THE MONTHLY ESCAPE

January 2026 Edition

First of All, How Is It January Already?

Seriously, it's crazy how fast time flies these days. 

Welcome to 2026, everyone!

I hope you all had an amazing holiday season and are ready for some winter adventures. As I'm sitting here writing this, I'm reflecting on the year ahead and all the possibilities for getting outside, even in the cold.

Speaking of the new year, you might be thinking about resolutions. I've written before about why I don't make traditional New Year's resolutions, and instead focus on setting goals the right way. 

If you're interested in that approach, check out my post on Setting Goals The Right Way. It's a much more sustainable way to create positive changes without the pressure and inevitable failure of most resolutions.

Winter Adventures Await

Just because it's cold doesn't mean we need to hibernate! In fact, winter is one of my favorite times to get outside. The crowds disappear, the landscapes transform into something magical, and there's a peacefulness you just don't get during peak season.

If you're gearing up for winter adventures, here are a few resources from the blog that might help you out:

Snowboarding & Skiing Season

It's time to get your gear ready! If you need to wax your snowboard or skis, I've got you covered with How to Wax a Snowboard or Skis. Trust me, having a fresh coat of wax makes all the difference on those flat sections.

Snowshoeing Basics

Have you tried snowshoeing yet? It's an incredible way to explore trails that would otherwise be inaccessible in winter. If you're new to it or considering getting into it, check out my Snowshoe Basics guide. I cover everything from choosing the right snowshoes to what gear you'll need.

Winter Car Camping

One of my favorite ways to camp in winter is right out of my RAV4. It's comfortable, warm, and gives you the flexibility to chase the best conditions. If you're curious about how I've set mine up, read about Winter Camping in a RAV4. It's changed the game for my winter adventures.

Stay Hydrated and Warm

One thing I've learned about winter adventures is that staying hydrated is just as important as staying warm. When it's cold, we often forget to drink enough water, but proper hydration and electrolyte balance are crucial.

I've been using LMNT electrolyte drink mix, and it's been amazing for my winter trips. They have some amazing cold-weather drink recipes that are perfect for keeping you fueled and warm on the trail.

Check out their recipe collection at LMNT Cold Weather Drink Recipes

A few recipes to try:

• Warm LMNT Apple Cider
• Hot LMNT Tea with lemon and honey
• LMNT Hot Chocolate (yes, it's as good as it sounds!)

These warm electrolyte drinks are perfect for sipping at camp or bringing in a thermos on the trail.

What's Ahead for 2026

I've got some exciting content planned for this year. Expect more gear reviews, trip reports from my RAV4 camping adventures, and practical tips for making your outdoor experiences better.

You might also see that the blog isn’t going to have as many posts as it generally does. I’m trying to focus on getting outdoors more, sharing what I’ve learned, and might even start posting short-form videos!

Most of the adventures are with the Rav4, but I have something I’m doing in March, and I’ll be taking another vehicle.

I'm also planning to explore some new areas and maybe try some activities I haven't done before. If you have suggestions for places I should check out or topics you'd like me to cover, hit reply and let me know!

Now It’s Your Turn

What are your winter adventure plans?

Are you hitting the slopes, strapping on snowshoes, or planning some car camping trips?

I'd love to hear what you're up to. Feel free to reply to this email or tag me on social media with #WildeEscapeBlog so I can see what you're getting into this winter.

Remember, the best adventures often happen when everyone else is staying inside. Don't let the cold keep you from getting outside and experiencing the magic of winter.

Stay Wild(e),

Eric

P.S. I can’t help myself and wanted to share something fun.

🎵 BONUS: Rainy Day Distraction?

This isn’t outdoor-related, but it’s fun. If you’ve ever wanted to make music with AI (even without knowing a thing about instruments), check this post out:

👉 Make Music with Riffusion

Just be warned: once you start playing with this tool, you might lose a few hours. Save it for the next rainy day when you're stuck inside but still want to create something cool.