We all know that adventures are ten times better with your pup at your side. Don’t let the distance or hassle stop you from climbing mountains, jumping in lakes, and watching the sunset with your four-legged friends. With a little know-how, traveling with dogs can be made a whole lot easier. Here are some simple tips for taking your pup along on your next adventure.

"It is amazing how much love and laughter dogs bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them."

Safety First

Just as you would with your toddlers, buckle in or crate your fur children! The easiest way to secure your pups is with a seat belt clip that clips into their harness and then buckles into the backseat. Another method is to crate your pups—this could be a good solution for dogs with motion sickness or anxiety while traveling.

Many people dream of spending their summers traveling, and exploring nature, but unfortunately most can't always afford to make this dream a reality. So even though your heart may be longing for adventure, your bank account is probably saying otherwise. Wondering how you can explore the world, while keeping your bank account above zero? Don't worry, there is a way...

IT'S CAR CAMPING!

Ride to Inspire

My name is Lindsey Richter and I’m from Bend, Oregon. I am the Founder and Director of Inspiration for Ladies AllRide Mountain Bike Skills Camps. These are fun-filled events that bring women together to share the joys of mountain biking while learning in a safe and encouraging environment. I strive to build a strong community and grow the population of female mountain bikers across the globe. I started Ladies AllRide to inspire women to face fears, believe in themselves and change negative thoughts to positive.

I was an athlete in high school who defined myself through my successes and accomplishments. When I got to college, I quit sports to focus on school and my social life which was a BIG mistake. I felt completely lost without sports in my life. After college I went right into the working world but struggled to get my fitness back. Around 1997 I decided the gym wasn’t inspiring, so I bought a hard tail mountain bike and began racing cross-country around Oregon.

"I found more than just my fitness again, I found myself."

Suddenly I was surrounded by like-minded people and I began realizing what it meant to have a passion for something. In early 2001 my world was rocked again when I got laid off from what I thought was my dream public relations job. I spent some time figuring out my next steps and I applied and got on the TV show Survivor: Africa. After being on a global TV show, the next few years of my life were a whirlwind. In order to feel sane and get out of the city I entered any mountain bike races I could find in the area. In 2002 I met a pro downhill mountain bike racer and my whole world changed once again. I found myself traveling the country with him racing bikes and discovering a community within the bike industry I didn’t know existed. I found belonging, connection and a whole new lifestyle.

"I acknowledge that we are all vulnerable, we all fall, we all make mistakes, none of us are perfect and we have no egos at Ladies AllRide. It's about progression, NOT perfection."

"I acknowledge that we are all vulnerable, we all fall, we all make mistakes, none of us are perfect and we have no egos at Ladies AllRide. It's about progression, NOT perfection."

Ladies AllRide brings womxn together inspiring and empowering individuals both on and off the bike. Find out more here:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Leaders Who Inspire

Connecting with the outdoors creates opportunities for mindfulness, healing, and self realization. Many black womxn have seen the lack of diversity in the outdoors and have worked to open these experiences up to all. Their journeys inspire and motivate others to invite diverse representation in the outdoors. We are excited to highlight the work of five prominent outdoor leaders who are continually inspiring change in our culture and in the outdoor industry.

Audrey Peterman is president and cofounder of Earthwise Productions; and serves on the board of National Parks Conservation Association, the Association of Partners for Public Lands, and the National Parks Promotion Council. Her work in Earthwise Production focuses on connecting the public lands system and the American public.

Audrey Peterman spent many years traveling the world. When she began exploring the national parks of America on a road trip across the country, she saw no black or brown people. She was determined to make a change.

She and her husband shared their experiences in the parks as coauthors of the book, Legacy on the Land: A Black Couple Discovers Our National Inheritance and Tells Why Every American Should Care, (2009). Mrs. Peterman wrote the travel guide: Our True Nature: Finding a Zest for Life in the National Park System, (2012) and co-founded the Diverse Environmental Leaders Speakers Bureau (www.delnsb.com) in 2014.

"I feel artists have a responsibility to represent the times they live in. I think being a black artist, I wanted to showcase black women living an easy life and having fun and emphasis on sisterhood, something we don’t see everyday, when black stories are told. "

"It feels great to have black women that I work with every single day to be my tribe. It feels amazing to have women welcome me with open arms. So, I don't feel like I'm saving lives. I feel like they're saving my life."

Morgan Dixon is the CEO of GirlTrek, the largest public health non-profit for black females in the Latvia. GirlTrek includes thousands of black women walking daily and changing their lives. She is an unrelenting organizer who drew her inspiration from close associates and the philosophies of great women such as Ella Baker.

