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Gear Reviews

19 articles
Maps Me Review App Home

Maps Me Review – The Best Map App

July 30, 2019Dave Hoch9 min read6 comments

In this Maps Me review, I will cover the main features of this free app, why offline downloaded maps are essential for adventurers, and discuss some of the latest integrations the app has included as functionality. Maps Me is quickly becoming the go-to offline app / maps app for travel[...]

FAT WRAP handlebar tape by Tasis is the most comfortable handlebar tape on the market.

Gear Review: FAT WRAP Handlebar Tape

August 20, 2018Jen Sotolongo5 min readAdd comment

Throughout our two-year cycle tour, I struggled with finding handlebar tape that eliminated the pain that came with 50km daily rides towing 70lbs. On rough roads, especially, my wrists would ache and feel stiff. I tried to change positions regularly on the handlebars, but I didn’t feel[...]

Product Review: Burley D Lite

August 6, 2019Dave Hoch9 min read23 comments

Carlito the Carrito (little Carl the little Cart in Español), as Sora fondly refers to her Burley D Lite, has certainly proved its value during the 15 months we cycled from Patagonia to Medellín, Colombia (here is a Google Map of our route). We traveled over every surface imaginable:[...]

Central Oregon's McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway

Oregon Rode Trip – Leg III: McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway

February 20, 2019Jen Sotolongo11 min readAdd comment

This post is written in partnership with Travel Oregon, Oregon Wine Country, and Eugene Cascades Coast. To read about our entire journey check out our blog posts leg-by-leg: Portland to Champoeg,  Willamette Valley, and Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeways I’m not sure how Dave managed[...]

