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3 Awesome Essentials for the Active Traveler in 2021 and Beyond

2/17/2021

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We've stumbled upon a few items that you'll find useful -- if not essential -- as you head out on your adventures.
By John Roberts 
I'm eagerly looking toward spring and the glorious possibility that more travel is coming as we emerge from the pandemic. Vaccines are being distributed, and the effectiveness against the virus should serve as hope that travel will begin to somewhat normalize. 
That doesn't mean things will immediately go back to the way they were. Precautions and health protocols will still be in place for many parts of society.  
With that in mind, we are bringing you a few travel products that could well become be essential parts of your gear for the immediate future and for years to come These items just make sense to us. 
Here are three convenient and easy-to-pack. Must-have travel accessories for 2021 and beyond. 
HALOmask 
Mask wearing has become a necessary part of our lives during the coronavirus pandemic. So, hundreds of companies have emerged trying to refine and perfect masks that deliver the proper mix of hygiene and comfort while offering protection against transmission of COVID-19. 
As someone who is extra active, with daily workouts and weekend hikes and runs, I have been frustrated in trying to find a mask that gives me the protection and comfort I desire when I am around others in the gym or on the trails.  
HALOmask is the best option I have discovered so far. The company touts its masks as the most comfortable, stylish and technologically advanced masks that you'll find. (Of course, it does.) 
I gave the mask a try, and here is what I found. 
The cloth mask features soft ear straps, which make the mask tolerable for hours, with no tugging and discomfort that I get from the standard masks with elastic straps. This means, I can wear the HALOmask for hours (as is required when flying) without a great hassle. 
The softness, comfort and breathability of this mask -- which also comes with a nanofilter that you replace every two weeks or so (depending on the amount of use and your daily contact with the public) to maximize the capture of particles -- makes it ideal for use while working out or enjoying other active pursuits like biking, hiking or sports competitions. 
HALOmask says its mask with the nanofilter captures more than 99 percent of airborne matter down to a size of 0.1 microns. The mask would be considered safer than simple cloth masks or standard "neck gaiters" because the HALOmask, with its paper-thin nanofilters feature a proprietary "nano-matrix" that blocks virtually all smoke, dust, pollution, pollen, particulates and pathogens.
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We're extremely happy with the fit and comfort of our HALOmasks. Plus, they come in a variety of colors.
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Overall, I loved the comfort of the mask. It's made of a soft cloth and the fit makes it easy to breath, even while undertaking strenuous activities. This was my main hang-up with other masks I have tried. I would be working out, trying a heavy lift or sprinting session at the gym, and it would be difficult to breathe. With the HALOmask, these tasks have become much more manageable. You can adjust the tightness of the fit around the nose by pinching the small wire insert at the top. I'll keep mine as tight as possible when traveling on a plane or elsewhere in public. I keep it a little looser for air flow and breathability at the gym during strenuous workouts. 
I'm extremely pleased to have discovered this mask. For as long as we're going to be wearing masks in society, it's a relief to find something so effective that also offers comfort and convenience.
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NakeFit Protective Soles 
This could become your go-to footwear if you prefer to be barefoot. Nakefit stick-on soles are easy to apply single-use foot protection that give you comfort and protection for all kinds of travel environments.  
The soles are great for wearing on vacations at resorts -- when you'll be around a pool or in public spas and community showers. They are waterproof, so you keep them on while swimming or wandering the beach. The slim cushion effect is nice and offers protection from hard surfaces and those that get very hot in the summer sun, like sand and pavement. 
Nakefit soles are made with a blend of cotton, Spandex and silicone. They are applied with an easy-on and easy-off adhesive, and the soles create a great hygienic, non-slip barrier ideal for those of us who prefer a minimalist feel on our feet.
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Good to Know: You get one chance to place them on your feet, so make sure you are lining up your toes and heel for perfect coverage before you commit to sticking them on. Also, if you have excessivley sweaty feet, the company warns that the soles might not adhere as well. 
We think they fit into your travel lifestyle well in the following scenarios: at the airport for when you have to remove your shoes, at a waterpark, resort vacations, beach time and swimming, especially when you have to wade in to the sea from a rocky beach. 
Nakefit protective soles come in convenient three-packs for as low as $17.99 on sale (reduced from $19.99 as of this post).
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TP Kits 
Let's talk about the urge. 
We have a lot of urges as humans -- to travel, explore and connect with nature. 
Sometimes, our urge is just an urge, though.  
When you gotta go, you gotta go! 
You know what I mean. It usually happens when you're out in nature satisfying your urge for adventure. 
It sure can be a miserable experience when you have to poop while wandering in the woods and realize you aren't really properly prepared. 
Who hasn't been caught in one of these desperate situations? You definitely understand the need for our discussion here.
TP Kits will become a staple in your backpack and leave you feeling confident every time you head out into the wilderness.
If you often get the urge to go -- after you leave the comfort of your home and just as you start your outdoor adventures, these are just what you need. These kits take up no space in your backpack. You'll barely know they are there, but will be the most valuable item when you come to need it. 
Each individual package comes with five double-ply tissues, two cotton-blend sanitizing wet wipes and a fully biodegradable resealable pouch.
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The kits come in especially handy when you've got to take a quick potty break. Excuse me while I duck behind the saguaro in Phoenix.
TP Kits take a little bit of the hassle out of your planning for many types of outings. We used to create our own "bathroom kits" when we went out for a hike. Essentially, I would throw a few Kleenex into a zippered sandwich bag. These work fine -- when I remember to include them in my pack. We also relied on any sanitizing wipes we happened to toss in, as well. 
With TP Kits, I have placed several in my backpack, so I am always set. An extra box sits in the car, so we never run out. 
We used them for the first time on our hiking week in Arizona, and they gave us peace of mind. I always pack out what I bring in to any park, but with TP Kits we have the comfort to know that if we happened to inadvertently drop a pouch or any part of the kit along the trail, the biodegradable product wouldn't damage the environment. 
TP Kits can be bought as "singles" and as a 10-pack box.

