The Outdoor Life

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!

Get the full scoop on Chris, just click >>

Arkansas
Adventures

Texas
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Actual Rides
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Activities for csgaraglino

Featured Video

Cooking at the Barn: Episode II Breakfast

9.1K views October 2nd

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Campfire Recipes

WE ARE BACK! - HOTTEST CAROLINA REAPER CHICKEN WINGS 🌶️

324.9K views February 10th

7.5K 359

Most Recent Posts

SIDI Dragon Solde Replacement

SIDI Dragon Solde Replacement

It’s been six weeks, 10 rides (4 on my Cross and 6 on my MTB) just over 100 miles – and now a small but expensive problem has cropped up! Are the SIDI Carbon Dragon 3 MTB Shoes worth all the hype?

read more
DIY Peanut Butter Energy Bars

DIY Peanut Butter Energy Bars

A competitive cyclist’s relationship with food can be summed up in one word: intense. Our love of food runs deep and plays a role in almost every aspect of cycling. A hearty meal is the reward for a long day in the saddle.

read more
Pepperoni Pizza Chaffles

Pepperoni Pizza Chaffles

Chaffles are a quick cooked egg and cheese batter made on a mini waffle maker that forms the basis for dozens of inspiration for meals and desserts!

read more
Winter Cycling

Winter Cycling

Hypothermia is brought on when your body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

read more
Kayaking with Wildlife

Kayaking with Wildlife

While it is uncommon for wildlife to bother kayakers, it is indeed possible that you might have encounters that make for great photo opportunities! Here is a photo tour while kayaking the Hillsborough River.

read more
Unexpected Cycling Encounter

Unexpected Cycling Encounter

A world traveler in his own right (he did mention that he made to Acapulco once). I introduced myself as a local photographer and seen him in random places while riding my bike.

read more
Refurbishing B.O.B. Yak Trailer

Refurbishing B.O.B. Yak Trailer

I’ve always wanted a B.O.B. Trailer, but for nothing more than running errands around town and hauling my video gear up in the mountains, stuff like that. I didn’t know how cool it would be to take Bikepacking.

read more
Kayaking Gum Slough Springs

Kayaking Gum Slough Springs

Kayaking Gum Slough Springs If you've done much paddling around Florida, chances are you've heard about Gum Slough. Located on the Withlacoochee River near Inverness, this is one of Florida's wildest spring runs. It's not hard to find, and isn't really considered a...

read more
Cooking at the Barn: Episode 1

Cooking at the Barn: Episode 1

If you are new to camping or just bored of the same old hot dogs and love cooking outdoors, then I will show you some tips & tricks to elevate simple meals and foods; I’ll make cooking easier, teach you how to control the flame, and heat on these small cook-sets.

read more

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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.

495 3

YouTube Video VVVDdWJXaEYzdXFZNFF1Sk5jbWlPc0ZRLjVlZ05NOWNmT2k4

BruTrek OVRLNDR and Double Shot Travel Presses

11.3K views November 5th

495 3

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.

526 41

YouTube Video VVVDdWJXaEYzdXFZNFF1Sk5jbWlPc0ZRLk42M1YyNE1TWDkw

BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner

15.2K views November 4th

526 41

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!

244 4

YouTube Video VVVDdWJXaEYzdXFZNFF1Sk5jbWlPc0ZRLmcwejJpZDVCOW80

Camping Sleeping Pad - Great for Side Sleepers!

4.6K views October 26th

244 4

Little Maumelle River @oldtownwatercraft #kayak #kayaking #oldtownkayaks #littlerock #arkansas #gopro
Back in 2007, I found this @parktoolblue PCS-9 at a garage sale for $25 bucks. I have been dragging this thing around for 17 years! The past 10 years it’s been dedicated to washing bikes, as I have the PCS-25 as my primary.

Last week I picked up a few spare parts from Park Tools’ website, and this weekend decided to go ahead and do a full refurbish to bring it back to its original glory. #parktool #parktoolblue #bikemechanic #bicyclemechanic #homemechanic #mtb #gravelbike #roadbikes
Gravel cycling up Spring Creek, CO #adventurebybike #bikepacking #gravel #bike #biking #adventure #adventureride #gravelride #atb #dropbar #dropbarmtb #montana #mountains #colorado #gunnisonvalley #fuji
Mountain Biking and found a covered bridge! #mountainbiking #mountainbiker #mtb #coveredbridge
Muddy MTB day, but a great ride! #mtb #mountainbiking #mountainbiker #arkansas #burnspark
While the Ninja does share space with the bicycles, this is a full-on bicycle workshop for my Mountain Bikes, Road Bike, and Gravel! The only requirement was that I ensured my wife had enough room to get in her Jeep in case of bad weather. #mountainbike #mountainbiking #gravelbike #roadbike #bikeshop
Fat Bike bikepacking in the Florida Swamps. #fatbike #bikepacking #bikepackinglife #camping #florida #swamp #bobtrailer
Lunch break at 10,100ft on Pipeline. Pike National Forest, Colorado. #mtb #mtblife #efatbike #borealis #pipeline #mountainbike #mountainbiker
9.000 ft elevation following the Taylor River, Gunnison County, Colorado. #roadcycling #roadbikes #road #fujibikes #taylorriver #gunnisoncolorado #gunnison #colortattoo #mountains #mountain
A tribute to a life lost in the Natural World. Sometimes we just need to slow down to the world around us. #mtb #mountainbiking #efatbike #turtle #fairwell
#roadbiking the eastern plains of #Colorado with #pikespeak in the foreground. #fujibikes
Elmo, a Silverback Gorilla at the Fort Worth Zoo.
#gorilla #zoo #wildlifephotography #fortworth
3014 was one of four Rio Grande GP30s to receive the billboard lettering. 3001, 3002, 3014, and 3027 are the four units that received the Stacked Rio Grande. 3016, 3017, 3019, and 3021 had the small flying Rio Grande lettering, but it was placed higher in the knuckle latches. The remaining 20 GP30s were retired with the small flying Rio Grande lettering. 

This great-looking photo of the Rio Grande GP30 3014 is in the small town of Widow Creek (just north of Sargents up Marshall Pass) on March 21, 1989, bringing up a small load of freight for the locals. 

#denverandriograndewestern, #drgw, #coloradosouthern, #modelrailroad, #modelrailroading, #colorado, #marshallpass, #modeltrains, #hoscale, #scaletrains
1948 the D&RGW 494 (2-8-2) leaves the snowsheds at Marshall Pass, 2-8-2 494 & 11 cars. Also known as the MacArthur Type engine. 

#denverandriograndewestern, #drgw, #coloradosouthern, #modelrailroad, #modelrailroading, #colorado, #marshallpass
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