How to Attach Running Shoes to a Backpack: A Comprehensive Guide for Trail Runners and Travelers

How to Attach Running Shoes to a Backpack

Picture this: You’ve just finished an epic trail run, your legs are happily fatigued, and the last thing you want is to cram your muddy, sweaty running shoes into your otherwise clean backpack. Or perhaps you’re a traveler who needs to pack light but still wants to bring your trusty running shoes for that morning jog in a new city. This is precisely where the art of attaching running shoes to your backpack comes into play. It’s not just about shoving them anywhere; it’s about doing it efficiently, securely, and without turning the rest of your gear into a dusty, smelly mess. I’ve certainly been there, fumbling with untied laces and wondering if my shoes were going to go rogue on a bumpy bus ride. Let’s dive into the best ways to ensure your running shoes are an extension of your pack, not a burden.

Attaching running shoes to a backpack is a practical skill that every runner who travels or ventures into the outdoors should master. Whether you’re aiming to save space inside your pack, keep your other belongings clean, or simply have quick access to your footwear, there are several tried-and-true methods. This guide will explore these techniques in detail, offering insights born from personal experience and practical application, ensuring your running shoes are as well-secured as your primary gear.

Why You Might Need to Attach Running Shoes to Your Backpack

Before we get into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly touch upon the ‘why.’ The reasons for attaching running shoes externally to your backpack are manifold and often stem from practical necessities:

• Space Saving: Running shoes, especially larger trail running models, can take up a significant amount of space within a backpack. By attaching them externally, you free up valuable internal real estate for other essentials like clothing, food, or camping gear. This is particularly crucial for day packs or minimalist overnight packs.
• Hygiene and Odor Control: Let’s be honest, used running shoes can be… fragrant. Stuffing them inside your pack can transfer that odor and dirt to your clean clothes or sleeping bag. Keeping them outside helps maintain the freshness of your other gear.
• Quick Access: For activities like thru-hiking or multi-day trail running adventures, you might need to switch between trail shoes and camp shoes, or perhaps you’re carrying different types of shoes for varied terrain. External attachment allows for swift and easy access.
• Drying: If your shoes get wet during a run, attaching them to the outside of your pack allows them to air out and dry more effectively as you hike or travel, preventing that damp, squishy feeling later.
• Aesthetic and Practicality on Travel: When traveling, carrying your running shoes separately can be cumbersome. Attaching them to your backpack is a common and accepted practice, making your overall transit more manageable.

Essential Gear for Attaching Running Shoes

While some methods require no extra gear, others benefit greatly from a few simple tools. Having these on hand can make the process much smoother:

• Straps: This is the most common and versatile tool.
  • Compression Straps: Many backpacks come with these, often found on the sides or bottom. They are designed to cinch down your load, but can be repurposed effectively for shoe attachment.
  • Voile Straps (or similar elastic straps): These are incredibly useful. Their stretchiness allows them to conform to the shape of the shoes, and their durability makes them reliable.
  • Cam Straps/Tie-Down Straps: These are more robust and offer a very secure hold, especially for heavier or bulkier shoes.
  • Velcro Straps: Versatile and easy to use, though they might not offer the same level of security as cam straps for very rough conditions.
• Carabiners: While not directly for attachment, carabiners can be used to clip loops on your shoes (if they have them) to D-rings or other attachment points on your backpack.
• Waterproof Bags/Stuff Sacks: Consider placing your shoes in a lightweight waterproof bag before attaching them to provide an extra layer of protection against dirt and moisture for your pack’s exterior.
• A Small Towel or Rag: Handy for a quick wipe-down of muddy shoes before attachment, especially if you’re concerned about transferring too much grime.

Method 1: Utilizing Existing Backpack Attachment Points

Many backpacks are designed with external attachment in mind, featuring various loops, daisy chains, and straps. This is often the most straightforward and secure method.

Using Side Compression Straps

This is arguably the most popular and effective method for attaching running shoes to the side of a backpack. It’s quick, requires no additional gear, and keeps the shoes relatively stable.

