Luckily, because our dry bags are waterproof, you can easily wipe it down with alcohol-based/antibacterial wipes to prevent the transmission of various bacterias and viruses you may come in contact with, including COVID-19.
Here are some tips on how to clean your dry bag. You’re probably glad you decided to own something waterproof during these times!
For quick cleanup:
For bigger messes:
Do you have any tips on how you clean your gear? Feel free to share them with us below!
]]>There’s one thing we realized: we really miss the simple things!
Let us know what you can’t wait to do after this is all over in a comment below!
]]>Social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from others) and staying at home has become the new norm worldwide, however, each state is impacted differently by COVID-19 and there are specific guidelines and limitations at the city, state, and federal levels. To understand exactly what the rules and temporary restrictions are for your location, we recommend visiting the official websites for your city and state. If your city is issuing a stay at home order and only allowing its residents to leave their homes for essential items, then follow these rules. We’re all in this together, and it’s the responsibility of each individual to follow these guidelines (that have been set for a reason) to help flatten the curve. Be sure to also check on the latest news releases from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where you can be up to date on official updates and preventative techniques.
By staying safe, we’re not just talking about wearing a mask when going outdoors or washing your hands frequently (which you also absolutely should be doing). If you plan to go outdoors, be sure to not participate in any outdoor activity that can cause you to be injured or put you in a tough spot. For example, skateboarding sounds safe, but doing so without a helmet or proper equipment can put you in danger for injury. Participate in relatively safe activities such as walking, running, etc. and avoid putting yourself in situations where you may injure yourself, or endanger others. Now is not the time to take risks with hospitals extremely overwhelmed right now to fight COVID-19.
This may be a given for most people, but for some, they’re still ignoring it. We can’t stress this enough—don’t go outside to travel somewhere! While most people tend to think of traveling as a vacation or getting on an airplane, you may still have the urge to drive across state lines to visit family or find something to do in a remote area. DON’T! Stay within your city and limit the spread of the virus to other rural or smaller locations which may not be as equipped or prepared for a wider spread of COVID-19.
With that being said, that doesn’t mean you have to forget about travel for the rest of your life. Start dreaming of the next destination you want to visit, because once this is all over, you’ll definitely want to travel!
]]>Whether you’re a runner or prefer yoga, there really isn’t an excuse for “not having time” to exercise nowadays! As fun as it is to binge-watch our favorite television shows, exercise is absolutely necessary to get your endorphins flowing during this time where we may feel confined and trapped. Plus, it’ll help you sleep better at night!
Whether it’s a magazine, NY Times bestseller, or cookbook, now is the time to sit down, wind down, and enjoy a good read without having to think about any interruptions. Escape the day-to-day and put your brain to work by stimulating your mind with words. Let right now be the time you finally finish that book on your shelf or that time you learn how to cook a new dish that you’ve been wanting to try. Because…why not?
Do you feel like every day is the same, or you’re having trouble sleeping at night? Consider going for a morning walk for at least 20 minutes every day, or maybe twice a day! If you have a pet, even better! According to the regulations of most states, walking your dog is completely fine to do during stay-at-home orders, as long as you are practicing social distancing and at least 6 feet away from others. Fresh air can do wonders for your mood and spirits during this confusing time.
There’s nothing like fresh food and fresh air. Bring your camping experiences home by having a backyard barbeque—complete with a campfire and smores. Plus, you won’t have to worry about campsite pet regulations since you’ll be in charge (and your pet will feel more comfortable, too)! To make it even more like a camping experience, consider pitching a tent outside, hanging some string lights, and listening to some good music while roasting marshmallows.
With no events or travel plans in sight and hardly anything to “show off” to your friends on social media, now if the time for you to simply be present, and take in each moment of every day. If being at home has taught us anything, it’s that there are a lot of things we take for granted when we’re usually distracted with our day-to-day. Take a deep breath and observe what’s happening to you at this moment. While it isn’t exactly what we imagined, there are so many positives to look at during this time such as the selflessness of health workers, the togetherness of neighborhoods and grocery stores, and so much more.
]]>But even though COVID-19 has our 2020 travel (and social) plans on pause for now, that doesn’t mean you have to give up that bucket list you’ve been dreaming of. As a family-owned company that’s directly connected to the outdoor and travel industry, we, like you all, can definitely feel the impact of COVID-19. While we know we’re not alone, we remain positive throughout this time and know that together, our entire industry will get through this. Don’t stop the adventures—we’ll see you all when the time is right.
Here are some ways you can support the outdoor and travel industry right now!
Although we’re all currently practicing social distancing and self-quarantining, staying at home gives you ample time to start thinking about new, amazing places you want to visit when the time comes! When this is all over, we hope you come out of this with a newfound appreciation and gratitude for social experiences and the outdoors. For inspiration on places to visit, head to your favorite social media sites such as Instagram or YouTube.
Just because you’re not outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t find a use or purpose for your outdoor gear. The great thing about outdoor products is that they can be used not just for traveling, but also for other purposes. Consider spending your time indoors organizing all your gear, or using it to create an emergency kit for your household!
