Protabar® Adventure

New post- As warmer weather approaches it's time to think about steps to protect yourself on your hikes. Especially against one of these parasitic terrors of the trail.

As spring approaches, many hikers look forward to the warm weather, blooming flowers, and energized wildlife. But with all these wonders also comes some natural hazards such as poison ivy, mosquitos, and ticks. Ticks are especially bothersome to hikers as they are often overlooked, can be tricky to remove, and spread diseases. Let’s take a moment to learn more about this parasitic terror of the…

Welcome to the ultimate guide for hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park, a magnificent jewel nestled in the beautiful landscape of California. This guide offers you the golden ticket to explore its thriving wildlife, captivating volcanic landscapes, and serene mountain vistas. With trails that cater to both novice and experienced hikers, Lassen Volcanic National Park promises an unforgettable…

Adjusting a hiking pack: How to not be That Guy.

Comfortable is the goal!

First some backpack anatomy.

Before you do this, load some weight into your backpack. Make sure it's packed comfortably with the heaviest weight close to the middle of your shoulder blades.

Step 1. Loosen all the load bearing straps on your pack. (Belt, shoulders, lifters.)

Step 2. Put your backpack on and hoist it up so that your belt is around your waist, not your hip bones. Tighten enough so that the belt rests on your hip bones without being able to slip down too far over them.

Step 3. Tighten your shoulder straps. Just whatever feels ok for now.

Step 4. Tighten the load lifters to pull your pack against your body.

Step 5. Go back and make sure your shoulder straps aren't too tight or too loose. You want them to barely be touching the tops of your shoulders when you straighten your back. Letting the weight rest on your hips.

Here's a video of me adjusting my pack:

Now, go for a hike/walk and adjust as you go. If your shoulders start to feel tired or sore, hoist your pack up higher and tighten the belt a bit more, then loosen the shoulder straps a few cm until it feels better.

Camping around Shriner Peak Mt Rainier National Park

cloud forest

Harlequin ducks are quite interesting to observe.

14/07/2026