Have you found any new products that are essentials for your adventurous lifestyle? What do you think about these items?
Let us know in the comments below, and thanks for reading,
JR
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Perfect Day Hiking in Phoenix: South Mountain Park and Preserve

2/12/2021

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 South Mountain Park and Preserve.
The views over the valley into the city are achieved just minutes into the hike at Mormon Loop at South Mountain Park and Preserve.
By John Roberts 
We weren't exactly lost. 
It's more like, we happened to wander off course a few times. 
Colleen and I had big plans for our Saturday in the Phoenix and Tempe area during the last weekend of our winter getaway to Arizona. The day was to go as follows: a four-mile hike of the Mormon Loop at South Mountain Park and Preserve, followed by a lunch and beers at Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe. 
Well, four miles became five as we continued to follow the bends and turns of the trail system at South Mountain. Each stretch provided stunning looks at the desert landscape or new views of the city sprawling in the valley below. We let our eyes and feet wander away from our prep-planned course because we were interested in the great scenery -- and mostly because we got a little off track when checking the route on our AllTrails app. 
Before too long, we had registered six miles . . . and then seven . . . and it became apparent that our lunch plans were going to be pushed back an hour or so -- and that we were really going to appreciate those cold beers at Four Peaks. But we were really enjoying the morning (and early part of the afternoon) wandering the undulating trails on South Mountain, so our grumbling tummies could wait. Our designs on just hiking Mormon Loop had expanded to add a pretty portion of National Trail.
 South Mountain Park and Preserve.
We were happy to be in this spot in the middle of winter. Back home in Denver, it was snowing. And our morning on the trail here in Arizona had proved to be more rewarding than I had initially thought it would be. 
South Mountain Park and Preserve is an extremely popular recreational spot and one of the best day hikes in Phoenix, and by the time we arrived around 10:30 a.m., the parking lot was full, and vehicles lined the roads of the adjacent neighborhood, as well.
 South Mountain Park and Preserve.
 South Mountain Park and Preserve.
The park is designated as a "Phoenix Point of Pride." The preserve covers three mountain ranges (the Gila, Guadalupe and Ma Ha Tauk) and is home to more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Much of the trail system is also used by bikers and horse riders.  
As we arrived and found a parking spot about a half mile down the road from the trailhead, I had a sense of dread about having to deal with a crowded trail. As we arrived to the start of the hike, we immediately saw dozens of people scrambling up and down the path, either starting their hikes or just finishing up.  
Ugh!  
"Was this even going to be worth it?" I said to myself, but Colleen could easily sense my irritation.
 South Mountain Park and Preserve.
Our spirits were lifted just about 20 minutes into the hike, which ascended rapidly with the early part of the trail at an extremely steep pitch. The crowds quickly thinned, and the vast panorama of the cityscape had come into view almost as soon as we started the climb.  
This wasn't going to be so bad after all.  
Patience, John, patience! 
Once you make it past the first steep section at the start, the route flattens out, and you'll begin to find trail markers that indicate different sections and directions on which you can set out. It seems that the bulk of the hikers are out for just a short hike to climb up for the picturesque views.