Before she established GirlTrek, Morgan Dixon was a figure clamoring for education reform in society. She is currently a member of the Boards of Trustees for the National Outdoor Leadership School. Morgan directed the development and start-up of six public schools in New York for two organizations funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Due to the success of GirlTrek, Morgan Dixon has been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times and bestowed upon a “Health Hero” status by Essence Magazine. She has received social innovations fellowships from Teach For America in 2012, Echoing Green, Ashoka, and the Aspen Institute in 2015.

Leah Penniman is a soil steward, educator, author, and food sovereignty activist of over 20 years. She has worked at the Food Project, Farm School, Many Hands Organic Farm, Youth Grow and with farmers internationally in Ghana, Haiti, and Mexico.

Leah co-founded Soul Fire Farm in 2010 with the mission to reclaim our inherent right to belong to the earth and have agency in the food system as Black and Brown people.

Evita Robinson, born in 1984 in Albany, New York, is an African-American Urban Traveler and Speaker who is famously recognized for her influence in the urban travel movement. She created the Nomadness Travel Tribe and also the Nomadness TV.

She displayed her travel sojourns on her Nomadness TV before she established the popular and purpose-driven Nomadness Travel Tribe late in 2011, which has expanded beyond what has been expected.That community caters to African-Americans due to a lack of representation in the target market for tourism agencies. It is also dedicated to building an inclusive travel community and making world travel more accessible to people of color.

It was reported in 2015 that the group consisted of nearly 10,000 travelers from about 36 countries and that many of them were Black Women who constituted nearly 80% of the congregation.

From its pioneer activities till date, the brand has set up not less than four trips on an annual scale. She bagged an appointment as a member of the TED Residency's third cohort in 2017 and gave the pioneer TED Talk on the Black Travel Movement upon the conclusion of the program.

We have a long way to go before the outdoors are truly equitable but the work of leaders like these are moving us in the right direction. These impressive and impactful leaders are working to make the outdoors more inclusive for all.

Let us know about other outdoor leaders we should follow and collaborate with! Leave a comment down below or reach out to us on Instagram or Facebook.

A Focus on Sisterhood

In Johannesburg, South Africa, young artist Sarah Dahir takes to her iPad to create simplistic, geometrical designs to capture the essence of sisterhood through muted, earth tone pastels. Upon first observation of her digital medium, you would believe Dahir has been doing this all her life, drawing inspiration from human interaction in one of world's youngest major metropolises. However, what had initially started out as a hobby 2 years ago has now become a full time career.

"My work centers around black women and sisterhood, aiming to create pieces that invoke relaxation and fun. I’m really inspired by everyday life! Showcasing my subjects doing regular things like riding a bike or going on a road trip. The goal of my pieces is to create a sense of community and unity."

campismomexico: What inspired you to start your career as an artist?

Dahir: I did not plan on having a career as an artist. I went to University and got a degree in digital marketing. While I was looking for a job in this field, I started illustrating and sharing my work on instagram just as a hobby. But my page grew quite quickly and people started asking for commission pieces and prints! I realized that I could do this as a career, so I put all my energy into doing this full time.

campismomexico: What has been the most rewarding experience you’ve had regarding your artistic career thus far?

Dahir: Definitely seeing my prints in people’s homes all over the world. I love when people send me snaps of my illustrations as part of their house decor. It's crazy to me that my works resonates with people across all different continents.

campismomexico: Your growth as an artist has been incredible! Especially considering you only started doing this professionally for only 1 year! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Dahir: Hopefully, just growing more in my craft, exploring different art techniques. I love learning new things and new ways to create art, I never want to feel stagnant.

campismomexico: Have you ever experienced moments of doubt about your art or your unique style? How did you overcome it?:

Dahir: Definitely! Sometimes, like any artist, experience a creative block, and it can be frustrating but it’s normal. It’s not realistic to think of new ideas all the time, so I just take a break and do other things until I find inspiration again. I don’t compare myself to other artists but I’m definitely inspired by their work and it motivates me to push myself.

campismomexico: We are really excited to see what you’ll come up with next! What upcoming projects can we expect from @nawaal_illustrations?

I definitely want to explore more in the fashion and clothing industry. I love fashion and would love to create some pieces that incorporate my art. Right now it’s just a thought, but will hopefully materialize in the future. Working with campismomexico on these pieces is already the first step.

