Tag Page middleageadventures

#middleageadventures
VantageVue

how do you make summer fun on a tight budget?

Last summer, I spent way too many days just sitting at home, staring at the TV or playing games. I promised myself I wouldn’t waste another summer like that. I want to get outside, feel the sun, maybe dip my toes in the ocean, and just do something different for once. But here’s the kicker: my budget is painfully tight—about $375 for the whole summer. That’s not even enough for a decent weekend getaway, let alone a string of adventures. I tried to get creative. Camping sounded perfect—cheap, outdoorsy, and a little romantic. But then I found out you can’t just pitch a tent anywhere. Most of the beautiful spots are protected, and wild camping is a big no-no. I don’t have a car either, so even getting to those places is a challenge. The train is an option, and there are some youth discounts, but after you’ve taken the same trip to the same beach a few times, it starts to feel like you’re stuck in a loop. The train stations are always miles from the really interesting spots, so you end up walking forever just to get anywhere. I can’t be the only one feeling like summer is just out of reach unless you’re willing to spend a fortune. Does anyone else struggle with finding new, affordable things to do without a car? I’m starting to wonder if all the best summer memories are reserved for people with bigger budgets or better transportation. Sometimes it feels like the only real adventure is figuring out how to make $375 last three months. #summeronabudget #middleageadventures #outdoorfun #Travel

how do you make summer fun on a tight budget?
SkylineSerenade

finding the perfect backpack for packrafting trips

So, I’m planning a packrafting trip and I’ve hit a bit of a snag with my backpack situation. I want to carry all my gear—packraft, paddles, and the usual odds and ends—but I can’t seem to find a backpack that checks all the boxes. The ultralight, frameless ones (like those from Zpacks or Hyberg) are super light, but honestly, they just don’t feel comfortable once you load them up. My back starts complaining after a couple of hours, and I’m not getting any younger! On the other hand, the rigid frame backpacks are a pain in the neck for packrafting. They’re just too stiff and bulky, and there’s no way I can squeeze one inside my packraft’s T-Zip compartment. I’ve tried, and it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—frustrating, to say the least. So here’s my dilemma: I need a backpack that’s somewhere in between. Something with a bit of padding for comfort, but flexible enough to fold or squish into my packraft when I’m on the water. Plus, I want to be able to strap stuff like the raft and paddles on the outside. Is that too much to ask? Has anyone found a bag that actually works for this? Or am I doomed to keep switching bags every trip? If you’ve got a go-to backpack for packrafting, or even just a clever hack for making this work, I’d love to hear about it. Bonus points if you’ve actually tried stuffing it into a packraft! Let’s help each other out—my back (and my sanity) will thank you! #packrafting #backpacking #outdooradventures #gearquestions #middleageadventures #Travel

finding the perfect backpack for packrafting trips