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The Best Cooking Gear for Camping

Devon Berry is a nursing professional based in the Pacific Northwest. He recently received his MBA from Western Governors University and has held executive leadership roles at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing, Wright State University, and Cedarville University. Devon Berry likes to spend time outdoors with his family, which sometimes includes camping.

When preparing for camping meals, there are many factors like style of camping—by car, RV, and backpack—and personal interest—food minimalist or gourmet— that play into the type of gear that’s brought along. However, there are a few qualities that all cooking gear must have in order to be worth its weight for the trip, such as being portable, easy to clean, and simple to stow away. No matter if you’re tent camping solo, or rolling into a KOA campground with the family, these essentials will get the job done. Read on for some of the best cooking gear for camping:

Knives and Cutting Board

Unless you plan on chopping all your food ahead of time, bring a couple knives and a cutting board that is sized appropriately for the portions you’re making. Opt for knives that have a sheath and can cut a variety of items, from bread to meat and a cutting board that is light but sturdy.

Dishware

It’s good to leave a campsite as good or better than you found it, and one of the best ways to do that is to bring your own dishes to minimize trash. Enamelware is a camping favorite because it is lightweight and durable, but other materials like polypropylene function just as well. You can easily find sets for four or one.

Frying Pan

Though cast iron skillets aren’t lightweight, they may be a worthy exception to the rule as they can withstand an open flame, are naturally non-stick, and versatile. However, for those who are backpacking or otherwise can’t afford to bring something as heavy, there are great non-stick options with a folding handle that can be stored away for easy travel.

3 Tips for Better Night Photography

An experienced academic nursing administrator, Devon Berry most recently served as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. He has also held executive positions at institutions such as Wright State University, University of Cincinnati, and Cedarville University. Devon Berry currently resides in Happy Valley, Oregon with his family and in his spare time likes to practice photography.

Most photographers prefer shooting in the natural light of day, however there is something special about capturing the character of a place once the sun goes down. Places that can seem mundane during daylight hours—a bridge, highway, or stadium,–can light up at night and take on a new energy. And thanks to digital photography, it’s easier than ever to take photos at night—with improved low light performance and digital previews that let you see your work in real-time. Below are three tips for better night photography.

Utilize a Slow Shutter Speed

A slow shutter speed (from 2-10 seconds) allows for proper exposure. It can also lead to cool effects like light trails and motion blur. Consider using a tripod as well, as images are more likely to turn out blurry when the shutter takes longer.

Use RAW File Format

JPEGs are an efficient use of your camera’s memory card as they take up little space, but they compress your images and leave you with less to work with in the post-editing process. By shooting in RAW file format, you are able to have greater control in the editing process, which makes the high contrasts that appear in night photos easier to manage.

Pack Accordingly

In many climates, temperatures drop at night and sometimes have drastic changes in precipitation. Dress in layers so you can add and subtract as needed and bring gloves with pull-back fingertips for better dexterity. Also bring a rain shell for your camera and an extra battery pack, as using a long exposure can drain its power.

The Best Dumbbells for At-Home Workouts

Devon Berry, PhD, RN, is an academic nursing leader based in Portland, Oregon. He most recently served as the executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. Devon Berry is currently training for the Portland marathon, which involves running a number of miles per week and incorporating cross-training workouts.

Many have taken their workouts into their own home due to pandemic-caused gym closures and corresponding distance and mask guidelines. While most gym equipment is hard to find a place for at home—like bulky leg press machines and treadmills—one of the easiest things to fit inside are dumbbells. Dumbbells are a great way to add resistance to build strength and improve balance. In fact, a study done by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that those who used free weights had better balance than those who used weight machines. Compared to a machine where you can rely on its structure to maintain form, when lifting dumbbells it’s up to your muscles to make sure you stay in alignment. Dumbbells have been in high demand since the pandemic started, which has caused their price to go up. However, there are still a few good buys on the market. Below are some of the best dumbbells for at-home workouts.

Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell

An efficient use of space, measuring just under 14” wide and 6” tall, this dial-to-adjust dumbbell delivers a wide range of weight, from 5.5 to 27.5 pounds, making it great for squats, overhead presses, and triceps extensions.

CAP Neoprene Dumbbells

These sets of dumbbells are covered in neoprene to help maintain a solid grip even with sweaty palms. The hexagonal shape is also good for doing compound movements like a pushup to row.

BalanceFrom All-Purpose Weight Set

Like an abbreviated barbell, these weights are adjustable, but take a little more time to do so than the aforementioned dial-to-adjust weights. Plates come in two sets of 2.5 and 7.5 pounds, maxing out at 20lbs per dumbbell, ideal for bicep curls or turkish get-ups.

The Best Workout Studios in Portland, Oregon

Devon Berry, PhD, RN, has spent over 20 years in higher education, most recently serving as the executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. He received his MBA from Western Governors University and has held leadership positions at Wright State University, and faculty positions at the University of Cincinnati, and Cedarville University. Devon Berry resides in Portland, Oregon with his family and strives to live a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising regularly.

