REAL-WORLD ADVICE FROM REAL ADVENTURERS

Our mission is to be your expert guide on all of your outdoor adventures.

We hope to elevate your outdoor experiences by sharing expert insights, comprehensive guides, and honest gear reviews.

We provide the best content on the internet that not only inspires but also educates.

That way, you can be prepared, excited, and 100% ready for whatever adventure comes your way.

The Great Outdoors should be exhilarating, not exhausting.

And it can be so difficult just getting started.

We get it.

There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do the proper research and planning after the everyday grind.

But that’s exactly why we are here.

We’ve created a treasure trove of resources based on our combined 40+ years of experience in the outdoors.

From detailed guides of our favorite hikes to the essentials for a perfect camping trip to the thrill of sending a route, we’ve done it all! 

We even share what NOT to do after we learned it the hard way (so you don’t have to).

You will be more ready than ever for your next adventure, equipped with our resources and experiences that we share on Know Nothing Nomads.

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It all started with a Muffin

We’ve both done lots of exploring throughout our years, but the real adventure didn’t begin until we met back in 2009.

It was an average day in Photojournalism class at Rockwall High School. Ashley was eating a chocolate chip muffin snack, and Derek asked to try a bite.

It was love at first chocolate chip.

Fast forward through many years of dating – watching sunsets by the lake, going camping in the fall colors, and being inseparable from day one.

In 2019, we moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, and we knew the Rocky Mountains were going to be our forever home.

We explored, camped, hiked, and fished every possible day.

We’ve also spent time in Asheville in the Appalachian Mountains, and now our next adventure brings us to Missoula, Montana, in the Northern Rockies.

Over the years, we’ve realized that we’re living our best possible life. And we wouldn’t trade it for the world.

We are truly ALIVE when we spend as much time outside as possible.

And now we’re here to help others accomplish the same thing. We share everything we’ve learned along the way in an effort to inspire others to get outside.

We hope our knowledge and experience will help you get outside, no matter where you are in your journey.

Thanks for being a part of the Know Nothing Nomads community! We hope to see you outside exploring! And if you’re ever near Missoula, hit us up for a beer!

Cheers!

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Meet Our Team

We are expert outdoorsmen (and women) who have spent our entire lives hiking, camping, and traveling to amazing places. We are here to share those adventures and experiences to inspire and educate our readers.

Derek, Co-Founder at Know Nothing Nomads

Ashley Vitiello

Co-Founder, Editor-in-Cheif

Ashley is an adventurous spirit and seasoned expert at Know Nothing Nomads.

She has a rich background in outdoor exploration that ranges from Ontario’s wilderness to the American Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains.

Her lifetime of adventures shines through in every single trail guide, how-to article, and product review. This means you can expect genuine insights and stories that resonate with every outdoor enthusiast.

Her goal is to make the outdoors accessible, and her passion shows in her writing.

Click the button below to learn more about Ashley, including her background, certifications, and education.

More About Ashley
Derek, Co-Founder at Know Nothing Nomads

Derek Vitiello

Co-Founder, Designer

Meet Derek – a lifelong camper, hiker, and outdoorsman, born in Dallas, Texas.

Derek’s earliest memories involve camping under the stars and exploring the great outdoors. His childhood adventures in the family RV laid the foundation for his deep connection with nature.

Now he’s been exploring for decades. His passion for the outdoors isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life that’s deeply ingrained in every adventure and story he shares.

Teaming up with Ashley, his high school sweetheart, Derek is on a mission to dispel myths and share authentic, practical advice on camping, and hiking. 

More About Derek

Our Latest Adventures on Instagram

Northern Lights ✅ What an incredible night to see these lights dancing in the sky 🤯 . . I was up late last night finishing an epic book and when I started to get ready for bed, I saw that there was a possibility for seeing the lights here in Missoula. So I went on our patio and there they were! We rushed to the car to drive down the road and away from the city lights. These pictures are what came out (and they're unedited). We stared at the lights for a bit, watching as they changed colors and moved around the horizon. Then we heard a chuffing noise from some kind of large animal. Derek asked if that was me. I looked at him and said "get in the car now." We RAN. Which probably wasn't the way you're supposed to do it. But we made it. A strong flash light in my car showed no critters nearby but there was definitely something there. That put an end to our magical evening but what a night to remember!
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

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.

Know Nothing Nomads