You’ve heard it on the news, read about it on your phones, or are likely experiencing it for yourself—businesses are hurting, and working hard to keep their employees with alternative ways to make a sale. To support different brands in the outdoor and travel industry, consider purchasing a gift card that you can use in the future. You may not need that tent or cooler right now, but when you’re ready to get back out there you’ll be happy you purchased a gift card!
Uncertainty is tough to deal with, for both customers and businesses. As a small company, something that keeps us inspired and going are the positive notes and photos that you send us of you all using our products. Whether it’s a fishing trip with your family, a day at the beach, or a life-long bucket list trip, we wake up every morning excited that what we do allows us to be a part of your adventures. The outdoor community is strong, and sending strong, positive vibes to your favorite companies goes a long way during these tough times!
]]>Now that COVID-19 is spreading among communities in the United States and other countries around the world, many of us are self-quarantining or following “shelter-in-place” orders mandated by our governors. While staying at home is absolutely necessary during this time, it can make us a bit restless, so our team put together some ideas of how they are using their earth⋅pak dry bags to help pass the time during these difficult times.
Missing the gym while being indoors? Unfortunately, with most gyms and fitness studios closed (and with good reason), we’re all missing that bit of sweat that we usually get from our normal routines. A great idea is turn your dry bag into a kettlebell to get some lifts in while at home! Simply add sand, water, or anything inside your dry bag to add bulk and weight to it. Since you already know what size your dry bag is (10L and 20L bags are perfect for weights), you can convert liters into the weight that you’re looking for.
Since your dry bag obviously keeps items dry, why not use it during this off-season for storing electronics or cables, to ensure that it stays protected from dust or moisture? The durable material of dry bags helps prevent things from poking in, and it’s also convenient to keep all your cables stored in one spot so you’ll know where it is! Not to mention, you’re keeping all of your electronics protected from any wet conditions.
For those who do not have laundry services at home, consider using your dry ag to bring your laundry to the laundromat. Our 40L and 55L sizes are perfect for storing dirty laundry and offer easy carry with backpack straps. Throw your dirty laundry in, roll up your bag, and keep odors tucked away until you can wash your clothes
This idea actually came from a lot of you—our fans! We’re not telling you guys to freak out and buy in bulk. But, for those of you who are stocking up on supplies and creating emergency kits at the moment, consider using your dry bag to store everything in it. We recommend any dry bag larger than 35L—this includes our Summit Series, Voyager Series, or Original Dry Bag Backpacks. You can easily tuck any first aid kits, medicine, paper goods, and more. (Note: We are not telling you to hoard hand sanitizers or toilet paper, we’re simply just offering a suggestion for storing items). It’s always smart to keep an emergency kit for times that you may need it!
With most restaurants closed, the chances are you’re probably grabbing to-go orders or making more stops to the grocery store as you’re used to. Use your dry bag to stock up on bulk items that you pick up from the store. It’ll make carrying much easier!
While our team is currently practicing California’s mandate to practice shelter-in-place, we’re all available online and are doing our best to respond to any questions within 24 hours. In addition, all items purchased on our website are still shipping out during this time. Stay safe everyone, and we hope to see all your adventures soon!
]]>There’s just something about the smell of dropping leaves and damp earth that makes fall truly special. No other season gives us this aroma of crisp, pure, earthiness in its most natural form. Morning walks or hikes are so much more enjoyable with crisp, fresh, cool air and slight rays of sunlight shining through the hazy clouds.
During fall, there’s fewer crowds everywhere…making it the perfect season to hit the road and visit national parks and campgrounds that are typically flooded with tourists during the busy summer months. Plus, with cooler nights than the summertime, we definitely recommend planning a camping trip!
You can search for as many quotes as you want in Google, but the consensus is—fall scenery is truly breathtaking. It’s like a mosaic, ombre, (or whatever you want to call it) of gorgeous autumnal hues of rust, orange, and yellow. There’s no other season that has the same colors as fall!
In summer, you’re dressing for the hot weather, and in winter, you’re dressing to stay warm. But during fall—you’re putting on light layers and can easily adjust to any temperature changes throughout the day. The temperate climate of fall definitely makes getting dressed so much easier!
For all the outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen out there, the countdown to fall is a highly anticipated one! Fall is the start of hunting season and also a fisherman’s dream with Pacific and Atlantic salmon lifecycles starting all over again. Fall-run Chinook Salmon migrate upstream as adults from July through December and spawn from early October through late December. It’s a huge event for grizzly bears, bald eagles, and of course fishermen!
]]>I absolutely love summer. From backyard BBQs to outdoor summer concerts and longer days of sunshine, there’s just something about summer that makes me take a step back from the business and truly enjoy life outside of work. Anyone else feels the same way?
I often get asked if I use my products. To be honest, I really don't... JUST KIDDING, yes of course I do!
But I do admit, I have my favorites. There are just some items I absolutely love and find most relevant for my summer activities. Let’s cut to the chase. Here they are—my top 3 earth pak picks for summer 2019:
This is hands down my favorite item in the earth pak collection. FAVORITE. I’m not sure if I’ll get flack for saying this but figured I’d be honest here. There's a good reason why we're sold out and doing pre-orders right now (I promise, it'll be in back soon and it's worth the wait!)