Steps:

1. Position the Shoes: Place one shoe against the side of your backpack, with the sole facing outwards and the heel of the shoe roughly aligned with the bottom of your backpack. Place the second shoe next to it, also with the sole facing outwards. Try to nestle them together so they occupy a single profile against the pack.
2. Thread the Compression Strap: Take one of the side compression straps on your backpack. Thread it around the back of both shoes, so it passes between the shoes and the backpack. The strap should ideally go through the arch of both shoes, or at least around their mid-section.
3. Cinch Down Firmly: Pull the compression strap tight. You’ll want to create significant tension so that the shoes are pressed firmly against the side of your pack. The goal is to eliminate any significant wiggling or looseness.
4. Secure the Strap: Fasten the buckle or tie off the strap securely. If it’s a buckle strap, ensure it’s fully engaged. If it’s a webbing strap, tie a strong knot.
5. Repeat for the Second Strap (Optional but Recommended): If your backpack has two side compression straps, use the second one in the same manner. This provides redundant security and a more balanced load. Thread it above or below the first strap, depending on the shape of the shoes and the location of the straps.

Personal Insight: I’ve found this method to be incredibly reliable for day hikes and shorter trips. The key is really cinching down that strap. A loose shoe is not only annoying but can also lead to it falling off. I’ve learned this the hard way on a particularly bumpy downhill section. Ensure the laces are tucked away so they don’t dangle and snag on anything.

Using Bottom Straps (for larger packs)

Some larger backpacks, especially those designed for multi-day trekking or backpacking, have straps at the bottom. These are often intended for sleeping bags but can be excellent for securing shoes.

Steps:

1. Position the Shoes: Place the shoes together at the bottom of your backpack, soles facing outwards or downwards, depending on what feels most stable and how the straps are oriented.
2. Thread the Straps: Carefully thread the bottom straps around the shoes. You’ll likely need to position the shoes so the straps can go over the mid-section or arch of both.
3. Tighten Securely: Cinch the straps down as tightly as possible. The goal is to create a snug fit that prevents the shoes from shifting or falling.
4. Additional Security: If the shoes still feel loose, you can use additional straps (like Voile straps) to further secure them to the main body of the pack, connecting them to side compression straps or other loops.

Using Daisy Chains and Gear Loops

Many backpacks feature daisy chains (vertical loops of webbing) or various gear loops. These offer flexible attachment points.

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Shoes: If your shoes have heel loops or lace loops, you can use these as attachment points.
2. Use Carabiners or Straps:
   • With Carabiners: Clip a carabiner through a heel loop on each shoe. Then, clip the carabiner to a gear loop or a daisy chain on your backpack. This is best for shoes you want to keep accessible but not necessarily tightly compressed.
   • With Straps: Thread a Voile strap or a similar elastic strap through the heel loop of a shoe and then around the shoe itself, securing it tightly. Then, use a carabiner to attach this strap to a gear loop on your pack. Alternatively, you can loop a strap through the shoe’s laces (near the ankle collar) and then secure it to the pack.
3. Adjust for Stability: Ensure the shoes are positioned so they don’t swing excessively or create an imbalance. You might need to use multiple attachment points or additional straps to keep them stable.

Author’s Note: I’ve found daisy chains to be more effective when paired with additional straps rather than relying on carabiners alone. While convenient for quick on-and-off, shoes attached solely with carabiners can bounce around quite a bit on uneven terrain.

Method 2: Using Additional Straps for Enhanced Security

When your backpack lacks robust external attachment points or when you need extra security for your running shoes, especially on rough trails or during strenuous travel, employing additional straps is the way to go.

The Voile Strap Method

Voile straps (or similar heavy-duty elastic straps) are incredibly versatile. Their stretchiness allows them to hug the contours of your shoes, and their durability ensures they won’t break under pressure.

Steps:

1. Position the Shoes: Place your shoes together, one on top of the other, or side-by-side, against the back or side of your backpack. The soles can face inwards or outwards, whichever feels more stable.
2. Wrap the Strap: Take a Voile strap and wrap it around the middle section of both shoes. Ensure the strap goes snugly around the widest part of the shoe.
3. Secure the Strap: Thread the end of the Voile strap through its buckle and pull it tight. The inherent elasticity of the strap will create a firm hold.
4. Optional Second Strap: For added security, especially on rough terrain, use a second Voile strap to wrap around the toe box or heel area of the shoes.
5. Attach to the Pack: If the Voile straps alone don’t feel secure enough against the pack, you can use them in conjunction with existing backpack straps or gear loops. For instance, loop the Voile strap through a daisy chain on your pack before tightening it around the shoes.

