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Summer is here…for the most part, and the hiking season has arrived and the trails, parks and backcountry will be hot with visitors from all over. This season stock your pack with these essentials… I’ll cover each one with a brief summary. It’s up to you, however, to thoroughly inform yourselves outside this article. I’ll provide some links below to start you off. And here it is in no particular order the TOP 10+ things to take with you on the trail this summer!
1. Water/purification: Very essential for you to bring water with you on the trail and possibly a means to purify water (tabs, filter). I take my 100oz. camelbak MULE. Quick Story: My friend and I went on an 8 mile rugged hike to see a popular water fall. We had spend most of the day hiking through rough and steep rock-filled ravines, and on our way out as we reached the trail head we encountered a couple on their way to the falls. They stopped us and asked us how the trail was and we told them it was pretty rough yet moderate. But upon seeing their attire (1 water bottle, huge tripod, an unleashed dog, a camera, a book, no food, and flip flops) we encouraged them to not undertake the trail considering the summer heat and ruggedness of the hike. Being grateful, they thanked us and returned back to the lot and went on an alternate and less intense hike. That would have been a hairy situation.
2. Food or extra food: My favorite essential…Food. Grub. Chow. Whatever you want to stick in your pack. Energy bars, pepperoni, crackers, sandwiches, salami, GORP… Food gives you energy to power through those calorie-blasting hikes.
3. Headlamp/flashlight (and extra batteries): You took that extended lunch and nap out by a scenic waterfall and now daylight is escaping. It’s good to have one handy just incase you need to spend an unexpected night in the woods or for a hike back to the trail-head at dusk. I use a Petzl Tikka Plus because it is water resistant and lives light for over 80 hours.
4. Pocket knife or Multi-tool: With these tools, Utility is important. Get something that is durable and functional. I recommend a Swiss Army Knife or Multi-function Pliers.
5. Map, Compass and Knowledge: I know, I know. “When am I actually gonna use this?” you ask. But wait till you decide to get adventurous and realize that you can’t find your way back to the trail head and its getting dark…(hope you packed that headlamp!) Before you begin your hike, get some general knowledge of the trail. Example: If a there is a main road west of the loop trail, then you know that you may have to travel west to get to that road if you get lost (Which way is West?). Make sure you inform yourself on how to use a compass. Take the time to print out maps if they are available online or stop by the rangers station to get map and info essential to the hike. Here is a site to get you started: http://www.compassdude.com/
6. FIRE! Matches, lighter, magnesium starter: Again…for those unexpected nights on the trail. Practice using a Magnesium starter at home (small fires of course!) so you know how to properly use each fire starter. Light My Fire has great solutions.
7. First Aid Kit & emergency blanket: It’s always great to have a small First Aid kit even for short hikes. Always essential. Add any extra meds that might be handy ( Advil, Neosporin, chapstick, prescription, etc…)
8. Raingear/Poncho: Any lightweight raingear is always appreciated when a downpour catches you. Lightweight so you don’t know it’s there, but ready to go when you do. If needed, you can use a poncho as a way to make a shelter, should you get caught an extra day.
9. Sun block/ Bug dope: Sunblock…I always regret not taking it. Good for when you might get be exposed on a ridge line or open field. Bug Dope (repellant): I hate mosquitoes…but I hate ticks even more.
10. Signaling: whistle, signaling mirror: A whistle is good and loud and helps you signal in case you get out too far. A signaling mirror can be seen for miles. Get these items, because they may be the only way to get out of a predicament.
Don’t forget to take common sense and the understanding to use these items. These items don’t guarantee survival but they sure do help in a situation. These items and cultivated understanding will help boost your experience in the outdoors. With a lot of consideration for lightweight packing you can fit all of these items in a small bag making it even more comfortable for you to hike in. Heres a picture of my essentials (minus food & water) laid out by my MULE Pack. 
Other essentials to consider: Duct Tape (see my post about this), extra clothes (fleece jacket, cap, etc), Digital camera, Parachute Chord, binoculars, Sunglasses, GPS receiver. Links to consider: http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html , http://www.wilderness-survival.net/ , US ARMY Survival Manual
Pikka | VentureTree Team [+]
Light My Fire's innovative design gets a "Two Forks Up" for this stylish utensil.
