The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

The Outdoor Life

LIVING THE DREAM

LIVING THE DREAM

The Outdoor Life signifies a culture of men and women whose souls are restless and ache for a glimpse of sunshine & fresh air, waiting and planning for that next adventure. I am an avid cyclist, kayaker, surfer, hiker, backpacker, camper, swimmer, equestrian, hunter, fisherman, and photographer. However, it's not about the activity but the adventures I experience during these activities. For me, The Outdoor Life is not something I do; it's something I live!

This website started as "My Life on Two Wheels," and as I progressed into different activities, I believe it is only fitting to give them the respect they deserve. With over 30 years of professional and recreational experience, I love being able to pass along information about great companies that fit into an outdoor lifestyle. I have hands-on experience with every product, service, and location I post here. Some companies send me products to test; others are products I buy that I feel can benefit my outdoor needs. However, it's not all about product or service reviews! You'll find information on different places to go, rides I have ridden, rivers I have floated, and my experiences at each. I'll show you how to get things done and on the cheap. You'll watch as I succeed and fail, laugh, and cry–but remember, it's about the adventure and the smile you come away with!

Thank you, Amanda, for putting up with my obsessed need to be free in the outdoors! You are the love of my life and will always be my 1st obsession!

Get the full scoop on Chris, just click >>

Stay Informed:

Each submission enters you into our monthly T-Shirt Giveaway! We only send out one (1) email a week with the latest blog posts and updates. We never sell or give away your email address, it stays with us.

Featured Video

BruTrek OVRLNDR and Double Shot Travel Presses

7.1K views November 5th

491 1

Campfire Recipes

MOST EPIC BBQ RIBS EVER! MUST SEE THIS VIDEO!

619.7K views September 27th

11K 592

Most Recent Posts

To Strava or not to Strava?

To Strava or not to Strava?

With all the negative connotations that Strava can bring, some folks have been looking at other solutions. In the Strava threads, cyclists state that they would entertain a different solution.

read more
Protecting Our Right to Bike

Protecting Our Right to Bike

We all know that I am an advocate for protecting our right to bike in Colorado Springs for both on road and off. With a deep appreciation and passion, can be fairly outspoken at times.

read more
Video: Homeless Camps

Video: Homeless Camps

After watching the KRDO13 clip, I was curious to know why the city’s hands were tied – it didn’t make sense to me. I contacted Aimee Cox (Community Development Manager for Colorado Springs) and spent an hour on the phone with her.

read more
Training Partner

Training Partner

Knowing that in 6 weeks I will be pulling a loaded trailer up in the Colorado Mountains for my overnight trip, I thought that it would probably be a good time to start getting used to having a trailer io the back of my bike.

read more
Stoned in Colorado

Stoned in Colorado

Recently I went to a local bike shop here on the south side of town and as soon as I walked in the doors the odor was so overwhelming it upset my stomach.

read more

Most Resent Posts

Most Recent Videos

Subscribe to my channel:

Would you believe that there are people who will not go camping because they think there will not be any good coffee? Mostly it's the kind of people that can't open their eyes until they smell that hot cup of java. Well, if you are one of them, you are in luck! You can choose from a few coffee makers that are very nicely fit to take with you on a camping trip. But there is only one that truly fits the bill as a coffee maker and a travel mug, and it's called a Travel Press.

BruTrek OVRLANDR: https://amzn.to/3UqVMRM
BruTrek: Double Shot: https://amzn.to/3fwLpgx

It's not your old faithful, the percolator. 

When people think of making coffee while camping, some will instantly remember a percolator on a campfire. While Grandpa will argue it's still the only way to go, he couldn't be more wrong!

Just press your coffee down.

Another way (a better way) of making coffee while camping is by using a coffee press, more commonly known as a French Press. The Press works very simply, and all you have to do is place coarse coffee grounds and hot water within a container (steel or class) and allow it to steep for four minutes. After this time, you will press down on a plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. This is filterless coffee brewing, and many coffee experts prefer this method because it leaves the essential oils of the coffee beans within the final brew for a better taste and flavor.

However, we can consider ourselves lucky over Grandpa's generations that technology has given us even a better way to press coffee. One such Press is made by BruTek. It works well, and the process is the same as with a French Press brewer. Moreover, when you are ready to drink, instead of pouring yourself a cup, drink from the Double-walled Press! It works great for any time use, whether you are camping, traveling, at home, on the road, or in your office. It also works great for those who love to travel. Even if you are not really into coffee and prefer tea, the travel press also works great.

