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, hiking, and climbing. 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 climb 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 climbing 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, camping, and climbing.

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Discover Your Next Adventure

From packing to planning, get usable advice for enjoying the outdoors

Camping

Hiking

Trails

Check Out Our Latest Blog Posts

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 2024

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…

Climate-Neutral Certified Outdoor Gear Brands We LOVE

This is the most comprehensive list of Climate Neutral  Certified outdoor gear brands on the internet! I've spent HOURS scouring the web for these brands. And now it's easy to find REAL eco-friendly brands you can support. As you shop and buy gear from the brands below, know that you're…

best heated camping chairs

Our Favorite Heated Camping Chairs for a Toasty Backside

You know that feeling when you’re sitting by a crackling campfire but your backside doesn’t have the same warm glow as your frontside? Is your butt always cold no matter how superior your campfire game is? I can build a pretty sweet campfire. But the only way to warm my…

Molley and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

Molley is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, van life-ing, surfing, and skiing, and she's currently training for her first half-marathon! In 2017, Molley thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with her boyfriend (now husband) Matt. She loves spending time outside, but she hadn't backpacked more than 40-ish miles…

Fall Quotes You NEED in Your Life

As the canvas of nature is daintily brushed with hues of amber and maroon, a symphony of crisp leaves underfoot and the sweet, spicy wafts of pumpkin and cinnamon, the enchanting essence of fall quietly weaves into our souls. Welcome, dear readers, to a world where every leaf tells a

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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

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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

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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.