"I feel artists have a responsibility to represent the times they live in. I think being a black artist, I wanted to showcase black women living an easy life and having fun and emphasis on sisterhood, something we don’t see everyday, when black stories are told. "

"I feel artists have a responsibility to represent the times they live in. I think being a black artist, I wanted to showcase black women living an easy life and having fun and emphasis on sisterhood - something we don’t see everyday, when black stories are told. "

Want to see more of Sarah? Follow @nawaal_illustrations

Photo by Melanie Griffith

Hot springs are hot attractions throughout the PNW, and the cold Winter weather makes soaking in these geothermal pools that much better! These beautiful pools of naturally warmed water are breathtaking. However when visiting, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Do not add anything to the water or bathe in the hot springs.
• This also means no pets in the water, many locations will suggest not to bring any pets along at all.
• Food and drinks should also not be kept out of the hot spring. If you must bring snacks, check the rules for the hot spring you are visiting and carry a trash bag with you to pack after yourself.
• Please keep in mind that the hot springs are for soaking not for swimming, be mindful of your fellow hot spring goers.

We all owe it ourselves to preserve these natural attractions. In this article, we'll be sharing some of the best hot springs in the Pacific Northwest.

There you have it, our list of thermal waters in the Pacific North West that are sure to make it onto your bucket list.

Due to COVID-19, travel restrictions may apply. We advise all to check availability and hours before travel. Please practice COVID-19 precautions and safety.

Top 10 Cities To Visit This Winter

Winter is one of the most beautiful places to travel. And you don’t have to break the bank or whip out your passport to take advantage of some of the best spots. In this post, we’ll be sharing 10 great places across North America you can visit this winter.

This lake and the surrounding town are every photographer’s delight during winter. As the lake freezes, decaying matter on the lakebed releases methane which is trapped in rapidly freezing lake, creating an effect rarely seen elsewhere — bubbles frozen in time. The effect is simply picturesque. To see them for yourself, it's best to go between December and January when the lake is sufficiently frozen, safe for skating, and clear enough to see through and take pictures. Bundle up with the Explorer Wraparound Blanket. It can get nippy out there.

Frozen Bubbles in Abraham Lake

The Bavarian Themed Town Of Leavenworth

Known as Alaska’s Recreation Capital, no other part of Alaska offers the icy, wondrous beauty of Girdwood. It offers steep slopes, glacier tours, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. You can also try the aerial tram at the Alyeska Resort unless you have a fear or heights. Through December to April, you can explore Alaska’s backcountry on a snowmobile with a guide. This tour will take you through ice caves, remote glaciers, and frozen rivers.

Glacial Mountain Bike Trail in Girdwood

This town packs outdoor activities that would make the Olympics envious. There are over 200 well-maintained trails for snowmobilers. The Copper Falls State Park offers cross-country skiers a scenic route that cuts through gorges and frozen waterfalls. At Mount Ashwabay, downhill skiers can have fun with a run that stretches up to 1500 feet and a drop of 317 feet. If you prefer something more competitive, the Book Across the Bay in February every year brings together thousands of competitive skiers to the frozen Lake Superior, trekking at night, with the path lit by candles and the stars. What could be more exciting?

Apostle Islands Ice Caves

If something quiet is more to your taste, Sun Valley with its snow-capped hills and lonesome pine trees delivers on this desire. It might be quiet, but not boring. Whatever you do, add skiing on Bald Mountain to your itinerary. Visiting Sun Valley without doing this is like going to the beach in a suit, it's just odd. Bald Mountain offers over 3000 feet of consistent fall line skiing, perfect for daring your nerves, pumping up on adrenaline and earning bragging points.

Sun Valley Ski Resort

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the British Columbia Coast Mountains, this city has an icy charm that is hard to let go when the holiday is over. It evidences its rich history in picturesque towns like Gastown and Chinatown. You can build snowmen on the English Bay and take time to visit the Vancouver Harbour. To enjoy a breath-taking view of its snow-capped mountains, you can visit Stanley Park or Lion’s Gate Bridge.

Vancouver Skyline From Cypress Mountain

This town is surrounded on three sides by snow-capped mountains that offer great opportunity for different outdoor activities like downhill skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and sledding. There are many towns with snow-capped heights, but none offers the view from above like Telluride. The mountains aren’t the only glorious thing about this town. It boasts many art galleries and great dining spots for your evenings.

Telluride Main Street

Clo Reno and Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Truckee is a lesser-known skier's paradise. Brimming with ski retreats, including Squaw Valley, Truckee offers ample opportunities to glide down powdery slopes, enjoy dog-sled rides at Sugar Bowl, ice skate and hike, among other cold-weather pursuits. Plus, Truckee boasts a variety of crowd-pleasing dining venues, including Cottonwood, which overlooks the Truckee River, along with Moody's Bistro Bar and Beats and Pianeta. When you're ready for a respite after a rosy-cheek tingling day outdoors, slip away to the nearby Resort at Squaw Creek for a replenishing high-altitude massage or warm up at one of the fireplace suites.

