Outdoorsy

This episode is all about making the outdoors more accessible and affordable! I’m breaking down how to find inexpensive outdoor gear for camping, hiking, backpacking, etc., without falling into the trap of overconsumption or feeling like you need the latest trendy gear to belong outside.I talk about why quality outdoor gear is expensive in the first place, why you probably don’t need as much stuff as social media makes you think you do, and all the best ways to save money while still getting safe, reliable gear.From borrowing gear from friends and family to renting equipment, shopping secondhand, checking Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, gear swaps, local outdoor shops, and online used gear marketplaces, this is basically my complete guide to building an outdoor setup on a budget.If you’ve been wanting to get outside but feel overwhelmed by the cost of camping or hiking gear, this episode is for you!You do not need a perfectly curated setup to be outdoorsy. Don’t let social media fool you. You just need to get outside comfortably and safely.Read the blog post version of this podcast episode here: https://bit.ly/Used-Gear-Guide.

Longer entrance lines. Closed visitor centers. Fewer ranger programs. Overflowing trash cans. Delayed maintenance. Trails and facilities are struggling to keep up with record-breaking visitation.In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into what’s actually happening to our national parks, including major National Park Service staffing cuts, proposed budget reductions, and the growing pressure facing park employees and public lands across the United States.But more importantly, I wanted to focus on something practical: what we can actually do to help.This episode covers:Why national parks are struggling right nowThe impact of staffing and budget cuts on the National Park ServiceRecord visitation numbers and increasing strain on parksSimple ways visitors can support national parks and park staffLeave No Trace and responsible recreationWhy wildlife safety and respecting park rules matterHow to support local gateway communitiesVolunteering, advocacy, and contacting your representativesWays to protect public lands beyond social media activismI also share realistic, accessible ways that everyday people can make a difference, whether that’s visiting during off-peak times, attending ranger programs, volunteering locally, supporting nonprofits, or simply being a kinder, more prepared visitor.My mission has always been to remind people that the outdoors belong to all of us, and protecting these places takes all of us too.