Why this works: The elasticity of the Voile strap is brilliant. It allows for a tight fit without putting excessive stress on the shoe’s materials, and it absorbs some of the shock and vibration from movement, preventing the shoes from loosening.

The Cam Strap/Tie-Down Method

For the most robust and secure attachment, cam straps (also known as tie-down straps) are excellent. They offer a non-elastic, very strong hold.

Steps:

1. Position the Shoes: Place the shoes together, usually side-by-side, against the side or bottom of your backpack. Ensure the soles are facing outwards for better grip against the pack material, or inwards to protect the soles from abrasion if that’s a concern.
2. Thread the Cam Strap: Take a cam strap and thread it through a side compression strap anchor point on your backpack, or through a robust gear loop. Then, wrap the strap around the shoes, ensuring it passes through the arch or mid-foot area of both.
3. Engage the Cam: Bring the loose end of the strap back and thread it through the cam buckle. Pull the strap firmly to tighten. The cam mechanism will lock the strap in place.
4. Create Tension: You want to create significant tension to press the shoes firmly against the backpack. Continue pulling the loose end of the strap until the shoes are held rigidly.
5. Secure the Excess Strap: Once tightened, you can tuck the excess strap away or use a Velcro tie to prevent it from flapping around.

Expert Tip: Be mindful not to overtighten cam straps to the point of deforming your shoes, especially if they are lightweight or have delicate mesh. The goal is secure attachment, not compression that could damage the footwear.

Method 3: The “Stuff and Cinch” Technique

This method is a bit more unconventional but can be very effective, especially if you have a backpack with a spacious front pocket or a large, expandable main compartment opening.

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Shoes: Loosen the laces considerably on both shoes.
2. Partially Stuff: Take one shoe and partially stuff it into the other. You might need to position them so the toe of one fits into the heel of the other, or simply lay them flat and stuff one inside the other. The goal is to reduce their overall volume and create a more compact unit.
3. Place in Pocket/Compartment: If your backpack has a large, external mesh pocket or a front shove-it pocket, attempt to place the combined shoe unit into this pocket.
4. Cinch Down: Use the existing compression straps or drawstrings of the pocket to cinch everything down tightly. If using a shove-it pocket, you might need to use additional straps to secure the shoes to the outside of the pocket, preventing them from falling out.

Considerations: This method is best for keeping shoes relatively clean, as they are somewhat contained. It also works well for shoes that can be compressed without damage.

Method 4: Using Shoe Laces for Attachment

This is a clever trick that utilizes the laces of the shoes themselves for securing them.

Steps:

1. Tie Laces Tightly: Ensure the laces on both shoes are tied very snugly.
2. Create a Loop: Take the laces of one shoe and form them into a single, strong loop that can go around the shoe or the pair of shoes.
3. Position the Shoes: Place the shoes together, perhaps side-by-side.
4. Wrap the Lace Loop: Wrap the lace loop around the combined shoes, ideally around the mid-foot or arch area.
5. Secure to Backpack: Now, use this lace loop to attach the shoes to your backpack.
   • Through Gear Loops: Thread the loop through a gear loop or daisy chain on your pack and then back through itself, creating a cinch.
   • Around Straps: Wrap the lace loop around a compression strap or a handle on your backpack.
   • Tie Directly: If possible, tie the lace loop directly to an attachment point on your pack.
6. Repeat if Necessary: For extra security, you might need to use the laces of both shoes and connect them to different points on the backpack.

Caveat: This method relies on the strength of your shoe laces. While usually robust, they can fray over time. It’s also best suited for lighter loads or when you’re not anticipating extreme movement.

