In which we present some of our favorite real food alternatives to “camp food”. I absolutely despise energy bars. While I have been enticed to try, and even slightly enjoyed, small morsels when offered as samples at trade shows, there is literally nothing I find less appetizing while on a long bike ride, hike, or … Read more
This post contains links to purchase products from our store, or our affiliate partners. Please see our full commercial disclosure. A day trip is as simple as adventure gets. With nothing more than a a few outdoor gear essentials, you can get lost in the great wilderness that lurks just outside, wherever you happen to … Read more
If you’re in the market for a new bike, the available choices can be quite bewildering. This is especially true if you’re new to biking, or have not bought a bike in a long time. The new bike categories are proliferating so fast, we’re running out of ideas for what to call them: hybrid, cross, … Read more
A folding bike is my hands down favorite microscope tool. It is the perfect vehicle for quick and sneaky getaways. In fact, a particular folding bike was what inspired my Live Large Pack Small philosophy, and eventually led to the creation of this website. So, without further ado, here’s the scoop: What is a folding … Read more
Bike overnight camping trips have several advantages over epic treks. You can do them virtually on the spur of the moment with little or no planning if you happen to find yourself with a couple of free days. Carrying and preparing food for a trip lasting not much longer than 24 hour is vastly simplified. … Read more
We love tent camping, especially in the Fall!! And we love finding places to camp that are a little off the beaten path and away from crowds. The best known camping areas around Chicago tend to be dominated by busy, RV-accessible parks. As tent camping enthusiasts, each year we set out to explore campgrounds that … Read more
Rather than waiting until your decks clear for a once-in-a-lifetime epic journey, find ways to fit adventure into your life NOW. What IS adventure, really? Think about it. When the topic of adventure comes up, we usually picture rugged terrain, rushing rivers, endless dusty roads, and other forbidding landscapes. A nomad who has found the … Read more
The pressures of our daily lives can make us feel we don’t have a moment to ourselves, let alone time for vacation. I’ve discovered that sometimes the best vacation is a microescape: a quick plunge into the great outdoors, which requires little preparation, or — better yet — is completely spontaneous. Such small adventures —lasting … Read more