Hi, I’m Jory, and I’m a recovering academic.

I love the world of words and ideas. But I often get carried away with the nerd life–working too much and spending too many hours hunched over a computer. I’m much happier and healthier (and often more productive) when I get outside and play. But I sometimes need a little push to take time off. To escape for the weekend. Or plan the epic outdoor vacation. And I’m guessing that I’m not the only one with this problem?!

hikepaddletravel.com

This website is for people, like me, who sadly need reminders to live a bit more. To get outside. Hike. Paddle. Travel. To replace professional goals with a “bucket list” of hikes, paddle trips, outdoor gear, and travel destinations. To build an outdoor adventure into a work trip, professional conference, holiday, or family vacation. To finally pull the trigger on a new kayak. Or finally plan that once-in-a-lifetime trek in the Rocky Mountains or tramp through New Zealand. “Because in the end,” Jack Kerouac wrote, “you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”

softcore adventures & active travel

This is more of a softcore website than a hardcore, outdoor travel site. It’s more for intermediate hikers and paddlers (like me) than for backwoods badasses and adrenaline junkies. For backpackers, slackpackers, and day hikers. For recreational paddlers who sometimes tackle whitewater, Great Lakes, and saltwater. Not beginners. Not Bear Grylls. Just regular hikers and paddlers who need to get out more. To recharge ourselves by unplugging ourselves.

Please subscribe below for outdoor travel ideas, trip reviews, gear reviews, and discounts on outdoor gear. This site reviews some of the best trails and waterways to tackle on your vacations, work trips, holidays, and weekends, including

• backpacking trips (up to one week)
• paddle trips for canoeists and kayakers
• weekend escapes
• supported hikes and paddles
• slack-packing and day hikes
• outdoor side trips near major cities and travel destinations

Why join me? Good question. I’m not much of an athlete and could definitely stand to lose a few pounds. Like blues legend Howlin’ Wolf, “I’m built for comfort. I ain’t built for speed.”

But I’ve lived and worked in interesting places that you should visit–like Arizona and Australia. I’ve paddled remote desert canyons and accessible coastlines. And I’m not a bad hiker for a 40-something who’s been diagnosed with a crooked back and the most “flat-ass feet” a Michigan doctor had ever seen. I’ve hiked the “Grand Canyon” of the United States, Spain, and Australia– and handled some strenuous day hikes that top out at elevation gains of a mile-plus. And in between my bigger trips, I hike or paddle two or three times a week. If I can pull it off, so can you.

Here’s some of what you’ll find on hikepaddletravel.com:

bucket list hikes and paddle trips

hikepaddletravel.com is a place for day dreaming, scheming, and trip planning. I’ll share some of my favorite trails and paddle experiences for weekend warriors, active travelers, and softcore adventurers. Like Arizona’s Havasupai canyon (above)–which should be on your bucket list. And my favorite Southwest paddle trips, too, like Labyrinth Canyon in Canyonlands National Park and the San Juan River on the Utah-Arizona border:

Is Australia on your bucket list? I loved living in Melbourne! And I did a good job getting outside to play, too. So I’ll highlight some iconic Aussie bushwalks, like Tasmania’s Overland Track and the Great Ocean Walk (which is heaps better than driving the Great Ocean Road!). And I’ll recommend the best bushwalks to spot wild kangaroos and the best side trips to find koalas in the wild.

slackpacking & guided trips

We should strive for self-supported wilderness trips. But don’t knock slackpacking or guided trips! Slackpackers take advantage of shuttles, gear drops, point-to-point itineraries, and hosts to transport their gear on multi-day hikes. I’ll highlight some multi-day trips and outfitters to help slackpackers plan big walks and section hikes with comfortable nights with showers, beds, fresh food, and local libations.  

Guided and supported trips  can also coax reluctant travelers to get out on the trail or water. For example, guided paddle trips can get less experienced paddlers onto bigger waters, like a Norwegian fjord, Sydney Harbour, or Lake Superior sea caves. And admit it–it’s nice to crash in a real bed after a big day of paddling, isn’t it? So I’ll recommend some lodge-to-lodge routes, guided paddles, and supported trips that might be worth the extra money–like the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk in Tasmania:

local food and drink

It’s also nice to celebrate a hard day outdoors with craft beers and wood fired pizza, a plate of spicy New Mexican enchiladas, or fresh seafood with local wines. You can trust a bigger guy with a foodie wife for solid recommendations for the best local dives, farmer’s markets, distilleries, wineries, and farm-to-fork restaurants. So let us suggest our favorite pairings–to mix wilderness with wineries, backcountry with breweries, and paddle trips with prix fixe dinners. 

“We are sitting on the field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts.”

Pippin the Hobbit. Lord of the Rings (Return of the King)

urban hikes and paddles

Stuck in the city? We can brainstorm ideas for urban hikes and paddles. And we’ll also highlight accessible day trips and road trips for casual adventures near major cities. Why not escape Las Vegas for a day hike in Red Rock Canyon? Or kayak the Colorado River below Hoover Dam? Or escape downtown Sydney for a couple days of hiking in the Blue Mountains? Which Phoenix hikes should you target during your Spring Training or bowl game trip? You get the idea…

gear reviews and discounts

Finally, I’ll provide occasional gear reviews and search for major discounts on hiking and paddling gear. If you subscribe to my newsletter and email list, I’ll share product reviews, product recommendations, discount codes, and online sales to help you find the best gear at the lowest prices. Wanna know when outfitters have major sales or closeouts on top gear? I’ll tell you. Looking to buy your first kayak? Let me help. Want advice on how to upgrade from your little box store boat? Got you there, too. I’ll help you sift through your options and share product research, so you can make the best choices for you. 

please join me!

So come hike, paddle, and travel with me! Please subscribe below for trip reviews, trail guides, travel recommendations, gear reviews, and trip planning tips delivered to your in box. I’ll help you build your bucket lists. And choose the best trails, rivers, outfitters, campsites, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and travel destinations that I know. Join me and other casual adventurers, weekend warriors, and experienced hikers and paddlers who want to take the next step towards a more balanced life, outdoor play, and active travel.