The Loch Series cooler TRULY rocks and goes everywhere with me, especially during summer. We took our cooler to numerous outdoor concerts, the pool to keep our drinks cold, and so much more. It’s seriously my trusted companion for fun times. When creating the Loch Series cooler, we really assessed all soft coolers on the market and tried to build something that was different and convenient. I can personally say that I’m truly proud of what we created, and it’s my most used earth pak product!
Now, we just revamped our Summit Series bags and I’m truly diggin’ the new style. I was a little frustrated before with some complaints we had with our previous model: ripped straps, not enough back support, and all that stuff that really bugged me as an owner. Well, the new version is way more awesome, and I love using it WAY more than the previous model. With stronger straps, added waist belt support, and more convenient pockets inside, I love carrying this bad boy around.
What can I say? This is my first child and I’ll always play favorites towards it (oops!). Since I use my Summit Series to carry more gear, I always like to keep a smaller 10L dry bag handy just to store some of the little knick-knacks that I like to bring with me—my phone, wallet, sunglasses, all that. It’s my trusted companion, and I keep one in the trunk of my car to use just in case. Plus, aren’t you guys glad we finally switched over the logo?! I know many of you were waiting for that.
That’s it, folks! My top 3 earth pak picks for summer 2019. I’ll be sure to update you guys on more things I’m up to this summer!
P.S. – Let me know what your top earth pak products are, would love to hear from you.
]]>We recently had a Q&A with Glen and Alana Simamora—an outdoor photography couple known as The Wilderness Collective (IG: @the.wilderness.collective). They shared their tips and tricks to what got them into the outdoor photography scene, what keeps them stable, as well as the fun (and hustle) of their daily lives!
Well when we first starting dating, we loved going on adventures together. We had a dinky little camera for pictures better than our iPhones so we took it along to a trip to California in 2016. Since then, we haven't put a camera down. We love exploring and being able to capture those priceless moments all around the world
We drive to Alaska every summer going on four years now. The trip normally lasts at least a month long and Alaska just has this allure to us that we can never seem to shake. The massive mountains, overwhelming seas, and the midnight sun keep us coming back for more and more.
We have to always be cognizant of the gear we take on our travels and always have to take into account weather, durability and battery life. Our go-to camera is the Sony a7rii with the Sigma Art 35mm f1.4. It is such a powerhouse and has yet to let us down. We also carry around a drone in case we want to see what the eyes in the sky sees.
Our day to day is very rigorous. When we aren't traveling, we are always preparing for the next adventure. We wake up at 5:30 am every morning to get a jumpstart to our day. Good breakfast, some coffee and cozying up in a blanket fuels our email responses and editing schedule. We try to edit all of our shoots within the next couple days after a shoot and respond to emails day of, if not next day. We try to be as flexible as we can in terms of being around home and exploring. We designate a couple of days every month for a big trip and the rest of the weekends are dedicated to shoots around home, seeing friends/family and being able to balance a romantic relationship in the mix!
Our favorite brands to work with are local small businesses that have an extreme passion for the outdoors. earth pak is most definitely one of those companies. Companies that are focused on the customer, always striving for more and respects the art community.
earth pak is honestly a gosh darn lifesaver. We have always been wanting some waterproof bags for our gear/clothes and earth pak delivered with style. We took our duffel to Seattle, WA, and the PNW in November and coming from Colorado, we tend to forget how rainy the NorthWest is. The duffel got dropped out of the car at least five times during the trip into muddy puddles, pouring rain or gravel roads. Every time it fell, all we needed to do was wipe it off and we were good to go. We didn't need to worry about our clothes getting wet or our cameras breaking. Every product that earth pak sends our way is utilized more than any other piece of gear we own.
Just go outside and start taking pictures! You don't need to be in "insta-famous" places like Iceland or Bali to get a great picture. Plan on getting dirty and uncovering some awesome locations.
Focus on the photo, not the gear. Some of our best pictures came from our old Canon t5. Be proud of your work and find your own unique style! :)
]]>Like what you see? See more work from The Wilderness Collective by visiting their website here or following them on Instagram @the.wilderness.collective
If you’re taking your dry bag outdoors, chances are you’re probably going to be carrying a bottle of sunscreen or bug spray in it. Keep in mind this one rule–try to prevent all solvents from making direct contact with your dry bag. The ingredients in these liquids can sometimes react with the material of your dry bag, causing flaws to the exterior. If contact does occur, rinse off or wash your dry bag by following our second tip!
If your bag went through quite the adventure, you can always scrub your dry bag with gentle dishwashing soap and water to clean it off. The amount of scrubbing and water you use is more important than soap in flushing bacteria and other food particles that can accumulate over time on your bag. If your dry bag has extra gnarly stains or smells, you can use baking powder with white vinegar directly on the area–this solution will neutralize the scent of the material. After washing your dry bag, always dry it off with a towel by letting it air dry standing up, on a raised area, with good air flow.
