What's worth knowing before your next trip, and why — from David Rodgers, straight to your feed.
September 27, 2026
When proposed industrial corridors threaten historic public lands, it changes more than just fishing spots—it threatens our fundamental connection to true solitude. Here’s what you need to know about the Ambler Road fight and how we can help defend these critical areas.
September 26, 2026
Acorns are more than just snacks—they fundamentally change where bucks establish their bedding areas and how they move during the rut. We break down what this means for your plan and why reading the landscape is as important as carrying a rifle.
September 24, 2026
We're looking at how solar activity—from flares to coronal holes—can affect the conditions of your trip, especially when you’re trying to catch a glimpse of the aurora or just get good light for camping photos.
September 24, 2026
We talk about the joy of getting out there, but what happens to those places when development encroaches? This issue discusses how mining and infrastructure projects threaten critical wildlife habitats—like bear grounds and clean river water. We focus on awareness and responsible wilderness interaction.
September 22, 2026
We put the latest 6.5 Creedmoor variants head-to-head with traditional big game cartridges to see if high performance truly outweighs reliable classics when hunting elk. Find out where the money is actually best spent.
September 22, 2026
We dive into what wildlife studies suggest about optimizing your approach during peak rutting activity—from the best time of day to how much noise is too much.
September 20, 2026
New mining claims are filing within historic areas like Bears Ears, raising serious concerns about immediate physical damage to archaeological sites and wilderness access. We break down what this means on the ground and what readers can do.
September 19, 2026
Remote national parks require more than just good hiking boots; they demand thorough preparation, reliable gear redundancy, and understanding the true meaning of a 'plan B.' This issue breaks down what you need to know before heading into deep wilderness.
September 19, 2026
We're going beyond just 'pretty lights.' This issue explains the science—from solar flares to geomagnetic fields—that causes auroras, helping you time your viewing window and understand what you're looking at.
September 18, 2026
Venus is famous for its brightness, but understanding *why* and when it's easiest to see requires knowing a bit about orbital mechanics. This guide breaks down how planet position maximizes visibility.
September 17, 2026
Federal lands are wild, but the rules around them—especially concerning rights and encounters with authority—can be confusing. This guide breaks down what you need to know before you hit the trail or pitch your tent.
September 15, 2026
September is a great time to get back under clear skies. This guide walks you through what planets and constellations will be visible this month so your next trip doesn't end when the sun comes up.
September 15, 2026
National parks are supposed to be open space. But when wealthy developers start buying up land adjacent to park boundaries, the promise of truly wild access gets complicated. We dive into how these private deals could change everything about places like Yosemite.
September 12, 2026
Colorado has some of the best backcountry hiking and camping. To make sure it stays that way—and to keep you safe—we need to talk about bear safety fundamentals like food storage and waste disposal. This is mandatory reading before your next trip.
September 11, 2026
Rain jackets are essential—they keep you moving even when soaked. We break down what makes a jacket truly reliable and how to pick the right model for your trip, whether it's an afternoon hike or multi-day traverse.
September 11, 2026
Cougars are powerful predators, but most encounters are avoided with awareness. We’ll cover the protocols—from preventative hiking habits to what to do if you can't outrun it.
September 11, 2026
Federal environmental policy changes are threatening vital wetlands and waterways. We break down what this means practically for anglers, hunters, and campers whose recreation depends on clean water.
September 11, 2026
LPVOs are one of those pieces of equipment that sound complicated but actually just boil down to a few simple choices. Here, we break down what you really need and where your money is best spent.
September 11, 2026
We dive into the technical differences between modern ultralight packs—from dual stays to Dyneema fabric—and help you figure out if an expensive upgrade is actually worth it for your specific trip. Don't buy gear until you read this.
September 11, 2026
AI can give you a route, but it won't teach you how to fix the gear when it breaks or what to do when the forecast shifts fast. This is about layering real-world skills back into your trip prep.
September 11, 2026
Understanding what waterfowl actually eat—from wild rice patches to specific aquatic vegetation—is one of the biggest keys to finding prime hunting grounds. This guide helps you read the landscape like a seasoned pro, saving you hours in the field.
September 10, 2026
Solar flares and geomagnetic activity are natural phenomena that can put on a spectacular light show. This issue walks you through what those reports mean—and how to plan your trip around them.
September 9, 2026
We're talking about the dangers of over-reliance on single electronic devices and revisiting fundamental navigation skills—map, compass, and local knowledge. This is mandatory reading before your next thru-hike or deep wilderness trek.
September 8, 2026
Major changes are happening across the American West regarding how federal agencies manage our best backcountry areas. We break down what this means practically for your next trip, whether you're camping, fishing, or hunting.
September 7, 2026
Being ready to help is vital, but knowing how to start the process—and what skills you actually need—can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the commitment and the steps required to join a local SAR team.
September 6, 2026
September often brings spectacular celestial views. We'll break down what planets and constellations are visible, when to look, and how to plan your trip around the best show in the sky.
September 5, 2026
Thru-hiking is an achievement, but pacing and managing environmental stress are what determine if you finish safely. We break down the fundamentals of heat management, recovery strategies, and how to make tough calls about continuing a trek.
September 4, 2026
We talk about the real-world dangers of over-relying on technology—from advanced AI planning tools to GPS readouts. Proper wilderness training and old-school discipline are still non-negotiable.
September 3, 2026
We're diving into the seasonal night sky guide to pinpoint major planetary and lunar alignments. This isn't just looking at pretty lights; it’s about planning a trip around something you can actually see.
September 3, 2026
Severe thunderstorms can bring deadly lightning, regardless of how good your planning was. This issue details what to do before, during, and after a strike while out in the field.
September 3, 2026
Public lands are foundational to American recreation. This issue breaks down complex legal battles over monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase so you understand the importance of conservation efforts affecting your favorite trails.
September 2, 2026
Sometimes the competition in a good spot gets heated. This issue talks about what happens when conflict over resources escalates—and why keeping your temper (and weapon) holstered is always the best move.
September 2, 2026
Why this newsletter exists, who's writing it, and what to expect in your feed going forward.