Features of the Boundary 100

This is a 10-foot inflatable one person fishing raft built for portability, durability, and all-day comfort on the water. The Boundary 100 weighs just 50 lbs fully rigged. It’s light enough for solo transport. Yet rugged enough for rocky launches and shallow rivers.

The rigid aluminum slot rail frame keeps the boat rock-solid while offering infinite adjustability for your rowing position, seating, and the accessories. NRS included YakAttack/NRS track pack, breathable mesh seat with EVA padding, adjustable oar mounts, foot brace, and stripping apron. These features make it easy to fine-tune your setup for long days of casting and rowing.

The Boundary 100 is constructed from heavy-duty PVC and comes with reinforced wear points. This single person fishing raft is ready for demanding environments without sacrificing performance.

Quick Specs

• Length: 10 ft
• Weight: 50 lbs (fully rigged)
• Capacity: 475 lbs
• Frame: Rigid aluminum slot rail, infinitely adjustable
• Material: Heavy-duty PVC with reinforced wear points
• Included Gear: Track pack, oar mounts, mesh seat, foot brace, stripping apron

Boundary 100 Performance

This fishing raft moves quickly thanks to its longer waterline and rigid frame. The frame transfers every bit of rowing power directly into forward motion. The Boundary 100 is highly maneuverable. It is capable of spinning on a dime with a single oar stroke. This personal raft can also be controlled using kick fins for hands-free fishing. The stability of this fishing raft is rock-solid, whether you’re seated or standing briefly to get in and out at the dock.

The 475-pound capacity means you can easily carry rods, tackle, coolers, and even enough gear for multi-day backcountry trips. The open floor drains quickly. The stern of the Boundary 100 offers ample storage space for crates, dry bags, or a net holder.

Comfort and Fishability

For solo anglers, comfort matters—especially in a one person fishing raft. The Boundary’s adjustable frame and foot brace let you fine-tune the seating position based on your height, weight distribution, and gear load. The mesh seat back offers breathability, while the EVA seat padding works well for a few hours—though long trips may benefit from an extra cushion.

In terms of fishability, this single person fishing raft is well thought out. The stripping apron makes managing fly line a breeze, while the track system allows for custom rod holder placement. The clean bow area stays uncluttered for casting, and the stern functions much like a kayak’s tankwell for easy gear access.

Is the Boundary 100 the Right Fishing Raft for You?

If you want a fishing platform that’s light enough to transport in a small car, stable enough for rivers and lakes, and customizable for your fishing style, the NRS Boundary 100 checks all the boxes. It excels for anglers targeting moving water, small creeks, and remote lakes—offering the freedom to explore and fish where larger boats can’t go.

For solo adventures, the one person fishing raft category doesn’t get much better than this combination of speed, maneuverability, comfort, and durability.

Planning a long or multi-day fishing trip with your crew? Here is a review of another one person fishing raft, the Oxbow 85. Check out my review of the two person fishing raft the NRS Approach 120. Check out my review of the three person fishing raft the NRS Approach 138.

Visit the NRS website to purchase the NRS Boundary 100.

The post NRS Boundary 100 Review | Best Single Person Fishing Raft? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Inflatable, But Built for Battle

Don’t let the word “inflatable” fool you— the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP is rugged. Built from 1100 Decitex reinforced drop-stitch material, this board inflates to 15 PSI for an incredibly rigid feel underfoot.

It carries up to 450lbs, it can easily handle your weight plus a full fishing load out—tackle boxes, battery, electric motor, and even a furry fishing companion.

Setup & Portability: Trunk to Water in Under 15 Minutes

One of the standout features of the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP is just how easy it is to transport and rig. It rolls up into a large duffle bag that fits easily in the trunk of your car. I had mine inflated and water-ready in under 10 minutes using the included hand pump (an electric pump makes this even faster).

Optional accessories like the swivel seat and electric motor mount bolt on quickly using pre-installed D-rings.

Fishing Features That Actually Matter

• 360° swivel seat with high-back support: Sit and fish all day without back pain.
• Built-in fish ruler on the deck: Quickly measure your catch without digging through your gear.
• Integrated Accessory Bases: Mount rod holders, sonar, or action cameras without drilling or mods.
• Removable motor mount: Add an electric motor (up to 55 lbs thrust) to turn it into a stealthy, hands-free fishing machine.