Best Practices for Attaching Running Shoes

Regardless of the method you choose, a few universal tips will ensure your running shoes are attached effectively and without hassle:

• Clean Your Shoes First (If Possible): A quick wipe-down can prevent a lot of dirt and mud from transferring to your backpack or other gear.
• Tuck Away Dangling Laces: Ensure laces are tucked securely into the shoes or tied off so they don’t snag on branches, get caught in zippers, or trail on the ground.
• Balance is Key: Try to attach shoes symmetrically to avoid creating a lopsided load that can affect your balance and posture. If attaching to one side, consider counterbalancing with a water bottle or other item on the opposite side.
• Test the Security: Before setting off, give your shoes a good tug and shake your pack. Ensure they are held firmly and won’t easily detach.
• Consider Shoe Type: Lighter trail running shoes are generally easier to attach than heavier, bulkier road running shoes or waterproof hiking shoes.
• Protect Your Pack: If you’re worried about abrasion or dirt, consider placing the shoes in a lightweight waterproof stuff sack before attaching them to the outside of your pack.
• Accessibility vs. Security: Think about why you’re attaching them. If you need frequent access, use a method that allows for quick removal. If they’re just for transport, prioritize maximum security.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few snags. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Problem: Shoes Keep Slipping or Wobbling

Solution: Increase tension. Use additional straps. Ensure the shoes are pressed firmly against the pack, not just loosely held. For side compression straps, try threading them through the arch of the shoe for a more secure grip. If using elastic straps, try wrapping them multiple times or using a second strap. For more rigid attachment, consider cam straps.

Problem: Laces Snagging on Everything

Solution: Always tuck laces away. Tie them securely inside the shoe, use lace locks, or wrap them around the shoe and tuck them under the strap. Some people even use a small piece of duct tape to secure them.

Problem: Shoes Cause an Imbalance

Solution: Distribute the weight. If you must attach shoes to one side, try to place other heavier items on the opposite side of your pack to compensate. For longer treks, consider if it’s better to carry them inside if possible, or find a more integrated carrying system if your pack allows.

Problem: Straps Digging into Shoes or Pack

Solution: Be mindful of strap placement. Avoid overtightening to the point of damage. If using aggressive cam straps, ensure they are routed correctly and not directly pressing on delicate mesh areas. A thin piece of fabric or a small stuff sack can act as a buffer.

Problem: Shoes Scuffing the Backpack Fabric

Solution: Use a waterproof bag or stuff sack to encase the shoes before attaching. Alternatively, orient the shoes with the soles facing the pack, which are generally more durable than the uppers.

When to Consider Carrying Shoes Inside Your Pack

While external attachment is often convenient, there are times when it’s better to keep your running shoes inside your backpack:

• Extreme Weather: If you’re expecting heavy rain or snow, keeping shoes inside a waterproof stuff sack within your pack will protect them from the elements and prevent them from getting soaked on the outside.
• Delicate Pack Material: If your backpack has a very sensitive or waterproof fabric that you’re concerned about scuffing, it might be safer to keep shoes inside.
• Very Tight Spaces: On crowded buses or trains, dangling shoes can be a nuisance and might get snagged.
• Fragile Items: If you have other sensitive gear that could be damaged by rigid shoe soles, it’s safer to keep shoes inside, perhaps cushioned by clothing.
• Preventing Theft: In busy urban environments, leaving expensive running shoes exposed on the outside of your pack might attract unwanted attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I attach trail running shoes to a backpack securely for long-distance hiking?

For long-distance hiking, security is paramount. The best method involves using robust straps and leveraging your backpack’s existing attachment points. Here’s a detailed approach:

First, identify the most stable attachment points on your backpack. These are typically the side compression straps, bottom straps (if present), and sturdy gear loops or daisy chains located towards the lower half of the pack. Avoid relying solely on top loops or handles, as these are generally not designed for the dynamic load of shoes moving with your gait.

The most reliable strap for this purpose is a cam strap or a high-quality tie-down strap. Position your two trail running shoes together, either side-by-side or one slightly overlapping the other, against the lower side of your backpack. Ensure the soles are facing outwards, as they typically offer better friction against the pack fabric and are more durable than the upper mesh.

Thread the cam strap through an anchor point on your backpack (e.g., a buckle housing for a compression strap, or a strong fabric loop). Wrap the strap around the combined shoes, aiming for the mid-foot or arch area, which is usually the widest and most stable part. Engage the cam buckle by threading the strap through it and pulling firmly. You want to cinch the shoes down so they are pressed tightly against the backpack and do not shift or wobble at all. A loose shoe will eventually fall off or become a significant annoyance.

