#Hiking headlamp

[wanderguidehub]

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Hikers

Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the avid hiker in your life? Look no further! We have curated the ultimate gift guide for hikers, filled with unique and practical gift ideas that will delight any outdoor enthusiast. Whether they are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these gifts are sure to inspire and enhance their hiking adventures. From gear essentials to cozy…

[nogenrealldrama]

I’m going hiking and was buying a headlamp. The model in the adult section had 4.5 hours of battery life while the girly pink-rainbows-and-unicorns one in the kids section had 28 hours of continuous use. I love the implication that while adults might spend an evening in a tent and call it a day, little girls apparently prefer to go completely feral and disappear from civilisation for weeks at a time.

[artemistorm]

Photos from my Hyrule. The ice storm did a lot of damage on our fave hiking spot through the forest. They've cleaned up most of the fallen trees off the trail but one fallen tree's root ball was on the path so we had to climb over it to get past.

[nordfjording]

i don't understand the need my sister (who lives in holland) feels to come to norway during the christmas week to attempt to roadtrip. they arrive in bergen tomorrow and are supposed to try to get to trondheim, meanwhile a bunch of roads are closed due to avalanches and cars aren't even staying on the open ones.

[moteldogs]

lost my switchblade and my headlamp in the span of two days. I have backups for both but what the fuck man. on the bright side the chow tent gave us ribs and green beans and apple pie for dinner tonight. 10/10

[jasonsmith8238]

Innovations in Lighting: Spotlight on RIMTHIN's Headlamp Assembly

The lighting fixtures industry is witnessing exciting advancements, and RIMTHIN is at the forefront with its innovative headlamp assembly. This cutting-edge product is designed to provide exceptional illumination and versatility for various applications, from outdoor adventures to professional uses.

RIMTHIN's headlamp assembly features state-of-the-art technology that ensures bright, efficient lighting while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design. Users can enjoy hands-free operation, making it perfect for tasks that require both light and mobility. The durable materials used in the construction guarantee longevity, even in challenging environments.

With RIMTHIN's commitment to quality and innovation, customers can trust that they are getting a reliable product that enhances their experience. Whether you're hiking, camping, or working in low-light conditions, RIMTHIN's headlamp assembly is an excellent choice that brings light to every adventure!

[crashoffersusa]

What is the Best LED Headlamp for Camping and Hiking in 2025?

When you're heading out for an adventure in the wilderness, a reliable headlamp is one of the most essential pieces of gear you can have. Whether you're camping, hiking, or engaging in any outdoor activity that requires hands-free lighting, finding the best LED headlamp for camping and hiking is crucial. But with so many options available on the market, how do you know which one will best suit your needs? An olight coupon code provides great savings on Olight's high-quality flashlights and headlamps. With a discount code, you can enjoy reduced prices on top-rated products, making your outdoor gear shopping experience more affordable. Stay tuned for updates on available codes.

In this blog post, explore the different features you should consider when choosing a headlamp for your outdoor adventures in 2025. We’ll dive into key aspects like rechargeable headlamps with long battery life, waterproof headlamps, bright headlamps, and much more to help you find the perfect fit.

Why You Need the Best LED Headlamp for Camping and Hiking

LED headlamps have come a long way over the years. They now provide superior brightness, long battery life, and increased durability—making them an indispensable tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s why you need one:

Hands-Free Convenience: The most obvious benefit of a headlamp is that it frees up your hands, which is essential when you need both hands for setting up camp, cooking, or navigating through trails.

Compact and Lightweight: Most headlamps are small, lightweight, and easy to store in your backpack, making them ideal for camping and hiking trips where space is limited.

Versatility: A high-quality headlamp can serve multiple purposes—whether it’s for reading a map, navigating a dark trail, or working in low-light environments.

In the following sections, we'll break down the key features to look for when selecting the best headlamp for your camping and hiking needs.

Rechargeable Headlamp with Long Battery Life for Outdoor Activities

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best LED headlamp for camping and hiking is its battery life. A rechargeable headlamp with long battery life for outdoor activities is ideal because you won’t need to worry about constantly changing batteries in the middle of your adventure.

Why choose rechargeable?

Eco-friendly: Rechargeable headlamps are more environmentally friendly than their disposable counterparts, as they eliminate the need for single-use batteries.

Cost-effective: While rechargeable headlamps might have a higher upfront cost, they’ll save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to buy replacement batteries.