There’s nothing wrong with leaving your dry bag under the sun (after all, it’s meant for those sunny days by the water)! However, like anything that’s colored, it’s important to not store your dry bag for long periods of time under the sun or in hot areas where it can heat up and fade over time. Room temperature is always recommended.
A gym bag is great, but when you have dirty shoes and clothes that are sweaty and stinky, those odors get trapped in the fabric of your bag over time. One of the best uses we’ve found for our dry bags is for gym workouts and hot yoga sessions. Simply throw in all your sweaty and dirty clothes in your dry bag to separate it from your clean items, take it home, and rinse off your bag afterward to make sure all of those stenches easily get washed away!
Hate lugging around a heavy basket to the Laundromat? Or, do you have a mesh bag with a ton of holes in it from your heavy laundry loads? Bring something durable, like a dry bag, to the Laundromat! Our 40L and 55L sizes are perfect for storing dirty laundry and offer easy carry with backpack straps. Throw your dirty laundry in, roll up your bag, and keep odors tucked away until you can wash your clothes
Like to work out while you go camping or travel outdoors? Unfortunately, gyms don’t exist in the wilderness, but you can easily turn your dry bag into a kettlebell to get some lifts in while traveling! Simply add sand, water, or anything inside your dry bag to add weight to it. Since you already know what size your dry bag is (10L and 20L bags are perfect for weights), you can convert liters into the weight that you’re looking for.
Do you work in dusty or dirty environments and need something that you can wash down whenever you want? From construction workers to even emergency room doctors – all of these customers use their dry bag as a convenient and easy to rinse off work bag since they deal with dirty/sticky situations on the daily.
Since your dry bag obviously keeps items dry, why not use it during the off-season for storing electronics or cables, to ensure that it stays protected from dust, moisture, and more. The durable material of dry bags helps prevent things from poking in, and it’s also convenient to keep all your cables stored in one spot so you’ll know where it is! Not to mention, you’re obviously keeping all of your electronics protected from any wet conditions.
Don’t worry about bringing a pillow on your trip. Use your dry bag as an emergency pillow – just fill it up with soft items/air, and rest easy knowing that you packed less and have a comfortable spot to rest your head while outdoors!
If you love hunting and fishing, you know how messy it can be to bring your wins back home. We’ve heard stories from anglers and fisherman who resort to using zip lock bags to store their catches. Instead, use a dry bag to store any fish or meat that you take away from your trip. Since the bag is waterproof, you’ll rest assured knowing that guts or blood isn’t getting on anything. Plus, you can easily sanitize the bag later by spraying it down in the yard or using gentle dishwashing soap. Not to mention – unlike a ziplock bag, you can reuse your dry bag over and over again for future hunting and fishing trips.
Dry bags are relatively inexpensive, so if you want to use yours in some of these creative ways – think about getting several of them!
]]>If you’re traveling across coasts or even internationally, you may be experiencing dramatic weather changes -- for example, California sunshine to New York snow, or winter in the United States to summer in Australia! Luckily, our waterproof bags are approved for all weather conditions (whether snow or beach)!
Minimalism is the best when packing, especially during the holidays where baggage can easily get lost and put a damper on your festivities. Be simple and opt for an easy carry-on duffel or bag, bringing only the essentials with you. Do you always forget items when you travel? To make sure you don’t miss anything, we recommend creating a “gear spread” and laying everything flat on your bed or floor so you know exactly what you’re bringing, what’s missing, and what you can take out.
If you’re headed somewhere, consider shipping all of your gifts to where you’ll be celebrating the holiday festivities, instead of lugging them with you while you travel! This way, you won’t have to check in or bring heavy luggage, or even worry about forgetting a package for someone on your list (which we admit, we’ve done plenty of times). Enough companies also offer the option to ship items as gifts, so there isn’t a receipt included in the package.
Our most important tip is to not sweat the petty during the holidays. Don’t forget the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, appreciating everything you’ve been blessed with, and kicking off a fresh, new year! Whether you’re stressed about traveling or just life in general, just remember that no matter what hurdles you’re overcoming, there’s always something to be thankful for and to hold close to your heart during the holiday season.
After following Kelly Henris' adventures on Instagram (also known as @kmh.adventures), you're definitely going to want to "elevate" your travel experience and add Nepal to your bucket list. Here's our latest Q&A with this badass earth pak adventurer!
Q: Why did you travel to Nepal?
Adventure is my drug of choice and adventuring in the mountains tops that bucket list! I love to experience culture and explore and the Himalayas have always been a dream of mine!
Q: Describe your trip! How much time did you spend there, what was the journey like, and where did you stay?
I was in Nepal a total of one month. In this time the big part of the trip was a 14-day trekking trip called the Annapurna Circuit through the Himalayas. I and one friend started in Besisahar and trekked 200 miles in 2 weeks! The trip started around 1000ft of elevation and capped off at 17,800 feet! Each day brought new challenges while we trekked up and down the mountains and took on the challenge of acclimatization. The views were spectacular and I can now say I have trekked over the worlds HIGHEST PASS and to the worlds HIGHEST lake! Along the way, on the trek, we spent the evenings in tea huts owned by kind Nepali people. They would give us a room with cots, restrooms (occasionally with warm water) and meals. Dal Bhat is the main source of nutrition on the trek and consists of a lentil soup, curry, and rice. The people were so wonderful and kind. They have near nothing yet would give you anything! To say WOW about this trek is an understatement!
