Welcome to the digital home for all things from Dalton Johnson.
After eight years of living vanlife and using camp chairs and camp tables almost daily, I can confidently say that the Helinox Table One is one of the most stable and useful camp tables I have ever used. Compact, sturdy, and lightweight, it has become an indispensable part of my setup. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different options, but none have matched the reliability and convenience of this table.
Baja's Sea of Cortez offers an incredible escape for adventurers and beach lovers alike. Often overshadowed by the Pacific side's renowned surf breaks, the Sea of Cortez is a hidden gem with its own unique charm. This coastline is brimming with opportunities for exploration and relaxation, offering something for everyone. Let me share some of the best things you can do in this remarkable area based on my experiences.
Exploring Canada’s breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway is an adventure like no other. This iconic route stretches from Vancouver to Whistler, showcasing stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and endless opportunities for adventure. Below, you’ll find an expanded guide to 10 must-see stops, making your journey both unforgettable and easy to navigate.
There are those “by happen stance” occasions that just happen to work out, this is one of them. Driving back to the lower 48 from Alaska, I needed to use the bathroom. So, while in British Columbia, Kristin and I stopped in a large parking lot with bathroom. This lot seemed to be in the middle of no where, but that didn’t surprise me as there are several random lots along the drive from Alaska to the lower 48. However, very few of those lots had swarms of people. So, I asked somebody, “Why are there so many people here?”
They laughed and said they were doing the prettiest hike to in all of British Columbia, Joffre Lakes.
When you’re ready to make the leap from gym climbing or bouldering to outdoor sport climbing, the gear list is surprisingly simple. Sport climbing, especially single-pitch routes, requires less gear compared to other climbing disciplines, making it an accessible next step for climbers. Here’s everything you need to get started, along with some bonus recommendations to enhance your experience.
After a long day of driving our van south along the Baja Peninsula, Kristin and I stumbled upon a hidden gem: Conception Bay. Tucked among Baja’s rugged eastern coastline, this serene bay is the perfect destination for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and it left us questioning why we hadn’t come sooner.
Embarking on an outdoor adventure is a wonderful way to disconnect from the bustling city life, reconnect with nature, and challenge yourself physically and mentally. When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, day hikes, backpacking trips, and trekking expeditions are popular choices. Each option offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences, skill levels, and time commitments.
What more could you ask for than the freshest fish tacos, a beer, and sunset ocean view? Well, you can have just that while spearfishing in Baja, Mexico. In this article you will find the best areas to go spearfishing, get a long list of potential fish to spear, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about spearfishing in Baja, Mexico.
Last October, I received a phone call from Andrew Muse to be the Director of Photography for the fourth season of Tiny Home Adventures. I’ll be honest, I had never watched an episode of the series, but my interest was peaked by the location, potential adventures, and the client list we would intertwine throughout the series. So, after we chatted on the phone, I watched a few episodes and gave him a call back, “I’m in, it looks like fun.”
When preparing to climb a 14er, you might assume that mountaineering boots are a must. I did too—at first. For my first few fourteeners, I strapped on heavy, clunky mountaineering boots because that’s what I thought the terrain demanded. But as I gained experience, I realized that boots are often overkill for most 14er climbs. In fact, approach shoes or trail running shoes are usually better options. These lighter alternatives offer comfort, flexibility, and the ability to move quickly—qualities that are often more important than the rigid support of traditional boots.
Living in South Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac has always been my constant landmark. Its familiar silhouette serves as a compass, grounding me whenever I wander through Tahoe’s endless beauty. Whether I’m kayaking on the lake or hiking a forested trail, Tallac’s jagged profile stands as a reassuring guide. But recently, I felt the urge to shift perspectives. Instead of looking at Mount Tallac, why not look from its summit and discover the view from above?
After a week of climbing in Joshua Tree, my hands were shredded, my skin dry, and my energy low—but I wasn’t ready to leave. Packing up felt premature. I wanted one last night under the stars, away from the crowds and climbing routes. So, I grabbed my daypack, stuffed it with the essentials, and hit the trail.
Joshua Tree’s backcountry makes packing light easy. All I needed was a ground sheet, sleeping pad, my Big Agnes Torchlight sleeping bag, some water, and a quick breakfast. I zipped up my pack, slammed the van door shut, and let the desert guide my footsteps.
Winter in Sedona is a magical time that combines stunning landscapes with fewer crowds and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're drawn by the allure of Sedona's famous red rocks or the chance to explore the town's unique cultural vibe, winter is a fantastic season to visit.
When I picked up a pair of the Sonos Ace, my expectations were straightforward. I wanted a solid set of over-ear headphones that could help me drown out distractions while working and deliver high-quality sound for my lazy music-listening days. I didn’t expect them to become my daily companion for just about everything. But here we are, and the Sonos Ace has proven to be far more versatile than I could have imagined, integrating seamlessly into so many aspects of my life that I often forget how limited my previous headphones were in comparison.
Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.
When I first started rock climbing, I assumed it was just about scrambling up rocks for fun. It wasn’t until I had been climbing for a while that I realized how many types of climbing exist. Over the past ten years, I’ve tried almost all of them (except ice climbing, which still intimidates me). Each type has unique challenges and joys, and I’ve grown to love them all for different reasons. Let me break them down so you can avoid the confusion I faced as a beginner.
Visiting Todos Santos, Baja is a journey—both in distance and experience—that rewards the effort with unforgettable charm. My most recent trip began with a flight over the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains into the San José del Cabo Airport. As the plane descended, I looked down at the arid landscape colliding with the turquoise oceanfront. The strip of resorts in San José del Cabo was unmistakable, and our smooth landing brought us closer to the adventure.
Sedona is a city I have returned to several times. I am not sure what exactly draws me back to this town of red dirt, but I find myself here at least once a year. On a recent visit, I hiked the Seven Sacred Pools just after a rain and continued my hike onward to the Soldier Pass Cave. After clinging for dear life on the side of a muddy hill, I finally made it to this cave that everyone rants and raves about on social media and Reddit threads. While I am typically not one to seek out social media spots, Soldier Pass Cave caught my eye. Its stunning formation and the challenge it offers make it a bucket-list hike for anyone visiting Sedona.