Latest Adventures on Instagram

Because it makes me feel better. And if I feel better, I'm nicer. And if I'm nicer, my life goes better. . Hard to argue with that! . Why do you go hiking? . #hikingculture #hikemoreworryless #hikingadventures #hikingheals #hikerlife #hiking #hikinglifestyle #whyihike #gohikingtoday #northcarolina #westernnorthcarolina #appalachainmountains #blueridgemountains
Except this is nothing new... . A study in 2015 found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area, as opposed to participants who walked in a high-traffic urban setting, showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression. . I can vouch from personal experience that the outdoors heals. . And I'm sure there's A LOT of other people who would agree. . Wanna give it a try? . #hikingculture #outdoorlife #outdooradventures #outdoorslife #thegreatoutdoors #hikingheals #natureheals #lovetheearth #wildflowers #hikinglifestyle #loveyourself
This is your sign to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains this year.. . The mountains are stunning, the wildflowers are mind blowing, the sunsets are beautiful, and it's just SO GREEN. . You'll love it 😍 . #blueridgemountains #blueridgeparkway #blueridgeoutdoors #appalachainmountains #visitnorthcarolina #visitnorthcarolinamountains #westernnorthcarolina #beautifuldestinations #stunningviews
My mood goes from 📉 to 📈 near a waterfall 😍 . . #waterfallwednesday #waterfallwednesdays #hikingheals #hikingadventures #coloradowaterfalls #goodvibesonly #adventuremore #mountainlife
Here's how to stick with you adventure goal in 2024... . Step 1: Start by creating "adventure zones". Look at a map and draw a radius that extends one, two, and three hours from your home. . Step 2: Research hikes, lakes, parks, things to do, campsites, etc. in each zone. Either mark them on a map or save them in your Google/Apple maps. . Step 3: *optional* create a budget for your trips so you know how much you can spend for each adventure. . Step 4: Prioritize at least two weekends per month. You can either plan it ahead and put it in your calendar (perfect for campsites that need to be booked in advance), or you can choose during the week based on how much driving you want to do. . By planning out a variety of options for adventure, you will always have something to do, no matter the mood. . Especially if you plan and book things in advance! Then you're committed to going! . #newyearsresolutions #hikingculture #hikingtips #hikingtrip #adventuremore #weekendvibes #weekendgetaway #2024goals #adventurelifestyle #exploremore #wanderlust #intothewild #epicadventure #offthebeatenpath
What's an adventure without a few plot twists? 🥾 . From the delightful surprise of endless ascents to the thrilling game of checking for ticks, every hiker knows these moments too well. . But I wouldn't change it for the world! . So here's to the unexpected downpours and sneaky blisters. . Because at the end of the day, these are struggles that we will laugh about and tell stories about later. . #hikerlife #trailtales #strugglebus #hikingadventures #adventurer #happyhiker #trailhumor #wanderlustwarriors #trekkingtales #summitstories #offthebeatenpath #mountainlifestyle
What hiking destination did you get? . I love planning my summer vacations around hikes that are on my bucket list! . Especially when it's cold and snowy outside. It gives me something to look forward to! . This is your sign to do the same! . Stop the screen when it feels right to get your *sign* for where you should visit this summer. . Then start planning! . #summerhikes #summerhiking #summerdestinations #summervibes #exploremore #hikingadventures #hiking #hikingculture #adventureculture #adventurer #sayyestoadventure #nationalparks #hikingtrip #coloradohikes #californiahiking #utahhiking #appalachainmountains #nationalparkhikes
This is your sign to plan a sunset hike ASAP 😍 . We don't normally do sunset hikes, but this view convinced us to change that. . It was the most beautiful view ever! . Send this to someone you want to go on a sunset hike with! . #sunsets #sunsethikes #sunsethike #hikingculture #hikingadventures #outdooradventures #lifeoutdoors #blueridgemountains #appalachainmountains #blueridgeparkway #blueridgeoutdoors
What can you do right now to level up? . Can you go on a hike? . Can you move somewhere you've always dreamed? . Can you spend some time outside to clear your head? . We've had our fair share of struggles this year. But spending time in nature is one of the best ways to move foward. To heal. . I'm sure that you have it in you. Can you believe in yourself? . #adventure #adventureculture #levelup #dreamer #seekthetrails #seekmoments #mothernatureheals #naturelovers
What are you saying YES to in 2024? . Let's focus on adding to our lives instead of subtracting. . We can add wellness. Happiness. Adventure. . The world is yours to explore. . Your life is yours to live. . Are you maximizing what this world has to offer? . #adventureculture #adventurer #exploremore #2024goals #lifegoals #newyearsresolutions #hikemoreworryless #letsgocamping #mothernature #experienceamazing
How can you prioritize adventuring in 2024? . I actually don't like the term "goals". I prefer "objectives". . So what are your objectives for this year? Besides being the best version of yourself you can be? . Have you always wanted to spend more time outside? Maybe you want your fun money to go towards adventure instead of things and alcohol. . Now is the time to make the change and start fresh for 2024. . Remember, change is hard. But living life to only a fraction of its beauty is even more difficult. . #newyearsresolutions #2024goals #adventureculture #adventurer #hikingculture #hikingadventures #exploremore #goalsetting #traveltheworld #wheretonext #adventure #outdooradventures #outdoorlife #sunsets #moresunsets #moresunrises
Your objective for 2024 is to bring more real dopamine into your life ❤️ . Let's take a step towards being better versions of ourselves. . Let's be stronger. Happier. More social. More energized. More excited for life. . Set aside non-negotiable time for YOU. And do something that brings you real dopamine and joy. . You don't need to set new years resolutions. You don't need an opportunity for a "new you". . We just need to live life to the fullest! . Can you truly say you've been maximizing this life? . . #hikingculture #adventurer #adventure #2024goals #newyearsresolutions #hikingculture #hikingadventures #exploremore #adventureculture #mountainlifestyle #hikemoreworryless #mountainsunsets #dopaminediet
I may have fibbed a little and said it was an easier hike to an awesome view point. . He was frustrated at first. . But in the end he had a great time. He even said it was well worth the effort (it always is!). . Have you ever skipped the details on how difficult your hike is going to be? . #hikingculture #hikemoreworryless #exploremore #hiking #hikingadventures #adventure #adventurer #mountainlife #mountainadventures #blueridgemountains
Every. Single. Day. ⬇️ But here's a thought... . Why not take a small step today? It could be as simple as a weekend hike or a weekend away. . Or perhaps it's taking that first step away from a 9-5 and towards a dream job? . Every sunrise brings a new opportunity for adventure and now is your time to make it count. . How are you prioritizing little escapes in your daily life? . What kind of future adventure are you planning? . What steps are you taking towards your future? . #mountainlife #exploremore #mountainadventures #adventure #2024goals #adultingsucks #hikingculture #mountainlove #colorado #rockymountains #mountainview
In 2022, Michael rode his bicycle from Oregon to Virginia on the TransAmerica Bike Route. It took him 84 days to travel over 4,200 miles, and he did it with zero bike-packing experience. His adventurous spirit is an inspiration to us all, which is why he's the first adventurer in our new Adventurer Series! Read his interview on our website - link in bio! P.S. - if you know an adventurer who deserves to be recognized, send them our way! #transamericatrail #bikepacking #bikepack #adventure #adventurenthusiasts #exploremore #crosscountrybikeride #bikeride #adventureinspired #inspiration #seekadventure

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