Outdoor Adventure Blog

Travelcountry.com is excited to announce a new friend we've made!

RootsRated Collaboration »

In general, I think it's a good thing if guys don't 'show leg'. However, there's one occurrence where I consider it acceptable: when sporting the Patagonia Strider running shorts.

Running in the Patagonia Strider Short »

I’ve never had a ‘favorite’ article of clothing. I think it’s kinda ridiculous to be infatuated with an article of material - no matter how sweet or relevant it is to your day. However...

The Arc'teryx Torus Short: Sleek, yet basically bomb-proof »

As a long time Vibram Five Fingers fan I must admit that I was initially unsure of the need for the new Spyridon. This shoe was introduced as a new trail runner, with a lace-up and non-lace version available as of summer 2012. With so many varieties already available, the Spyridon just seemed to be shoe overkill. The lace-up Spyridon did not fit correctly with my high arch, so I chose the non-lace version which seemed to pull far less on top of my foot. That initial insecurity changed when I wiggled my toes into this updated style and took a trial walk on some rough, uneven surfaces. I was also very impressed with the level of overall comfort I felt in the non-lace Spyridon. As I have traditionally worn the KSO Treks on trails, I was prepared for the rigid protection of my normal trail shoes.

Fivefingers Spyridon Field Test »

It was another beautiful day for a SUP race this morning of Saturday, May 19th, 2012 at Spa Beach Park in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. All the racers getting geared up for one of the best races on the east coast, the “Water Monkey Challenge”. Put on by Chase Kosterlitz, sponsored pro SUP racer and owner of the Water Monkey Shop. Jess and I first raced at the Water Monkey challenge in 2009. Just keeps getting better and better! This year there was an 8 mile elite coarse which Jessica and I both did.

The Water Monkey Challenge Paddle Board Race »

Two of the most important items to take on any backpacking trip are the backpack and footwear. If either one fails during a backpacking trip, the hike can become an nightmarish adventure of misery and pain. After hiking all day with X number of pounds on your back...who wants that? This particular blog will discuss the backpack so that life on the trail can be easier.

Choosing a Backpack, and What I Use »

With summer here there are two words that best describe Florida - warm and wet (or maybe very wet!). The one thing that Floridians can count on is, almost like clockwork, that it will be sunny in the mornings and pouring rain by late after noon. For the common folk (i.e. inside dwellers), this is not problem, but for the adventurous few who journey out to play in Florida’s hot and tempered climate - there is a serious need for weather protection when they are outdoors.

Review of the Lightweight Marmot Nano Jacket »

Light wind and pretty flat conditions defined the Waterman’s Paddle for Humanity in Deerfield Beach on Saturday June, 2nd 2012. Jess and I signed up for the 2 lap/10k race - which started on the beach just south of the Deerfield Beach Pier.

Deerfield Beach Paddle for Humanity »

I had a horrible first experience with a SUP ("stand up paddleboard" for the lay-person).

Review on the Starboard Cruiser Paddleboard »

I've been barefoot since the spring of 1983, when I came - unshod - from my mother's womb. After many years of various footwear choices (including a sweet Donald Duck full-body onesie that I wore as a babe) I found myself pounding the streets and trails in the likes of Nike and Asiscs. I had joined the cross-country team during my junior year of high school, slowly becoming familiar with the technical aspects of the sport - which had been the dreaded punishment when I played other sports. I ran for two years, and when I crossed the line at my last high school meet, I didn't run again for another calender year. I was proud of that...because I'd grown tired of running. Throughout college, I ran. To class. Around the track. A couple 5k races. But it wasn't affectionate. I was running because fit people run...and because I'd done so in the past. That attitude carried-over through grad school and into a move to Orlando - that I'd run to stay in shape, but that my affinity for it could be occasionally described as 'like', but usually just 'tolerance'.

Why I Run Barefoot...A Lot »