperatures, and darkness setting in by 4:30 PM in Nashville, I can understand the...

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The Darkest Days of the Year

Winter solstice is but a few days away. These are literally the darkest days of the year considering they offer the fewest hours of sunlight. An undeniable tension exists this time of year between the...

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Trail Review: Hobbs Cabin Loop; Savage Gulf, TN

Trail: Hobbs Cabin Loop (Savage Day Loop, North Plateau, & North Rim Trails)Location: Savage Gulf State Recreation Area; Tracy City, TNTrail/Loop Length: 17.6 Miles (9.4 miles out, 8.2 miles...

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Gear Review: Tinlid Thrive Hat

Tinlid Thrive HatI wear baseball caps on the daily, at least until temperatures drop and my trusty collection of brimmed lids are replaced by skull caps for the winter. There is a reason the baseball...

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Trail Review: Hidden Passage Loop at Pickett State Park

Double Falls at Pickett State Park - click to enlargeTrail Map - click to enlargeTrail: Hidden Passage LoopLocation: Pickett State Park; Jamestown, TNTrail Length: Apprx. 9.5 MilesDifficulty: Moderate...

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