of Backpacks and Beards
Adventures abroad, lessons learned, and beards.
About Me
My name is Tyler Jay. I’m a writer, traveler, wildland firefighter, climber, and coldsmoke junkie. When I’m not walking through a burnt forest as a Wildland Firefighter, or obsessing over my next gear purchase, I like to spend my time exploring the inanimate bluffs and peaks around Western Canada, and the rest of the world (whenever possible). Whether with a pair of sticky soled rock shoes, or a couple planks of poplar… Read More
Top Posts & Pages
It’s Never Too Late – Camping Algonquin Park’s Interior in late March The beauty of a forest covered in a blanket of white is hard to accurately describe. As we take each step down the narrow trail path and listen to that familiar crunch of snow beneath our feet we’re captivated by the pristine condition of this wilderness. Although we’re aware that we’re not the only people that choose to winter camp… Read More
How to Avoid Starring at Your Feet. The snow-capped face of Annapurna III stares down at each weary trekker that passes by her cascading rock surface; almost instinctively you try not to look her in the eye, making yourself content to simply stare down at your own two feet as they try to avoid puddles and uneven rock surfaces between each step. After what feels like an hour you look up to… Read More
Foody Friday: Dal Baht Power, 24-Hour Dal Baht is simply what Nepal lives on. It’s the energy of the country, it’s the fuel that fills the bellies of the mountain giants, it’s delicious, and it’s every budget travellers dream. Dal Baht for a large number of Nepalese is simply the staple dish of the country. Dal Baht for breakfast, Dal Baht for dinner, maybe even throw one in for lunch if necessary…. Read More
Trekking in Nepal – Langtang Trail The snow-capped face of Langtang Lirung stares down at each weary trekker that passes by her cascading rock surface, which presides in the closest trekking region to Kathmandu, Langtang. Here you can enjoy the unfrequented passes that give but a glimpse into Tibet and partake on a pilgrimage travelled by Hindu and Buddhist devotees during a full-moon to the high altitude lakes; enjoy the heartfelt and… Read More
Tamang Heritage Trail – Langtang National Park The Tamang Heritage Trail in Langtang National Park slightly differs from both Langtang and Annapurna in that the sheer size and immensity of the surrounding mountains is not the chief attraction. Rather, as the name suggests, the heritage trail takes you through a series of small traditional villages. Classic stone built houses, subsistence agriculture, hot springs, and only a few guesthouses and homestays in each… Read More
The airport is a funny place to find yourself, especially if you’re travelling internationally. For many it is simply a stopover point on route to their final destination. For some it’s the start of something, or the end of something. Some people arrive exhausted, others unable to sleep; it’s one of the only places you could enjoy a cocktail at 7am in the morning and a hearty meal, while others dine on… Read More
Siem and Reap – What To Do Besides Angkor Wat Although it was tough to say goodbye we knew we eventually had to leave Otres Beach and make our way through the rest of the beautiful country of Cambodia. Specifically, heading straight to Phnom Penh to spend a night and check out some memorials around the city. Then quickly catching the next morning bus to Siem Reap to check out Pub Street… Read More
One Day in Angkor Wat Cost Being the biggest religious monument in the world means that any description of Angkor Wat simply won’t do it justice. Built by the Khmer king in the 12th century the ancient ruins is impressive but slowly decaying as materials crumble, trees begin to take over, and the constant mass of people walking through its doorways and along pathways daily. You essentially have the option of a… Read More
Spending 2 months on a motorcycle and a scooter can be pretty enduring. You become very used to constant movement, spending only a few days in any one place and always keeping your eye on the map to pick your next destination. In Bali, there were so many options that kept us moving. In Vietnam, we simply underestimated the 2100km it took North to South and therefore had to be sure we… Read More
Vietnam by Motorcycle – There and Gone to Saigon Well, after 10 major stops, open roads and congested traffic, a new exhaust, clutch, front & rear brakes, tons of new friends, and 2158km through torrential downpour, scenic mountain ranges, beautiful rice fields, and beautiful beaches we made the trek by motorcycle from Hanoi to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). We’ve had bumps, bruises, wrong turns, bad roads and worse directions. But after… Read More
