We are the
Know Nothing Nomads

The idea is simple: everyone starts from nothing. From nothing, passion evolves into purpose, and that is where experience breeds expertise. Through this process the Know Nothing Nomads have developed an unmatched level of expertise in camping and hiking. Our purpose is to share our expertise with our readers, just like you.

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Hi! We’re Derek and Ashley.
The founders of Know Nothing Nomads.

Over the last 30+ years, we‘ve been adventuring outside. From the early days when we visited National Parks with our families, all the way through to adulthood where we pursue this lifestyle as a married couple. We camp, hike, and adventure outside as many days of the year as possible, and we love every second of it.

Spending our entire lives on a trail, in a tent, or camping in an RV has been the catalyst to our enormous amount of knowledge and experience we have in the outdoors.

And I know what you are thinking…. OK, that’s cool and all but why are you here?

Well, we saw a major problem with other outdoor adventure blogs. They could be classified into 2 major categories; AI written crap by people that could care less about this great planet we live on, or people that are experts, but they get way too technical into the nitty gritty details and it makes these hobbies and lifestyle seem unapproachable.

Know Nothing Nomads fits in between these two. Our purpose here is to share our expert knowledge and in an approachable and usable way, in hopes that you will feel inspired and empowered to pursue your dreams in the same way that we have. We strive to provide information that will make camping, hiking, and adventure travel feel safer and more enjoyable through giving you unbiased gear reviews, detailed trail and travel guides, and answering some of the most common questions in hiking and camping.

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Check Out Our Latest Blog Posts

Fort Lauderdale’s Hidden Gems: 5 Must-Visit Destinations

There’s more to Fort Lauderdale than mega yachts and springbreakers. The main beaches draw the most people, but smart tourists know to look outside their Fort Lauderdale hotels to find the city’s true character. You can roam ancient mansions where history is retold of the city’s early history or paddle

We LOVE Our Nemo Aurora Highrise – And You Will Too

Last year we purchased the new Nemo Highrise camping tent. We've waited some time so we can try out every aspect. And after countless nights in this beauty, we're ready to share our thoughts. THIS TENT IS AWESOME. There aren't many car camping tents that can check every single box.…

2,261 miles: A Life Update For March 2023

2,261.0 miles. That's the EXACT distance we drove from our apartment in Asheville, North Carolina, to our new apartment in Missoula, Montana. Five days. Four hotels. About $800 in gas. Two vehicles. One 12x8 U-Haul trailer. Lots of snacks. And a sense of adventure.   That's what it takes to move…

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Search our expert outdoor advice

Looking for a specific gear recommendation or your next favorite trail? Or do you want to know how hot a campfire really is?

Outdoor Gear Guides

Hike further, stay comfortable, and enjoy your adventure more

As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Faulty gear can quickly take your adventure from magical to miserable in a matter of seconds. Explore the best in gear here.

Tents

Camping Gear

Hiking Gear

Apparel

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Camping

A cozy campfire, gooey s’mores, and sleeping under the stars

Find your own little corner of the forest in the mountains somewhere, set up camp, and go. Camping has been our go-to way to wake up in some of the most beautiful places in the world. When the sun comes up you are met with serene views, and all the outdoor adventure you can imagine. Explore these invaluable tips & tricks we’ve learned over the last few decades of sleeping in the wilderness. 

Must Read

What To Bring Camping: The Ultimate Checklist

Camping Clothes: What to Wear on Your Next Camping Trip

Benefits of Camping: Why Do People Like it Anyway?

How to Build The Warmest Campfire You've Ever Had

15 Common Camping Mistakes to Avoid

See All Camping Blog Posts

Hiking

Warm sunshine, a mountain breeze in the air, and soft trail under your feet

In essence, hiking is is really simple. A good pair of hiking shoes, a day-pack, some snacks, and a water bottle is all you need to have a great day on the trail. It isn’t even about climbing a mountain every day or hiking seven miles before lunch time. Hiking is about slowing down, enjoying the fresh air, and even getting in some good exercise. Prepare for breathtaking trails confidently with our expert hiking tips and in-depth reviews of hiking gear.  

Must Read

Day Hiking Essentials Checklist: What To Bring on a Hike

What to Eat Before a Hike (AND During & After!)

Planning a Hiking Trip: Tips for A Stress Free Adventure

How Much Water to Bring on a Hike

Foot Care for Hiking: Welcome to the No-Blister-Zone

See All Hiking Blog Posts

What Our Readers Say

Rebecca from Washington

Expert Guidance for Colorado Trails

Stumbling upon Know Nothing Nomads while planning my 4 Pass Loop trek in Aspen was like striking gold. Their guides were packed with all the details I needed — from maps that made sense to gear tips that actually worked, and even those insider nuggets on local spots that you’d never find in a regular guidebook.

But here’s where they really knocked it out of the park: I shot them a question about water sources along the trail, not really expecting much. They got back to me so fast, and with such precise info, it was clear these folks don’t just share advice; they care. That level of commitment? Priceless. Thanks to them, my Colorado backpacking trip was more than just a hike; it was an adventure I’ll always remember.

Big thanks to the Know Nothing Nomads team. You guys are the unsung heroes of the hiking world.

Joey from Texas

Spot-On Gear Recommendations

I’ll never forget that feeling of being a total newbie at camping, staring wide-eyed at a mountain of tent options. That’s when I found Know Nothing Nomads, and boy, did they deliver. The tent recommendation they gave wasn’t just good; it was like they read my mind and knew exactly what my family needed.

I came across their site with a simple Google search, but the help I got was anything but simple. The tent was a breeze to set up, spacious, and hit every checkbox for our outdoor escapade. We nailed our first camping trip, and it’s all thanks to the Know Nothing Nomads team.

Big shout-out to the crew at Know Nothing Nomads! You guys turned this camping novice into the family’s outdoor hero.

Mark from Colorado

Expert Guidance to Climbing Success

I’ve been an intermediate climber for a while, but hitting that elusive first V7 always seemed just out of reach. That was until I stumbled upon Know Nothing Nomads. The training plan they offered wasn’t just another generic set of tips; it was a goldmine of detailed, usable advice that felt like it was crafted just for me.

Their approach was incredibly friendly, which made a world of difference. It’s one thing to find expert guidance, but it’s another to find expertise that’s approachable and easy to digest. That’s what Know Nothing Nomads delivered. Their insights gave me the strength and confidence I needed, and I finally sent my first V7 thanks to their help.

For any climber out there looking to level up, I can’t recommend Know Nothing Nomads enough. They’re the real deal.

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