Ashley grew up in North Texas but spent her summers at a cabin in Ontario, Canada. It was rustic enough that there wasn’t much to do inside, so we went on adventure after adventure. Whether it was hiking, jumping off a waterfall, swimming in the Great Lakes, finding a cave, or rolling down some sand dunes, we were up for pretty much anything. Combine that with family vacations abroad and you have a young girl with a full heart.
Fast forward to high school, where my priority became sports, and then on to college where my studies captured my attention. After college, we took a family trip to Crested Butte during the summer and I immediately fell in love with the mountains. We vowed to move there one day, and a few years later we did it!

Since then, my focus has been hiking as much as possible during the summer months. Once the higher elevations turn from snow to dirt, my feet hit the ground hard. I hiked hundreds of miles while we lived in Breckenridge, Colorado, and now I continue my passion in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Our weekends are full of dirt trails, campfires, and maybe even a send or two at our local crag.
Ashley’s role in Know Nothing Nomads is to bring the content to life through easy-to-follow how-to’s, knowledgeable guides, honest product reviews, and anything else that helps you get outdoors. All this is based on her real-life experience and what she’s learned her entire life. When she’s not at the computer writing, you can find her exploring and adventuring with Derek.
Ashley’s Writings
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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 before taking off on the […]
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Sustainability Certifications to Look For on Outdoor Gear
Explore sustainable outdoor gear shopping with our guide on eco-friendly certifications and green initiatives, helping you make responsible choices.
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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 story, every chilly breeze whispers…
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The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for the Adventurous Soul
As the leaves turn bright shades of gold and red, embark on some new journeys that get you outside and moving in this beautiful season.
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Michael & The TransAmerica Bike Route
In 2022, Michael rode his bicycle across the United States on the TransAmerica Trail. It took Michael 84 days to complete the route, which is approximately 4,200 miles and runs from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia. Before this ride, he hadn’t been on a bike for more than 10 miles in a single trip. This…
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How to Start a Glamping Business: Make a PROFITABLE Treasure
Learn how to start a glamping business successfully with this in-depth guide on glamping units and how to maximize profit in this booming industry.
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Adelaide to Melbourne: The Best Hikes Near Melbourne Airport
Whether you’re traveling to Melbourne for work or for pleasure, this city is always a good idea. But when the hustle and bustle of Melbourne becomes a bit more than you wished for, or if you simply want to see some of the world’s best hikes, there’s several great hiking areas that aren’t far from…
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Reasons Why Your Kids Should Go Hiking
Physical activity is useful for children, but hiking stands out among other kinds of sports. Read this article and learn the benefits of hiking for children.
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Tips for Hiking with Kids: Little Feet, Big Adventures
This guide will teach you to select the right trail, plan thoughtfully, and ensure safety. These are simple tips to create lasting memories for your kids.
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A Kid’s Guide to Hiking: The Adventure Starts Here
Hiking isn’t just a stroll through the forest; it’s an unfolding narrative where every step can be a new chapter. The thrill of discovering hidden waterfalls, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, and reaching stunning vistas after a good climb is unlike any other experience. From short nature walks to more ambitious mountain trails, each…
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Best Wool Blanket for Camping in Chilly Weather in 2023
In a rush? Our top pick for the best wool blanket for camping is the Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus. It’s our go-to blanket for unbeatable warmth, exceptional durability, and top-notch comfort. This particular blanket has been a source of warmth and comfort many a camping trips, plus it’s the most affordable blanket on this…
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Fall Camping Checklist: Everything You NEED For Cool Weather
We’ve assembled the ideal fall camping checklist so you can remember to bring everything you could possibly need for a chilly night outdoors!
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Best Tent Cot for Elevated Sleeping in 2023
When I set out to find the best tent cot, I was surprised in my search. Here I’ve assembled all the best options so you can pick the best one for you!
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How to Find Free Camping: Your Guide to Dispersed Adventure
We had an incredible view at this free dispersed site near Twin Lakes, Colorado. Finding free camping in the U.S. is not only a budget-friendly option for travelers and campers but an opportunity to connect with nature in a more secluded and authentic way. From the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest to the sprawling […]
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Living in a Tent Year-Round: Your Ultimate Guide
The smell of fresh air, the rustling of leaves just outside, and the rhythmic patter of rain on your tent fly; these sounds and sensations aren’t foreign to anyone who has spent significant time camping. Having spent a good portion of my life, across various terrains and climates, enveloped in the embrace of tents, the…
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Bell Tent Buying Guide: All the Reasons Why You NEED One
Discover the ins and outs of choosing the perfect bell tent in our comprehensive bell tent buying guide. Uncover comfort and adventure in every fold!
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Best Sleeping Pad for Hammock Camping and Backpacking (2023)
Explore our expert guide to find the best sleeping pad for hammock camping and backpacking. Personal experiences and in-depth reviews await!
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MUST-HAVE Gear for Summer Hiking in Colorado
There’s a certain list of gear you need if you’re hiking in the Colorado mountains, or any mountainous area above 6,000-7,000 feet in elevation. A lot of this gear can be used on any other hike you may do, so by all means its function isn’t limited to these certain hikes. That being said, if…
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Best Blackout Tents
Discover the best blackout tents for your next camping adventure. Our top picks offer superior darkness, easy setup, and weather resistance!
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Can You Paint a Canvas Tent
Discover how to paint your canvas tent. Understand paint types, application methods, upkeep, and the pros/cons. Make camping creative!
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Are Canvas Tents Better? Pros and Cons So YOU Can Decide
Explore the pros and cons of canvas tents in our comprehensive guide. Discover why canvas tents might be better for your next camping adventure.
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Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet: ULTIMATE Comfort in 2023
Discover the best climbing shoes for wide feet in our top picks. Improve your climb with our #1 choice, the Butora Gomi, and more. Click to explore!
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Best Large Camping Tents for Families and Groups in 2023
Check out list of the best large camping tents. They’re our favorite options and they have a wide range of features and qualities that make them great!
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Browning Big Horn Tent Review: Your Next Camping Companion
Our Browning Big Horn Tent Review breaks down everything you need to know about this awesome camping tent and why you need it.
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Kodiak Flex Bow Tent Review (2023)
The Kodiak Flex-Bow Tent is one of the best camping tents money could buy – it’s durable, built to last, spacious, and is extremely weather resistant.
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Kelty Discovery Basecamp Tent Review
The Kelty Discovery Basecamp tent is an awesome option for the budget-conscious camper who wants an affordable and reliable camping tent.
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Caddis Rapid 6 Review: Easy Set Up Meets Comfort
Read our Caddis Rapid 6 Review to see if this wonderful instant tent is the perfect fit for you and your camping needs.
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Best Waterproof Tent: Stay Dry in Heavy Rain & Bad Weather
Discover the best waterproof tent for camping in any weather. Our guide considers key factors to help you pick the right tent for your next adventure.
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Best Canvas Tent That’s Built to Last a Lifetime
Discover your next home in the wild with our guide to the best canvas tent for camping. Be prepared for any adventure, in any weather.
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How to Clean a Coleman Tent: Expert Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience
These effective techniques for hassle-free tent maintenance will guide you through how to clean a Coleman tent and keep it in top condition.
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How to Set Up a Tent: Quick & Easy Steps
Discover the essential steps to set up a tent like a pro. This guide will help you master the art of tent setup for a comfortable outdoor experience.
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How to Keep a Campfire Going All Night: 5 Easy Tips!
Learn the essentials of how to keep a campfire going all night long. Uncover tips on fire maintenance, safety, and tools for a cozy, lasting campfire.
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