In this weekly roundup, Togo RV shares the top stories and features that are impacting and shaping the RV community. We cover everything from news and travel updates to gear and gadgets, and all the good stuff in between.
The Coolest Hikes for Hot Summer Days
Hiking may be the last thing you want to do when temperatures peak; however, some trails provide relief from the heat. Look for hikes where you can cool off trailside in a creek or waterfall, like Whiteoak Canyon Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park or the West Fork Trail in Sedona, Arizona. Stay in the shade on the Fern Canyon Loop Trail in California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or head underground for a cave tour in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Read more from BackpackerTech Startup Takes on the All-Electric RV Challenge
As more electric vehicles hit the market, consumers are still waiting for an electric RV solution. Lightship Energy, a tech startup, wants to lead the way, with a Tesla veteran at the helm. Founder Ben Parker noticed the noise caused by food truck generators and initially started working on an electric vehicle solution for food trucks; however, he soon noticed the need for an EV RV. As investment funds grow, Parker’s team is working to produce a prototype for a self-propelling travel trailer that provides a reasonable range for roadtripping.
Read more from TechCrunchRenovation Efforts Underway at Yellowstone National Park
You’ve likely seen news reports showing the devastation at Yellowstone National Park. As the region recovers from historic flooding, renovations provide temporary relief and long-term solutions. Two out of the five entrance stations remain closed, but 93 percent of the park’s roadways are open. Road improvements are expected to be completed by fall, restoring park connections to the gateway communities of Gardiner and Cook City, Montana. Long-term rebuilding and infrastructure improvements will take 3 to 5 years and will take climate change into account.
Read more from AdventureJournal
How Can National Park Reservations Be Improved?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, several national parks implemented visitor reservation systems—adding a new step to the trip planning process. Now, travel industry organizations are calling for reforms. Current reservation systems aren’t cohesive across parks, which leads to confusion. Short booking windows are an additional burden, especially for international travelers, which account for 35 percent of park visitors. These types of travelers prefer to make trip plans as much as 12 months in advance in order to secure flights and overnight accommodations. Industry leaders are reaching out to the Interior Department to propose changes.
Read more from Breaking Travel NewsCould You Use a Nature Sabbatical in Canada?
Canada formally invites U.S. citizens to enjoy the natural landscapes of their northern neighbor. Destination Canada, which promotes the country’s tourism, is giving away 4,000 Parks Canada Discovery Passes, which provide free entrance to more than 80 national parks for 1 year. One lucky winner will receive a “Dream Natural Sabbatical” valued at $20,000, that includes transportation, accommodations, food, $2,500 worth of gear, and a park pass. Enter by July 31 for your chance to win.
Read more from Travel + LeisureYes, You Can Go Overlanding With Kids—and Love It
Some people overland to get away from it all, but can you overland with kids onboard? Yes, according to Micah Albert, a world-traveling photojournalist. Albert has always loved adventure, and now, he’s instilling this love in his children through family overlanding trips. He recommends dispersed camping on public lands as a way to find true serenity, and taking along good food and an even better medical kit for unexpected camping mishaps. Albert says his family has the best times when they recognize each other’s needs and keep sight of their mission to enjoy the outdoors together.
Read more from HuckberryFind the Best Hiking Boots for Your Lifestyle
While no single hiking boot is perfect for every hiker, GearJunkie rounded up the best boots for 2022. Top honors went to the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX, which is comfortable, lightweight, and sturdy. The SCARPA Rush Mid GTX Shoe was named runner-up, thanks to its modern look and design innovations. At a lower price point, the highly-recommended Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof boot is notable for its simplicity and functionality. If you’re looking to invest in a boot for backpacking, check out the Solomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX, which provides firm support.
Read more from GearJunkie