The deck is covered in EVA foam, which is both non-slip and easy on the feet. Plus, the shape of the board—wider in the back and tapered toward the front—offers both stability and glide. I was able to stand and sight-fish in chop without ever feeling tippy.

Performance on the Water

Paddling performance is surprisingly good for such a stable platform. Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP tracks well and glides efficiently whether you're standing with a SUP paddle or sitting and paddling kayak-style. The triple fin setup helps with tracking, and I found the board easy to maneuver even in tighter coves and weedy shallows.

With the Torqeedo Travel motor mounted, I hit speeds over 5mph in open water. This is plenty fast for moving between structure or drifting along a shoreline. Even loaded down with gear, the FS1210 felt nimble and responsive.

Is the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP Worth It?

The FS1210 FishSUP might seem pricey at first, but it replaces a boat, kayak, and SUP. There is no trailer, storage fees, or fuel needed. The base price for the FS1210 starts at $999, with costs varying based on the package you choose.

It packs small, sets up fast, and reaches spots even tiny jon boats can’t. For solo anglers or those short on space, it’s a true game-changer in versatility and fishability.

Is This The Right Boat for You?

Whether you're casting topwater frogs into lily pads or drifting live bait along a shoreline, the Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP gives you stealth, stability, and freedom. It's a premium fishing platform that folds up and fits in your trunk—but performs like a purpose-built fishing craft on the water.

For anglers who want to go farther, fish harder, and skip the boat ramp line, the FS1210 is a great choice. Check out the review of the Sea Eagle 437PS Paddleski.

The post Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

PADDLING PRODUCTS: Top Kayaks of 2023

The Year of the Inflatable Kayak

This year we saw a massive interest growth in inflatable kayaks! We noticed that outdoors enthusiasts are restricted by both storage space and carrying capacity and there is a movement towards portable kayaks. This was reflected in our viewership this past year.

Decathlon Strenfit x500 Inflatable Kayak

Made for intermediate kayakers going on day-long excursions on calm rivers, lakes, or seas. This fun kayak also fits in the trunk of your car. The Strenfit inflatable kayak stows easily in a backpack. Its innovative design makes it powerful and lightweight—ideal for long-distance trips all year round.

Buy Now

NRS Kuda Inflatable Fishing Kayak

The NRS Kuda Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayaks make fishing remote waters easy. The Kuda 106 is the lightest, most maneuverable iSOT in the NRS Fishing line, while the Kuda 126 offers a little more room for gear without sacrificing function.

Buy Now

NRS Pike Inflatable Fishing Kayak

The NRS Pike Inflatable Fishing Kayak is rigged and ready to Catch the Adventure in remote waters. With unique design elements for enhanced on-the-water performance, the Pike also features limitless rigging options to fit your fishing style.

Buy Now

Aqua Marina Tomahawk Inflatable Kayak

The TOMAHAWK series has been refreshed with a new marine-style colour way. Its modern design and stunning finishes are sure to command attention on any waters. More than just a pretty exterior, the TOMAHAWK AIR-K has a need for speed. For the bold adventurers at heart, the AIR-K is your perfect companion to go further and faster than ever before.

Buy Now

Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Inflatable Kayak

The advancedframe expedition Elite is the natural Evolution of inflatable kayaks. A hybrid of a folding frame kayak and an inflatable kayak, the expedition incorporates our proven aluminum rib-frame technology in the bow and stern, and drop-stitch technology in the floor, to provide paddling performance that rivals that of a hard-shell kayak. Working together to deliver optimal paddling performance, the aluminum ribs form a shape that cuts through the water while the drop-stitch floor provides unparalleled rigidity in an inflatable and creates hull chine.

Buy Now

Sea Eagle 380x Inflatable Kayak

Tackle your adventures in this rugged solo or tandem tough as nails inflatable kayak! The 380x is made to be ridden by one or two persons. Now you can do what others only dream of with our most versatile inflatable kayak series ever!  Rugged design to tackle whitewater, open-water, and now down-wind sailing! Large enough for two but small enough for one! The 380x does it all!

Buy Now

Other Strong Kayak Contenders

2023 saw fewer new kayaks in most sectors as manufacturers spent 2023 in development to gear up for a big 2024 new release year. What we did see in kayak popularity did include, however some old favorites with some new products scattered in there. Here are the top viewed reviews outside of the inflatable class:

Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak

Built on a tunnel hull, this 3.25 m (10’8") fishing kayak is stable and offers great manoeuvrability. Its wide, flat deck platform provides a large standing area and room for your fishing gear. This sit-on-top kayak includes anti-slip deck pads, an Ergoboost seating system and a storage platform with bungee cords to secure your gear.