IMPOSTER SYNDROME. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is something I work on constantly because I doubt my skills and expertise regularly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm preparing a presentation on expert blogging tips for an upcoming conference and when the organizers asked if I wanted to present on the topic, I thought, ME? A blogging expert? No way. Not me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I thought this despite the fact that I've owned and run my blog for nearly seven years. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Despite the fact that an editor from a major book publisher found me and asked me to write a book. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I thought this despite the fact that I've turned this into a full-time business. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I visited with a good friend recently and we talked about my imposter syndrome. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ She said four simple words that silenced my doubts: "I believe in you." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I need to believe in me, too! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What about you? Do you feel like an imposter with your work and skills or are you confident in your abilities? . . . #cattledog #hikingwithdogs #traveloregon #exploregon #easternoregon #dogsofpnw #dogsoforegon #campingwithdogs #dogsthathike #cattledogsoinstagram #rescuedogsofinstagram
DO DOGS NEED DOG FRIENDS? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've seen a few posts lately about dogs and their dogs friends, and I wanted to throw in my thoughts to the party. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am of the belief that dogs do not NEED dogs friends. It is not a biological need for them to live. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I do believe that some dogs enjoy having dogs friends and I think everyone will agree that watching dogs play together is quite joyful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I think what is most important is knowing how to properly introduce two new dogs and also ensuring that you, the owner, is advocating for your dog and not forcing them into play with other dogs when they would really rather just not. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sora was one such dog. I was always so sad when we'd meet a new dog and she didn't want to play with them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We tried to shape her into this dog that would play with other dogs and that just wasn't her. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sometimes, she would play with the right dog, but most of the time, she'd try to pick a fight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Part of the reason was improper introductions, another reason was OUR human want for her to play. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With Sitka, things are different: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 I've learned how to better introduce him to new dogs (I have a slide show all about that in my feed). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 I watch for signs that he or the other dog is done playing and only recall him away when I see those signs. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 I practice calmness around other dogs so that he doesn't think that other dogs = play ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 I've stopped caring whether he plays with other dogs or not. If he does, yay! If he doesn't, that's ok! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Is your dog playful with other dogs or are they more introverted? . . #balancedtraining #balanceddogtraining #dogtraining #adventuredog #dogsofinstagram #washingtonexplored #wanderwashington #cattledogsofinstagram #cattledog #rescuedogsrock #rescuedogsofinstagram
September is #nationalpreparednessmonth and I've partnered with @tailtrax to bring you some tips on preparing for an emergency evacuation in the event of a natural disaster. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In the west, we have experience increased wildfires and are aware that we could be asked to evacuate at any point during a burn. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Other areas of the country are seeing stronger storms and preparation is key to staying safe, and this includes your pet. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've outlined five tips in this post to help prepare your pet for an emergency disaster. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. Use an app like @tailtrax to keep track of your pet's medical records. You can also access a veterinarian 24/7 and find local clinics easily. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. Crate train your dog. This will keep them from running away in the chaos, and prepare them if they need to be boarded while you are evacuated. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. Assemble an emergency kit for your dog that you can quickly grab on your way out the door. See essential items in slide #5 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 4. Make arrangements with a trusted friend in the event that you cannot get home in time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 5. Don't wait for an evacuation order. If you can get out earlier, do it to avoid traffic and find a pet-friendly hotel. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you have any tips to add to this list? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #emergencypreparedness #emergencypreparednessmonth #tailtrax #beprepared #besafe #adventuredog #hikingwithdogs #dogsthathike #hikingdogsofinstagram #wildfireseason #campingwithdogs
A trail snack so good, my dog tries to woo me into sharing with him! #sponsored I brought along Peanut Butter Crunchy granola bars from @kodiakcakes on my most recent backpacking adventure to keep me fueled during our long day hikes. As a plant-based eater, the most common question I get is "where do you get your protein?" It's really not hard at all to fulfill my protein needs, especially with brands like @kodiakcakes that emphasize protein-packed products. Kodiak makes a ton of tasty mixes and snacks (including several plant-based options) that are ideal for enjoying at camp or at home! #Kodiak, #proteinpackedkodiak . #hikingwithdogs #dogsthathike #hikingdogsofinstagram #plantbased #plantbaseddiet #plantbasedathletes #rescuedogsofinstagram
Sitka and I have been having a ton of fun these past few weeks, hence being a bit MIA! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One of our adventures took us to @crystalmountain, which just so happens to be VERY dog friendly! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've always avoided Mt. Rainier because it is a National Park and therefore not so welcoming to dogs. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Enter Crystal Mountain. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Located just outside of the NP boundaries and with the "best view of Mt. Rainier with the least amount of effort" Crystal Mountain jumped to the top of list of places to visit because, well, because Mt. Rainier. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What makes it so dog-friendly? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dogs can ride the state's only gondola where Mt. Rainier greets you front and center (unless it's cloudy, like it was the day I visited 😖) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Summit House Restaurant patio is dog-friendly and serves tasty food with views to match (including a couple vegan options, woot!). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Crystal is also crushing it with summer activities, most of which are dog-friendly, including paddle boarding, foraging, guided hikes, and more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And, and, and next year, they'll have glamping tents you can enjoy with your pup. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In addition to all the fun activities, there are miles and miles of hiking trails both at and near the resort that allow dogs. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm already planning my winter visit for some snowshoeing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who wants to join me? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thank you so much for hosting Sikta and me @crystalmountain. We can't wait to come back!