Portland is known for its nearly limitless outdoor exercise opportunities including rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and wakeboarding. However, when the weather isn’t ideal—which, in a city where it rains nine months out of the year, happens often—it’s good to have a few indoor options to break a sweat. Here are some of the best workout studios in Portland, Oregon:

CityRow

With fast-paced, 30-45 minute classes, CityRow in the Pearl district uses water rowers to deliver a full-body workout that strengthens the core, hamstrings, glutes, and arms while being low-impact on joints. If unfamiliar with the rowing machine, take their fundamentals class and make sure to wear athletic shoes that can easily slip in and out of rowing machine foot straps. The studio has digital lockers to store your things, and offers pricing by class or month.

Planet Granite

Though technically more of a gym than a workout studio, Planet Granite in the NW industrial area offers a well-rounded assortment of classes and facilities that includes a weight room, rock wall, yoga, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. Other amenities include locker rooms with showers, towel service, and sauna. You can opt for day passes or monthly membership.

Modo Yoga

This studio on SE Grand offers a wide range of heated and non-heated classes for all levels and ages, from the beginner “Modo” hatha-based class to the advanced “Power Flow” vinyasa. There are spacious locker rooms with showers and drop-in class options as well as monthly memberships.

Thoughtful Questions to Ask at a Job Interview

Devon Berry is a healthcare professional living in the Pacific Northwest. He has over 20 years of executive leadership experience, most recently served as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing.

Having held multiple management positions in higher education, Devon Berry is well-acquainted with the hiring process. In a job interview, it’s easy to be so focused on answering questions that by the end, when the interviewer asks “do you have any questions for me?” you come up blank. By thinking of what you’d like to ask ahead of time, you’ll be able to leave a memorable impression and walk away from the interview more informed. Below are thoughtful questions to ask at a job interview.

About the job: What are challenges you expect the person in this position to face?

This will give you a sense of the unforeseen aspects of the job that you may not have gotten from the listing description. It can also give you a chance to speak to similar challenges you’ve dealt with in the past.

About your success: What do you hope this person accomplishes within the first year of the job?

If the employer has certain goals or pace of work, this question will help reveal their expectations and give insight on the learning curve you might experience.

About the company: What do you like most about working here?

Asking a question the interviewer can answer personally gives them a chance to show their energy and disposition regarding the company and give you a practical idea of what it’s like to work there.

What to Know Before Kayaking For the First Time

Devon Berry is a healthcare professional specializing in higher education, most recently serving as the executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. There he oversaw strategy implementation and provided senior leadership for the school’s six Advanced Practice Nurse Registration programs. Devon Berry lives in the Pacific Northwest with his family.

One of the great outdoor activities available in the Pacific Northwest is kayaking—you can do it with adults and kids, with breathtaking views of Mount Hood at Trillium Lake or right through downtown Portland on the Willamette River. For first timers, the sport can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never picked up a paddle or sat in a kayak. Consider signing up for a class or tour where equipment and instruction is provided. No matter what you choose, read on for what to know before kayaking for the first time.

Wear Clothes for the Water

No matter the weather—if it’s cold or hot—you want to first consider that you’ll be near water and will likely get wet, so avoid cotton and wear swimsuit bottoms or other moisture-wicking synthetic layers. Also bring sunglasses and sunscreen as the glare of the sun on the water can cause sunburn and limit visibility.

Practice Safety

Learn some of the basic hand signals and gestures that other kayakers use to communicate with each other, even from the shoreline. If you want to go down rapids, you should go with an experienced friend or instructor, and make sure to read up on safety tips beforehand, like the ones from Raft Masters.

Research the Location

Even if on a guided excursion, it’s good to look up the river or lake you’ll be kayaking on to get a feel for its layout and where you’ll be starting and stopping. Bring a physical map to keep with you in the kayak, since you’ll want your phone in a waterproof container or sealed bag.

The Best Healthy Packaged Snacks

Having recently completed his MBA at Western Governors University, Devon Berry has over 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional. He last served as the executive associate dean at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. Devon Berry currently resides in Happy Valley, Oregon with his family and considers health an integral part of their lifestyle.

Whether in the car or at the office, when hunger strikes and blood sugar levels drop, it’s good to have a healthy snack on hand to boost energy and satisfy cravings. An ideal snack is shelf-stable with some protein, which studies have shown increases your blood sugar gradually for sustained energy. There are classic go-tos like roasted almonds, jerky, and trail mix—but there are some newer packaged goods on the market that can add flavorful variety to your afternoon snack time, with simple ingredients and good nutritional value. Check out the best healthy packaged snacks, below.

Karma Nuts

Most cashews come packaged without their paper-like shell, but this brand leaves them on. The result is a nut that has more fiber (3 grams per serving) and retains more flavor, which can range from toasted coconut and peri peri (a chili lime mix) to turmeric.

