The minimalism of camping and backpacking is one of my favorite aspects of it. You leave the majority of your “things” behind at home, relying only on a small amount of outdoors equipment. There’s certainly not enough space for all of your home hygiene products – and often no designated restroom or shower facility either. But that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t...

For most of us, free camping seems a little too good to be true.  When we hear something is free it gives us pause. Free services are usually sub-par and there are often hidden fees attached. Or the competition is too high and it's not worth the lines and wait lists. But free camping isn't just a fantasy. 28% of...

In just 3 years, the number of American vegans has grown by 600%. We are slowly but steadily becoming a more health conscious and Earth-conscious nation. And people are discovering the incredible benefits, for us and our environment, of a plant-based diet. Our society is starting to see the big advantages of a diet that doesn't include meat and other animal-based products. A...

Who doesn't love a great deal? Amazon's Prime Day is a one-day global online shopping extravaganza! All sorts of products and devices go on sale throughout the day. It's like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, except exclusively for Prime members (become one now sign up for Prime Here). What you need to know before you shop One thing to know is that Prime...

Illinois in an incredible state full of large forests, rolling hills, and beautiful wetlands. This makes camping in Illinois an incredibly popular activity enjoyed not only by locals but tourists and travelers alike. With the Mississippi River running along the western border, Lake Michigan on the North West corner, Shawnee National Forest in the southwestern corner, and six large state...