Since the start of the season, I have been getting after it. My guide service, Windgate Adventures based here in Moab is taking off, and I am loving every second of it. This year I have met so many great people from all walks of life and from all over the world, and have shared my passion for the desert with them. Guiding people up desert sandstone towers, or into narrow canyons, rappelling off of arches and into the sacred area of the Fiery Furnace in Arches for photography tours is the dream that I’m living.

On every tour I supply all of the gear for the trips; helmet, harness, rappelling gear and even backpacks. The backpacks that I supply are the Deuter ACT Trail 32 Packs. After every trip each client is psyched about the amazing adventure we have just been on, and always has something great to say about the Deuter pack they carried through out the trip. Comfortable, supportive, roomy are just a few of the many adjectives used. As a guide, these packs allow me to carry every essential needed for memorable and safe trips, without being bulky or hard to move with on my back while managing gear like ropes. (If you are wondering how much fun we have on these trips, click here and read the reviews on Trip Advisor.)

A few weeks back I was the photographer on a trip with the Wounded Warriors on Cataract , a four-day river trip through the center of Canyonlands. This year has been a bit warmer than most years and the Colorado River is at an all time low since the snow pack in the Rockies was not as it should have been. Despite being low, it’s still flowing and the river is always incredible. Low flow didn’t put a stop to our awesome trip watching the sun move across the rock walls, hiking to viewpoints, enjoying each others company in this beautiful place. This past year I was on the same trip and it was a different experience at high water (holding on for dear life, 40 foot waves). Each experience is special in its own way.

I’m packing up my Deuter ACT Trail 32 for the next adventure, psyched for every moment to pursue my passion for the desert and to share it with others. Hope you all are out making it happen this summer on your adventures. Keep ticking those trips off of that list and keep adding to it.

–Eric Odenthal (Outdoor Ambassodor)

Pack more fun into the long days of summer!

• Learn why so many people are fans of the ACT Trail 32 at Deuter.com
• Order one from REI
• Have one shipped from RockCreek.com
• Buy your own at Backcountry.com