For added security, especially on very rough terrain where constant jarring and bouncing occurs, consider using a second cam strap or high-strength Voile straps. A second strap could wrap around the toe box or heel area, further immobilizing the shoes. Alternatively, if your shoes have robust heel loops, you could use these as attachment points by threading a smaller strap through them and then securing that strap to your pack’s gear loops.

Always do a “shake test.” Load up your pack with the shoes attached and give it a good shake. Walk around a bit. If anything feels loose, tighten it further or adjust the strap positions. Remember, the goal is for the shoes to feel like an extension of the pack, not an afterthought that’s about to detach and get lost on the trail.

Why do people attach running shoes to their backpack instead of packing them inside?

The decision to attach running shoes to the outside of a backpack rather than packing them inside is driven by several practical considerations, primarily focused on optimizing space, managing hygiene, and ensuring convenience.

Space Optimization: Running shoes, particularly trail running shoes with their more robust construction and aggressive tread, can be quite bulky. Internal backpack space is often at a premium, especially for longer trips or when carrying other gear like sleeping bags, tents, or extensive food supplies. By placing shoes externally, hikers and runners free up valuable cubic inches within the main compartment, making it easier to organize and access other essentials. This is particularly important for ultralight backpackers or those using smaller daypacks.

Odor and Dirt Management: Used running shoes, after a sweaty run or a muddy hike, can carry a significant amount of odor and dirt. Packing them inside a backpack can transfer these unpleasant elements to clean clothing, sleeping bags, or other gear. Attaching them externally, especially if they’ve been wiped down or placed in a breathable mesh bag, allows them to air out and prevents them from contaminating the rest of your load. This contributes to a more comfortable and hygienic experience.

Quick Access and Drying: For activities like thru-hiking or multi-day trail running, you might need to switch between trail shoes and camp shoes, or simply want to air out your shoes during breaks. External attachment allows for very quick access. Furthermore, if your shoes get wet, attaching them to the outside of your pack allows them to dry more efficiently through airflow as you move, which is crucial for preventing blisters and maintaining foot comfort on extended journeys.

Travel Convenience: When traveling, carrying running shoes separately from your main luggage can be a hassle. Attaching them to your backpack makes your overall transit more manageable, especially when navigating airports, train stations, or busy city streets. It’s a common and accepted practice among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Protection of Internal Gear: The weight and bulk of shoes can also shift and potentially damage more delicate items packed inside a backpack. Keeping them outside mitigates this risk.

In essence, attaching running shoes externally is a strategic choice to enhance comfort, efficiency, and practicality during outdoor adventures and travel, allowing the wearer to carry their footwear securely without compromising the integrity or organization of their main pack contents.

What are the best types of straps to use for attaching running shoes?

The “best” type of strap often depends on your specific backpack and the conditions you’ll be encountering, but several options consistently prove effective:

• Voile Straps (or similar heavy-duty elastic straps): These are highly recommended due to their versatility. Their inherent stretch allows them to conform to the shape of the shoes and the backpack, creating a snug, vibration-dampening fit. They are also very durable and easy to adjust. I personally carry a couple of these on every trip, as they have a myriad of uses beyond just shoe attachment.
• Cam Straps / Tie-Down Straps: For maximum security and a non-elastic, rigid hold, cam straps are superior. They are commonly found on kayak or cargo carriers and provide a very strong connection that is unlikely to loosen on its own. They are ideal for rough terrain or when you need absolute certainty that your shoes won’t detach.
• Compression Straps (Built-in): Many backpacks come with side or bottom compression straps that are perfect for this task. They are designed to cinch down loads, so they offer excellent tension when used to secure shoes. The main limitation is that you’re dependent on the placement and number of these straps on your pack.
• Velcro Straps: While convenient and easy to use, velcro straps might not offer the same level of long-term security as cam straps or Voile straps, especially under heavy load or on very rough trails. They can be useful for supplementary attachment or for lighter shoes.
• Cordage (e.g., Paracord): While you *can* use cordage, it’s generally less ideal for directly securing shoes compared to specialized straps. It can be harder to get the right tension and they tend to stretch or loosen over time. However, cordage is invaluable for creating makeshift loops or securing straps that might otherwise slip.