Would you believe that there are people who will not go camping because they think there will not be any good coffee? Mostly it's the kind of people that can't open their eyes until they smell that hot cup of java. Well, if you are one of them, you are in luck! You can choose from a few coffee makers that are very nicely fit to take with you on a camping trip. But there is only one that truly fits the bill as a coffee maker and a travel mug, and it's called a Travel Press.

BruTrek OVRLANDR: https://amzn.to/3UqVMRM
BruTrek: Double Shot: https://amzn.to/3fwLpgx

It's not your old faithful, the percolator.

When people think of making coffee while camping, some will instantly remember a percolator on a campfire. While Grandpa will argue it's still the only way to go, he couldn't be more wrong!

Just press your coffee down.

Another way (a better way) of making coffee while camping is by using a coffee press, more commonly known as a French Press. The Press works very simply, and all you have to do is place coarse coffee grounds and hot water within a container (steel or class) and allow it to steep for four minutes. After this time, you will press down on a plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. This is filterless coffee brewing, and many coffee experts prefer this method because it leaves the essential oils of the coffee beans within the final brew for a better taste and flavor.

However, we can consider ourselves lucky over Grandpa's generations that technology has given us even a better way to press coffee. One such Press is made by BruTek. It works well, and the process is the same as with a French Press brewer. Moreover, when you are ready to drink, instead of pouring yourself a cup, drink from the Double-walled Press! It works great for any time use, whether you are camping, traveling, at home, on the road, or in your office. It also works great for those who love to travel. Even if you are not really into coffee and prefer tea, the travel press also works great.

491 1

YouTube Video VVVDdWJXaEYzdXFZNFF1Sk5jbWlPc0ZRLjVlZ05NOWNmT2k4

BruTrek OVRLNDR and Double Shot Travel Presses

7.1K views November 5th

491 1

Are you tired of summer days where you have to bear the sweltering heat of the summer sun? Once summer says hello to us, we may yet again face the consequences of the terrible heat that it brings us, and some find this annoying heat unbearable. One of your choices is to satisfy yourself with a portable air conditioner.

Save $110 with discount code: CHRIS110
View on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Portable-Conditioner-2899BTU-Consumption/dp/B0B5CCRM7C

A portable air conditioner, as its name indicates, is a particular type of air conditioner which is easy to move from location to location. As it is portable, it can be used anywhere you need fresh cool air, like tents, camps, RV, and even in a boat or vehicle. When it is hot, this small air conditioner gives a bit of relief by providing fresh cool air.

Portable tent air conditioners are relatively easy to install and carry from one place to another. Moreover, unlike regular air conditioners, they can run on battery power, so there is no need to plug into an electric socket. That is why they are being used in camping and tents. Depending upon the features, size, and capacity, their price may vary from a few hundred to thousands.

Unlike the other types that just stay fixed in a window, a portable air conditioner can be moved to different places in your RV, tent, or office whenever you feel like it. When the compressor is running, it compresses the refrigerant gas from a low to a high pressure. The high-pressure gas is cooled, turning it into a liquid, and then it is brought to the condenser. This process creates heat that needs to be removed from the area you are trying to cool. This is why home AC Compressors are outside. For portable air conditioners, we need to direct the heat out of the space using a discharge hose. This hose must be put outside the window or through a wall, whichever works best for you. Window kits may be available, depending on the portable air conditioner type you want.

Are you tired of summer days where you have to bear the sweltering heat of the summer sun? Once summer says hello to us, we may yet again face the consequences of the terrible heat that it brings us, and some find this annoying heat unbearable. One of your choices is to satisfy yourself with a portable air conditioner.

A portable air conditioner, as its name indicates, is a particular type of air conditioner which is easy to move from location to location. As it is portable, it can be used anywhere you need fresh cool air, like tents, camps, RV, and even in a boat or vehicle. When it is hot, this small air conditioner gives a bit of relief by providing fresh cool air.

Portable tent air conditioners are relatively easy to install and carry from one place to another. Moreover, unlike regular air conditioners, they can run on battery power, so there is no need to plug into an electric socket. That is why they are being used in camping and tents. Depending upon the features, size, and capacity, their price may vary from a few hundred to thousands.

