Location
Greenville, South Carolina
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Expertise
Whitewater paddling, Canoe tripping, Wilderness medicine
- Ian has done multiple wilderness canoe trips, including a 21-day expedition to northern Manitoba and Hudson Bay.
- While in college, he spent a month hitchhiking and wild camping in Iceland while producing a conservation documentary.
- He holds high-level certifications from the ACA in both solo and tandem whitewater canoeing.
Experience
Ian has worked in the outdoor industry for the better part of the last decade. A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he spent three of his four years working in both bike shops and paddleboarding stores, selling everything from performance road bikes to whitewater kayaks. Ian has also been working as a freelance journalist for several years, with work published in Paddling Magazine. Since graduation, he has spent time teaching advanced whitewater canoeing as a member of the American Canoe Association with hopes of competing in the open canoe national championships in 2026!
Education
Ian has a BA with Honors in Journalism and Multimedia, as well as a second double major and liberal studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
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If your patio doesn't feel like a part of your home, you may not want to spend much time in it. Follow some of Nate Berkus' expert tips for that outdoor oasis.
By Ian Patton
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Does adding heat insulation to your balcony or deck actually help with energy costs? Here's what to know about when to insulate and what materials to use.
By Ian Patton
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A cooler is an essential item to bring along on a camping trip, but very few of them can actually be freezers. This Costco cooler challenges that notion.
By Ian Patton
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Keeping bears out of your campsite is vital for your safety, and storage containers offer a simple solution. But, is this expensive option worth it?
By Ian Patton
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When it comes to keeping slugs and bugs out of your garden, there are many DIY gardening hacks to try. Here's what we know about using oatmeal to deter pests.
By Ian Patton
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Worried about an overgrown bush on your property line? Here's what you need to know before you trim any of the plants belonging to your neighbor.
By Ian Patton
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In winter, you probably think it's best to 'protect' your AC unit from wind and snow by covering it. Here's why you should put a hold on that.
By Ian Patton
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Nobody likes seeing spiders in their shed. Beneficial as they are for our gardens, sheds should be for people, not pests. Here are some ways to keep them out.
By Ian Patton
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Those on a road trip might wonder if they can just sleep in their vehicle at a rest area. Well, the answer is yes, but for how long depends on the state.
By Ian Patton
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Electric riding mowers have become seriously legit in the past few years, and there are now many options. We found four that buyers are especially happy with.
By Ian Patton
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Ree Drummond's home features a beautiful front porch with ornamental grasses, mums, and small pines -- here's how to recreate it for yourself.
By Ian Patton
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It might look pretty when it blooms, but there is one kind of pear tree that spells disaster for your yard. It's best to eradicate this tree before it spreads.
By Ian Patton
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It's easy to pass over southern Mississippi for the Big Easy. But stop awhile and check out this hidden gem on the coast that offers something for everyone.
By Ian Patton
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While many people think of Aspen or Whiteface Mountain for downhill sports, there is a charming destination 2 hours north of Chicago that shouldn't be missed.
By Ian Patton
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While prime viewing conditions recently allowed much of the U.S. to catch the northern lights, these spots are the best for their natural splendor and dark skies.
By Ian Patton
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This hidden gem in the Caribbean is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you're looking to book your next vacation, here's why this island is worth visiting.
By Ian Patton
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Ryobi tools are popular thanks to their interchangeable batteries and broad portfolio. But the mowers can be pricey. So it's worth knowing where they stand.
By Ian Patton
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If you're on a cross-country road trip but can't find a place to safely park for the night, you can steer your RV to a Costco instead -- but there's a catch.
By Ian Patton
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Wood pallets are a great source of inexpensive lumber, and if you are looking to build or rebuild your deck on a budget, try this easy pallet hack.
By Ian Patton
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If you're a fan of camping, hiking, and soaking in lots of natural beauty, then this state park in Southern Illinois will be right up your alley.
By Ian Patton
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While millions of people visit Niagara Falls, unbeknownst to most of them, there is a charming state park 5 miles upriver waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
By Ian Patton
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There are a number of parks in Alaska where you can view brown bears, but this island boasts nearly as many bears as humans, averaging one per square mile.
By Ian Patton
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This 518-mile trail along the eastern lakeshore of the Great Lakes is unforgettable, running from the Canadian border down into Pennsylvania.
By Ian Patton
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Discover this year-round New York destination that's an outdoor enthusiast's haven, surrounded by fly-fishing, river-rafting, hiking, and skiing spots.
By Ian Patton
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Massachusetts is the birthplace of the American Revolution, and if you want to dig into some US history and see some stunning nature, head here.
By Ian Patton
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A viral Reddit post of a bear dismantling a car shows just how dramatic online bear discourse can get — and what real encounters look like.
By Ian Patton
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As gardens wind down for winter, one fall plant can set the stage for a burst of color, giving your landscape an early edge when warm weather returns.
By Ian Patton
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