Buy Now

Perception Showdown Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak

Propel your fishing to the next level with the highly requested, pedal-powered evolution of the Outlaw — the Showdown 11.5 pedal kayak. Developed to excel on lakes, rivers, and quiet coasts, the modernized Showdown pedal drive kayak boasts a host of impressive premium features. An elevated framed mesh seat provides a greater line of sight and promotes airflow to keep you cool and comfortable no matter how long you’re on the water.

Buy Now

Pakayak Bluefin 142 Portable Touring Kayak

Bluefin 142 is our second generation premium packable kayak. This innovative hard-shell kayak packs down to just 42 inches in the included rolling bag. Our patented clamping system joins each section together with a durable water-tight seal in under 5 minutes.

Buy Now

Pyranha Ripper 2 Whitewater Kayak

Others have tried, but ultimately, only we could improve on the original Ripper... The design improvements we've introduced in Ripper 2 take the fun to the next level and open up even more opportunities for it; surf more waves, drop the tail with less effort and in more locations, and get even more recklessly vertical. Whether you were a fan of the original or not, you haven't truly experienced half slice until you've tried this.

Buy Now

Paddling Gear of 2023

Our top clicked pieces of paddling gear this year were the NRS Axiom dry suit and the new BlackPak Pro from Yakattack for kayak anglers. Check out our top paddling gear for 2023:

NRS Axiom Goretex Pro Dry Suit

Featuring waterproof and breathable construction, the NRS Men’s Axiom GORE-TEX Pro Dry Suit is an optimal choice for kayakers, paddlers, and other water sporting enthusiasts. The drysuit helps stay warm and dry at all times, providing comfort and durability.

Buy Now

Yakattack BlackPak Pro

The original hard-sided kayak crate just got better. A lot better. Introducing the completely redesigned BlackPak Pro.   The result of intense collaboration and more than a year of R&D and design, the BlackPak Pro is fully riggable and boasts a hinged lid, 25% weight reduction, and best-in-class functionality. Enhancements include many things you might have expected, as well as some true-to-the-brand features that no one saw coming.

Buy Now

NRS Boundry Boot

Purpose-built for mucky put-ins and soggy portages, the NRS Boundary Boots deliver knee-high waterproofness with a super grippy, rugged sole to handle the harsh terrain favored by adventure canoeists and anglers.

Buy Now

Bending Branches Angler Series

The Bending Branches Angler paddle series has something for all kayak fishing needs, for all budgets.  Paddles include Bending Branches Angler Classic, Bending Branches Angler Ace, Bending Branches Angler Pro, Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon

See whole series

The post Top Paddling Gear of 2023; a Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Hazeadventure.

As parents, we don’t get a break. And there never really will be a break. So, how can we choose to do the hard things while trying to give ourselves a little time off at the same time? Well, here are my top tips for dealing with the mental load. So, hopefully, you can navigate parenthood without running yourself to the ground. 

Schedule and Encourage Alone Time

My first tip is to schedule and encourage alone time for both you and your partner. Personally, my husband and I make sure that each of us gets time to disconnect during the day. We homeschool our kids, and we’re together all day, every day. So it’s really important to us that we each get time away.

Every single day, my husband encourages me to go out for a walk. And the reason is that during that time, I get to break free. On my walk, I am no longer taking full care of the children. And there is nothing that I need to be doing. That time is all about me and my own mental health. So, being able to go out and just be alone really brings down the mental load. 

If you’re not scheduling time for the mental health of the parents, you’re going to feel overwhelmed 24/7. I know that if I don’t schedule my time on a daily basis, I burn out very quickly. And then I have a hard time saying yes to adventure because I've worn myself so thin. 

Remember that you don’t just have to ask your significant other for help. You can ask friends, family members, or people that you think would be a good influence on your children. For us, as we travel a lot, it’s encouraged me to find a few close friends that my kids absolutely love.

I know I can ask these friends to take my kids to give my husband and me some alone time, helping the mental health of the parents. And I know that my kids are in good hands, they love the people that they’re with, and these people will be great influences on them. 

Think About What Makes You Happy

My next tip is to think about what makes you happy. If you’re always doing things for another benefit, for example, if you’re only ever running or walking for the physical benefit and it’s not really filling up your cup, then you need to take a minute and think about what does fill up your cup. 

