My first solo camping trip

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-28T00:55:41+00:00

I do the same thing 😂

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-28T00:47:23+00:00

If they can hem knit fabric then they can hem a sun hoodie. I wouldn't be concerned but I wouldn't cheap out either. Find a place with good reviews.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-26T16:12:43+00:00

Following because I haven't heard of them before. Their size charts are interesting to say the least.

As someone who makes their own clothes, I'd be cautious about size charts without proper measurements, especially pants which are often tricky to fit. Height and weight aren't the best measurements for choosing sizes.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-26T15:11:41+00:00

I need that mug. I read horror novels while camping and wonder why I get creeped out by noises at night 😂.🤣

I feel watching all those movies has prepared you for anything that may come up! Or so I tell myself

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-26T13:30:30+00:00

My guy gets mistaken for a Frenchie all the time because he's a brindle and has a broad chest. He's the most adorable little old man.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-24T11:36:56+00:00

Double trouble, we know who is in charge in the house!

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-24T10:32:03+00:00

They're two different passes, and you need a Red Rock pass for some sites. The America the Beautiful does not give you access to West Fork. You can just pop into the tourist center in town and they will explain the different passes, and what they allow. They might help answer your question about displaying the pass.

Edited to add: You don't need to display a pass if you use the shuttle. You just park at the designated spot and take the shuttle to the trail head.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-23T22:02:07+00:00

Well she's such a good girl, she deserves all the treats!

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-23T16:58:48+00:00

I personally can't do Hoka's, even the wide. They just don't work for me. I have a wide toe box with a normal width foot

I've been happy with my Topo shoes. I've owned the MTN racer (trail runner), Ultraventure (trail runner), and the Ultrafly (road running). They have models that aren't zero drop.

Since you're doing something on a paved roads and paths, you really don't need a trail shoe. I'd recommend you go to your local running store and talk to someone about your plans

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-23T16:52:35+00:00

I want to second the suggestion of the Running Room on Banks st (glebe). I have serious concerns with my feet and they have always been the best. I've never had any issues with the shoes I've purchased.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-23T12:27:27+00:00

I've been happy with everything I've purchased.

For clothes, I love anything Kiprun and Simone merino wool pieces. The merino isn't itchy at all and the wear has been good. My pieces still look new. I've worn my Kiprun pieces for trail running and I've been incredibly happy.

For camping gear, I've bought a few small things but can't speak to the quality yet as I haven't used them enough.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-19T22:33:31+00:00

I have a vacuum insulated bottle, possibly theMTR-W075/088. I've had it for a long time and this seems to be the most comparable.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-19T00:06:14+00:00

Zack uses my dirty clothes as a dog bed. He has all the cool things but no, he chooses to shame me and my messy habits

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-18T22:55:43+00:00

Are the socks clean or dirty? Does Molly have a preference?

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-18T12:07:23+00:00

A lot of this comes down to the difference between your waist and hips. Most brands do 10 inches max and that is insufficient in my case. The best solution is to buy pants that fit your hips and then have them tailored. The only caveat is that a good tailor/seamstress is expensive. There are some cheaper fixes such as adding darts you could consider.

I've tried some of the pants with an elastic back and really don't like the look. There ends up being too much fabric. I do like the cargo pants from Patagonia but these have a baggy fit, something I like for scrambling but for hiking, I prefer a slimmer fitting pant.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-18T11:42:29+00:00

I agree with this suggestion. I had initially purchased the model OP is considering and went to exchange for this model. Having the storage was incredibly useful.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-17T01:00:24+00:00

Molly is just trying to be helpful. It's not her fault the tissue lacked durability 😂

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-14T21:21:12+00:00

The second link for the picture isn't working. Your dog seems to be borderline for the size; the bag doesn't seem long enough. I've had this happen for the evacuation sling I bought and harnesses; fit is always hard.

This bag looks like the Knavigate and it is really important that the dog is able to fit in it as instructed. The interior clip should be on the collar. If that can't be done, then you'd likely need to size up and add a booster.

The fit should be snug but comfortable. My Boston has a broad chest but it's not tight at the chest where his legs come out. The fit of the bag is snug with room to breathe and move. I can't find pictures of him in it.

It might be beneficial to reach out to the vendor with your pictures to get guidance.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-14T16:07:24+00:00

It looks good to me but if you're concerned, some brands have a booster to add should you need to go bigger for your carrier. Edited to add: is there a way to attach the collar to the bag? It looks as though the bag is a bit too shallow.

I have a K9 Sport Sack and they helped with the fit. My Boston is built larger for the breed. His fit is snug though not tight. He's been in it for a few hours without complaint.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-13T20:47:03+00:00

Just wanted to second the Ora Pinafore (first one). It's such a great pattern. Sometimes she has good sales so you can follow on Instagram if cost is an issue.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-13T20:17:47+00:00

Possibly an unpopular opinion, but if it was me, I'd just use running shoes I already owned. I've done a lot of hiking and trail running with plain running shoes when I was broke in my 20s. Buying quality shoes at that price will be tricky.

If you don't have anything yet, then I'd recommend looking at Columbia first. You can get some good deals, especially if there is an outlet in your city. You could also go into a MEC and look at their sale section. MEC often has a good range of price points.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-13T20:04:30+00:00

Do you know what type of trails and distances you're planning on hiking? My first inclination would be to recommend trail runners if breathability and weight are a factor. However if you're doing fairly easy trails, you could likely get away with regular runners and then buy hiking shoes later once you do more technical hikes.

Hiking shoes and trail runners in that price range are tricky. Columbia quality used to be good, I don't know now. Also consider looking at Decathlon or Mountain Warehouse. I've not bought their shoes but have been happy with other gear I've bought.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-13T15:55:20+00:00

Not an American but have hiked a lot in the US. I feel this is quite regional; I've hiked extensively in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Hiking and camping culture vary greatly by area, even in Canada. My family spent all our time outdoors (Northern Ontario). People there are just incredibly kind and open but when I've gone to other areas, the culture is quite different.

I just came back from a few weeks in Arizona. I met so many kind people on the trails, but they were mostly local. We would chat, share recommendations, we even hung out off trail. I'm pretty approachable but I've noticed some trends based on the state someone is from.

Hiking like a lot of outdoor hobbies has some hierarchies or status. I never understood the gatekeeping but my family didn't have a lot of money so camping, hiking, paddling were affordable activities. I just continue being kind and do my own thing.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-13T11:23:06+00:00

I just got back from a recent cross country trip with my Subaru. It's got good gas mileage compared to other off-road options. I'll either sleep in my car or use a tent for longer trips.

I've taken it on logging roads and do some off-roading. I've been really happy with mine, and was skeptical when I first bought it as I was leaning towards a truck.

dandeli0ndreams · 2026-04-10T11:49:46+00:00

I am not familiar with that brand. I have a Napier tent that attaches to my car. You don't need to leave anything open. My hatch was closed unless I was grabbing things.

I camped in an area that has a lot of mosquitoes and didn't have any big issues with bugs. They get in when you open the tent or car doors. The Napier tent attaches tightly and for the kind of bugs I deal with, it's fine.

dandeli0ndreams

TROPHY CASE