In this live stream I break down what you need to know before you roll into Trail Days in Damascus, VA (May 15–17). First thing I tell everybody: go to the Trail Days website and study two things—vendor list and the daily schedule—because that’s how you plan your weekend around raffles, speakers, and the stuff you actually care about. I also share one of my favorite pro moves: if you’ve got Cascade Designs-type gear (think Therm-a-Rest, Nemo, Gregory, and more), show up Friday and drop it for repairs. Last year my NeoAir XLite was basically at end-of-days, and they honored the warranty and replaced it. I also get real about logistics—parking is limited, cash is king, and you want to park as close as you can to Tent City so you can use your car like a support locker for coolers, food, chairs, and whatever else you don’t want sitting out with a ton of people around. Use the shuttles because that back-and-forth walk adds up fast. I hit food strategy (support Damascus businesses like Damascus Diner and Wicked Chicken), the hiker trash parade (yes, anticipate getting wet), and Tent City camping tips—bring a freestanding tent you don’t care about, stake everything down, and don’t underestimate the noise near the woods and drum circle. Oh—and don’t miss the $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes at One Way Ministries.