 South Mountain Park and Preserve.
Those who are planning to do a longish day hike will find the trails more serene after the initial stretch -- with plenty of space to spread out. You also will be joined by plenty of mountain bikers, and it's fun to watch these brave daredevils negotiate the rocky terrain. 
Colleen and I hiked for a few hours and were treated with some stunning views in all directions, especially once we ascended a peak on the National Trail and headed along a secluded "razorback" portion where we were the only hikers. 
South Mountain Park and Preserve features a classic desert landscape, with incredible rock formations, steep climbs, mesas and plenty of saguaro cactuses and hardy desert grasses and bushes.
Four Peaks Brewing Co. in Tempe, Arizona.
We certainly earned our much-anticipated refreshments at Four Peaks Brewing Co. in Tempe, Arizona.
With our hunger growing, we made our way back down the trail and to our vehicle. We punched in Four Peaks Brewing into the phone's GPS, and 20 minutes later, we were sipping cold craft brews on the patio, enjoying the sunny afternoon and pondering a menu filled with delicious options. We started with an order of Buffalo-style Brickhouse wings, then, Colleen scored a huge juicy and delicious prime rib steak sandwich (the Brewer's Dip), while I powered through a fresh and hot pepperoni pizza. 
The menu at Four Peaks is filled with all kinds of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, so it was hard to choose. But our late lunch was oh-so-satisfying and went down great with the brewery's fab selection of beers. 
We might have felt lost for a bit on that mountain, but we definitely found a fantastic way to spend a mid-winter day in Arizona. 
Please enjoy this video of our hike at South Mountain Park and Preserve:
We also found another fun hike during our trip, the Dixie Mountain Loop trail at Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve:
Thanks for reading,
JR
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New Backroads Tour Highlights Underground Railroad History

2/4/2021

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The new Backroads Georgia and South Carolina Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure Tour combines your favorite outdoor activities -- like kayaking, hiking and biking -- with a deep exploration of the culture and history of the region. // Backroads photo by Chase Shumate
By John Roberts 
Backroads, the active travel company that we have joined for memorable adventures in Europe along the Danube River on biking and hiking programs and in New Zealand for a multi-sport adventure sailing, has announced a new itinerary and program in the United States that highlights culture and history. 
I'm sure that the company's new Georgia and South Carolina Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure Tour will be a special experience for travelers. 
This new trip is a chance to learn about history while enjoying your active pursuits like hiking, biking and kayaking. The program is the same as most Backroads trips -- except you take a deeper dive into the history and culture of the region. Coming out of the pandemic, travelers are looking for more meaningful experiences, and the Historic Underground Railroad Tour gives you the chance to expand your knowledge while doing some of your favorite outdoor activities.

Read about my Backroads trips
7 Awesome Things About a Active River Cruise with Backroads 
New Zealand Multi-Sport Adventure Trip with Backroads Checks All the Boxes

The new Backroads program offers the chance to dive into the rich history and culture of the region's Black communities. For example, you will explore the Combahee River, where Harriet Tubman once guided a regiment of Union soldiers.
The trip runs the first week of October and was created in conjunction with Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit group that works to promote inclusion in outdoor recreation, nature and conservation.  
The new Backroads Georgia and South Carolina Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure Tour was launched in celebration of Black History Month. The one-of-a-kind journey offers the opportunity to travel deep into the Black history and culture of the Southeast, exploring our nation's past while hiking, biking and kayaking through the lush landscapes surrounding Savannah and Charleston.  
Active travelers will explore landscapes once crossed by the historic Underground Railroad and take guided walks focused on the history of people in the coastal cities of Savannah and Charleston. In addition, you'll learn about the Gullah culture through storytelling and song at a Lowcountry boil; visit the Penn Center, one of the first schools for formerly enslaved people; paddle the waterways of the ACE Basin, once home to dozens of rice plantations; and discover the marshy channels of the Combahee River, where famed abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman once guided a regiment of Union soldiers.  
The tour will also visit the Magnolia Plantation, where you can learn about the experience of Black people from slavery to Reconstruction and into the 1920s and the era of Civil Rights. 
"I was fortunate enough to take a similar adventure with Backroads, which inspired this trip," said Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. "One of the best parts was the deep knowledge and information that I was exposed to; much of the history was unexpected, and I was most fascinated by the traditions of the Gullah people of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.  
"As a Black-American woman, I appreciated how the Black history of the region was presented in triumph and joy as opposed to through the lens of pain and suffering. The history and lore was such an immersive experience for me, and I am beyond excited to make this trip available to the Outdoor Afro community." 
This new Backroads tour was created in conjunction with Outdoor Afro regional leaders who live and work in the South Carolina and Georgia areas. The Backroads Historic Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure tour will run from October 3 to October 7, 2021. 
"I can't think of a better way to learn about American history than to see it up close and actively," said Tom Hale, founder and president of Backroads. "We've been supporters of Outdoor Afro for many years and believe in their mission of expanding access to nature among the Black community. We were thrilled to work with Rue Mapp and her staff to create this new trip and look forward to bringing history to life when the trip launches in October."

About Outdoor Afro
Outdoor Afro ranks among the nation's leading, cutting-edge organizations with a focus on celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. The national not-for-profit organization has leadership networks around the country, with more than 80 leaders in 42 cities nationwide. Outdoor Afro is changing the face of conservation by connecting thousands of people to outdoor experiences. 

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for more than four decades.

Thanks for reading, 
JR

Travel fit. Travel happy. Travel often.
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