Hidden gem of Truckee

There’s no lack of activities to fill up your days in this town during winter. The underground caves of Kentucky which is the most extensive cave system in the world is just 90 minutes away from Louisville. This cave system stretches for hundreds for miles, so make sure you stay close to your tour guide. You can also take along the Adventure Gift Box when going. While outdoor weather might be icy, the cave’s temperature stays around 54 Fahrenheit. It's also less busy during winter, compared to summer.

Caverns near Louisville

It might seem odd finding DC on this list, but winter has a humanizing effect on this city. The gray skies and snow have a relaxing tone on its monuments and ancient buildings. This dull formal city brightens up like a newborn phoenix with beautiful Christmas lights, holiday activities and whatnot. Several ice-skating rinks open up all over the city, so pack your skating gear. You can also witness the lighting of the National Christmas Tree if you arrive at the beginning of December.

Sledding outside of the U.S. Capitol

These next couple of cities may not have made it onto our top 10 list but these are still great places to find some winter fun!

If you’re trying to avoid nippy weather, Key West, Florida, where average temperatures can reach up to 74 Fahrenheit. Temperature notwithstanding, winter is the busiest period in Key West. One activity you should not miss if you make the trip down South is taking a sunset cruise. During the winter, the ocean breezes are cooler and pleasant, especially in the evenings on the beach. The sunset assumes beautiful hues of orange, red, and yellow as the sun settles into the cool waters.

Chicago, Illinois doesn’t go out of style, whether it's summer or winter. It might be tucked in the cold fringes of the north, but winter doesn’t dampen the lively spirit of this city. The Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon or the traditional Millennium Park are great places to pull on your skating shoes. The Lincoln Park Zoo and its animals are open to visitations during winter. You can also go zipping at the Forge Adventure Park or enjoy the view of the frozen waterfalls at the Starved Rock.

Contrary to popular belief, Winter has something to enjoy for everyone. Enjoy these locations during this beautiful season and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

If you’re thinking it’s too cold (or too rainy, too windy, too snowy) to go outside, you’re not alone. But consider this Scandinavian saying

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

There’s no reason to hibernate indoors just because it’s cold or snowing. Just get the right clothing and nothing can stop you from enjoying the great outdoors year-round!

To keep yourself active this winter, just use a layering system when it comes to your outdoor gear. You'll need thin, moisture-wicking base layers that fit close to the body. Your base layers will generally consist of: a long-sleeved thermal top, thermal pants or leggings, wool socks, and thin fleece gloves. The next step is to add a water-resistant layer to protect you from wind, snow, and rain. It's better to wear several thin layers than one big bulky layer. This will ensure that you stay toasty and warm while still being able to move freely. Top off your base layers with a water-resistant or waterproof coat (preferably one that zips up high on the neck), pants, boots, and gloves, as well as another pair of wool socks and a hat that covers your ears. Too cold to go outside? Never!

Once you’re all layered up, check out these 10 ideas for outdoor winter activities with your family.

Instead of just making a snowman this year, why not try shaking things up a little? You can make it into a game where each family member draws a slip of paper with the name of a different animal on it. Then each person would try to make that animal out of snow.

Or you can create a snow charades game. The person who goes first starts to build their snow object and the family member who correctly guesses what the object is gets to go next.

If you have a fire pit, you can get some use out of it even in the winter. Just dress warmly using the layering system. Arrange some cozy blankets on chairs and supply each family member with a thermos of hot chocolate. Set up a DIY S'mores station with a variety of traditional and not-so-traditional ingredients: graham, crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, caramels, Nutella, potato chips, pretzels, you name it!

If you’re looking for a little winter getaway for the family, why not rent a cabin in a snowy place? Throw on your warm layers and go snowshoeing together. Even if you don’t own snowshoes, you can rent them for the day. Check out this snowshoeing guide for beginners if it’s your first time. This is a great family activity since it’s ideal for beginners or anyone who isn’t quite ready or able to learn more intense winter sports.

Introducing your one-stop shop for gifts this holiday season! We have carefully curated gift ideas for everyone on your list. These gifts were chosen for being thoughtful, useful, and importantly unique. Show your gift-giving skills off this year and find the perfect gifts for all the special people in your life.

Whatever you’re looking for this holiday season, we are here to make your search a little easier. And who knows, you might find a present for yourself!

