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  1. 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.
  2. 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...
  3. 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...
  4. 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...
  5. Shawn

    High top hiking shoes?

    That's always my biggest concern when going outdoor shoe shopping!
  6. 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 :)
  7. 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?
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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?
  11. Shawn

    Day Hiking Dutchman Lake (Shawnee National Forest)

    Dutchman Lake is located north of Vienna, Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. Google Maps...
  12. 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...
  13. Shawn

    Marathons

    Man... I've ridden 100 miles on a bike, and it was very tough. I couldn't imagine running 100 miles!!
  14. Shawn

    MAKING AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AGAIN BY IMPROVING OUR NATIONAL PARKS

    What is everyone's thoughts on this bill? https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/making-america-beautiful-again-by-improving-our-national-parks/ and
  15. Shawn

    Thru-Hike/Section Hike by Trail Running

    Do any of you get into thru-hiking or section hiking through trail running? Why would you rather trail run through these trails rather than hike them and see everything?
  16. Shawn

    Old Tree Photos

    Post a photo of an old tree you've found while hiking. Pictured: Tree at Mantle Rock that was a sampling (supposedly) when the Trail of Tears migration was occurring.
  17. Shawn

    Best Ultralight Packs

    In your experience, what are the best packs for ultralight hiking and backpacking? Why do you think these are the best? What makes a good ultralight hiking pack?
  18. Shawn

    Day Hiking Mantle Rock (Kentucky)

    Mantle Rock is a Nature Conservancy site in Kentucky. It's a moderate 4-mile hike if you also add it going on top of the natural bridge. The natural bridge is the largest one east of the Mississippi River. This is a Trail of Tears site with lots of historical signage. There is a lot to see...
  19. Shawn

    First backpacking trail

    What trail was your first for backpacking? I mean the trail you first did an overnight hike on. Do you think it was a good beginner's trail for backpacking? Why or why not? Have you backpacked on that trail ever since?
  20. Shawn

    Most recent waterfall photos!

    I wish Shawnee would let you get a key and permit.
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