Whether you're shopping for your favorite sustainability nerd or a backcountry fashionista, here are some gift ideas for anyone on your list.
Read MoreTopics: gear, Expedition Prep, gift
7 Simple Items to Upgrade Your Backcountry Setup
Just because you’re in the backcountry doesn’t mean you need to stop being fabulous. You may think that your wardrobe is going to consist of khaki, black, and gray, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Read MoreTopics: gear, Expedition Prep, Backpacking, adventure, expedition
The Ethics of Cheap: Why You Don't Need the Newest Gear
If you’re new to backpacking and are getting ready for your first trip, to find the right gear you have a couple of options.
Read MoreTopics: gear, Expedition Prep, adventure, instructor, backcountry
7 Tips for Dealing with Smelly Gear
So you love to work hard and play hard? Is your best day when you go the extra mile and sweat it out, no matter the weather? We do too, so we know that you have smelly shoes, gear, and clothing—just like us.
Read MoreTopics: gear, Expedition Prep, Outdoors, expedition
2010 Outdoor Retailer Show
The Outdoor Retailer Show is all about checking out new gear, networking with new people, and strengthening our relationship with NOLS partners. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end of the conference floor to the other.
Read MoreTopics: gear, NOLS, Behind the Scenes, #orshow, outdoor retailer show, stackpole, gearcaster, deuter, mountainsmith, trailspace, feedthehabit, wendmag, or summer, nuun
Spring Semester in the Rockies (SSR-4) – Climbing Section Video
NOLS Instructor Brian Fabel brought his camera along to document the climbing section of a Spring Semester in the Rockies (SSR-4) course. Most footage is from Unaweep Canyon and there is also some from Independence Monument outside of Grand Junction, CO.
Read MoreTopics: mock lead, gear, canyon, Expedition Prep, climbing, section, learn, top rope, ssr-4, spring semester in the rockies, climb, unaweep, trad, student, lead, multipitch
Continuing The Layering System Discussion
As a companion piece to our latest episode of the NOLS podcast, Jamie O'Donnell and Lara McLuskey have agreed to answer questions we didn't have time to ask during our discussion on the NOLS layering system. Most of the following questions are from followers of the NOLS Facebook page. Join the conversation!
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and YouTube.
What is the most versatile layer in your pack?
Jamie: I like light to medium weight wind layers like the Marmot windshirt or the Patagonia Houdini. Often it's the wind that robs us of heat and makes us feel cold even when the temperatures aren't that cold.
Lara: I love my wind-shirt! I use either a Patagonia Houdini or a GoLite Wisp.On a lightweight course, what is the first layer to be left behind?
Lara: Likely, midweight to heavier weight fleece. It's heavy and bulky, and when it gets wet, it's even heavier.
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Jamie: I like light to medium weight wind layers like the Marmot windshirt or the Patagonia Houdini. Often it's the wind that robs us of heat and makes us feel cold even when the temperatures aren't that cold.
Lara: I love my wind-shirt! I use either a Patagonia Houdini or a GoLite Wisp.On a lightweight course, what is the first layer to be left behind?
Lara: Likely, midweight to heavier weight fleece. It's heavy and bulky, and when it gets wet, it's even heavier.
How many socks and pairs of underwear would you bring for a 30 day trip?
Jamie: I recommend 3-5 pair of socks for a summer course. One pair becomes your "sacred sleeping socks" and are never hiked in. Liner socks are optional but no more than two pair. Winter courses 5 pair of socks would be the minimum.
Topics: gear, outdoor clothes, jacket, layers, shirts, wool, pants, layering system, synthetic, Educators Notebook, hard shell, cotton, winter, soft shell