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Good outdoor clothing and gear is expensive there is no getting around it. I honestly believe you get exactly what you pay for. If you go cheap you get cheap! Over the years I have noticed a trend in my adventurous ways. I seem to always be in love with the sports that require the most expensive getup. Isn’t the convenient!

Of course I always want to buy the best gear on the market, but this doesn’t have to be done by breaking the bank or eating Top Ramon Noodles 7 days a week to cover the bills.

It does take a little savvy shopping! I am not suggesting impulse shopping by any means, but I am suggesting keeping an eye out for items you need or know you will need for the next season.

Right now is the perfect time to buy. All the shops and specialty stores are flipping their merchandise. It’s the time for season end sales as stores are getting ready for the fall and winter apparel to arrive. Every year just like clock work your local retailers and chain stores have big annual and semi annual sales. Let’s say you have been eyeing the top of the line wicking top with matching bottom, but have not been ready to ante up for full price? A good suggestion is just ask the sales associate if this item will be on sale anytime soon. In most cases they will gladly tell you what sales are coming up and if they expect it to be marked down. This just might make it worth the wait.

Online retailers are also having big sales now as well. My email box has been flooded with ads and coupon codes offering 15-50%, free shipping, and buy one get one frees for the past week. I have taken the time to check most of these offers out and there are some amazing deals if you can find what you are looking for.

Discount stores are great too. Just last week I saw several pairs of my favorite heavy hiking pant on sale for $16.00 when originally at the big specialty store they retail for $79. That is a huge discount. I love this particular pair of pants so much so that I have and am willing to pay full price, but a discount is always welcome.

Some good tips for finding exactly what yo are looking for at a discount store is making multiple visits. Go once, twice, even three times. Also know the isle and racks that have what you are looking for. For instance I love Patagonia and Prana. Those are my favorite brands when it comes to climbing attire for women. Instead of milling around the store searching through all the racks I go straight the active wear rack and flip through my size section fast. If there isn’t anything no big deal. No time lost. Keep in mind shipments get to the stores weekly on Tuesdays so the closer to the delivery day you make it the more likely to have a greater selection.

You just have to be willing to shop around to get the best price.

By Girl vs. Wild
Jacquelyn Farris

I walk through life with the understanding that it is far better to give than receive. I also feel this same thing applies to the great outdoors. The excitement I get when sharing climbing, hiking, etc with a person that has never experienced it as I have is amazing. To see a young person light up with joy when they have conquered their fear of climbing a route they swore they were not strong enough to achieve is just one of the many things that gives me new energy to keep enjoying my own outdoor adventure and renews my love for climbing.

A few months back I started guiding on the weekends with Compass Wilderness, a faith based 501 c3 guide service that has set it’s path to share a message of Christ to Christians and non-Christians alike. The centered purpose to parallel adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, camping etc in an way that connects with people on their daily walk with Christ.

Compass Wilderness reaches youth groups, mens groups, at risks youth, and the list goes on. It really boils down to meeting people where they are in life - connecting on a deeper and individual level. Sharing the simple yet overwhelming and amazing joys of the outdoors with those who maybe have never even been on a hike or slept under the stars.

Compass wilderness is a guide service that offers hiking, climbing, and camping primarily, but Compass staff share far more than wilderness knowledge. They work to give individuals the tools to stretch out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Over the past few months I have seen angry hearts softened, self esteems soar, and closed minds open to brighter possibilities all because Compass Wilderness gives people something that sounds so simple, yet what everyone is searching for. Strength and acceptance.

On one of my first trips with Compass I was assisting in belaying a girl who had never climbed outside. She was trembling with fear and talking herself out of trying from the start. She was just sure she couldn’t do it and that it was going to be to hard. It’s in those instances Compass’s staff is able to to reach inside a person and pull out their stregthens. Showing them that it’s ok to take risks and pull for what they want in life. She and I talked on the rocks that day until she reached the top. The look of joy on her face as she was coming down is exactly what Compass Wilderness strives to share.

For more on Compass Wilderness head to NewsOk.tv for a video interview with Compass Wilderness’s Oklahoma DIrector of Operations, Steven Charles.

Happy trials Girl vs. Wild style,

Jacquelyn Farris

Recently I have been setting my sights on another outdoors prize. To be able to knock a 14er off my list of things to do and explore.

I am sure your asking yourself why in the world do I have the desire to hike a 14,000 ft mountain. My answer is why not!

This is not something that I will be able to head out and attack this next Friday. There is a lot of time and preparation that goes into be ready to attack a feat such as allusive 14er. But, I have my heart and mind set, and nothing comes between my goals and success. I am a do it and die trying type of girl. Hey I am Girl vs. Wild.

