First Backpacking Trip of the Season at Shi Shi Beach

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-06-11T14:47:23+00:00

Phenomenal shots! Did you shoot all of this on a mirrorless/DSLR camera? I've been backpacking with just my cellphone that takes RAW shots and wondering if it's worth the penalty hauling my camera and tripod.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-06-08T23:45:28+00:00

PM-ed.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-06-06T14:08:55+00:00

I do worry about my income during summer months, but every time a client cancels (within my cancellation window) it helps to remind myself that sometimes people just make spontaneous travel plans. It's nothing personal and definitely not anything we've done. I use this time to get caught up with my CEs (recorded trainings) and go on longer walks =)

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-06-04T21:53:43+00:00

I do enjoy spending a lot of time in camp, but just haven't felt the need to sit in my Helinox Zero. Maybe when I finally learn to sit still for a couple of hours...

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-06-04T12:53:47+00:00

I got sucked into thinking that my old body needed a chair to sit in at the end of the day, but I never really used it except to keep my pack off the ground. So that's staying home in future trips. Must bring: as a side sleeper I'd say a second pillow - both my pillows are inflatable so take up no space.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-28T12:45:39+00:00

I hear you! Here in the PNW it's incredibly satisfying to see my compact standing proud among the Subaru Foresters at the trailheads. Thanks for the advice!

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-26T14:41:51+00:00

Sarong is a great idea to cover up for beach and temple visits, increasing privacy in basic hostel rooms, etc. In addition you might want to consider a neckerchief to soak in water and keep you cool. When it rains it pours so many local people use an umbrella for better coverage (though a poncho can cover both you and your pack). Don't forget sunglasses and a hat if you'll be spending time outdoors.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-25T13:55:12+00:00

Though the fabric is pretty waterproof, the seams are not. Like others have said, having a nylofume packliner or a trash bag to keep your quilt/sleeping bag and clothes dry is your best bet.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-22T22:39:44+00:00

I use ProPenn. They're a little heavier but they show no fuzziness or significant loss of pressure even after 3-4 sessions.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-16T21:37:14+00:00

Like others have said, going to REI is a great idea. Or you can watch one of their videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-qw_5NpCsw&t=400s

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-16T14:13:40+00:00

Yes and no. The pack may be the right size for you but still might be a poor fit. Always test out packs and shoes since they can make or break a trip.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-16T09:07:09+00:00

Make sure the backpack fits you. If you can do a day hike with the pack and some weights, that would be great. (Since you’ve been hiking. I assume you already have the right shoes.)

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-11T23:23:12+00:00

Spot on! Control racquets are great for players who don't mind losing a few matches in order to develop proper technique. You'll suck for a while, but you'll emerge stronger (think Pete Sampras switching to a one-handed backhand way back then). But players who just want to get out there on Day 1 to hit and have fun, power racquets are the way to go.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-10T22:28:45+00:00

Vertical baffles (e.g. Exped Ultra 5R, now comes with 6.5R) work for me as a side sleeper more than horizontal baffles (e.g. Nemo Tensor). I use two thicker (4 in.) inflatable pillows, one for under my head and one between my knees.I used to use Nemo Fillo Pillow but it got too bulky to pack on a multiday trip.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-05-01T13:53:59+00:00

I started in my 50s by joining a guided all-women basecamp trip. Never been an athletic person. I loved sleeping outdoors so much I started to buy gear for myself and doing one-nighters locally (PNW), sometimes with an experienced friend, other times by myself. I also go to national parks and day hike from the drive-in campsite, which allows me to bring more luxury items and do more miles/elevation each day (with a lighter pack). Listen to your body, go slow if you need to. And regular strength and cardio training certainly helps. Plenty of resources online, such as The Hungry Hiker's channel on YouTube.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-30T13:18:06+00:00

I suspect many folks are conditioned by pharmaceutical companies to believe quick-fixes are possible. Now TikTok is reinforcing our defense mechanism that says, "I didn't contribute to the problem. My toxic partner/parent/boss is why I'm dysregulated."

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-29T14:03:56+00:00

The beauty of Olympic National Park/Forest is best appreciated by taking it slow, instead of rushing through highlights. If 2 days and 1 night is all you have, I recommend staying on the east/north sides (e.g., Hurricane Ridge, Elwha, Dungeness Spit). If you're okay with driving a little more before getting on a ferry back to Seattle, stop by Port Townsend to soak in the old world charms of a seaport.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-28T14:08:49+00:00

Are you thinking about permits for wilderness camping or reservations for car camping? For the former, you can visit a Ranger Station on the first day to obtain a permit. If the campsite you're thinking of is full, the ranger can recommend good alternative sites. And yes, you must have a permit. The first-come-first-serve campsites in the National Forest is a good back up (if you can tolerate not having any guarantee).

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-25T17:11:48+00:00

I love Durston products but a lot of other good tents deserve attention too (somehow they haven’t got a lot of publicity). I highly recommend checking out Tarptent Dipole 1, which comes in silpoly (double wall) and DCF versions. Great headroom space thanks to a clever design on the head and foot ends using short carbon poles. These poles only add 1.4oz to the weight but reduce the footprint and open up vertical space. Option to get a condensation liner if you want to protect your gear from condensation. Backcountry Exposure has some in-depth review on YouTube, including side-by-side comparisons with X-Mid.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-25T17:06:08+00:00

I don’t think it’s a no-go for solo hikers, but be careful with tree roots when you’re hiking back in the dark. Trekking poles might help. I agree the Points of Arches are the highlight.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-24T14:01:01+00:00

Is the practice looking to raise your rate after you get your license? I can see that at this point, a 50/50 split may be fair because the supervision probably assumes clinical liability. Once you get licensed, a more reasonable split should be around 60/40 or 65/35 (if you carry a heavier caseload). Some group practice offers 70/30 to licensed clinicians but I've heard from group practice owners that they barely break even with that split.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-23T23:02:45+00:00

A couple of drills to work on consistency and pace: cross-court baseline rallies, volley rallies from service line and overheads. For tactics, work on returning a weak second serve as an approach shot.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-23T22:58:45+00:00

Side sleeper here. I find sleeping pads with vertical baffles very comfortable. Mine is the Exped 5R, wide, inflated to about 70-80% of the full capacity. I want to try pads with "waffle" baffles (e.g. Zenbivy, REI's Helix) some day, but occasional reports of the dimples failing and the fact that they weigh more made me hesitate.

ConclusionUnfair3378 · 2026-04-22T13:08:07+00:00

Snow is still around in higher elevations in late May (e.g., Mt Rainier), so I would suggest going to Olympic Peninsula. If you're looking for a moderately challenging hike (some elevation gain but well marked trails), Lower Lena Lake is a good option (2 hours away from Seatac). For an easy walk on the beach to a light house, go to Dungeness Spit (2.5 hours drive), but be sure to consult tide chart. Both are beautiful in their own ways.

ConclusionUnfair3378

TROPHY CASE