THE MONTHLY ESCAPE

April 2026 Edition

Utah, Better Weather, and a Few Things Worth Clicking

Hope You’re Doing Well,

This is the time of year when people start saying things like, “We should really camp more this year.”

My advice? 

Do not just say it. Put a date on the calendar and start getting ready now!

A lot has been happening on my end, too. I just got back from Utah, Wilde Escape got a facelift, and I have been putting more energy into short-form video. So let’s jump in.

And, yes, that's me watching the latest Kara and Nate YouTube video, been watching for years, and I so want to go to Japan!

📎Quick Heads Up

Some links in this email may be affiliate links. If you click through and buy something, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

I only recommend gear I use or would recommend to a friend.

🏔️ THIS MONTH'S ESCAPE

I drove out to Utah for the Utah Creator Connect UGC event, and for an introvert, it was a lot.

Around 350 people, great speakers, plenty of energy, and a full day of being very aware that I am more comfortable on a trail than in a packed event space.

Still, I am glad I went. It pushed me, gave me new ideas, and made me even more excited about creating more short-form content.

I also stayed at the Sheraton in Park City, and having my room just down the hall from the event was a huge win.

Since moving from writing to more video and short form, I have to keep reminding myself that you don’t need to feel fully comfortable to make progress. Sometimes the move is just showing up and learning as you go.

🌐 QUICK UPDATE

The Wilde Escape got a full site update!

I wanted all of my websites to feel more connected, especially in the design and overall look. Cleaner, more consistent, and easier to move between.

I also updated EricLinks.net and turned it into a simple hub for everything I am working on. And if you didn’t know, that used to be a full website that I would post everything that didn’t go on the blog!

🎬 IF YOU WANT A QUICK LAUGH

I have been posting more on YouTube and Instagram, and I finally decided to lean into the mistakes a little too.

So yes, I made a blooper reel.

Check it out here!

Honestly, I think it was a great idea, and I had fun making it. So, it probably won’t be the last one.

⚙️ ONE THING I KEEP REACHING FOR

If you are starting to hike more, work out more, or just spend more time outside, do not forget to stay hydrated.

LMNT has been my go-to electrolyte drink for a while now because it is simple, easy to use, and actually fits real life. 

When you are sweating more, water alone is not always enough. Replacing electrolytes can make a real difference, especially on hikes, workouts, and warmer spring days.

If you want to try what I use, check it out here.

🏕️ READY TO CAMP MORE THIS YEAR?

If camping is back on your mind, here are two posts worth opening now.

Solo Camping Setup Ideas

If you camp alone, or want to, this post breaks down how to make your setup smoother, simpler, and less stressful. Gear, organization, meals, safety, power, and cleanliness are all covered.

Beginner's Weekend Camping

If you have been wanting to take a quick camping trip but do not know where to start, this is for you. It helps take the mental clutter out of planning so you can actually get outside.

If you only click two links in this email, make it those.

🎯 NEXT MONTH'S MISSION

More time outside. More useful content. More real world testing.

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU

Before next month, choose one weekend and make a real outdoor plan. Not “sometime soon.” An actual date.

Then hit reply and tell me what you picked.

🏕️ COMMUNITY CAMPFIRE

GOT INTEL TO SHARE? Hit reply and tell me:

• What gear are you testing right now

• What trip do you want to take this spring

• What camping question do you want answered next

• What kind of short-form videos do you want to see more of

CONNECT WITH FELLOW ESCAPISTS:

Let’s keep it easy and only do one this month! Let’s connect on Instagram! You can find me @Wilde_Escape

And as always, thanks for being part of The Monthly Escape!

Spring is a good reminder that you do not need a huge plan to get moving. You just need a little momentum and a reason to start.

The best escape is the one you actually take. Go take one!

See you on the trail,

-Eric

P.S.

Yep, that's an image from the UGC event, might have used AI to change the background

📧 Forward this to a friend who says they want to camp more but still has not picked a weekend.