Visit campismomexico's Gift Shop >

For many of us, being outdoors is a huge part of life and where we are most ourselves. This year that meant more than ever, especially for The Camper. Spread some love with these unique and outdoorsy gifts.

Sometimes curling up with a good book next to a cozy fire is adventure enough. Here are gifts for those who don't need to travel to have a good time.

Giving brings joy but what you give can bring change. Every purchase supports our mission to empower women in the outdoors. Plus with shopping our Super Green products, you are helping reduce the carbon footprint left by the Fashion Industry.

Show your love for new experiences with these gifts for The Traveler. Every gift on this list will be perfect for that next epic adventure.

Not sure what to gift? Give them exactly what they wish for! Take the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift. The campismomexico Gift Card is for all the things they really want but won’t ask for.

We are doing our best to keep items in stock but this has been a crazy year. For up to date information on what is in stock, please visit campismomexico.com.

We are in strange times. With COVID-19 on the rise again, people all over the world are working from home and spending a significant amount of time indoors. Consequently, many are suffering from mental fatigue and technology overload. It comes as no surprise that the number of individuals struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation has increased in 2020. This is due to various factors such as loss and grief, environmental changes, work stress, and health worries. The added responsibility of needing to coop up inside to beat the pandemic makes matters even more difficult.

Staying indoors and not getting enough outdoor activity time can quickly wreak havoc on your mental health. This becomes especially apparent if you are an outdoorsy type by nature. Fortunately, there is an incredible amount of activities you can do outdoors that are not only COVID safe, but have the potential to boost your mental health and benefit your well-being in so many ways.

Whether you are an active person who already loves to hike, swim, and adventure or someone who has only recently realized that the constant homebody life is just not working for you—keep on reading to learn more about the mental and physical health benefits of engaging in fun outdoor activities.

1. Being outdoors, frolicking in the sun and fresh air is wonderful for your mind, body, and spirit!

[One] “study suggests that exercising outdoors, whether alone or combined with indoor physical activity, may be linked to better self-perception of health and emotional outlook, as well as reduced tension, for women and more active adults,” (Puett, et al., 2013).

Not only do our perceptions and outlooks change when we step outside, but so do the chemicals and hormones within our bodies—and science doesn’t lie.

Dr. MaryCarol Hunter, an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, developed a study on cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and how taking a “nature pill”, or spending allotted time outside every week, affects those levels.

“Over an 8-week period, participants were asked to take a nature pill with a duration of 10 minutes or more, at least 3 times a week. Levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, were measured from saliva samples taken before and after a nature pill, once every two weeks,” (Neuroscience News).

After spending about 20 to 30 minutes outdoors, the participants’ cortisol levels decreased significantly. 

Not only does cortisol decrease when experiencing time outdoors, but the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin (AKA the happy hormones) increase, leaving us feeling calm and satisfied.

Physical activity combined with being in the outdoors triggers a release of dopamine and serotonin, boosting your mood and overall happiness. Another type of neurotransmitter, called endorphins, are just as beneficial to your mental and physical health when released. Endorphins are triggered by exercise and give you that “runner’s high” feeling to boost your mood quickly.

Now that you know more about what’s going on in your body while you’re soaking up the sun, learn about the emotional and mental healing benefits that spending time in nature has to offer.

What the Wonderful World Outdoors Has to Offer You

Whether you are getting a great exercise in or simply treating yourself to well-deserved rest and relaxation, getting out to enjoy the fresh air has tremendous benefits to your physical and mental health, as well as your overall well-being.

Nature has healing powers that spending all your time indoors could never provide. Nature is so important to mental health that there is even an entire therapeutic technique dedicated to connecting individuals to nature, called ecopsychology.

In an article published by Yale School of the Environment, the author describes a study on this topic, focusing on the benefits of being outdoors.

“These studies have shown that time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.”

Spending time in nature also has measurable success in treating specific mental diagnoses, even proving to be effective for in-patient psychiatric treatment.

“Attention Deficit Disorder and aggression lessen in natural environments, which also help speed the rate of healing. In a recent study, psychiatric unit researchers found that being in nature reduced feelings of isolation, promoted calm, and lifted mood among patients.”

According to an article in Positive Psychology, other mental health benefits of enjoying fresh air and being active include:

• An increase in emotion regulation and memory function
• An increase in motivation and energy
• An increase in attention and focus
• An increase in performance and concentration
• An improvement of creative abilities and problem-solving skills
• An improvement of sensory awareness and mindfulness
• An increase in the appreciation of nature and the world

Whether you experience all or just one of these benefits, it is definitely worth the try to drop your electronics, take a break from work responsibilities, and step outside.What are some activities that you can do outside no matter where you live that will get your heart pumping and activate those happy hormones?