This is a handy must-have for the trail or any trip where grub's gonna be! Made of light weight polycarbonate material, this spoon and fork combo weighs 0.35 ounces and has a length of 6.7 inches. It's heat resistant material which means no getting soft when stirring a boiling pot. I got a chance to test it out in the Tennessee mountains and noticed its pot friendliness because it didn't pull up any of the non-stick surface on my pots. The spork also features serration on one side of the fork to help you hack away at some sausage or slice through some hearty pancakes! The spoon did pretty well in my "soup test," but I felt the depth of the spoon could have been a bit deeper, though it does the job just fine. In my backpacking trips I managed to fit it in my MSR cook set pot. Over all, I can tell that this utensil is pretty darn durable. Its available in a variety of trendy colors like: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and pink. It is dishwasher safe and its just plain simple! Get this spork for your next venture and you may have a few jealous eyes staring back at you...
click to find it at REI.com or Campmor.com
sources: lightmyfireusa.com/
VentureTree | outdoors. gear. life.
We’re always asking, “Where is your favorite place”. We‘ve been to places like Damascus VA for trail days in the Spring to Guest Appreciation Festival in the Cherokee National Forest, NC during Halloween. Big South Fork River always brings up interesting convo between Pikka and I. Especially where we missed our portage, but that’s a story for another time. I enjoy sitting around a campfire with a great plate of food and striking up a conversations with a fellow gear junkie or trailblazer.
It’s these simple things that allow our outdoor experiences to expand to a different level. We share each experience with others so that they may also one day have the opportunity to visit that location. Have you ever gone to a location based on a recommendation from a friend? I have had several tell me that there is nothing like the Appalachian Trail, the Ocoee, or the Smokies; and the stories go on and on. What’s your favorite camping, hiking, or paddling spot? Are there any ties with another spot?
Tell us what you think. Post a Comment!
Bentley >> VentureTree | outdoors. gear. life
I have way too many daypacks but this one’s a keeper.
Camelbak’s MULE was originally not what I was looking for in a daypack but I was gearing up for some summer hiking and camping sessions and bought this under a friend’s recommendation. When I went to the store to pick it up I was surprised on how “compact” it was. Originally this pack is made for mountain biking but I had been looking for something that would be fast, light and pretty durable. That means no “trashbag” texture.
I’ve had it long enough to test it in many conditions and here are my results. One Word: This MULE is lean and mean. OK, so that’s six words…But I can’t help but say a lot about this pack. For a long time I was taking a larger, bulkier pack and I ALWAYS ended up overfilling it or at least I ended up taking un-necessary things. I mean, who packs towels on a hiking trip?! Me. Or I did. Not anymore.
So, why this pack? This is not the “end-all-be-all” for light-weight packs. In fact the material that makes up the CamelBak MULE isn’t even considered lightweight material. It’s the size and functionality that sold me on this one. So if you are looking for a pack that forces you to pack smart, stores plenty of water and is pretty bomber, then you might check this one out.
I had two main reasons for getting this pack. More water storage and lighter packing options. I wanted something to take on day hikes without the bulkiness of my other day packs. Here are the stats for the pack:
Capacity: 100 oz. (3L)
Cargo: 549 cu.in. (9L)
MSRP: $80
The features include a weather-resistant MP3 pocket and the site claims that there is enough water storage for over 3 hours. The MULE also features a Dynamic Suspension™ Harness System for load stability. I found this to be pretty darn neat since we can get pretty active on the trail. The Air Director also proved to add some comfort once the trail got hot-and-heavy. It allows your back to breath just a little bit better which means a lot to me since I get pretty sweaty. Loading options include a pocket for the Camelbak bladder, a main compartment for storing raingear, snacks, small first aid, or extra gear. There is also a smaller secure cargo pocket for putting even more gear like a digital camera or GPS device. Inside has a small clip for your keys and organizer pockets for other essentials.
The pack features two overflow pockets for even more loading; a small one on the front of the pack and a larger overflow pocket in-between the zippered compartments. Over all, this pack makes a great daypack. It has showed me to pack smart and therefore has made my outdoor excursions that much more enjoyable. Aside from taking it on day hikes, I got the opportunity to take it on a canoe trip in which I got a chance to really test its ruggedness on the river. It came home with sand, dirt, moisture, and sweat. After a good cleaning it looked like new. Not bad. Now I know that I didn't say much about the bladder, but with 100 ounces of water to carry there’s not much you can say other than it’s plenty for a 3-5 hour hike. On the canoe trip it actually lasted all day with a few sips left over the next day. It’s a great pack with good loading options. My friend recommended it, and I also recommend it.
What’s your favorite pack?
