How to Hike in the Mountains and Woods without getting Lost or Dying Getting outside and being in nature is one of the best ways to stay mentally and physically healthy, but wilderness hiking comes with challenges and potential danger. The benefits and rewards of hiking and being on the trails far outweigh the risks; however, we still have to mitigate those risks and dangers as best we can.  Why is planning and preparing so important when hiking? Planning and preparation keep us safe and help us have a fun, positive experience. So we can go back and hike again and again. If our experienceRead More →

What is Raw Land Expeditions? Raw Land Expeditions (or Raw Land Exp.) is a website dedicated to my favorite outdoor activities, experiences, and lessons learned. It’s also where I share my plans to build a small cabin on raw land I’ve purchased. Until I start building my cabin, I’ll spend a lot of time camping on it during the summers to get a feel for the area.  While my cabin build is still several years away, I figured now is a good time to start this website. I’ve wanted to start one for many years, and now I’m able to dedicate time to working onRead More →

Product Review: Goal Zero 10 Watt Foldable Solar Panel  Jess Carpenter Sept. 21, 2026 My First Solar Panel Experience   On September 19, 2026, I bought my first solar panel and tested it out later that day. I purchased the Goal Zero 10-watt foldable solar panel from Rack Attack in Frisco, TX, where I’m getting a Thule roof rack installed.  I bought the small solar panel to test. I don’t have any experience with solar, and I plan to purchase a decent solar panel system before summer 2027 to use while I’m camping for a month or two.  First off, this was awesome. Watching a solarRead More →