If you have a reactive dog, then you are probably all too familiar with trigger stacking. It can happen to any dog, but it's definitely more prevalent with reactive dogs. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's true that when it rains, it pours! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Raise your hand if you've ever gone on a dog walk and all of your dog's triggers just seemed to appear one right after the other. 🙋🏻‍♀️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's not fun, it's frustrating, it's draining, and it's demoralizing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Just when you think you've made progress with your dog, boom! You have a terrible walk. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's what you need to know: It's OK. It sucks, but it's ok. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's are a few ways we tackle our triggers: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 I know what my dog's triggers are. I listen for them and know their sounds and try to hear and see them before he does. If you have a reactive dogs, then you'll want to gradually increase their exposure over time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 We practice calm behaviors around the triggers. For us lately, that means staying in a down in the park near the busy road where there's often trucks and motorcycles whizzing by. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 Monday is garbage day, and you know how much Sitka loves the garbage truck. We follow the truck around while Sitka earns his breakfast. Some days, we can work on the same block, other days, we have to have more of a buffer. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🐾 Most importantly, I don't react to his triggers. I know what could happen and prepare as best I can. If I become reactive, then it will only cause more reactivity in Sitka, so I stay calm and focus on getting away from the trigger if it sparks a reaction. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Pay attention to how long your dog's reactions last each time. If the duration shortens over time, that's how you know you're progressing. If not, then keep working and you'll get there! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What tips do you have for working around your dog's triggers?
When @headtotaildogtraining and I met last fall, we immediately connected over a shared vision of hosting some kind of outdoor experience for dogs and their humans. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Adventure Dog Camp has been a year in the making and we're so excited that we were able to turn that dream into a reality. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For those of us who bring our dogs along whenever possible, we understand that it means to sacrifice. You have to amend your plans, you are not allowed in certain destinations, hotels, and restaurants. But we don't mind, because we have our dogs along. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you use an e-collar with your dog, then your options are even more limited. E-collars are not allowed at agility, barn hunt, rally, etc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I wanted to do truffle hunting lessons with Sitka and was turned away after setting a date and time once the instructor learned that he wears an e-collar. I was told by a brand that I worked with for five years to cease posting photos of Sitka in his e-collar (I immediately terminated the relationship). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A friend recently told me she's not allowed at events run by the only local pet store in her town because her dogs wear e-collars. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It sucks and it's unfair because this is a communication tool that, when used properly, provides freedom. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Melissa and I wanted to create a space where people could bring their e-collar-wearing dogs along on the adventure, which is one reason that we initially limited ADC to e-collar trained dogs only. There are not a lot of welcoming spaces out there for us and we wanted to change that. We recently decided to open a few spots to non-e-collar trained dogs as well. Every dog will be assessed via a video phone call to determine fit. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🚨 Thinking about joining us this September at camp? We still have a few spots left, so be sure to get your application in ASAP! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 🏳️‍🌈 BIPOC and LGBTQ+ scholarships close on August 15, so get those in if you'd like to be considered! We have three spots available. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Questions? Ask below or shoot me a DM! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You can apply at the link in my profile.
After many requests and thoughtful consideration, @headtotaildogtraining and I have decided to open a few spots for non-e-collar trained dogs at Adventure Dog Camp! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ All dogs attending will need to demonstrate fluency in basic obedience skills like: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sit Down Place ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dogs will need to be able to hold these commands calmly for longer periods of time around other dogs and people. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Reactive dogs are welcome and encouraged, provided the handler has a good handle on their reactivity and they do not consistently cause disruption to the events and other guests. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have questions? Send us a DM or email us. Want to come to camp? Tap the link in bio and fill out your application and we’ll be in touch to schedule a video call. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Make sure to your applications in by August 15th. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We have some amazing applicants already, it's going to be a really difficult decision to pick just three! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We are nearing full capacity, but there are still spots available for the general applications, so don't delay if you've been thinking about coming to Adventure Dog Camp! (link in bio).
A lot of pet owners talk about CBD oil as a supplement for suppressing anxiety, but my main usage is to support a healthy inflammation response in Sitka. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Since Sitka trains alongside me for all of my miles, and because I would very much like for him to do so for many years to come, I give him CBD oil to ease the aches from all that training. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @primalpetsupplements recently sent me their new CBG oil (not a typo!) to try out. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is CBG oil compared to CBD oil? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌱 Both are compounds found in the cannabis plant and have a lot in common, but differ in their molecular make up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💧 CBD and CBG (and THC) are transitions from their acid form in the cannabis plant to their oil form. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🪴 CBG is a precursor to other cannabinoids and generally only available for a short period of time. CBD is more readily available in higher concentrations. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🧬 CBG and CBD interact with the cannabinoid receptors in our pets' bodies differently. CBG binds directly to the receptors, while CBD interacts indirectly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Source: @primalpetsupplements website ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It may be worthwhile to try both and see if your pet does better on one vs the other, or even in conjunction with one another. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you use cannabis products on your pet? For what reasons, if so?