We also did some other exploring before and after the trek through Kathmandu and Pokhara. Pokhara had a beautiful lake to enjoy and lots of experiences such as paragliding.
Q: What did you like most about Nepal & how would you describe it as a travel destination?
My answer to the best part of travel (including Nepal) is always the people and culture you experience along the way. It is humbling and you can learn so much about the way you choose to live your life, priorities, and how to treat others. Aside from this, the Himalaya Mountains are truly spectacular in all their beauty! As a travel destination though you do need to be prepared for a true 3rd world country and keep an open mind.
Q: What type of travelers would you recommend to visit Nepal?
I would recommend anyone with an open mind and true sense of adventure to go to Nepal! There are numerous treks to explore and cultural experiences to take in. I also always love trying the food of a country and truly immersing myself in the lifestyle.
Q: What did you use your earth pak bag for in Nepal?
I used the Summit 35L Dry Bag Backpack every single day as a daypack! Along the trek, there are rarely stores and NO ATMs. There is no credit card usage out there. The fear of rain coming in and all my personal belongings getting wet and ending with no way to pay for lodging and food was eased by keeping belongings in my earth pak! I also used it to trek to the beautiful lakes we explored and when going over river crossings/waterfalls!
Are you one of the many outdoors people that are counting down the days until opening day? Don’t worry, it’s either already arrived or is almost here for many of you — but be sure to bring your dry bag along. Using an OD green, brown, or camouflage color is best and will keep all your gear dry in wet and muddy conditions. Not to mention, you can use it to transport your food, kill kit, and more — then easily clean it off afterward by spraying it with a water hose. It keeps your hunting and fishing messes to a minimum!
Fall is one of the best times to get out there on your kayak, with calm waters and beautiful hues of fall foliage surrounding you. Like any kayak day, you’ll definitely need your dry bag while kayaking during the fall. Especially because if any of your clothes or items get wet, they will dry much slower in the fall than during the warmer summer months — no one likes soggy stuff!
Of course, with the transition from summer to fall comes more rainy days. Whether you’re out traveling, hunting, or kayaking, you’re bound to run into some unexpected rain. Using your dry bag during fall will always ensure your belongings are safe and sound — and if you travel by bike or motorcycle, you’ll never have to worry about getting caught in a sudden downpour.
If you’re a true outdoors person, you’re likely going to get out there this fall — and likely will need your dry bags! Don’t pack up all your gear now that autumn is here, keep it around and make use of it with some awesome fall adventures. How do you use your dry bags during fall?
]]>Everybody who loves to fish has their vision of that perfect day out on the lake, river, pond or bank—the sun is shining, there are just a few puffy, white clouds in the sky, and the water is calm as glass and crystal clear so that you can see every little fish jumping. It’s a beautiful scene, sure. But we’re here to argue that there are plenty of benefits to heading out fishing with your gear when the weather is less-than-ideal.
(A note before we move on: Safety is always the number-one priority on any fishing outing. When we say “bad weather,” we mean rainy, cloudy, chilly or windy. We don’t mean that you should head out on the lake in a thunderstorm or try to maneuver around a flash flood. Be smart and stay safe.)
Here are 5 reasons you should consider fishing when the weather’s bad.
There’s nothing worse than pulling up to your favorite fishing spot and finding that it’s been overrun with other fishers, crowding the space and scaring all the fish away. But when weather conditions are poor, you’re more likely to find your favorite fishing hole completely empty and calling to only you. And what’s better than having a whole stretch of water all to yourself?
Lots of people fishing one stretch of water means a higher chance of overfishing. On crowded, sunny and warm days when the armies of amateur fishers are out in full force, you’ll be hard pressed to find a single fish who’s still looking to snap onto your hook.
When the weather is rainy, the less crowded waterways mean fish will be hungry, undisturbed and ready to feast on whatever you’ve got hanging from the end of your hook. If you’re willing to brave a little rain when others aren’t, the fish will be sure to reward you for it.
It’s true — many fish become more active when the pressure in the air changes in conjunction with an incoming storm. That’s why the sweet spot to be on the water is in the hours just before a storm fully breaks out. Sure, you might get rained on during your walk back to the car — but that’s just part of the joy of the great outdoors, right?
And air pressure isn’t the only reason fish like bad weather — the reduced visibility in the water means they feel safer from potential predators, which means they’ll be more active and less skittish about chomping down on your bait.
Follow us here — when you devote an entire sunny, beautiful day to fishing — and you get skunked —you’re likely to be frustrated that you ‘wasted’ the great weather on a failed day of fishing. But when you push yourself to get out into the bad weather, any success you have is just a bonus. Even if you catch just one fish, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you turned a rainy day that otherwise might have held nothing exciting, into a winner of a catch that’s more than you expected.
Shameless plug here. Most anglers avoid bad weather because they worry about water damage to their gear, not to mention their phones, wallets and other valuables. But with your dry bag you can keep all of your gear completely dry and protected when the weather gets rough or you take a tumble into the water!
