Cascade Mountain Tech News

6 Outdoor Activities to Do with Your Dad this Father's Day
June 18, 2022

6 Outdoor Activities to Do with Your Dad this Father's Day

You know what's better than sending your love in a Father's Day card? Sending your love IRL. Father's Day is the perfect opportunity to thank your dad for all of the love he's given you. From the stories he's told, retold, and told again to the lessons he taught you along the way, and all of the times he showed up to support you,  it's easy to admire all that he does. While you might be mulling over the perfect Father's Day gift, consider giving him something money can't buy, time together. Below we put together 6 Father's Day activities that are all outdoors and all about him.

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Staying Grounded:  The Benefits of Being Barefoot Outdoors
May 24, 2022

Staying Grounded: The Benefits of Being Barefoot Outdoors

Welcome to the Friends of CMT Spotlight, where we celebrate adventurers of all types by asking them questions about the people, places, and things that drive them. For this installment, we sit down with Alex Xouris, a hiker who’s quite literally “down to earth”.

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Mother's Day Gift Guide 2022 - Best Gift Ideas For Every Type of Outdoor Mom
May 03, 2022

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2022 - Best Gift Ideas For Every Type of Outdoor Mom

We've put together the ultimate Mother's Day gift guide for every kind of outdoor mom. Whether you're looking to find her the most comfortable stadium seat for long hours of sideline support or a water filter that she can take on her next alpine adventure, this list is sure to have something perfect for your outdoor-loving mom.

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Beta Basics:   How to Do Basic Research For Any Outdoor Trip
April 26, 2022

Beta Basics: How to Do Basic Research For Any Outdoor Trip

So what is Beta in the context of outdoor adventure and/or hiking? And what are some Beta basics that you should know to improve how you prepare for your adventures? We’ve compiled answers to those questions and provided you with a checklist of things to research anytime you’re planning an outdoor adventure, be it a short day hike or a multi-week rafting trip.

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How To Occupy Your Mind and Body When Recovering From an Injury
April 12, 2022

How To Occupy Your Mind and Body When Recovering From an Injury

There's hope after an injury—and on the path to recovery, you'll grow stronger in body and mind. It's an unbelievably challenging process, but it doesn't have to be the end of the trail.

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5 Lesser-Known National Parks to Take a Hike this Spring
March 28, 2022

5 Lesser-Known National Parks to Take a Hike this Spring

There is, perhaps, no better time of year to explore America's national parks than in the spring. Snowmelt supplies the rivers with a rush of water, a diverse array of wildlife emerges from a wintry slumber, and the forests and meadows bloom with a glorious display of wildflowers. 

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3 Camp Coffee Methods to Elevate Your Caffeine Consumption Outdoors
March 14, 2022

3 Camp Coffee Methods to Elevate Your Caffeine Consumption Outdoors

You wake from a sweet slumber at camp, and through the tent flap, the early dawn brightens into a new day. Your mind quickly wanders to its need for caffeine. This is the natural evolution of a morning at camp. It's one of the many reasons why it's our favorite place to wake up. We emerge from our sleeping bags, throw on something warm, and then move to the fire, listening as the world wakes up around us—all better enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee. 

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Waste Not, Want Not:  How I Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail Zero Waste
March 01, 2022

Waste Not, Want Not: How I Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail Zero Waste

I have always loved nature and spending time outside. I fell for environmental causes in my late teens, when I started reading about unsustainable tropical palm oil production and understating more deeply how our everyday actions as consumers impact resource exploitation and the species with who we share this planet. Vegetarianism and veganism followed, and after reading about “Plastic-Free July,” an international movement where you avoid plastic for a whole month, I decided to start living a zero-waste lifestyle.

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Are Float Planes the Most Underrated Way to Access the Backcountry?
February 22, 2022

Are Float Planes the Most Underrated Way to Access the Backcountry?

Accessing the far reaches, where roads & trails cease with Outbounder Mateo

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Your Cooler Can Help Keep Food From Freezing When Winter Camping
February 15, 2022

Your Cooler Can Help Keep Food From Freezing When Winter Camping

Our expert guide for keeping your food from freezing while camping in cold temperatures.

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A Beginner's Guide to Dispersed Camping
January 18, 2022

A Beginner's Guide to Dispersed Camping

Not only has dispersed camping become a safer option during COVID-19, but it's free! We'll tell you how to get started, and how to step up your dispersed camping game in this, our Beginner's Guide to Dispersed Camping.

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5 Epic Hikes in Death Valley National Park
January 07, 2022

5 Epic Hikes in Death Valley National Park

As a travel couple exploring different National Parks for the past year, we could not wait to visit Death Valley, National Park. We've heard so many great things and seen many epic pictures that we knew we had to go. However, it is such a large park that we didn't know where to start. Thankfully after lots of research and outlining a driving route, we embarked on a road trip through Death Valley National Park. There are so many things to see; however, here are 5 epic hikes that you can't miss!