Long-lasting: High-quality rechargeable headlamps are designed to last for hours, sometimes even days, depending on the brightness setting you use.

When selecting a headlamp, pay attention to its runtime at various brightness levels. For instance, many headlamps offer an impressive 100+ hours of battery life on the lowest setting, but this can be reduced significantly on the highest brightness setting.

Waterproof Headlamp for Running and Nighttime Sports

If you’re planning on using your headlamp for activities like running or cycling, it’s important to choose a waterproof headlamp for running and nighttime sports. Rain, snow, and other wet conditions are common during outdoor adventures, and a waterproof headlamp ensures that your lighting source will continue to perform in any weather.

Look for headlamps with an IPX rating (Ingress Protection rating). An IPX4 rating means the headlamp can withstand splashes of water from any direction, while an IPX7 rating means it can be submerged in water for short periods. For activities like running or hiking in unpredictable weather, a headlamp with at least an IPX4 rating is recommended.

Bright Headlamp for Working in Dark Environments

Whether you’re setting up camp after dark, repairing gear, or working on a late-night project, a bright headlamp for working in dark environments is essential. The brightness of a headlamp is measured in lumens, with more lumens providing a brighter beam.

For camping and hiking, headlamps that offer around 200-300 lumens are typically sufficient for most activities. However, if you plan on navigating particularly dark trails or performing intricate tasks in the dark, consider a headlamp that offers 500+ lumens. This level of brightness will give you a wide and far-reaching beam, ensuring you can see clearly in challenging conditions.

Comfortable Headlamp for Long-Distance Hiking Trips

For those embarking on long-distance hiking trips, comfort is key. You’ll likely wear your headlamp for hours, so a comfortable headlamp with an adjustable and breathable strap is essential to avoid fatigue or discomfort.

Key features to look for in a comfortable headlamp include:

Adjustable straps: A headlamp with adjustable straps ensures a secure fit without causing pressure on your forehead.

Lightweight design: The lighter the headlamp, the more comfortable it will be for extended wear.

Soft padding: Some headlamps come with soft foam or gel padding that provides additional comfort during long hours of use.

A comfortable headlamp is particularly important when you’re carrying a heavy load, as the extra weight on your head could cause discomfort or strain. Look for models that are known for their ergonomic design to ensure you can hike comfortably all day and night.

Lightweight Headlamp for Nighttime Jogging

If you’re someone who enjoys nighttime jogging, you need a lightweight headlamp that won’t bounce or feel heavy while running. The key here is to find a headlamp that is both lightweight and secure, with minimal movement while jogging.

A headlamp that weighs around 2-3 ounces is ideal for running. These models often feature a low-profile design that sits snugly on your head. Additionally, look for a headlamp with an adjustable beam to give you the flexibility to direct the light where you need it most as you run.

High-Performance Headlamp for Mountain Biking at Night

For those who enjoy mountain biking at night, a high-performance headlamp for mountain biking at night can be a game-changer. Mountain biking often takes place in rugged and uneven terrain, so a headlamp that provides clear, powerful lighting is crucial for safety and performance.

Look for features like:

Wide beam: A wide, even beam will allow you to see obstacles in your path without focusing too much on a narrow spot.

Adjustable brightness: Being able to switch between different brightness settings helps you conserve battery life when you don’t need as much light.

Durable design: A headlamp that is shock-resistant and can withstand the bumps and jolts of mountain biking is essential.

A high-performance headlamp should also have a long battery life to keep you illuminated throughout your ride.

Durable Headlamp with Multiple Brightness Settings for Outdoor Adventures

Durability is a top priority for any outdoor adventure headlamp. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or exploring, you need a headlamp that can withstand the elements and rough use. A durable headlamp with multiple brightness settings for outdoor adventures ensures versatility and reliability in any situation.

Key features to consider:

Shock resistance: Headlamps with shock-resistant housing can survive drops and bumps, making them ideal for rugged adventures.

Multiple brightness settings: Headlamps with several brightness levels give you the flexibility to adjust your lighting based on the environment, whether you need a dim light for reading or a bright light for navigating dark trails.

Long-lasting materials: Look for headlamps made from materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic, which can withstand wear and tear.

Rechargeable LED Headlamp for Emergency Preparedness

Another critical feature to consider is emergency preparedness. A rechargeable LED headlamp for emergency preparedness ensures you’re ready for power outages or unforeseen circumstances. Since it’s rechargeable, you won’t have to worry about running out of disposable batteries when you need them most.