Unlike the other types that just stay fixed in a window, a portable air conditioner can be moved to different places in your RV, tent, or office whenever you feel like it. When the compressor is running, it compresses the refrigerant gas from a low to a high pressure. The high-pressure gas is cooled, turning it into a liquid, and then it is brought to the condenser. This process creates heat that needs to be removed from the area you are trying to cool. This is why home AC Compressors are outside. For portable air conditioners, we need to direct the heat out of the space using a discharge hose. This hose must be put outside the window or through a wall, whichever works best for you. Window kits may be available, depending on the portable air conditioner type you want.

350 9

YouTube Video VVVDdWJXaEYzdXFZNFF1Sk5jbWlPc0ZRLk42M1YyNE1TWDkw

BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner

1.7K views November 4th

350 9

Outdoorsman Lab's new Premium Sleeping Pad is even cozier than before and offers you complete comfort without the heavy bulkiness. It's also the ultimate in regulating temperature, whether you're hiking snowy trails or enjoying the annual family summer camping trip.

Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/3GrhKO4
OMEALS Hashbrowns: https://amzn.to/2ZoDwSh 

It's generous in size - tall sleepers and those who like to stretch out alike are sure to love our 76" long, 26" wide sleeping pad. And with ultra-easy pump-bag-inflating technology, it's easy to enjoy by anyone at any time. You might even find yourself using it at home - in your yard, on your patio, or for kids' sleepovers.

When out camping, there is a choice one must make between taking a foam or an air pad for comfortable sleep outdoors. A sleeping pad's primary function is to provide both cushioning and insulation. Cushioning for your back support and insulating your body from cold surfaces allows you to sleep more comfortably and at ease. The question remains as to which one is better; a foam pad or an air pad.

Laying on the cold, hard ground can be pretty uncomfortable for many campers, especially those that already suffer from back conditions. Thankfully, camping sleeping pads were invented to allow those enjoying the great outdoors to be able to get a good night's sleep!

OMEALS  Hashbrowns Potatoes with Bacon, Onions, and Peppers. Smoked bacon, skillet-tossed potatoes, and sauteed bell peppers and onions make for a delicious, easy meal. Premium flavor that is sure to be a hit for the family every time, anywhere!

Outdoorsman Lab's new Premium Sleeping Pad is even cozier than before and offers you complete comfort without the heavy bulkiness. It's also the ultimate in regulating temperature, whether you're hiking snowy trails or enjoying the annual family summer camping trip.

Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/3GrhKO4
OMEALS Hashbrowns: https://amzn.to/2ZoDwSh

It's generous in size - tall sleepers and those who like to stretch out alike are sure to love our 76" long, 26" wide sleeping pad. And with ultra-easy pump-bag-inflating technology, it's easy to enjoy by anyone at any time. You might even find yourself using it at home - in your yard, on your patio, or for kids' sleepovers.

When out camping, there is a choice one must make between taking a foam or an air pad for comfortable sleep outdoors. A sleeping pad's primary function is to provide both cushioning and insulation. Cushioning for your back support and insulating your body from cold surfaces allows you to sleep more comfortably and at ease. The question remains as to which one is better; a foam pad or an air pad.

Laying on the cold, hard ground can be pretty uncomfortable for many campers, especially those that already suffer from back conditions. Thankfully, camping sleeping pads were invented to allow those enjoying the great outdoors to be able to get a good night's sleep!

OMEALS Hashbrowns Potatoes with Bacon, Onions, and Peppers. Smoked bacon, skillet-tossed potatoes, and sauteed bell peppers and onions make for a delicious, easy meal. Premium flavor that is sure to be a hit for the family every time, anywhere!

246 4

YouTube Video VVVDdWJXaEYzdXFZNFF1Sk5jbWlPc0ZRLmcwejJpZDVCOW80

Camping Sleeping Pad - Great for Side Sleepers!

4.4K views October 26th

246 4

Trying something New, Oaky, Buttery, and Bold.
@harken_wine Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented to create a rich Chardonnay with a classic profile of tropical fruit and Bosc pear alongside warm oak aromatics.
#harken_wine #theoutdoorlife #winewednesday #butterchardonnay #cyclingshots
Are you tired of summer days where you have to bear the sweltering heat of the summer sun? 