Listed below are a few basic suggestions for chasing a 14er.

Of course selecting the mountain you will climb is important along with all the fancy gear to go along, but the most important is training your mind and body for the feat ahead. If your mind and body are not on the same train you will never arrive at the top. No matter how fancy and high tech your gear is it just wont happen if your not fully prepared.

First set a date and stick to it. This is the goal you are working towards and all scheduling works around this date. When you train for a goal with a set date you are far more likely to be successful.

Start slow. Keep in mind this is something your training for not do spontaneously in an afternoon.

Your cardiovascular stamina and endurance is very important. In the first weeks of training start out doing a 30-45 minute treadmill workout and gradually add an incline.

At this same time find a good yoga and pilates class. Most gyms offer these and the benefits you will see from attending both classes once a week will help create the total body you will need to accomplish the 14er ahead.

After the first few weeks of training start wearing the pack you indeed to wear climbing. This will acclimate your body to the extra weight.

Gradually over time add weight to your pack. Either items you intend to pack or free weights while at the gym. Start light in the beginning. If your to eager at the start it can lead to being burned out.

You can always take this workout to the outdoors. You are not restricted to the gym. Grab your weighted pack and water for hydration and hit your local walking path or trails. This will give you a better feeling for how the outdoor elements will feel.

After several weeks of training it’s time to hit the stairs. Start rotating stair climbing into your workout. With a weighted pack on hike up and down a flight of stairs for 30 minutes. Also this is a good point to add the boots you plan to wear on your climb in to the equation. Each time you do your stair training or trails wear your hiking boots. It’s imperative to have your boots broken in prior to the big event.

Lastly talk to the pros, take notes, and in the end it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Backpacking is one of the oldest American wilderness adventure traditions. Fo decades families, wonder lust young adults, and middle aged thrill seekers have been filling up their packs and hitting the trail in search of a little time in the great outdoors. It brings me great joy to see fellow backpackers on the trail experiencing all the things that make being outdoors amazing.

At the same time I see many people doing it all wrong. Good intentions, but oh so misinformed on how to pack!

I can not even begin to count all the people I have passed on the trail they don’t appear to be on a joyful backpacking trip, but instead resemble a person on a death march.

Without a doubt in most cases it boils down to bad footwear for the occasion and improper packing.

Shoes are the number one deal breaker. You can not expect your favorite pair of running or aerobic shoes to suffice as a trail hiker. It just doesn’t add up. Bottom line if you’re not wearing proper footwear you will be singing the trail hiking blues. Everyones’ feet are different so this is not something you should do through mail order. Take advice and suggestions from your local outfitter. That is what the are there for, they are the advice guys. Be sure to try several different styles on before deciding which is best for your feet. An important trick is to do this with the socks you indeed to hike in. This will play a role in picking the fit for you.

After you have found the perfect shoes next is mastering the art of packing. First rule of thumb pack what you need. Not what you want! The most entertaining item to see come out of someone’s pack is a gigantic pillow or blanket. I swear I have seen this. People have actually tried to pack their bed. No joke!

Packing light is essential to whether or not someone is going to have a good time. Don’t forget you actually have to carrying everything you put into your pack. I personally like to make a list a day prior to packing of the essentials I will be packing. This list works as the master to my packing. Everything from the bottom of my toes to the top of my noise, and all items in between. After the list is made I go over it one last time before packing to see if there is anything that needs to be trimmed. Over time you will get quick at this and be able to pack in a flash, but the first couple of times give yourself time because a rushed pack is usually a bad pack and you will feel it on the trail!

For more on backpacking head to newsok.tv to watch the latest Girl vs. Wild video on backpacking.

Who knows I might even see you on the trail!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Food is essential to survival. This is not rocket science or some lost truth I have sought since I was a wee adventurer. Its just common sense!

With it decided that yes in fact I must eat to survive I started taking a look at the foods and snacks that I pack for a typical backpacking or climbing trip, and most important ways to save space. You are what you eat!

I stick to a few simple tricks to create the least amount of mess. I prepackage everything. Creating individual servings makes less trash as well as bulk. I suggest getting high quality zip locking sandwich bags and packing your items ahead of time. Recently I have discovered bags that have a double seal which adds peace of mind. There is not much worse that having a pack bottom full of smashed chips.

The night before a trip I will individually bag all my meals in zip bags. This way all I have to do is grab a bag from my pack and go. There is no mess of preparation in having a snack or meal.

Leave the biscuits and gravy at home! Instead granola or meal replacement bars are ideal for a breakfast on the trail. They pack small and are no mess. Literally you can eat these as you hike.

