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  1. Shawn

    We need a Professional Hiking League

    Hiking is just a recreational activity. But I think it could be more. I think hiking should be made into a professional activity, a sport, a league. Why not? Cycling is both a recreational activity and a sport. Running, too. Hiking could be, as well. I would watch that on TV. Heck, I might...
  2. Shawn

    Do you carry pepper spray?

    I carry bear spray in areas where bears are at (in population). Aside from that, I carry a few knives. I used to carry my concealed (licensed) firearm, but I realized I simply don't need it out there. I've never been put in a position where I felt unsafe enough to need a firearm while in...
  3. Shawn

    Falling

    How often do you fall when trail running?
  4. Shawn

    Do you carry pepper spray?

    While hiking or backpacking, do you carry pepper spray at all? Maybe just regular pepper spray or even bear spray. Have you ever had to use it or almost use it? Against animal or human, that is.
  5. Shawn

    Sick on the trail

    Have you ever been sick on the trail? Was this before you started the hike or during it? What type of sickness was it? Did you have to end the hike or overcome it on trail?
  6. Shawn

    Day Hiking Providence Canyon perimeter Loop, Georgia

    My wife and I are in Illinois but we go hike in Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee all the time. I'm all about checking out the neighbor states.
  7. Shawn

    Favorite hiking app?

    I definitely recommend All Trails if you're new to hiking. It will cover most of the popular trails which I also recommend doing until you get to a comfortable point of going to the trails that are not as popular and off the beaten path. :)
  8. Shawn

    Hey, I’m Pete!

    Welcome to the forum @Peter Ruma We're very glad to have you here! :)
  9. Shawn

    Weekly Photo Theme Turtle Photos

    Okay folks, For this new weekly photo theme, post pictures of turtles you've seen in nature while on a hike, backpacking, or trail running adventure! Saw this Snapping Turtle at Dutchman Lake near Vienna, Illinois a few weeks ago.
  10. Shawn

    Hiking Clubs

    Are any of you involved in local hiking clubs? Where I live, in Southern Illinois, we have a few different hiking clubs. They're free and it's where people get together to hike as a group. Many people don't want to do it alone and they want to meet other hikers, so clubs help out with that...
  11. Shawn

    Name Brand versus Off Brand Gear

    Do you have to have the top-of-the-line name brand gear? Or will you settle with off brand gear that's usually 10 times cheaper? I sometimes wonder if hikers and backpackers are spending more for the name than the functionality of popular brand outdoor gear items. I have cheap insulated cup...
  12. Shawn

    Increase in hiking good or bad?

    Is the increase of people getting into hiking a good thing or a bad thing? More hikers mean: More trail use More human impact More of a chance of litter More of a chance of rescues More people in less crowded places More potential closures because of capacity But there are many good things...
  13. Shawn

    High top hiking shoes?

    That's always my biggest concern when going outdoor shoe shopping!
  14. Shawn

    High top hiking shoes?

    We use Oboz waterproof boots during the winter. We've bought them now for about 3 seasons. Welcome to the forum :)
  15. Shawn

    Car camping

    Are any of you into car camping? Do you travel to places for hiking and backpacking only to camp in your car instead of other ways? Do you have to have a traditional campground or can you boondock in the middle of the forest somewhere?
  16. Shawn

    Weekly Photo Theme Summer Trail Photos

    This week's theme is Summer Trail Photos. Post a photo of a trail you've hike in the summer months. Let's those green trails! Mantle Rock, Kentucky, Summer of 2025
  17. Shawn

    Ozark Trail Water Bottle Recall

    Do any of you have these water bottles? Source and full article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/walmart-recalls-850-000-water-bottles-as-customers-suffer-permanent-blindness-from-exploding-part/ar-AA1Ip6VP?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=6491c52d38904c9b96523ff9aae5384c&ei=51
  18. Shawn

    Unique Gear Items

    What sort of unique gear items do you carry that most other hikers and backpackers might not carry? Is any of it home made items?
  19. Shawn

    Day Hiking Dutchman Lake (Shawnee National Forest)

    Dutchman Lake is located north of Vienna, Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. Google Maps...
  20. Shawn

    When does ultralight become a dangerous act?

    Ultralight hiking and backpacking. It's when you try to shave as much weight as possible. You'll often sacrifice gear for the sake of your pack weighing less. Some Ultras will skip comfort items like camp chairs, pillows, and even tents. I've heard of some ultra thru-hikers that just bring a...
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