Doing things that fill up your cup will make the mental load and everything else you’re trying to tackle feel a lot lighter because your cup is now at a point where you can give from it.

Over the years, I’ve learned that I need to make sure that I’m filling up my own cup first, as I can’t fill everyone up everyone else’s if mine isn’t already full. 

Know That It’s Okay to be Overwhelmed

And my third and final tip for good mental health for parents, is to know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s really easy to try to think about everything and hold everything at a level or a standard that’s very challenging. So, just recognizing this and recognizing that it’s okay that you’re struggling with it is really powerful.

Often, people don’t talk about their struggles. So you’re left thinking, how does everyone balance all of these things with their kids or their adventures? And I’m guilty of that, too. People often look at me and think she goes kayaking, she has a TV show, she does all these things; how is she not just burnt out every single evening?

Being able to vocalize how you’re feeling and communicate about it will let people know that you need help. If you don’t talk about your struggles, people won’t know that you’re struggling. And I’ve found that it’s very rare that help just comes to me. 

Start by telling yourself that you need help and highlight the specific things you need help with. Then, when you know what you’re struggling with, you can start to seek the help you need.

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, Great Family Adventure, and keep an eye out for more awesome videos we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

The post Mental Health for Active Parents appeared first on Hazeadventure.

“Sapporo… is far easier to navigate.”

“Sapporo has a very different vibe to Japanese mega-cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Because it's a lot younger – a mere 150 years old – it's built on a North American-style grid, so is far easier to navigate.”

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

Sapporo: Exploration

“… the Alaska of Japan”

“Hokkaido – sometimes referred to as the Alaska of Japan – is an adventure sports paradise,
and Sapporo is a phenomenal base from which to explore the island's best outdoor experiences,
with lush forests and some of Japan's finest national parks right on its doorstep..”

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

Sapporo: History

“The oldest building in Sapporo”

“The oldest building in Sapporo is its beloved clock tower, which has been faultlessly accurate for 150 years.
Locals still set their watches by it as they walk past every morning.” 

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

Sapporo: Cuisine

“… home of the ultimate comfort food”

“Sapporo is revered as the spiritual home of the ultimate comfort food, miso ramen.
And the best place to enjoy a cheap, delicious bowl of the good stuff today is the
downtown alleyway where it was invented: Ganso Ramen Yokocho, or ‘Ramen Alley'.”

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

The post Journal: Sapporo Japan appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Family camping can become really overwhelming because your routine and everything you’re doing is completely different. So, when I take my family on camping trips, I like to take a few things with us to help us feel comfortable and at ease with the transition. 

Today, I’m going to share with you three of my favorite personal touches to bring on a camping trip that helps both me and my kids feel comfortable in the great outdoors. 

Pack Extra Socks and Underwear

Something I always pack when we go camping is extra clean socks and underwear. It’s funny how when you feel grimy and gritty from camping for five days, a clean pair of socks and underwear can make all the difference. 

If you’re planning on going camping for even just a day or two, then I highly recommend bringing socks and underwear because you’re going to get dirty and you’re going to get gritty.

For me, I know that when I climb into the sleeping bag, and I'm putting on a clean pair of socks, it feels great. So clean socks and underwear are definitely high on my priority list. 

Bring Something Personal 

Another thing that I think is crucial to help make camping comfortable for kids, especially, is to bring a personal touch on your camping trips. For example, that could be a toy that your little ones are used to playing with or holding. 

My daughter loves to bring one of her Barbies. So, if she’s having a meltdown or if she’s tired, there is something she can engage with that is normal and part of her everyday routine. 

Think about something your kids will latch onto and take it along with you. Often, I pack them, and they don’t even look at them. But it’s nice to know that if there are meltdowns, there is something to distract them and comfort them. 

Don’t Skimp On Your Morning Tea or Coffee

Camping comfort must haves number three for me is continuing to make my tea or coffee the same way I usually do. Don’t skimp out! 

I’ve tried the whole cowboy coffee method, and I didn’t appreciate it or even really like it. So, for me, when I wake up, and I’m kicking off my day, I find it's nice to sit down with my husband and actually enjoy the coffee we’re drinking. 

I personally like to add a splash of maple syrup and oat milk to my Earl Grey tea. So, no matter where I’m camping and no matter how long for, I try to bring lots of packets of maple syrup and a carton of oat milk so I can enjoy my tea just the way I like it. 