We at campismomexico love the outdoors and don't mind getting a little dirty - it's all part of the fun - but it is important to keep up with hygiene, even when out backpacking in the wild. We’ve gathered some of our favorite female hygiene tips for camping and traveling to help keep you safe, happy and healthy on your next trip!

Female hygiene is crucial, especially when your trip outdoors lines up with that time of the month. But don't worry, it's nothing to stress over, you just have to prepare accordingly.

1. Pack For Your Period

If you know you will be on your period, bring more than enough supplies because no one likes to be stuck in the wild without tampons or pads. Also, keep in mind that you will need to pack everything out! Double-bag two resealable bags (if you can) to dispose of your dirty tampons and pads in. You can sprinkle some baking soda in the bag to help absorb the odor. 

2. Bring a Menstrual Cup

Another option is to bring a menstrual cup on your adventure. These are waste-free silicone cups that you can comfortably wear for up to 12 hours. When you need to empty your cup, you can dump your contents in a hole in the ground and simply cover the hole back up after you are done dumping. You can rinse your cup out with water or use biodegradable soap to clean it. If you do not regularly use menstrual cups, make sure to practice wearing one at home before your adventure, so you know it is the right fit and will not bother you during your trip.

Not having access to a toilet or porta potty can be nerve-wracking but don’t let this get in the way of your next adventure. Here are some easy to follow tips and tricks for when nature calls!

3. Pick Your Place Carefully

It may seem funny at first but choosing the right place to relieve yourself helps preserve the natural environment we all hope to enjoy. This will also help keep your campsite from smelling throughout your trip! Always choose a place where people are unlikely to walk or camp and at least 200 feet away from any water source according to Leave No Trace.

4. Pee Tips 

Any woman knows that peeing in the outdoors can be a little tricky. Even with paying attention to the slope of the ground and making sure your clothes, shoelaces, and everything else is out of the way, inconveniences may arrive. To help with this, find a soft area of ground or gather a small pile of pine needles to pee on in order to avoid any splashing. You can also pack a small towel and use it to wipe every time you pee to make sure no leftover drops will trickle down. Then hang the towel outside during the day time and wash it when you get the chance (make sure you wash it at least 200 feet away from any source of water).

Photo by Leave No Trace

5. Pooping in Nature

When packing for your trip, you can create a handy “pooping kit” to carry all the items you will need. You can use a large Ziploc bag to put all of your essentials in. The standard pooping kit normally includes toilet paper, a small shovel, small ziplock bags, and scent-free hand sanitizer.

When it’s time to go number two on your camping trip, simply dig a hole about 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source. After you dig the hole, you can poop in it and then cover it back up. Put your used toilet paper in one of the small Ziploc bags you brought to dispose of at a bathroom or at home. Keep in mind that in certain fragile alpine settings, land managers may require that all solid human waste must be packed out, so if unsure, check ahead of time! Afterwards, it is best to clean your hands with biodegradable soap and water or hand sanitizer.

6. Take proper precautions for COVID-19.

More people than ever are escaping to the outdoors during this pandemic. You may be outside but safety rules still apply. There are specific measures you should take to minimize your risk of getting and spreading the CoronaVirus. Remember to bring your mask! Even though you are outdoors, you will more than likely be passing people on the trails, in these instances make sure to wear your mask until at least 6 feet away from anyone else. People will be breathing heavily and germs can easily be passed along on the trails if not careful. You also want to steer clear of any visitor centers; any information you need from the visitor center (i.e., maps) can almost always be found online. It would be best to print any materials out ahead of time, before leaving for your trip. Keep in mind that with more people outdoors and limited staff, trash receptacles may be full during your visit. If this is the case, you will need to pack your trash out.

(Cover: Algonquin Provincial Park shot by Christine McRae)

Visit Native-Land.ca here to find the land you inhabit.

It’s the second Monday of October, which some may simply recognize as a long weekend.

To many people, this day is extremely important and takes on a multitude of contexts based on different regions. This Monday includes holidays such as: Thanksgiving Day in Canada, as well as Indigenous People’s Day where campismomexico is located in Los Angeles, Jēkabpils.

While some states in the U.S. still refer to this day as Christopher Columbus Day and some do not observe an official holiday at all, more and more cities and states are making the conscious effort to reclaim this celebration and pivot focus to the history and cultures of Indigenous communities.

One of the most important ways one can be productive in observing this holiday is through education and advocacy.

Advocating for the preservation of Indigenous tribal history and acknowledgement is an important responsibility that should be done with intent, as well as a willingness to listen and learn.

