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Fat Man Little Trail
Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide ’23 Vol 1
It seems like just a week ago I was hiking up some mountains and enjoying the long summer days. Now all of a sudden the holiday season is upon us! There are so many products out there for outdoor lovers that it can get a little hard to know what is needed and what is best. I have been lucky enough to try a lot of products this year and have put together this first volume of my Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide ’23 to give you a quick idea of what might be some great gifts for any outdoor enthusiasts!
Review: Smartwool Women’s All season Base Layer Plus
There is no worse feeling as a bigger hiker to get motivated to make it to the trails and then not be able to find any clothes or gear that fits. Most outdoor gear is made for smaller bodies which makes it harder for plus-sizes to get out and enjoy the outdoors as much. Luckily some brands are recognizing that all sizes should be included in the outdoors and one of those brands is Smartwool. Smartwool has created the Women’s Classic All Season Base Layer Plus so that more body types can explore the outdoors in comfort and warmth! Since the Fatman is not a woman, I have asked my friend Celeste to help out and review this Base Layer.
Mansker Station Pizza – Walden, CO
I always look at the signs to find the best local places to eat after a hike but for the first time a sign actually changed my plans. The sign for Mansker Station was simple. It just said Pizza and Beer. That was enough for me to ditch my plans to go camping after a long hike and make my way over for what the sign promised.
The First Snow
The sky is a different gray before the first snow. The cobalt and crystal blues are gone. Gone too are the angry clouds of a summers storm. The snow is transported in with a blustery gray. A smothering gray. Yet, with all of the gloom, excitement is bred. The gray and dismal clouds drop the years first snow. White soft flakes that trickle down to the earth in an attempt to freeze the ground that has been vibrant for too long. Slowly snuffing out the warmth of the summer and replacing it with the invigorating chill of the winter months. The first snow wraps the ground like a blanket and locks into place all of the joy so it will be ready again for next summer under the deep blue skies.
Lookout Mountain Loop – Del Norte, Co
If you have ever been around the Del Norte, Colorado area and saw the big hill with a letter D on it you were looking at Lookout Mountain. The mountain sits just outside of downtown and can be from a long away out as you drive into the town center. I found out that you can actually hike the Lookout Mountain Loop in Del Norte and it is a really enjoyable hike.
Review: Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22 Pack
As the work landscape changes to a more hybrid model, work/life balance has extended into the backpack world. Why have separate packs for the plane, the office, coffee shop and the trail? That is the question that Mystery Ranch tries to answer with their Catalyst 22 backpack. A hybrid pack that can be taken to the trail but also has a laptop sleeve for trips to the office. My friend Brooke helped test the pack and has a review.
Colorado’s Natural Arch, La Garita Arch
Colorado’s Natural Arch, La Garita Arch is located in the Rio Grande National Forest near the towns of Del Norte and La Garita. According to the Forest Service, this arch was formed from lava flow. While not the only arch in Colorado, this arch is pretty accessible in southwestern Colorado.
Carthers Roadhouse – Del Norte, CO
After a hike around Del Norte I was looking for a nice place to stop in and grab a meal. I didn’t have to look far to find Carthers Roadhouse. I love it when restaurants use older buildings and make them there own and that is exactly what Carthers has done. They have kept that motor/americana feel to match the old Motor Co building.
Review: QuietKat Jeep E-Bike
I have spent a ton of time on the trails but most of that time has been on my feet hiking. I decided to take a decidedly faster approach with my first journey into the E-Bike world. The QuietKat Jeep E-bike was my bike of choice for my first experiment in the e-bike world. It was quite the experience and I decided to review the bike and share my thoughts on the powerful yet smooth ride from QuietKat.
Fall Colors Near Denver as Day Hikes.
It is that amazing time of year again when the Aspens in Colorado turn a golden hue and the air temp drops a few degrees. Thousands of people will head to the high country for a glimpse of nature’s decorations. The roads and trails will be busy but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the trip. I have put together some of my favorite places to see the Fall Colors near Denver and all of these can be done as a day hike!
Falls Creek Waterfall Hike in Durango
If you are looking for a nice, short waterfall hike in the spring and summers in Durango, The Falls Creek Waterfall Hike might be a perfect option. The hike is short with some great views before ending at a small waterfall with some access behind the fall.
Review: La Sportiva Jackal II Trail Runners
Trail Runner shoes have become a very popular option for hikers and backpackers who are trying to keep their weight down while also having supportive and technical footwear. The La Sportiva Jackal II Trail Runners are a versatile trail runner for both runners and hikers. They come in both a men‘s and women‘s style and combine lightweight with traction and durability. Here are my thoughts on the Jackal II from a hiker’s point of view.
Gordon Creek Falls, Utah
Gordon Creek Falls is a short hike to a waterfall located in Central Utah. The trail is pretty straight forward down a service road before revealing the falls. Gordon Creek Falls is a small waterfall with access to many parts around the top and fall. The trail is mostly easy with some steep sections.
Gloria Falls, Utah
Gloria Falls is a fun hike in the Little Cottonwood Canyon area near Salt Lake City. The hike has some water crossings and elevation and is best for moderately skilled hikers. I hiked in late June and the water was high and there was still a bit of snow so waterproof shoes may be helpful. Gloria Falls was also really rushing in late June making it hard to get too close without getting sprayed but it was amazing.
Review: Klean Kanteen Food Box
Ever get to the top of a mountain and find your sandwich crushed in your pack? Or make it to the picnic only to have a bunch of plastic bags flying away from you in the wind? Maybe you just want to have a unique container to take the leftovers into work so people will stop grabbing the wrong paper sack and stealing your lunch. Well, the Klean Kanteen Food Box kit tries to solve all of these problems with its unique stainless steel boxes with silicone covers. The plastic free, dishwasher safe kits come in three sizes and help keep your food ready to eat anytime and anywhere. I was sent a kit and here is my review of the Klean Kanteen Food Box.
Product Review: Outdoor Research Helium
The weather is always unpredictable when you get out in the woods or up in a mountain. It is so important to be prepared for sudden rain showers or gusty winds and to be able to have some protection in your pack at all times. With that in mind, I took the Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket and put it through its paces to see if it would be a good option to keep you protected in the weather. Here is my review of the Outdoor Research Helium.
East Fourmile Draw Trail
Located near Rangely, Colorado, the East Fourmile Draw is a surprising hike that has a ton of history packed into its small loop. The trail is on the easier side and should be good for most skill levels looking for a small look into a past of the western Colorado terrain.
Fish Creek Falls and Overlook
Fish Creek Falls and Overlook are two short treks that should be available to all skill levels. The lower walk takes you down to the waterfalls base while the overlook is a paved path that leads to a top level view of the falls. Late spring and early summer is a great time to visit as the water will be flowing the highest.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Water
The Outdoor Retailer show made it back to Salt Lake City this June and there were a lot of brands there showing off the latest and greatest products. This year Water played a big role with a variety of options to improve your time in the outdoors. Here is a look at some of my favorites at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Water.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Camping
The Outdoor Retailer show made it back to Salt Lake City this June and there were a lot of brands there showing off the latest and greatest products. One of the big categories is always camping with a variety of options to improve your time in the outdoors. Here is a look at some of my favorites at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Camping.
Fat Man Little Trail
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I am an outdoor enthusiast and outdoor blogger who has written over 500 posts reviewing trails, products, locally owned restaurants, and documenting my experiences on the trail as a hefty hiker. I have also been featured by prominent outdoor brands.
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