Life

43 posts

On the cosmic scale, our human journey is no more than a tiny blip. Why not spend this short time enriching our connection?

Tips for a Lighter Footprint

“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”— Gaylord Nelson There are so many ways we can minimize our impact. Here are a few things that we practice here at Outdoor Herbivore. Clothing and Gear Purchase, sell or swap used outdoor gear at Gear Trade (USA). Buy less clothing by purchasing higher-quality items that will last longer. Look for lightweight, compressible and durable fabrics. Items made or blended with polyester, nylon, hemp, spandex (lycra), or wool are […]

house plant

How to Grow Oxygen

Plants are beneficial. They energize us by creating fresh and clean air, balance internal humidity, inspire creativity, and provide a soothing environment. It is easy to create an indoor green haven inside your office and home by keeping a few common plants around your space. The Benefits of Keeping Plants at Home and Work 1. Plants Remove Pollution Common house plants are effective in removing indoor air pollution. All plants clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. This process filters the air […]

gluten free

Gluten-Free Backpacking Food List for Your Next Adventure

Hikers often report feeling mentally and physically better when on a gluten-free or gluten-light diet while on the trail. However, gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can be challenging to eliminate. Gluten is present in most high-carbohydrate backpacking foods, such as pasta and rice meals, cereals, and packaged snacks. Preparation is key when it comes to gluten-free backpacking food. Before embarking on your journey: Take the time to plan your meals and snacks carefully. Consider factors such as caloric density and ease of preparation. Opt for lightweight, […]

Clothing for Hiking or Backpacking

Clothing to Wear for Backpacking

No cotton. Cotton absorbs perspiration and does not dry quickly. It also takes up too much space and weight for packing. A better option is organic cotton blended with faster-drying natural fabrics, such as Tencel (lyocell) or Bamboo. Tencel is a fabric produced from the pulp of the eucalyptus tree. Bamboo is a type of rayon produced from the fast-growing bamboo plant. Both dry more quickly than cotton. If you must wear 100% cotton, try a lighter-weight fabric. Generally, more lightweight fabric will dry quicker and feel more comfortable.  Tencel absorbs 50% more sweat than cotton but contains tiny fibrils, […]

SteriPEN review

A review of UV Water Sterilization using the SteriPEN Journey Collecting water from a nearby river, stream or spring can often mean the water is contaminated with a host of bacteria, parasites and other organisms resulting from animal waste or decay. Fortunately, sterilizing water using ultraviolet (UV) light is quick, easy, and works without the use of any chemicals. This portable UV sterilizing device is perfect for treating water while backpacking or foreign travel. How does it work? The SteriPEN (manufactured by Hydro-Photon) is equipped with an optical grade quartz […]