Family Camping Must Haves

So, those are my three things for adding personal touches to your camping trip. These three things—clean socks and underwear, a toy for the kids, and your usual morning tea or coffee—can make all the difference and really do shift the whole trip around. 

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, Great Family Adventure, and keep an eye out for more awesome videos we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

The post Family Camping and Camping Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The road trip that started the van life

Fourteen months ago, Kristi and I were on a long road trip. We took several weeks to drive to Michigan and back. Along the way, we’d stop to camp, hike, explore, and enjoy the wild and empty spaces in the midst of a pandemic. We drove Kristi’s beloved truck, which could haul all sorts of camp equipment and navigate rough roads with ease. We were having a blast. But the task of setting up and tearing down camp every day grew tiresome.

So as we traveled, played, and dreamed together, we decided to build a van and live that #vanlife. We had built a greenhouse together. How much harder could a van really be?

Budgeting for the cargo van renovations

We started saving our pennies. We’d need quite a few of them to turn a cargo van into a home. A few months after that, Kristi was hired for a massive project to paint murals and other creative projects for The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. It was an amazing opportunity. And Kristi, being the entrepreneur that she is, made enough pennies to get our project off the ground.

Construction in the cargo van to make it livable

Like anyone who has decided to tackle a home renovation or a construction project knows, it inevitably takes longer, and costs more, and is harder than you think. Kristi and I bought the van, a 2021 Ram Promaster cargo van, at the end of November. It was two days after Thanksgiving and, oddly enough, also two days after I had emergency surgery to remove kidney stones. Needless to say, that day will remain lodged in my memory like a calcified ball of shrapnel.

Our initial progress was slow. We were not alone in building a van. We were held back by lengthy delays in materials and skyrocketing lumber costs. But slowly and methodically, we began to see things take shape.

Insulation, floors, vents, windows went into the van with a mixture of excitement and fear. It’s a pretty scary task cutting large holes into a brand new vehicle. Then studs, and wiring, and walls went in and the van really began to take shape and have the semblance of being a home, rather than a cargo van.

Electrical systems in van homes

By far the most difficult task was designing and building the electrical system. I spent two months diving through YouTube wormholes of videos about off-grid electrical systems. Most videos were worthless or just plain wrong. But luckily I learned enough to eventually build the electrical system. With great anxiety, I flipped on the first light switch. The amount of relief that it actually worked was staggering.

Once we had a working electrical infrastructure, we could install our walls, water tank and plumbing, build countertops, drawers, and cabinets. After six months of work, things really began to look like a home.

It was a bit of a disappointment to not finish before hitting the road. We still had some exposed insulation and wires, and some unfinished elements. But it would provide us with the opportunity to travel, to see what was working and what we liked, and what we’d want to change before everything was completely buttoned up.

Lessons learned while living in the van

The day of our trip to South Dakota arrived. We packed up the van, stocked our fridge, filled our water tanks, and got ready to drive off. But within minutes of driving out of the driveway, we noticed that our water pump was not working. I frantically tried to troubleshoot the system. It had been working and we had flushed our tank several times before this day. After much cursing and frantic Googling, I discovered an air bubble in water line that was causing the problem. The fix was relatively easy, although not without a large amount of water that needed to be sopped up from the floor.

Sunsets and bliss

Despite the painful learning curve, we have thoroughly enjoyed living in a van. But two months of van life does not make us experts though. There will be many other rookie moments I’m sure.

That being said, Kristi and I are thrilled with the prospects of more travel, more time spent in nature, and being intentional with each day we get to wake up to our sixty square feet of heaven.

The post Van Life: The most ambitious thing I’ve ever done. appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Not all roadtrips are created equal. For example, let’s spin that globe and take a gander down south. At the bottom of South America lies a wind-scoured land of violent geology. It’s known as the end of the world. And it sure feels like it.

Patagonia, an area of land that spans the bottom third of both Chile and Argentina, is legendary. Not only is one the most popular outdoor clothing brands named after it, it’s a pretty cool place on its own. Feared by ancient explorers, sailing routes around Cape Horn were treacherous. Vicious winds around the cape could take down a ship faster than the Kraken. Fast forward a few hundred years, and it still holds that sense of awe and fear in the minds of explorers.

