^ Jonathan (Jonny) Pinto

My love for the outdoors really kicked off back in 2016. I had done some camping here and there growing up, but that year I met a group of friends who completely changed how I saw it. What used to just be “spending a night outside” turned into something so much deeper. We did a 32-mile backpacking trip through the Buffalo River area, and that’s where it all shifted for me. That trip taught me I didn’t need much to enjoy the outdoors just a good pack, some basic supplies, and an open mind. Off-roading has probably taken the top spot for me now. It lets me cover more ground and see more of this beautiful planet. But backpacking still holds a close second. There are just some places out there you’ll never reach with a vehicle, and those moments of solitude and raw nature are something I will never forget or be able to experience from vehicle travel. Plus backing allows you to taste food in an entirely different way (IYKYK). One of my all time favorite camping meals is called the “ramen bomb.” It’s ramen, mashed potatoes, some seasoning, and whatever protein I’ve got on hand, but man… after a long day on the trail, it tastes like a five-star meal.

One of my favorite places that has really stuck with me is Missoula, Montana. I passed through there on a road trip with my wife in 2022, and everything about the views, the trails, even the city itself felt like it belonged in a postcard. I still think about the campsite we found there. It’s been my favorite spot ever since. But I’ve got my eye on Washington next. There’s just something about the Pacific Northwest that draws me in. Could be the rain, I’ve always loved a good rainy day.

There’s a quote I carry with me from Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” That one speaks to my soul. So many people think they can’t enjoy the outdoors because they don’t have the right gear or the perfect setup, but nature doesn’t care about that stuff. You can start with the basics. Take a walk through a city park, listen to the birds, try to figure out what kind of tree you’re passing by. It opens your mind to a whole different way of seeing the world. I used to think birdwatchers were kind of quirky, and now here I am, stopping mid-hike to figure out what’s chirping in the trees.

Being outside has helped me grow in ways I never expected. I used to be extremely shy and quiet. I let people’s opinions or even their body language shape how I’d interact with them or whether I would at all. Spending time in the wild taught me to let that stuff go. In the big picture, it doesn’t matter. Out there, you’re just you. And that’s more than enough.

I’ve also picked up a few pieces of gear over the years that I’d be lost without. My Osprey Stratos backpack is probably one of the best investments I’ve made—it’s been with me through every kind of trip you can imagine. My North Face Stormbreak tent has never let me down, whether I’m backpacking, overlanding, or just camping out on a quick weekend escape. That Grayl titanium water filter bottle changed the game for me, especially in sketchy water situations. And my Apple Watch Ultra has made tracking all my outdoor activities way more fun. Last but not least, my Springfield Hellcat is always close by it gives me peace of mind no matter where I am.

At the end of the day, I just love being out there. Whether it’s a mountaintop view or a quiet morning by the fire with my wife, I’m constantly reminded that we were made to explore. I hope sharing a bit of my story inspires someone else to take that first step even if it’s just a walk down a trail you’ve passed a hundred times. You never know what it’ll lead to.


^Zion Zawko

My outdoor journey began when I was really young. My parents used to take me camping all the time, and I loved it. However, I didn’t start backpacking and exploring other outdoor activities until about 12 years ago.

These days, my favorite outdoor activities are camping, fishing, backpacking, and hunting.

So far, my favorite place I’ve traveled is the Maggie Valley area in Tennessee. I love all the waterfalls there, the hiking, and the scenic mountain drives.

One place I’d love to visit is Banff, in British Columbia, Canada. I’d love to explore that area it seems like Canada has so much to offer, and it’s relatively close to Alaska.

There’s something about being outdoors that reminds me how big and beautiful the world is, and that we can’t take anything for granted.

One of my favorite camping meals is steak there’s just something amazing about a steak cooked over an open fire!

My top camping items I can’t live without right now are:

• My Garmin Instinct 3 solar watch

• Smartwool socks

• My Grayl water bottle

• My Sage fly rod

I think the only thing I didn’t do and could really decide on my my favorite quote i thought about it but I don’t want to be to 

Cliché, I guess