Describe Your Dogs:
Why do you love going outdoors with your dog, and how does your dog inspire you?
My dogs inspire me every day. They remind me to live in the moment, to make the most of each and every day! We all feel the most comfortable, at home and free in the outdoors.
If there's one piece of advice you would share with dog owners, what would you share?
My one piece of advice would be to be adaptable! Get to truly know your dog, find out what they enjoy, what they thrive at. Don't force them to do activities just because you like them. Find common ground and make the most of it! Be flexible in your planning and enjoy every second you have with them.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Dogs just have a way of bringing out the youthful feeling of joy, in all of us. I try so hard to harness that energy and emotion! Chipper and Quinci have taught me so much about life.
Describe Your Dog:
Ariel is a 13-year-old mutt! Her DNA test revealed that she is 50% Siberian Husky, 25% Labrador Retriever, and 25% Golden Retriever. She is an everything dog- a good ol fashion mix in appearance and personality. She’s kind and gentle, loving and affectionate. She’s obedient but independent. She’s athletic but calm. She is a lover of anything fun and always up for an adventure. Simply put- she is a good girl.
Why do you love going outdoors with your dog, and how does your dog inspire you?
When it comes down to it I love adventuring outside with Ariel, simply because it makes her happy. Her happiness and thirst for life in the outdoors is completely contagious. She inspires me because she reminds me that no matter what kind of adventure we’re on – it is always about having fun, enjoying nature, and most significantly about being together.
If there's one piece of advice you would share with dog owners, what would you share?
If there is one piece of advice that I would share with dog owners, it is to practice and encourage positive training every day. In order for you, your dog, and for others to have an enjoyable and safe experience in the outdoors, a well trained and obedient dog is vital! Ariel and I have been able to enjoy and try so many new experiences and outdoor adventures together in a safe and positive manner due to her strong foundation in obedience skills and our trust in each other. Treats help greatly on any outing.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Ariel is my absolute best friend, my encouragement, and my everyday motivation. Adopting her has changed my life. She has given me the courage to pursue my dreams and make them a reality – together we have become Adirondack 46ers, Catskill 3500ers, and have traveled across the country... all of which I never believed possible until I met her.
Describe your dog:
Zia, Border Collie Mix/Supermutt rez dog, 3.5 years old. She's energetic, goofy, playful, and an absolute love bug to people she's let into her inner circle (AKA anyone who's ever given her a treat).
Fun Facts:
Why do you love going outdoors with your dog, and how does your dog inspire you?
I enjoy hiking with other people, don't get me wrong, but sometimes ambitions and schedules don't line up. Having an adventure dog means you never have to do anything solo. She's a constant source of joy and always brings a smile to my face. She inspires me with her example of living in the moment, of finding complete and total bliss in the simplest pleasures. It's human nature to get wrapped up in stuff like capturing the perfect Insta shot or setting a personal record time on a favorite peak. Is that really what drew us to nature in the first place? Zia reminds me to put my phone and my worries away, from time to time, and just cool my feet in an alpine lake, sniff a blooming wildflower or bark at a particularly scary cloud.
If there's one piece of advice you would share with dog owners, what would you share?
I could go on at length about the importance of training and trail manners. In fact, I already wrote an essay on the subject. As more and more people enjoy the outdoors with their dogs, it's crucial that we're all good stewards and go above and beyond to protect the wild places we love. Pick up poop, observe posted regulations, respect other trail users and leave no trace.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I just want to give a shout out to the adventure dog community as a whole. It sounds silly, but I've met so many incredible people and pups through Instagram, Facebook and local events in the Denver area. I'm inspired and impressed on a daily basis. I couldn't possibly name names without fear of leaving someone out, but thanks to all of you for allowing a window into your world. Keep on crushing it!
]]>Our paddling revelation
One of the most stressful moments we’ve had this summer was when most of our inventory was out of stock, and we had a ton of pre-orders that couldn’t be fulfilled on time due to shipment delays from our carrier.
Like most things in life, things eventually ended up working out – and it wasn’t nearly as horrible as we thought it was in our heads. Problems always seem scarier when they manifest in your mind, rather than actually face them and create real-life solutions.
However, during this stressful time, we decided to take a moment to disconnect from work and clear our minds. We took a team outing day and went stand up paddle boarding – and when people say worry less, paddle more, there really is some meaning behind that.
Despite all the chaos and worries about the business, paddling at sea was completely therapeutic. We weren’t focused on work, but instead, we were focused on what was exactly in front of us at that moment. We were able to re-connect with a sense of calmness, versus focusing on the problems that we couldn’t fix. We went back to work the next day rejuvenated and less stressed.
Why should you worry less and paddle more? Here’s a roundup of the benefits that you can receive from kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and more.
1. A Clear Mind
Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing, or paddling on a stand-up board, one of the biggest pros about just paddling overall is that you don’t need a partner or someone to compete against. This allows you to enjoy an individual, silent, and non-competitive sport that clears your mind without any distractions. The concept of paddling and performing methodical movements also allows you to experience “meditation in motion” for your body. Not to mention, by being in the water, you’re placed in a meditative environment that relaxes you; all you have to worry in the moment is the water that’s right in front of you.