Brami Lupini Beans

Another plant-based protein, Brami’s Lupini beans are legumes that aren’t dried, but marinated in simple ingredients like balsamic vinegar and sea salt. The packages are shelf-stable and must be refrigerated once open—but since they’re sized for a single serving, it’s easy to finish in one sitting.

Whisps Cheese Crisps

These dried cheese crisps pack 10-13 grams of protein per serving, depending on the flavor. With choices like parmesan, barbeque, and tomato basil, it’s easy to find something for whatever you’re craving.

3 Podcasts to Listen to While Working Out

Devon Berry, PhD, RN, is an experienced academic professional who recently spent four years as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. He received his MBA from Western Governors University and resides in Happy Valley, Oregon with his family. Devon Berry is currently training for the Portland marathon.

Training requires consistency, and when you’re six weeks into a workout routine and haven’t changed the songs on your playlist—it’s easy to get a little bored. Try switching it up with a mentally stimulating podcast that can help you get through long runs, pushups, and lunges with a laugh, learning lesson, or both. Here are three podcasts to listen to while working out:

New York Times Popcast

If your workout playlist consists mostly of top 40 pop music, this podcast hosted by New York Times pop music critic Jon Caramanica may be of interest for its insightful critiques of the current pop music landscape. Episodes cover a wide array of topics, some of which are deep dives on artist careers and genres, while others cover general themes appearing in the music industry today.

Boom/Bust

A narrative podcast documenting the rise and fall of companies and trends, the first season of this podcast hosted by reporter Alyssa Bereznak covers the rise and fall of the HQ Trivia app. Bereznak interviews employees, investors, and fans to conduct an intriguing investigation in manageable, 30-minute episodes.

Stuff You Should Know

For the generally curious, former editors Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant get to the bottom of a wide-range of topics, humorously tackling things like how sneezing works and the history of the mobile phone. Episodes last just short of an hour, and are released biweekly.

3 Tasty Fermented Foods to Fit Into Your Diet

Devon Berry is an academic nursing professional based in the Pacific Northwest. He has served four years as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing, where he oversaw strategy implementation and provided senior leadership for the school’s six Advanced Practice Nurse Registration programs. Devon Berry has over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry, and considers healthy eating a part of his lifestyle.

Many living a healthy lifestyle integrate fermented foods into their diet both for the taste and health benefits. Fermentation is an aging process that changes a food’s flavor and texture, often yielding something more rich, tangy, and nuanced. Studies have found that fermented foods contain probiotics and antioxidants that help support a healthy gut. Though some are turned off by fermented foods that contain mold, like blue cheese, there are plenty of other foods that have the probiotic and antioxidant benefits, without the moldy flavor or texture. Here are three tasty fermented foods to fit into your diet.

Miso

This Japanese fermented soybean paste has many uses beyond soup. Its neutral umami flavor lends itself to practically any dish, from stir-fry and salad dressing to smoothies and cookies. It is very salty, so use a little at a time.

Yogurt

Perhaps the most common fermented food, yogurt is a classic breakfast staple that can be incorporated into other meals as well. Use it in lieu of sour cream to top tacos or mix it with equal parts peanut butter to make a yummy dip for apples and berries.

Sauerkraut

Though a typical companion to bratwurst and potatoes, this fermented cabbage can be used to top salads or add into soups for a zesty flavor. When shopping, try to stay away from the ones with ingredients like sodium benzoate and bisulfate as they tend to yield a more chemical-like flavor.

3 Ways to Take Better Indoor Photos

Most recently serving as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing, Devon Berry, PhD, RN, has over 20 years of academic leadership experience. He has also worked in the Midwest, holding executive positions at Wright State University, University of Cincinnati, and Cedarville University. Devon Berry currently lives in Happy Valley, Oregon with his family and in his spare time, enjoys taking photos.

The indoors are a great place to practice photography because it can be done year-round and doesn’t require a big budget. However, shooting inside comes with its own set of challenges, as photographers have to deal with a mix of natural and artificial light, and light reflecting off windows and walls. Read on for three ways to take better indoor photos.

Avoid Flash

The camera’s flash will often give your subject a washed-out look indoors. If you’re looking to add more light, move closer to the natural light coming in from a window or set up lamps just around the frame of your shot.

Adjust White Balance

As most indoor settings have mixed lighting, with disproportionate natural and artificial light, it is likely your camera’s auto white balance preset won’t yield ideal photos. Play around with the other presets, such as “cloudy” when the image is too blue and “daylight/sunny” when the image is too warm.

Maximize the Location

While shooting indoors may seem boring, every room can provide interest if you’re looking for it. A bare room with neutral walls can be used for portraits or still life. A busy room can reflect your subject’s personality, or be the subject itself. Don’t ignore hallways or doorways either—both can provide interesting settings for your photos.