It’s
the dead of winter, Hunting season is over, and it’s cold and windy but not
cold enough for the lakes to freeze. Hiking is doable as long as you dress for
Mount Everest, and your mountain bike doesn’t come with heated seats and
handles. So how do people keep the outdoor fire lit when there seems to be no
way to feed the flame? Below are 4 ways to pass time while waiting to get
outdoors.
Blogging
Let’s start with the obvious, you are reading a outdoor blog
about blogging. I actually got into blogging last year right around this time. If
I couldn’t be outside then I might as well write about it…agree? Blogging may
seem like a cliché in the internet age, but you can actually benefit greatly in
the outdoors by blogging inside.
First,
you have the chance to make your blog your own brand. I’ve had 5,000 visitors
to my blog now and it feels like a great accomplishment. I made the name, shopped around for a free
blogging site, and spent countless hours making a logo with no design skills
what so ever. I started this blog for fun, with the intent of sharing my
opinions and information with others. It didn’t cost me a dime, and Iv’e met
some great people along the way that share the same passion that I do.
Second,
you have the chance to monetize your blog if it takes off. I am personally at
the point where I may be able to start doing this, but currently I’m enjoying
the opportunity to write about the outdoors when the weather isn’t suitable to
be outside. Ive talked to pro anglers who have shared their story, I’ve become
a brand ambassador for a great outdoor company after doing a gear review (and
have since received awesome gear), and now I’m talking with an internationally
known country artist. Blogging is a great way to pass time when you have the
outdoor itch.
Crafts
I’ve
never been big on crafting, but last year while browsing Instagram a Pro Angler
had a beer bottle cap fishing lure challenge. I thought he was crazy, but as it
turns out I’m not the only one who likes Miller Lite. A fishing hook and bottle
cap is all you need and you can actually fish with it like it’s a spoon. We
made a few out of the old fashioned Stewarts bottle caps with the kids and they
loved the project.
I was
also introduced to para cord this year. Paracord is considered to be the 8th
essential in survivalists and avid outdoor enthusiasts. It’s time consuming,
but it’s another project that you can make your own and even make a profit off
of. I spend 6 dollars at Walmart on the good stuff, and another 3 dollars on key chain
rings and plastic buckles for bracelets. Our dog now has a Para cord collar, my
three kids have them on their book bags, and I made what is formally known as a
Para cord grenade. A disabled vet reportedly made $8,000 in 2017 by making para
cord designs while on disability from his home.
Outdoor TV apps
As an outdoor hunter and
angler I love watching big hunts or fishing tourneys on TV. The problem is that
there isn’t that many options on cable, at least not Direct TV. I was
introduced to the MyOutdoorTV app this year which is on both android and IOS.
There is a ton of content from across the outdoor world and it even has educational
hoe to videos. This isn’t the only app out there, Mossy Oak and other big names
have an app… I mean who doesn’t have an app today?
Speaking of apps, the best social media app
out there for the outdoors men in by far GoWild. It just launched a new version
which allows tracking through GPS and is now partnered with Garmin. The app is
for anyone in the outdoors who wants to share their passion by posting on a friendly
social media platform. I’ve been on it a year and I’ve never seen any negative comments.
Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Cooking, Kayaking, Hammock laying… you name it in the
outdoors you belong here. Check out timetogowild.com to download this app, it’s
free.
Social Media
Speaking
of social media, Instagram and Facebook are also great ways to stay connected
to the outdoors. While not as friendly as GoWild there are huge opportunities
to learn about new brands. A few months ago I also discovered the power of the giveaways.
In the last six months I’ve won dry bags, hats, fishing lures, cell phone
cases, a carbon fiber kayak paddle, and even a Guitar with a Magic Hat brewery
wrap on it. Social media giveaways are an e commerce tool used to help spread
the word of products you can’t see in person. Find ten friends who share the
same passion as you, agree to be giveaway tagging buddies and let the fun
begin. A great place to start would be on Instagram. Look up Kong Valley
Collective who is giving away something every day in January. I’ve known these
guys since before Kong Valley was a reality and I’m telling you now they are
the real deal. These guys have come together to bring something unique to the
outdoors, and it’s for everyday outdoorsmen who aren’t ashamed of the smaller
deer, the smaller fish, the easier hiking trail. For more info check them out,
you will thank me. I’ve found that when I won something online, it’s more than
just a product that I’m winning. I end up meeting great brands and the people
behind them. I live in New York, and now I have friends I’ve never met all
across the country and even one amazing dude out in Scotland.
While the outdoors is supposed to
keep us off of the electronics, it’s also important to embrace the power of
technology and use it in the outdoors. It doesn’t have to be every day, but there’s
nothing wrong with combining old fashion with the new. If anyone makes a battle
cap lure after reading this send it to me, I would love to share it on our
page.
Keep your roots deep.
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