Don’t pack a fruit basket as your trail snack. The odds of the fruit not being bruised and smashed is so unlikely. In fact I would go as far to say your much for likely to win the lottery than having bruise free fruit after it travels in your pack. Instead go to your favorite grocery store and get your various fruits in the dried form. Just as good, but packs light and doesn’t make a squishy mess.

Assorted pretzels and cheese crackers make great trail snacks too. There is no mess and they pack small and light in a zip bag.

Try and stay away from chocolates and candy bars. Yes they taste great, but I have never not had them be a melted mess. This is a huge hassle to clean up and at times can ruin gear.

When it comes to lunches I usually pre make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for each day I will be out. They do stay fresh made ahead of time I promise! Just pack them individually in a zip bag and pull them from your pack as needed. I love the no hassle that comes with having my sandwiches made ahead of time.

Freeze dried meals are brilliant. I only use these for dinner meals because they are a bit bigger than what I would like to pack for all three meals. But they are a great way to have a hot dinner at the end of the day. They are packed full of calories which you need before crawling into your sleeping bag for the night. These are just an A+ idea!

These are just a few minimalist adventure tricks I follow when heading out on an adventure. In fact I used these methods before I headed out this weekend. Right now I am probably dinning on a pb&j out on the trail and enjoying life without the mess!

Happy trails from Girl vs. Wild!

As an outdoors adventure girl I am very earth conscious, always doing my bit to reduce, reuse, and recycle — from recycling the paper and plastic products that come in the mail, to using less energy. In doing so, I try to not buy bottled water, and instead use a hard plastic bottle like some made by Nalgene. But, there are questions about bisphenol-a, or BPA, an ingredient in the most popular type of Nalgene bottle. BPA, found in polycarbonate plastics, mimics the human hormone estrogen. Polycarbonates are used to make a variety of products, including water bottles. BPA could be harmful to our bodies. Canada plans to ban it's use in children's products, such as baby bottles. Should we be concerned? The answer is, maybe. To me, the findings are unclear. In fact, the findings are so unclear that I am going to keep living on the wild side and use my trusty Nalgene until the FDA tells me not to. But, if living risky is not for you, a way to tell if your water bottle contains BPA is by looking on the bottom. If you see a recycling number 7, it most likely contains BPA. Most hard, clear plastics also contain BPA. But don't throw your hands up yet. Several companies make a range of products made of softer, just-as-durable plastics that are BPA free. And if you want to steer away from plastics, the new trend in water bottles is aluminum. Aluminum bottles come in a variety of trendy colors, and are lightweight and packable. You still can have your water in an earth-friendly fashion and feel safe doing so. With that said, I am going to go have a fresh drink of water from my wild, BPA-containing bottle. Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris

Backpacking season is here, and it’s time to dust off your pack and get hiking. If you’re thinking, “I need a new pack, or the one I have is so uncomfortable,” here are a few guidelines to help find the perfect pack.

•Decide what type of backpacking you want to do. Day hikes, overnight adventures or extended stays on the trail require different equipment and should factor into deciding which pack is best for you.

•Window shop to see what is out there and what features strike your fancy. You will be amazed at all the bells and whistles you will find.

Be sure to see if the pack has a hydration bladder or if it can hold one. Is it waterproof or have a waterproof compartment? Does it have pockets for camera gear and sunglasses? Is there an internal frame? Are there padded shoulder straps and a waist belt? Is there a warranty, and if so what does it cover?

•Ask around to see what fellow backpackers are carrying. People love talking shop and sharing gear tips and tales. Ask what brands your friends have, as well as what features they like or dislike about their current pack.

•Gender also plays a role when selecting a pack. Most big-name companies offer female-specific packs.

If you’re a girl like me, you’re likely thinking, “I don’t want some frufru pink pack.” But keep in mind the female anatomy and that every adjustment made in the mind of comfort is worth it, even if it means it comes in pink.

•After deciding how long your trip is going to be, you need to decide just what you’re going to need to fit in the pack whether it’s food, clothing, a tent, your sleeping bag or the kitchen sink. Gather all the goods to see how large of a pack you need. Keep in mind that every ounce adds up. Maybe you can leave the crossword puzzle at home.

•I recommend either taking everything you’re taking to the store for a test run, or purchasing a few and testing them at home. Just be sure to check the stores’ return policy. Try on the ones you like and wear them around. Any bit of discomfort in the store or at home is only going to be a thousand times worse on the trail.

Remember, finding the perfect pack may take time. Be patient and you will find the perfect pack to have you out on the trail.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

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