@bougerv @bougervmarketing 

https://www.theoutdoorlife.us/bougerv-portable-air-conditioner/

#portableairconditioner #camping #outdoorlife #theoutdoorlife #rvlife #petlovers #pet #petcamp #StayCoolwithZeroBreeze
#ZeroBreeze #airconditioner 
#PortableAC #OffGridAC 
#BackUpAC #SolarPoweredAC 
#beattheheat #staywarm
#RAMYautomotive #RAMYworkshop
#overlanding #camping #overlanding #jeep #jeepjku #jeepuae #oman #abudhabi #uae
Blending in!

#bird_freaks #kingfisher #sonyalphaclub
#sonya6600 #raw_birds #birdsonearth #birdphotography #bestbirdshots #birdsofig #planetbirds #birdportrait #birdspotting #feather_perfection #birdwatchingmag 
#morebirdpics #yourbirdshots #nb_nature_brilliance #best_birds_photography #your_wildlife #uk_wildlife_photos #riverbirds
Kayaking the swamps by Caddo Lake, East Texas

#theoutdoorlife #stillwater #reflection #photography #lakephotography #lakelife #kayak #kayaking #explore #easttexas #texas #outdoors #outdoorphotography
Today we will show you a truly primal cooking technique - roasting the Whole Chicken Under a Bucket! This recipe was used long before modern cooking utensils were available, so it is really simple and yet incredibly delicious. Our juicy, tender chicken is just irresistible!

https://www.theoutdoorlife.us/dedicated-gps-or-smartphone/

#theoutdoorlife #recipeshare #meateater #foodpics #todayfood #realfood ⁠#foodblogger #hikingviews #easyrecipes #chefknife #foodgasm #ilovefood⁠ #ilovecooking #outdoorcooking #foodporn #foodpicoftheday #serbia #organic #organicfood #meatlovers #hungryhungry #chefs #bushcrafting #instachef #outdoorlifestyle #theoutdoorpassion #cookinglover #foodfromscratch #foodlove #forestfood
Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom Little Rock, Arkansas

CHICKEN CAESAR
romaine, parmesan, chili flake, crouton, dressed

@raduno_lr
@littlerockcvb
#BigOnLittleRock 
#LittleRock
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
#pizza
#YesLittleRock
Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom Little Rock, Arkansas

SPICY PEP PEP PIZZA
pomodoro, pepperoni, peppadew, jalapeno, onion, mozz, parmesan, pesto

@raduno_lr
@radunoAR
@littlerockcvb
#BigOnLittleRock 
#LittleRock
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
#pizza
#YesLittleRock
After ride snack, compliments of the Big Dam Bridge 100 race in LittleRock, Arkansas.

@raduno_lr
@littlerockcvb
#BigOnLittleRock
#YesLittleRock
#LittleRock
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
@bdb100arkansas
#bigdambridge
#cycling
#theoutdoorlife
Sunrise on the Arkansas River Cycling Trail in Little Rock, Arkansas

@raduno_lr
@littlerockcvb
#BigOnLittleRock
#YesLittleRock
#theoutdoorlife
#bigdambridge 
#LittleRock
@bdb100arkansas
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
Big Dam Bridge 100 in #LittleRock #Arkansas

@littlerockcvb
#BigOnLittleRock 
#littlerockcvb
#rodebike 
#theoutdoorlife
@bdb100arkansas
#bigdambridge
#roadcycling
#roadtrippin with a gallon of water, a pound of #sunflowerseeds, a half pound of #beefjerky and some camera gear!

@skywell.official #cycling #paddleboarding #roadbiking #surfing #blackandwhite #hittheroadjack
#theoutdoorlife
Tijuana Chicken Caesar Dinner at @camp.taco in #littlerock 

@lost40beer 
@littlerockcvb
@marriottlittlerock
@rocktowndistill
#BigOnLittleRock 
#LittleRock
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
#rocktowndistill
#liqueur
#theoutdoorlife
View from the @marriottlittlerock 

@littlerockcvb
@marriottlittlerock
@rocktowndistill
#BigOnLittleRock 
#LittleRock
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
#rocktowndistill
#theoutdoorlife
A little #coffee and #blackberry #liqueur for a #nightcap in #littlerockarkansas 

@littlerockcvb
@marriottlittlerock
@rocktowndistill
#BigOnLittleRock 
#Arkansas
#littlerockcvb
#rocktowndistill
#YesLittleRock
#theoutdoorlife