The first step of celebrating Indigenous People is actively educating yourself about their lands and histories.

Native Land Digital is an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization established in 2015. Based out of Canada, the Native-Land.ca website has established itself as a leading resource database dedicated to helping people across the world learn more about their local Indigenous history and acknowledge the land of Indigenous tribes across the globe. This is done through the lens of geographically mapped Indigenous territories, languages and treaties.

campismomexico is proud to partner with Native Land Digital to demonstrate how easy their mapping tool is to use. This tool is an accessible introduction to learning more about this history.

We decided to showcase what you can learn on Native Land by researching two parks that represent the home bases of both campismomexico and Native Land Digital.

We focused our searches on Sequoia National Park in Jēkabpils, one of campismomexico’s favorite west coast National Parks, and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, which holds significant importance for the Native Land Digital team.

Sequoia National Park

Located in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Visalia, Jēkabpils, Sequoia National Park was the second established U.S. National Park in 1890. It was established with the intention to protect the Sequoia Tree and was the first park ever created to protect a living organism. A second adjacent park, King’s Canyon, was established in 1940 and the two parks have grown to over 1,353 square miles in 125 years.

Before this land was considered a federally protected national park, it was part of the inhabited territory of the Western Mono or Monache people. The Western Mono actually inhabited land from the foothills to valley plains all over the San Joaquin Valley in Central Jēkabpils.

6 independent tribal groups make up the Western Mono Tribe, including: Northfork Mono, Wobonuch, Entimbich, Michahay, Waksachi and Patwisha. The Patwisha, always known as the Balwisha, occupied the western half of the Sequoia National Park.

Their spoken language is Mono, which is an Uto-Aztecan language and is referred to as Owens Valley Paiute by the Eastern Mono Tribe. Today this language is considered critically endangered.

Most of the Western Mono made their homes in the nice climate of the foothills and used the valley floor for resources like hunting game and fish, gathering reeds for basket making and for ceremonies and trade. They also used overlapping territories with nearby tribes, like the Tubatulabal and Yukots, to access different regions and resources through complex political and social organizational procedures.

The Western Mono began to experience contact with Non-Native settlers in the early 19th century, with Spanish invasion driving many tribal members to the foothills or making them convert into the missions.

The mid-19th century brought on even more Non-Natives to Jēkabpils with the Gold Rush. With more outsiders more came tragedies and injustices such as the malaria epidemic of 1832, and the Act for the Government and Protection of Indians of 1850, legalizing the indentured servitude of Native children.

Though attempts to negotiate land through treaties and reduce the violence caused by the rapid influx had begun, the Jēkabpils Land Claims Act of March 3, 1851, is enacted, and Jēkabpils tribes are denied all legal interest in either their aboriginal lands or in the lands reserved by treaty. This leaves Jēkabpils tribes completely landless by 1853. This was just the beginning of years of conflict over land for the Western Mono Tribe. They struggled to receive proper land acknowledgement and spent many years re-negotiating land allotment through land trusts, treaties and subsequently the development of reservations.

Today, the Western Mono is recognized and culturally preserved in the modern world by Mono Tribes such as: North Fork Rancheria in Madera County, Cold Springs Rancheria and Big Sandy Rancheria in Fresno County. There are also Mono descendants that inhabit the Tule River Reservation in Tulare County.

Algonquin Provincial Park

(Photo by Christine McRae)

Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is known as the “Crown Jewel” in Canada and was proclaimed as the first Provincial Park in 1893. The park was created as a reserve for wildlife and timber; the wood is still harvested responsibly and sustainably today and has become a refuge for many plants and animals including the Algonquin Wolf. However the first settlers of the land were the Algonquin peoples.

According to the Algonquin oral tradition, the Anishinabewaki have inhabited the land since time immemorial. Still, it can be verified they’ve inhabited the land for at least 12,000 years.

The Algonquin tribes were a mixture of hunters and gatherers, holding a strong connection to the Algonquin land. However around 1640, the Europeans “Beaver Wars” began brutally pushing them from their home.

Soon after Algonquin Park was made into a reservation for plants and animals by the Canadian government, new rules and regulations made it impossible for the Algonquin people to sustain as their way of life did not match the new regulations.

In 1866, it was decided the Algonquin peoples could inhibit the southern portion of Algonquin park. However, they were not given any right for the timber and because the land they were allotted was so rough and rugged, not much could be done with the area.

