Welcome to the digital home for all things from Dalton Johnson.
When I first got my hands on two Oru Kayak Lake, I had little to no kayaking experience. These foldable kayaks instantly reminded me of inflatable stand-up paddleboards because of their portability. They fold down into a compact package that fits in the back of a car, making them perfect for spontaneous adventures. My girlfriend, Kristin, and I decided to load them into our converted van and road trip along Highway 395 to test the Oru Kayak Lake.
For the first quarter of 2025, The Adventure Travel Network will be heading to Southern California to put our boots on the ground and find stories related to the adventure travel space in iconic locations like Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, Malibu, Big Bear, Palm Springs, and so many more epic locations.
Why does this matter to you all?
This is an opportunity to reach our growing monthly audience of 450K adventure lovers and get marketing assets from rad locations at an affordable cost.
Bridgeport, CA is a pass-through town along Highway 395 that’s filled with adventures, if you’re willing to stop. With one overpriced gas station, two coffee shops, a sandwich shop, and a general store that is rarely open, I didn’t think much of this town at first. But over time, a few of my favorite adventures led me to the outskirts of Bridgeport, CA, and I discovered it has much more to offer than meets the eye. This town is packed with activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hot spring soaking, backcountry skiing, camping, stargazing, and so much more. Below are just a handful of reasons to stop in Bridgeport, CA while road-tripping Highway 395.
I woke up well before the winter sun rose, the sky still cloaked in darkness. My day began by boiling water for my Kahawa 1893 bagged coffee. Yes, you read that right: coffee in a tea bag. It’s simple, mess-free, and surprisingly effective. As the water boiled, I loaded my ski gear into the car. Just in time for the kettle to ring, the car was loaded. Pouring my first cup into my travel mug and enough water into a different thermos for more coffee later. Skiing and coffee have become the ultimate pairing—a ritual that kickstarts my day and keeps me fueled for the slopes. This winter, I discovered the joy of caffeinated skiing adventures with Kahawa 1893’s bagged coffee. It’s not as strange as it sounds, so hear me out.
When I visited Rancho Santana, Nicaragua, I had one clear goal: surf a barrel. Despite almost 15 years of surfing experience, I had never successfully ridden inside a barrel and been spit out. Surfing Northern California's point breaks rarely presented opportunities for barrel riding, so this felt like my moment. To give myself the best shot, I enlisted the help of a surf instructor. Here’s how it all unfolded.
When I upgraded to a new backcountry ski setup, I faced a problem familiar to many: shuttling gear to and from the car in a haphazard, inefficient way. Enter The North Face Base Camp Gear Box. What started as a general-purpose gear hauler has become my ultimate boot bag, streamlining my ski days into a grab-and-go dream. But there’s more to this gear box than meets the eye, and it’s worth exploring its features and versatility before deciding if it’s right for you.
When the cold months rolled in at home in Lake Tahoe, California, we decided to head south in search of adventure, warm waters, and fresh seafood. Baja's rugged coastline and endless opportunities seemed like the perfect place to spend a winter chasing fish beneath the waves. Our convoy—a van built for living and a Ford Bronco—was packed to the brim with spearfishing gear, surfboards, and the essentials for beachside camping. With three people and a dog, we were ready for anything the Baja peninsula could throw our way. Every mile south spiked our curiosity, from bustling towns like Guerrero Negro to remote beaches like El Canejo that felt like they belonged to us alone. The freedom of the open road was omnipresent, and the promise of the ocean’s bounty—of fish or waves—kept our spirits high.
“Do you look sick, or do I look like a Jerry?” It’s the question I ask myself every time I strap into my backcountry setup for a day at the resort. Early season turns blur the line between style and practicality, and I’m unapologetically in the latter camp. The truth is, I only own backcountry ski gear, so I use it at the resort. Why not just head into the backcountry? Let me explain—but first, here’s a breakdown of my setup.
Spearfishing in Baja had been a dream of mine, but I could never pull the trigger until recently. The region is known as a cornucopia of delicious fish to catch regardless if you’re a seasoned diver, or a beginner. But, if you are like me, you’re probable wondering about the best times to plan your trip, the answer depends on what you’re looking to catch and where you’re heading.
When fall arrived in the Tetons, I found myself facing the harsh reality of freezing temperatures. Nights dipped into the 20s, and my van became an icy box by morning. With just a sleeping bag and some sheets, I woke up shivering and surrounded by frost. Running the van’s engine all night for heat wasn’t an option, so I needed a solution fast. That’s when I discovered the Mr. Buddy Heater.
I drove to the nearest Home Depot, grabbed a Mr. Buddy heater and a small propane tank, and hoped for the best. It worked—kind of. After years of living vanlife through all seasons, I’ve learned what you need to know about using a Mr. Buddy heater to survive cold nights in a van.
Hot springs on the beach sound like a dream, but in La Ventana, they’re a reality. Just north of this kite-surfing addicted city of Baja Sur lies Playa Agua Caliente, a unique beach where you can soak in natural hot springs at low tide along the Sea of Cortez. These hidden treasures bubble right out of the sand, offering an unforgettable experience for those who make the trip north. The trifecta of secluded beach, desert landscape, and floating islands makes this spot dreamy, at least that is how I felt.
Rarely do I get to write a review about a product almost two years after purchasing it, but today I have the pleasure of discussing the Benchmade Station Knife. This culinary knife is the ultimate “one-knife quiver” that truly does it all. Two years in, the edge still scares me—it’s that sharp—and I use it daily. From meal prep at home to cooking on the road, this knife has proven itself time and time again.
There's a tranquil beauty that comes with gliding across the still surface of a calm lake, river, or pond, surrounded by nature's serenity. If you've ever been captivated by the idea of exploring these peaceful waters up close, then you're in the right place. Welcome to our beginner's guide on how to embark on the exciting journey of flatwater kayaking.
When Kristin and I were on a family vacation in Cerritos Beach, surfing and swimming filled most of our days. But we craved a change of pace and decided on a sunset hike to an abandoned sugar port near Todos Santos. What started as a spur-of-the-moment decision turned into the highlight of our trip, combining stunning views, historical intrigue, and an unforgettable sunset.
When you think of spearfishing in Todos Santos, images of clear waters, abundant marine life, and the thrill of the hunt likely come to mind. Our experience was all of that and more, even if we didn’t bring home a fresh catch. It was a day filled with exploration, breathtaking views, and underwater wonders that reminded us why we love this adventurous activity.
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.