2. Tons of Exercise
Overall, paddling allows you to improve your cardiovascular fitness and increase muscle strength. Depending on how difficult you plan to make your paddling adventure, you’ll definitely be burning calories by being in a consistent motion that gets your heart beating. You’ll be strengthening not just your arms, but also your core, back and shoulder muscles. Keeping in mind the theme of “worry less, paddle more,” paddling is also a simple exercise that reconnects you to the present moment and lifts your mood and spirit by decreasing stress and increasing endorphins.
3. More Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to some serious health conditions including depression, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 40% of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency. One of the best ways to improve your vitamin D levels is to expose your skin to sunlight for 10-15 minutes, then apply waterproof sunscreen to avoid sunburns. During paddling activities such as kayaking and canoeing, you are exposing yourself to just the right amount of sunlight during your activity, depending on the time of day. This is an easy way to get your vitamin D while staying somewhat cool by being in the water!
This is just a small glimpse into the benefits of paddling on a kayak, stand up paddleboard, or canoe. The best way to experience the health benefits? Go out there and try it for yourself!
]]>Tip #1: Keep on Camping
Camping is oftentimes associated as being a summer activity, but we’d say that most people can camp year-round, and in fact, camping in the fall is just as amazing (if not, better) than summer camping. With the hot summer days behind you, you can rest assured that you won’t wake up in a blistering hot tent, or be overwhelmed with overcrowded and overpriced campsites. Camping off-season can make you feel like you’re still enjoying the freedom of summer – except with a different change of scenery and weather.
Tip #2: Try Water Activities that Won't Get You Wet
When we think of summer, we think of the pool, beach, and overall taking a dip in a refreshing body of water! To still feel like you’re enjoying a refreshing outdoor summer activity, try water activities that won’t get you wet – such as stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. This way, you won’t feel the change in the water’s temperature, but can still connect yourself to nature and the outdoors like you typically would during the summer months.
Tip #3: Don't Stay In; Go Outdoors with Your Pup!
Everyone loves summer because it reminds us of enjoying the outdoors – soaking up the sun without a worry. Who says that we have to limit these cathartic feelings to just one season only? Head outdoors with your trusted canine companion, who will remind you that there’s so much to enjoy outdoors year round. Dogs remind us that you can connect with nature every minute you’re outside – and that will remind you of the happiness of summer!
Tip #4: Travel to Nearby, Local Sights in Your Own Backyard
Summer break usually means its time to travel. But, what many of us often overlook is that there are great places to “travel to” in our own backyards. Do you live in New York but forget to take a day to travel to the city and take in all the sights that it’s known for? Or, do you live near a National Park but never make it out to take in its beautiful scenery? While many people may not have as much downtime as they do during summer, you can still feel like you’re experiencing a summer trip by traveling somewhere nearby on the weekends that you typically wouldn’t visit during the offseason. Not to mention, there are also fewer crowds!
Who says the joy that we experience during summer has to end? With a few tweaks to your mindset and way you engage with the outdoors, you can still experience that summertime bliss all year long. Any tips on how you like to create your own endless summer? Share it in a comment below!
]]>Utah’s one of those places that you can visit without a plan, and you'll be completely fine. Pack your bags, take a road trip, and head to one of Utah’s mesmerizing canyonlands with nothing but food and water – and we promise you'll be good. For photographer Mitch McKee, this was exactly the case for him this past week, where he spent this time roaming around Utah...
]]>For photographer Mitch McKee, this was exactly the case for him this past week, where he spent this time roaming around Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. According to McKee, “This trip had no prior itinerary and the spontaneity of seeing where the road would take us set the tone for the week’s adventures.”
Joining him on this trip was his brother, who works as a field guide in Wilderness Therapy, a line of work that uses the outdoors as a way to help people who struggle with substance abuse. Sharing the same passion for the outdoors, Mitch’s brother introduced him to the world of canyoneering – and after seeing the photos he was able to capture, we’re glad he did.
One of their biggest canyons conquered was Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. He highly recommends this place for hiking and photography, and here at Earth Pak we're also relieved to see more Utah pics beyond Zion National Park.
According to Mitch, the canyon involved five technical rappels with the highest one being just shy of 150 feet free-hanging (which means your feet aren’t touching the canyon wall as you descend). It was probably the most diverse canyon he was able to conquer this past week, and his brother warned him before they left the car that “Canyons tend to destroy things.”
During the second rappel of Cassidy Arch Canyon, Mitch found himself descending into the mouth of a huge alcove (the cave in the images), and his gear (including his 55L Earth Pak backpack) took a beating as it was scraped against the canyon walls.
After everything had settled, he was surprised to find that his gear was all still intact – and there wasn’t a rip or hole in anything, including his bag. His gear survived not only Cassidy Arch but the entire week’s worth of spontaneous adventures.
There's two things you should take away Mitch's photos and story: 1) There's more to Utah beyond Zion and 2) More often than we think, not having a plan is the way to go.