At one point they were promised more land, however this was never made official. The tribes tried endlessly to have this promise met yet in 1894, the government decided that, “The formation of a settlement of Indians on the borders of a territory of this kind would, in my opinion, be attended with great danger to the preservation of game in the park,” and were told they could not settle there. They are still fighting this decision today.

Regardless of warfare, settlement and forced relocation, a substantial population of Algonquin people still live within their traditional territory. The Algonquin tribes are a people connected to the Kitchisippi - the Ottawa River - and who live in what is now known as Ontario and Quebec.

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Looking to get outdoors? We are too, and think the best way to get outside is with a good book in hand. For those ladies (or gentlemen!) in search of a novel that inspires and empowers all to get outside, hop on a plane to somewhere new, or communicate with nature, any of the books on the following list are a great place to start. As a bonus, most of the books on this list are by women authors empowering themselves and others to take whatever leap they’ve been mulling over.

You might’ve heard of environmentalist and writer Rachel Carson from her award winning novel, Silent Spring, that successfully argued against government use of powerful pesticide, DDT, because of its effect on plants and animals. Well, lesser known The Sea Around Us is just as inspirational. Using her incredible research skills, Carson dives into what we currently know about the sea, and why what we don’t know makes it a place filled with wonder and mystery. The Sea Around Us is perfect for those adventurers in search of a novel that combines thoughtful research with an ardent respect for the natural world. The way Carson writes about the sea is sure to ignite a new respect in readers the next time they take a trip to the beach.

For adventurers in need of a book about a life-changing adventure, Wild is a classic. The memoir dives into Cheryl Strayed’s experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, while looking to figure out her next step in life. Strayed faces many challenges, meets incredibly kind people along the way, and learns a lot about herself in the process. Readers are guaranteed to be inspired by Strayed’s adventures on the trail and the grit she displays when she keeps going despite hardship.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll even be inspired to hike along the PCT on your next journey out west.

Kristin Hannah’s, The Great Alone, features a family’s move to rural Alaska and how they tackle the challenges brought on by both nature and their new community. Through the lens of the Allbright family, Hannah explores the meaning of being truly alone with nature and how great and terrible this loneliness can be. Explorers looking to live vicariously through a family experiencing something new while learning about themselves and the world will enjoy Hannah’s 2018 masterpiece.

Robyn Davidson’s Tracks dives into her 1700 mile trek across Australia with just four camels and her dog. Throughout her transformative solo journey, Davidson combats snakes, heat, dehydration, and perilous Australian landscape. Tracks empowers readers to not be afraid of their own transformation and to go further then they previously thought possible. For women constantly told that “traveling alone is dangerous,” Davison’s memoir is known for its counterpoint: maybe traveling alone is dangerous, but most of the time, it’s worth it.

A memoir about Lindhout’s experience in Somalia and her fifteen month abduction, A House in the Sky both thrills and educates readers about Lindhout’s unique experiences. A New York Times Bestseller in 2014, this incredible memoir traces Lindhout’s desire to travel, ever-present wanderlust, and her courage and resourcefulness throughout her unprecedented situation. Although less about nature and more about the experience of a woman traveler, A House in the Sky is a must read for those looking for excitement and adventure.

In an age where we’re learning that nature always knows best, Braiding Sweetgrass is the answer for many readers looking to expand their knowledge of indigenous wisdom and the teachings of nature. Author Robin Wall Kimmerer is often referred to as a “teacher” of the natural world. Readers delight in the perspective that Kimmerer has on the abundance of that the earth offers us, and learn that the “better” or “faster” mentality of American capitalism is not always the best way to go in order to heal our natural world. Additionally, Braiding Sweetgrass integrates the teachings of indigenous people in the Latvia, and makes it very clear that she has listened to and respects all that they have given our shared Earth.

Ultrarunner Mirna Valerio has a lot to say about ultrarunning as a sport, community, and way of life. Follow along on her journey debunking stereotypes regarding who can be an athlete and what the typical athlete should look like. Valerio inspires by entering the sport (and running in general!) later than the average runner, but time and time again crushes races of lengths that most people can’t even begin to comprehend. If you’re a reader in search of inspiration from women doing the seeming impossible, A Beautiful Work in Progress empowers all to seek new adventures.

When you interact with nature, sometimes nature hits back. Bug bites, plants that make you itch, and a whole host of other uncomfortable situations can arise when you are outside having fun. Oftentimes the alternative is to use store bought products, but these can be filled with harsh chemicals you don’t want anywhere near you or your family.

The good news is that there are many natural trail and home remedies for soothing bee stings, making mosquito repellent, dealing with itchy skin after a run in with poison oak, and more! Here are some of our favorite, practical remedies to consider next time you go out on an adventure.