When I am experiencing the natural world, I am usually trekking deep into the wilderness, but more recently, I have come to appreciate the balance between roughing it and glamping (glamorous camping). Sure, I still like to get out in the wild, where I can no longer hear other humans, or cars, planes, and where I no longer see any sign of our effects on the world. But there is something to be said about the way Nature cures me of the stresses of everyday life in civilization. It frees my mind and soul, and I always come back feeling better than I did. If anything, I come back more in-tune with my own mind.
For me, camping any which way is more about connecting with the natural world from which we all came, than the way you go about it. It isn’t about seeing how traditional I can survive, nor with what little amount of gear, for it is about the escape. Because what’s most important for me is caring for the land, and living in harmony with the planet, as there’s just something about tramping through the woods, and living in them, where I must physically labor with the woods to heat myself and to cook my food, and where all I hear are birds and all I see are trees and plants, and animals. There’s just something about it.
More recently, I’ve moved away from pushing my body to the brink, and have adopted a variety of creature comforts that have made my camping days easier on me. Dispersed camping typically allows me to remain near my vehicle, which is a blessing, as I can carry as much gear as I want to without breaking my back. Now, I take a large pop-up tent, and a few blankets, and an electric chainsaw, among other things that allow me to camp better. But more personally, my clothing choices have expanded as well. One of my favorite items to take camping is a pair of leather Chaco sandals.
More recently, I’ve moved away from pushing my body to the brink, and have adopted a variety of creature comforts that have made my camping days easier on me. Dispersed camping typically allows me to remain near my vehicle, which is a blessing, as I can carry as much gear as I want to without breaking my back. Now, I take a large pop-up tent, and a few blankets, and an electric chainsaw, among other things that allow me to camp better. But more personally, my clothing choices have expanded as well. One of my favorite items to take camping is a pair of leather Chaco sandals.
Why sandals? You may think sandals have no place in the wilderness, but as a bit of a modern hippie, I prefer being comfortable during the majority of my trip. Because I am no longer dedicating every waking moment to exploring the surrounding forest, or working on firewood, or setting up camp, I am lounging, and experiencing Nature on a personal, quiet level. There have been trips where I only hike in the morning, then lounge and eat well, while allowing my mind the time to unwind and destress. If you haven’t tried it, do it. It’s remarkable how much of an affect this simply experience has on my creative mind and personal thought processes.
Chaco makes some of the finest sandals on the market, and they come in all sorts of colors, shapes, fits, and styles. My favorite is the leather Elias sandal for men, because they are built to last, yet stylish enough to wear in public or take camping. The upper sole of the Elias sandal is made of a lovely and smooth brown leather with an arrow pattern that adds traction to help keep the sandal on your feet. The rugged and natural grainy leather straps connect with with metal buckles, providing the user a strong and tight fit. The bottoms of the Elias sandals are rubber, with a unique pattern that allows for optimum traction, so you can hike safely while wearing them.
I found the Elias sandals to be high class and sharp looking; and they even smell amazing (suggestion: smell before inputting feet). The coolest aspect, I think, is the way the natural grain and scaring of the animal shows uniquely upon the straps. Overall, I found the Elias sandals to be perfect for me, as they are classy, and form fitting, and beautifully crafted. That is why my Chacos have become one of my must-have-with-me creature comforts, no matter where I go.
If you would like to find out more about Chaco’s sandals, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
Chaco makes some of the finest sandals on the market, and they come in all sorts of colors, shapes, fits, and styles. My favorite is the leather Elias sandal for men, because they are built to last, yet stylish enough to wear in public or take camping. The upper sole of the Elias sandal is made of a lovely and smooth brown leather with an arrow pattern that adds traction to help keep the sandal on your feet. The rugged and natural grainy leather straps connect with with metal buckles, providing the user a strong and tight fit. The bottoms of the Elias sandals are rubber, with a unique pattern that allows for optimum traction, so you can hike safely while wearing them.
I found the Elias sandals to be high class and sharp looking; and they even smell amazing (suggestion: smell before inputting feet). The coolest aspect, I think, is the way the natural grain and scaring of the animal shows uniquely upon the straps. Overall, I found the Elias sandals to be perfect for me, as they are classy, and form fitting, and beautifully crafted. That is why my Chacos have become one of my must-have-with-me creature comforts, no matter where I go.
If you would like to find out more about Chaco’s sandals, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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