According to Mitch, “This past week I was able to experience the Wild West at its wildest as well as enjoy some much needed time with my brother" – and usually, that's all you really need from a trip.
]]>For more of Mitch McKee's work, visit his Instagram @mitch.mckee and his website.
Adventurers are always looking for something different, new, and off-the-beaten-path. For photographer Cory Irwin (@mrcoryhouston), he found a weekend escape that’s “not for the faint-hearted” at Joshua Tree National Park – an alluring place for artists and adventurers alike. Scope out Cory's rad photography of his weekend in Joshua Tree with his 35L Premium Backpack.
About Joshua Tree
Located about 3 hours just outside of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is where two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together. Its desert beauty will truly cast a spell on any camper who decides to spend the night under the stars there. From numerous hiking trails, massive rocks, and a plethora of desert flora including the zig-zaggy Yucca brevifolia (the tree for which the park is named after), Joshua Tree National Park is truly unique.
Types of travelers who will enjoy Joshua Tree
According to Cory, “To best enjoy Joshua Tree, you need to stay in the headspace of enjoying the moment.” We agree; desert life in Joshua Tree isn’t for everyone, but it sure offers a serene and unique environment for those who are hoping to catch a break from the “noise” of their everyday lives.
Whether you’re a climber or camper, hiker or hipster – we’re sure anyone who has an appreciation for the outdoors or is searching for a place of remote quietness and scenery will love the beauty of Southern California’s unspoiled gem – Joshua Tree.
]]>For more of Cory Irwin’s work, visit: coryhouston.com
But as our company continued to grow, we realized that the word “earth” in “earth pak started meaning so much more to customers; it evolved into a metaphor for how our products began helping individuals across the globe.
Ted Hein of Repurpose-IT.org had one of the most inspirational “around the globe” stories to share with the earth pak team. Hein, who funds this non-profit exclusively by himself, founded the Repurpose-IT organization to donate laptops to indigenous schools in Central and South America. The organization’s overall mission is to lead indigenous children across the digital divide, transform education, and preserve cultural heritage.
His journey with earth pak first began when he used one of our 20L dry bags to fit 6 laptops inside of it, to transport technology tools to the Embera Drua Village in Panama in 2016.
Ted travels back and forth behalf of Repurpose-IT with earth pak's dry bags to bring laptops to these indigenous schools. After his first laptop run with our earth pak 20L dry bag, he purchased a second bag that accompanied him to a Wounaan indigenous school along the Rio San Juan in the Choco District of Columbia. As one of the wettest places on Earth (more than 400 inches of rain per year), this time Ted decided to leave a couple dry bags behind for the group (and with good reason). Numbered at roughly 11,000, the Wounann indigenous peoples are still trying to hold onto their language and culture despite adversity in the region – rebels, drug smugglers, gold miners who poach on their land.
To help Ted with his efforts, we contributed a small donation as well as provided him with a fair amount of 20L dry bags to take with him on his next trip.
We’ll let Ted’s email to earth pak Founder, Scott, tell the rest of the story:
While the earth pak team is based in beautiful Southern California, we often lose perspective that our products are being used beyond what we see as “normal outdoor activities” (paddle boarding, boating, fishing, or even just heading to the beach). Customers around the globe use earth pak products to support purpose-driven initiatives, and at the end of 2017, we were fortunate enough to hear from Somoto Canyon Tours, a local group in Northern Nicaragua that specialized in increasing tourism to their rural community.
Located in Madriz, Nicaragua, Somoto Canyon had not been “discovered” until 2004. Formed 5 to 13 million years ago during the Miocene period, this breathtaking spectacle was declared a national monument in 2006 and is now a developing tourist attraction that is furthering the development of Nicaragua’s tourism economy.
Beyond attracting tourism and improving the local economy in the area, Somoto Canyon Tours is motivated by using a percentage of its profits to support local communities through education and rebuilding infrastructures. For example, the company uses its profits to support local villages in deprived areas around the canyon, just south of the Honduras border, by building potable water, latrines, and more. In addition, Somoto Canyon Tours has been actively engaged in developing the education of its youth in surrounding neighborhoods. The company has re-roofed a school, rebuilt kitchens and toilets, donated prizes for students to encourage competitive self-development within their institutions, and launched scholarship programs for university students.
The team uses our 40L Orange Dry Bags for increased visibility while exploring the canyons, where water can easily sweep away items. Brian Thackray, International Development Consultant of Somoto Canyon Tours states, “The guides find the bags to be perfect for their tours because of their added strength and durability.” Here are some photos that he shared of his team using earth pak's 40L Dry Bags:
"Somoto Canyon Tours guide with his EarthPak dry bags in the lower canyon."
"Somoto Canyon Tours guide Uli checks with the base after taking visitors through the canyon. His cell phone is 100% dry thanks to earth pak."
As one of the largest and most successful tour operators in the area, Somoto Canyon Tours is growing up to 40% year over year and has toured up to 600 travelers a month – with a staff of just 16-20 guides and interpreters.
To learn more about this organization and how you can discover purpose-driven tourism with this group, visit www.somotocanyontours.org and follow their adventures on Instagram @somotocanyontours.
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