Click here to find this pack at backcountry.com
Sources: camelbak.com
VentureTree| outdoors. gear. life
I frequently ask friends and family, “What’s in your trunk.” I hear different things; Tents, bouldering shoes, Frisbee golf Frisbees… The other day we were at the park and I mentioned that I wanted to fly a kite because the weather was so perfect. My friend replied, “You wanna?” I hesitated “Nah, we’ll have to drive all the way to the store and get them.” And he smiled and said “Dude, I keep two kites in my trunk. One for me and one for my wife.” What a great idea…
I asked more people intrigued by the notion that our cars can be moving “toy boxes.” Here’s some responses: kite, Frisbee(golf), tent/sleeping bags, football, bug catcher, bouldering shoes, blanket, Fishing poles, camera, bike, hiking shoes, gym clothes, tennis racquet, art supplies…
It's pretty cool to know that we can be driving home from work and on an instant set out a blanket and read a book, just because we can. Or, plan a last minute frisbeegolf session. There was even a time I had a friend yank out his banjo... Yeah, I know... Some keep an inflatable kayak in their “toy chest.” These days, with everyone short on time and busy with “life,” it’s good to remember that sometimes you need some R&R. Treat yourself. Go and find that fun toy you’d like to have handy in your car and the next time you have a few moments you can text a friend and tell him to meet you at the park, trail, gym, river, wherever…
So, hit us back. What do you keep in your trunk this summer?
NEXT BLOG: REVIEW on Camelbak M.U.L.E.
[Posting Sched] Monday, Thursday
Carry duct with out taking the whole roll!!
I'm sure you've had your share of "incidents" where you need to repair a rip in your tent, a broken pole, or you ran out of band-aids! I know I have. If you are like me you don't like bulky tape rolls in your pocket!
Follow these easy steps to take your duct tape expertise to the next level!
1. Find an old plastic card (used up gift cards are great for this. or an old discount card)
2. Grab your duct tape roll.
3. Start wrapping duct tape around the card. A good 7-8 ft is a good length. You can always refill. 4. Trim the sides of the card down with some scissors. Now you've got a flat roll of Duct tape that's travel friendly and ready to rock and roll! No pun intended. 
What are your great duct tape ideas? Give us feedback! Post!
Check it out. Our first blog on a local trail here in the Nashville area. Grab your day bag and your hiking shoes and hit this trail with a buddy or three.
Directions : Between I-40 and hickory hollow mall off of bell road.
Take exit 219 from Nashville and then take a right onto Stewart ferry road.
At the first stoplight stewards ferry road mergers into bell road.
Continue on Bell you will pass Elm Hill Marina on left
The road forks. Take that right fork on to Ned Shelton Road.
Travel a very short distance until you see a chained gate on left.
This is the parking area.
Location: For some reason, the area to pinnacle is chained off. The trail is used for both hiking and mountain biking. The day that we here at The VentureTree went for a hike we saw several mountain bikers enjoying the trail. As you leave the comforts of your vehicle you walk up a path road to the sign that reads “Pinnacle Trail”. There are no maps available. But, I am here to tell you that the trail is a loop trail is only 5 miles through a beautiful scenic area. ** Here's a link to the area were the trail is located. Pinnacle Trail Map
Here's a link to the trail itself: Pinnacle Trail
Need 2 know: The day that we hiked the trail we started on the side that the mountain bikers took. It was a nice start but beware, the trail starts to get a little step within the first few hundred yards. The rest of the trail is winding back and forth. Try to avoid the switchbacks, the trail has been maintained very well though we took a the short cut trail and ended up cutting the trip in half. Needless to say, we finished a bit early! We took the first left from the mountain bikers start, and upon doing this we ended up back at the paved road that you see at the beginning. On the other side, there is a short winding trail that drops you off at a wooden trash can in where I think is the original parking area before the area got chained off. I prefer to call this side the hiker’s side.
If I planned to hike this trail again I would start off at the hikers side. That way you are hiking you can be aware of your surroundings and yield to the mountain bikers that may not be able to stop or just might not see you!
Pros/cons: This is a great trial if you live in the Hermitage, Antioch, or Doneslon area. If you want to get away from the over traveled greenway, this is a great alternative. TIP: Don't forget to check for ticks when you are done.Take water and a lunch if you plan to do all 5 miles at a leisurely pace. It's also a good trail to do a good trail running session. Or you can hit the trail with your mountain bike.
There are only a few negatives about this area. The parking is limited (suggest carpooling), area must have been chained off for some reason and not knowing that reason can be a little worrisome. VentureTree will have to investigate the reason for the chained area in a later blog.
Now get out there!
The Venture Tree | outdoors. gear. life.
source map: webelevation.com
Summer is here…for the most part, and the hiking season has arrived and the trails, parks and backcountry will be hot with visitors from all over. This season stock your pack with these essentials… I’ll cover each one with a brief summary. It’s up to you, however, to thoroughly inform yourselves outside this article. I’ll provide some links below to start you off. And here it is in no particular order the TOP 10+ things to take with you on the trail this summer! 
