About me

Split Rock River Loop SHT summer '13.

I am a young up and coming college student who has a passion for the outdoors, living in the Midwest does prove to be little bit difficult in regards to this. Minnesota being my home state, has always been my favorite place to be and explore. Since I was a young child my parents took me everywhere they went, head waters of the Mississippi, Lake Superior, BWCA, all wonderful places this great state has to offer. Now going to college in South Dakota, I have a Minnesota deficiency. The eastern most side of the state, not more than ten miles from the border, proves to be scarce in topographical features with the exception of Palisade State Park. During the winter months, I am of course dedicated to my college studies with my communications major, so the majority of my outdoor exploring occurs during the summer months. Although this time does allow for me to prepare for summer hiking, especially DIY projects to improve the quality of my gear.

During my younger teenage years, my family and I mainly stuck to car camping, that being driving right up to a campsite and pitching a three season tent. Later in high school, I joined the American Civil Air Patrol which proved to be quite a valuable experience for many reasons. That experience however, is another story, but I will say that I gained many outdoor skills as a result of my involvement. At this same time, I also was introduced to back packing, my new obsession. Since I graduated high school in 2012 I have always had hiking and back packing in the back of my mind. Lately I have been focusing on how to lighten the load of my pack, and being a college student, doing it on a budget. This has been a rather interesting endeavor I have begun, not only because of the lack of finances, but also because of where I am situated.

My girlfriend and I at Glacial Lakes State Park, MN.

Minnesota has one primary hiking trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, the pinnacle of Minnesota's grandeur. It's got the only "mountains" in the state, it rests on the greatest great lake, and it bisects many famous state parks. Being from the southern part of Minnesota, I can't run up there every weekend, so my actual big trips are few and far between, yet that doesn't stop me.
   

The majority of posts on this blog will be focused on my trips, the DIY gear I make, and the testing of that gear. What worked and what didn't work will be the main focus for me, not only as a way to share my findings, but to use for my own personal improvement. I enjoy sharing what I know about the great outdoors, and what I know about gear and equipment I use. It is my hope that I can inspire others to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, and to help those who want to try more DIY gear to do so. I am still learning, and by no means am I an expert in any field, please do not take my advise or testimony as an experts opinion.