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snowshoe tracks in snow
December 16, 2021

The History of Snowshoeing: A Trek Through Time

For those curious, it turns out the history of snowshoeing is somewhat mysterious. The archeological record is slim when it comes to the origin of snowshoes, and recent developments in the understanding of how humans came to the Americas have put something of a wrench in the gears of the generally accepted theory.

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healthy habits and benefits of hiking
November 17, 2021

The Health Benefits of Hiking - And Why You Should Consider Celebrating National Take A Hike Day

Why go on a hike? Well, hiking is great not only for your body but also for your mental health. And there are many reasons for this - so in this blog post, we will be highlighting both the mental and physical health benefits of hiking and why you should hit the trail to celebrate National Take a Hike Day this year.

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Mind Over Matter: Building Mental Fortitude in the Mountains
October 26, 2021

Mind Over Matter: Building Mental Fortitude in the Mountains

Nothing can stop you – you’ve reached the ultimate mind over matter groove. 

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6 Things to Know When Heading Out On Your First Mountaineering Expedition
October 12, 2021

6 Things to Know When Heading Out On Your First Mountaineering Expedition

I’ve officially fallen in love with mountaineering. 

I'm no pro by any means, but I hope by sharing some of the things I've learned in my PNW mountaineering adventures, it might help someone else get a little closer to standing on their first alpine summit.

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What mountaineering adventures do you have planned coming up? Leave us a comment below!

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What is a Monopod and Why You Need One?
September 27, 2021

What is a Monopod and Why You Need One?

What is a monopod? Well, the short answer is - it's the ultimate multi-purpose piece of hiking gear. The long answer is - it's the gear you wish you had when you've found yourself in the backcountry in one of the most stunning backdrops you've ever seen, but a selfie won't cut it, so the only way to get the perfect shot is by turning your trekking pole into a Monopod . . . still confused? Let's break it down.

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How A Road Trip Turned into a Lifestyle
September 21, 2021

How A Road Trip Turned into a Lifestyle

Hi, my name is Frank and I am a full time road tripper, adventurer, and content creator living out of my Honda Fit. You might wonder: "how did you end up as a full-time road tripper?" Well, this is the story of how my road trip accidentally turned into a lifestyle that I am still living 4 years later.

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Hit the Road: The Uncrowded Gems of the Oregon High Desert
September 14, 2021

Hit the Road: The Uncrowded Gems of the Oregon High Desert

In this blog I have compiled some of my favorite places to visit in the Oregon High Desert and hope this serves as a helpful travel guide for those hoping to beat the crowds and encounter a uniquely Oregon experience.

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From Bush to Table: Hand-Picked Berry Recipes You’ll Want to Make
September 08, 2021

From Bush to Table: Hand-Picked Berry Recipes You’ll Want to Make

If you’ve ever spent time in Washington during the summer, whether you are on an intensive hike or just going for a walk down around the neighborhood, you are bound to come across some berry bushes. You will know how hard it is to restrain yourself from plucking some delicious berries off the bushes all around you. From tart to sweet, and a variety of shapes, textures, sizes, and flavors it all looks delicious, however, some of the berries are not edible. Wild berries grow in abundance in Washington and all surround the Pacific Northwest. Before you go out and munch to your heart’s delight, be sure to know what to look for so you are safe while foraging for berries.

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What to Know When Choosing a Backpacking Water Filter
August 24, 2021

What to Know When Choosing a Backpacking Water Filter

Backpackers and campers alike will agree a water filter is a must have when on the trail and in the backcountry. Eliminating the need to pack in gallons of water to stay hydrated, a water filter provides all the fresh, drinkable water you need without adding much extra weight to your pack. If you don’t already have a backpacking water filter, this blog will illustrate why it is an essential to always keep around.

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Trail Essentials: Everything You Need to Know About Trekking Poles
August 09, 2021

Trail Essentials: Everything You Need to Know About Trekking Poles

We have created a complete guide to trekking poles and how to use them on your hiking adventures. We invite you to read on for valuable information on pole construction, tip covers, baskets, wrist straps, and ways to adjust them to the right height.

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Introducing the New Hammock Chair
August 02, 2021

Introducing the New Hammock Chair

In the world of outdoor gear there were hammocks and there were chairs, two completely separate items with completely separate uses. No longer is this the case. The miracle of modern science has brought these two beloved camp staples together in a hybrid blend that offers any gear closet an upgrade in comfort: the camping hammock chair

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couple camping together
July 27, 2021

How to Be a Good Camp Companion: 7 Rules to Live By

Camping with friends can often be a highlight of one’s year. Going off into nature with some of your closest buddies can form memories and bonds to last a lifetime. But it’s important while roughing it in the woods to be a great camp companion so that a camping trip can turn into a camping tradition. Below are 7 rules to live by that makes camping with friends drama-free and tons of fun.

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