The Carretera Austral, Spanish for the Southern Road, winds through mountains, along coasts, skirting ice fields and glaciers, and transports travelers along a magical land. Back in 2015, I rented a truck in Puerto Varas, Chile to drive the entirety of the Carretera Austral and set out on an adventure I’d never forget.

For those keen on adventure, here’s how to do it.

The Carretera Austral begins in Puerto Mont, a relatively bustling town at the northern edge of Patagonia. Many people use this city as their jump off point as it is easiest to facilitate a vehicle rental or purchase. I rented a vehicle. And while it was convenient, it was absolutely more expensive that way. For those with flexible schedules, buying a vehicle en situ, using it for as long as one desires, and then selling it upon completion, is the much more financially sound decision.

My adventure spanned five weeks. That’s a long time to rent a vehicle and it cost me several thousand dollars. However, it is still to this day one of my best adventures I’ve ever done. I do not miss that money. Buying and selling a vehicle will take some time and is best suited to long term travelers.

This roadtrip has only been made possible in the last twenty years or so. Amazingly the final stretches of the road were only completed in 2000. The land is so incredible, simply building a road here took a herculean effort. And in some places, its still impossible to build a road. Ferries come in to play. There are multiple major ferry crossings along the route where the practicalities of roadbuilding do not match the terrain.

South from Puerto Mont, there’s a short stretch of driving before the first ferry just south of Parque Nacional Alerce Andino. But I may suggest already diverting north to Puerto Varas (where I began) and driving along the shores of Lake Langihue and through La Reserva Nacional Langihue, home of Volcan Cabulco, the volcano that erupted in incredible fashion a few years ago. Following this route will take travelers along a fjord (the same one the ferry crosses if staying on the traditional route). A notable place of interest Valle Cochomo, a beautiful land of granite domes and cliffs that truly resemble Yosemite National Park. For climbers especially, this place must be seen.

A little south of Cochomo, the road rejoins Route 7 and you’re officially back on the Carretera Austral. It’s important for travelers of the Southern Road to be flexible. There are so many fantastic sights along the way, it is wise to have ample time to stop and explore.

For the next few hundred miles, this region within Patagonia remains fairly temperate and can be quite rainy. Bring a rain jacket and be prepared for some major downpours. During my two and a half months in Patagonia, more than one major storm hit that drove me inside for several days at a time. Some were so fierce I thought the building would blow over. Luckily Patagonian architects have anticipated the windy conditions. The buildings remained.

There are so many wonderful places along the roadway, it would be impossible to list them all. This article would never end. But for practical purposes, I’ll list a few more.

Cerro Castillo is one of the more dramatic mountains in an area full of dramatic mountains. As I rounded a bend and first witnessed this mountain, I immediately pulled over to gawk. I then drove around until I found somewhere to stay. Luckily, I stumbled upon a farmhouse that advertised a spare bed. When I drove up, a kind woman in her sixties walked out with a plate of cookies to greet me.

Cerro Castillo, the essence of drama.

A few hours south Route 7 follows the shores of Lago General Carrera, a very large and beautiful lake. From Puerto Rio Tranquilo, a lovely small village, one can explore La Catedral de Marmol, or the Marble Cathedral. The lake has scoured the marble shoreline into very dramatic and beautiful natural sculptures.

The Carretera Austral approaching Lago General Carrera

Continuing south you’ll saddle alongside Rio Baker, a stunning blue green river that pumps through a gorge which delights kayakers. Soon you’ll come upon a junction with Route X-83, a dirt road that leads you through Parque Nacional Patagonia. This national park was created in part by Doug and Kris Tompkins, whose little business The North Face has achieved modest success. They bought the land to conserve it, and donated it back to Chile to manage as an undeveloped wildlife corridor.

X-83 is important for another reason. It’s a long dirt road that will take you up and over the pass and into Argentina and eventually connecting you with Route 40, Argentina’s famous road south through Patagonia. This road is the southernmost reliable option for crossing into Argentina by land. During the summer months, it’s possible to ferry from Villa O’Higgins across Lago San Martin to Argentina, near the famous El Chalten.

However, in the winter months, this ferry is closed. Travelers who wish to continue south must take X-83 across a very lonesome border crossing and continue on Route 40.

The views from Villa O’Higgins

But don’t miss Villa O’Higgins! It is absolutely worth seeing Route 7 to it’s end at Villa O’Higgins and seeing this most dramatic stretch of Chile.

While the Carretera Austral technically ends in Villa O’Higgins, you are extremely close to one of the most incredible zones on the planet. So let’s extend the adventure just a little further south.