My personal preference leans towards a combination: using the backpack’s built-in compression straps for the primary hold, and then supplementing with one or two Voile straps to ensure everything is cinched down tight and doesn’t wiggle. This offers a good balance of security, convenience, and adaptability.

Can I attach my running shoes to the front of my backpack?

While attaching running shoes to the front of your backpack is generally not recommended, there are a couple of niche scenarios where it might be considered, with significant caveats.

Why it’s Generally Not Recommended:

• Balance Issues: The front of a backpack is typically where lighter items or frequently accessed gear should be. Attaching heavy shoes there can significantly shift your center of gravity forward, leading to poor posture, increased strain on your neck and shoulders, and an unstable gait, especially on inclines or uneven terrain.
• Obstruction of Movement: Shoes attached to the front can interfere with your natural arm swing and might even bump against your legs, causing discomfort and chafing.
• Snagging Hazard: The front is more exposed to branches, rocks, and other trail obstacles, increasing the risk of your shoes (and the straps) getting caught and potentially causing you to fall or damaging your gear.
• Lack of Secure Attachment Points: Most backpacks don’t have robust attachment points on the front panel specifically designed for carrying bulky items like shoes.

Niche Scenarios (Use with Extreme Caution):

• Very Small Day Packs with Shove-It Pockets: Some minimalist daypacks feature large, stretchy “shove-it” pockets on the front. In such cases, you might be able to tightly secure your shoes within this pocket using its own drawstrings and potentially adding an extra strap. However, the shoes would need to be very securely contained to prevent them from falling out.
• Travel Scenarios with Minimal Movement: If you are on a bus or train and need to temporarily carry shoes that are too dirty for the main compartment, and you won’t be doing much walking or maneuvering, you *might* be able to bungee them to the front. But this is a temporary solution and should be removed as soon as possible.

In most practical hiking, running, or backpacking situations, it is far more effective and safer to attach running shoes to the sides, bottom, or back of your backpack using the methods described earlier.

How can I prevent my running shoes from getting damaged when attached externally?

While external attachment is convenient, it does expose your running shoes to the elements and potential abrasions. Here’s how to minimize damage:

1. Clean Before Attaching: If your shoes are heavily caked in mud or dirt, give them a quick brush-off or wipe down before attaching them. This not only keeps your backpack cleaner but also reduces the amount of abrasive grit that can rub against the shoe’s materials. Consider carrying a small, lightweight brush or a bandana for this purpose.

2. Use a Protective Layer: This is perhaps the most effective method. Place your running shoes inside a lightweight, durable stuff sack or a waterproof dry bag before attaching them. Mesh stuff sacks offer breathability, which is good for drying, while dry bags provide protection from rain and further contain dirt. This barrier shields the shoe’s upper material from direct contact with branches, rocks, and the backpack itself.

3. Strategic Strap Placement: Be mindful of where your straps are routed. Avoid running straps directly over delicate mesh panels if possible. If you must, consider adding a small piece of fabric or a bit of tape as padding where the strap makes contact. Ensure straps are snug but not so tight that they excessively compress or deform the shoe, especially around the toe box or heel cup, as this can stress the materials and stitching.

4. Avoid Dragging: Make sure your shoes are securely attached and elevated enough that they don’t drag on the ground as you walk. Dragging can quickly wear down the soles and the heel counters.

5. Mind the Sun: Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, especially when hiking at high altitudes or in deserts, can degrade the adhesives and materials in shoes. While you can’t avoid sun entirely, being aware of it might prompt you to store them inside your pack during extended stationary periods, if feasible.

6. Consider the Shoe’s Construction: Some shoes are built tougher than others. Shoes with more reinforced uppers and durable rubber outsoles will naturally withstand external attachment better than ultra-lightweight, minimalist models.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your running shoes even when they’re traveling on the outside of your pack.

Conclusion: Master the Art of Shoe Attachment

Attaching running shoes to a backpack is more than just a convenience; it’s a functional skill that enhances the comfort and efficiency of any outdoor excursion or travel itinerary. By understanding the various methods, utilizing the right gear, and employing best practices, you can ensure your footwear is carried securely and reliably. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a traveler looking to maintain your fitness routine on the go, mastering how to attach running shoes to a backpack will undoubtedly streamline your adventures.