By crossing into Argentina, either using the ferry from Villa O’Higgins or X-83 overland, make your way to El Chalten, home of Fitz Roy and Los Glacieres National Park. Climbers have long come here, drawn by the incredible pointed peaks. But it’s home to wonderful backcountry hiking and camping as well.

Torres Del Paine is the crown jewel of Andes.

Continuing south, cross back into Chile near Puerto Natales and head north to see my favorite place in all of South America, Torres del Paine National Park. This place alone is staggering, and is worth being at the top of anyone’s bucket list. Be sure to hike the “W” circuit, a multi-day trail that is an absolute marvel.

A few notes:

I drove this route in 2015. I am sure there has been some infrastructure development since then. But drivers should be prepared for lonely roads with minimal traffic connecting these small towns all the way down. There are sufficient towns with gas stations, markets, and lodging options. However, being able to camp along the way will really allow you to enjoy the route. There are plenty of camping opportunities in this wild part of the world.

The hardest part was having the right paperwork for crossing the border into Argentina with a rental car. Be sure to get that taken care of in Puerto Mont before departing.

Enjoy the wild ride.

The post The Carretera Austral: The World’s Most Badass Roadtrip appeared first on Hazeadventure.

It can kill you because it’s either too hot or too cold. It can kill you because it’s too dry, or because there’s too much water and it’s flooding. The plants are either dangerously pokey or full of poison. Same goes for the animals. And yet, it is a land that is full of magic and wonder.

The desert is my favorite landscape.

I find the canyons, the slickrock, the towers, the vast expanses of sand and sage, to be some of the most starkly beautiful land this earth has to offer.

Because of COVID, my girlfriend, Kristi, and I enjoyed a mostly quiet summer at home. But like most home-bound people, we were very eager to get out and have an adventure.

So the two of us set out for a late fall, early winter, backpacking trip. Kristi had actually never been backpacking before. We were exploring all new terrain as a couple, literally and metaphorically.

Kristi is a bright spirit. She’s strong, adventurous, and up for anything. So we set off from Flagstaff, Arizona and drove north to Utah’s canyon country.

We had been packing and preparing during an early season winter storm, one that dropped several inches of snow across the Colorado Plateau from Flagstaff all the way across the desert into the Uinta Mountains of Utah.

The snow and the cold was going to make for another set of challenges for our first backpacking trip together, beyond the normal hauling of heavy gear and the miles of wash walking that lay ahead.

We arrived in the town of Escalante, Utah. It was unseasonably cold and windy, an ominous sign. But our spirits were high.

We set off down lonely dirt roads, the kind that are rarely frequented even during the busiest of seasons in this part of the country. Excited to get going on our multi-night backpacking trip, I drove a little too fast down the rocky road and punctured my tire.

My stomach sank as I heard the clanking of rocks off the tire rim.

We had a problem.

Parked in the middle of the 4×4 road, were able to jack the car up and put on my spare, but unfortunately all I had with me was an undersized donut, the kind of temporary fix that is pretty dang scary to drive on when navigating rough roads.

Luckily we were able to press on. At long last we arrived at a lonely trailhead in some of the most remote land in the US.

There was no sign of anyone around. We had the place to ourselves. With the long drive, the busted tire, and the short winter days, we only had a little light remaining. So we hiked clear of the trailhead and made camp, leaving the entirety of the hiking for the days ahead.

That first night was bone chillingly cold. The temperature dropped into the teens, leaving our water frozen and our tent and gear covered in a thick layer of frost by morning.

After a night of fitful sleep, we stretched and hobbled out of the tent like two old people with frozen joints. We made coffee and waited for the sun to creep over the canyon walls to warm us.  After the slow, cold morning, we eventually got back on the trail.

The canyon walls gradually closed in on us. What began as a mile-wide valley between far off cliffs increasingly felt like a claustrophobic tunnel of sandstone delight as we marched down canyon.

We were getting into the heart of the canyon, a five-mile long slot canyon full of twists and turns and canyon walls that soar overhead.

Having backpacked all over the world, I can confidently say this is my favorite kind of terrain. In canyon country, I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Every turn of the gulch is full of mystery and wonder. The canyons of this landscape constantly deliver beautiful surprises.

Ten miles in, Kristi and I were both feeling weary. Hiking under heavy loads through sandy canyons is exhausting.

As the sun went down, we stumbled into camp along the banks of the Escalante River. We chowed down on some fancy Mac n Cheese and quickly went to bed, utterly spent. The gurgling Escalante River soothed us to sleep as the stars passed over the soaring canyon walls.

In the morning, we did it all over again.

Our route was a loop. So we’d divert into another parallel canyon to return to our vehicle. This canyon was not the squeezy, slotty adventure of the day before. It was quieter, more mellow. But still beautiful with its soaring walls and cottonwood trees.

The miles passed slowly. But like any backpacking adventure, that’s the point. Because every step in these canyons is a joy.

The post Backpacking in Utah’s Canyon Country appeared first on Hazeadventure.

And maybe this experience is burned in your mind, forever associated with camping. Why would you ever want to do that again? I've got good news for you. It doesn't have to be that way.

You can actually have a GREAT night's sleep when camping. Here’s how:

Proper Gear

Pairing a suitable sleeping bag with a quality sleeping mattress/pad is the golden combination and it will go a long way to having an enjoyable nights sleep. Most people’s sleep problems while camping stem from a poor quality sleeping pad. It’s the gear item people go cheap on most frequently, and it’s the biggest mistake.

A quality sleeping pad or mattress will keep you warmer and better insulated from the ground. Plus, the softer surface is much more comfortable than a cheap foam pad. Quality sleeping pads/mattresses can be purchased for relatively cheap (consider the cost of one night at a hotel vs. every future night of quality sleep while camping). Buy a good pad and you'll be happy forever!

Choose The Right Sleep Site

-Look for site that is either flat, or with a gentle slope (just a few degrees of slope), and position your tent with your head uphill. The gentle slope will move water away from you in case of rain. Plus, I find it to be slightly more comfortable than being perfectly flat. Just don't sleep with your head downhill! That's a no-no and you will be very uncomfortable.

Bonus: Look for a site with organic material, such as pine duff (what you find on the ground around pine trees), or grass. Not only is this surface much softer than bare rock or hard dirt, it will help insulate you from the ground and keep you warmer throughout the night.

Loose Fitting Baselayer and Clean Cozy Socks

I like to have a pair of wool socks that are only used for sleepy time. Dirty, sweaty socks are not ideal as you will not feel as comfortable and will likely lead to the killer of quality sleep; cold feet. Sleep in loose fitting clothing. In cold weather, I will sleep in long underwear and a long sleeve shirt.

Keep Your Feet Warm at all Costs!

Cold feet will guarantee you an uncomfortable, sleepless night. Avoid this by making sure your feet stay on your pad throughout the night. Don't let your toes hang off your pad and touch the ground! The ground will sap your warmth and turn your toes into icicles. On really cold nights, I like to stuff a jacket in the footbox of my sleeping bag. This decreases the amount of air my feet have to warm up, and adds extra insulation between my feet and the ground. Add a Nalgene bottle full of hot water to your sleeping bag and you've got major cozy time ahead of you.

Don't go to Bed Cold

Sleeping bags don't generate warmth. They only help preserve the warmth your body creates. So if you start cold, you're more likely to stay cold. Do some light exercises before hopping into your bag. Do a few jumping jacks, have a dance competition, or do some planks in your bag. Just don't exert yourself to the point of sweating!

Eat Food and Drink Water

Nutrition and hydration play a major role in keeping your body warm throughout the night. Your body burns calories to keep you warm. Your body requires caloric energy. If you barely eat anything, you will be more likely to be cold than after you eat a large meal. Eat well -> sleep well. And don't forget to drink water either. People often fear a nighttime bathroom run, and therefore dehydrate themselves. Don't do this! A well hydrated body will be warmer and happier!

Get Up and Pee (for the love of everything holy)

We've all been there. Struggling to sleep while you desperately have to pee. But you don't want to get out of your nice warm sleeping bag. And so you just decide to not sleep ever again and be miserable for the next four hours. Just go pee! In exchange for two minutes of discomfort outside your bag (you were already uncomfortable) to go pee in the forest, you will receive a night's-worth of quality sleep and a nod of approval from your old Boy Scouts leader. Not only will you will be infinitely more comfortable. And you will actually be warmer. Your body diverts energy from the rest of your body to keep your pee warm in your bladder, energy that would be better spent on the rest of your body (like your extremities). Eliminating your pee frees up energy for your happiness.

The post How to Sleep Great While Camping appeared first on Hazeadventure.