Look for features like:

Long battery life: Opt for headlamps that offer extended battery life, especially on lower brightness settings.

Emergency mode: Some headlamps come with an emergency flashing or strobe mode, which can be used for signaling in distress situations.

Headlamp with Motion Sensor for Hands-Free Operation

If you’re working or moving in a hands-free environment, a headlamp with a motion sensor for hands-free operation can be incredibly useful. These headlamps allow you to turn the light on or off simply by waving your hand in front of the sensor, which is especially helpful when your hands are full or dirty.

FAQs: Headlamps

Q: How many lumens should my headlamp have for hiking? A: For most hiking activities, a headlamp with 200-300 lumens is sufficient. However, if you need a brighter beam for navigating dark trails or working at night, consider headlamps with 500+ lumens.

Q: Can I use a rechargeable headlamp in the rain? A: Yes, many waterproof headlamps are designed to withstand rain, snow, and even brief submersion in water. Look for headlamps with an IPX4 rating or higher for outdoor use in wet conditions.

Q: What is the best headlamp for emergency preparedness? A: A rechargeable LED headlamp with long battery life and an emergency flashing mode is ideal for emergency preparedness, ensuring you have a reliable light source during power outages or emergencies.

Conclusion

Choosing the best LED headlamp for camping and hiking in 2025 depends on a variety of factors, including brightness, battery life, weight, comfort, and durability. With so many great options available, the key is to find one that fits your specific needs—whether you're embarking on a long-distance hiking trip, mountain biking at night, or just need a reliable light for everyday tasks.

Investing in a rechargeable LED headlamp for emergency preparedness, a bright headlamp for working in dark environments, or a waterproof headlamp for running will ensure that you're well-prepared for any adventure. Prioritize comfort, durability, and performance to find the ideal headlamp for your outdoor activities.

St. Patrick's Day is coming up on March 17, 2025! It's a great time to celebrate Irish culture with parades, wearing green, enjoying festive food and drinks, and taking advantage of special sales and promotions. Are you planning anything for the day?

Read Below: St. Patrick's Day shopping deals

[hikercarl]

Night Hiking: Gear and Tips for Safe and Magical Adventures

Discover the magic of night hiking with our essential gear tips and safety advice. Experience the wilderness after dark and unlock a new world of adventure.

Night hiking is a magical and thrilling way to explore the outdoors. It’s perfect for both seasoned hikers and newcomers. This guide will give you the gear, safety tips, and advice you need for safe and memorable night hikes. From navigating in the dark to spotting wildlife, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share tips on how to stay energized and use GPS to stay on track. Get ready to unlock…

[iicraft505]

Watching a lot of these rescue type things I think I'm going to start hiking with stuff in case I get lost or injured because now I feel like it's goofy not to. Also never going on a boat wearing anything that could fill with water and pull me down and not wearing a life jacket because tbh to be honest it just seems stupid not to

[wanderguidehub]

Unbiased Black Diamond Spot Headlamp Review

Every outdoor enthusiast knows that a good headlamp is essential to any nighttime activity – from camping to hiking to even just walking the dog after dark. As someone who’s experienced the frustration of a flimsy, unreliable headlamp, I was thrilled to try out the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp on my recent camping trip. Spoiler alert: I was thoroughly impressed. In this review, I’ll be sharing my…

[carmen-art]

Roques de García Under the Milky Way (1) - Tenerife, Spain 2025

We spent an incredible night in Teide National Park on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, capturing the beauty of the Milky Way.

To get this shot, we woke up at 2:30 AM and drove for about an hour to reach Roques de García, a stunning collection of rock formations sitting around 2,100 meters above sea level. After a brief hike through volcanic terrain, lit only by our headlamps, we arrived at the formations and began our Milky Way photography session.

This image is a blend between a shorter exposure for the sky and a longer exposure for the foreground.

[dirtyvulture]

Pandora's Box

Tomb Raider!Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Enchantress!Reader

18+ only, read at your own risk

Summary: Natasha has spent years hunting the elusive Pandora’s Box, which many say doesn’t even exist. What happens when she not only finds it, but accidentally unleashes the sinister force hiding within?

Word count: 1736

AN: The people have asked, so I have delivered. Thanks to the anons for inspiring this one. Enjoy! :)

Image courtesy of @natromilf 

“Shit!”

The curse word echoes in the chamber, making Natasha feel like for once she’s not alone. She jumps back, barely in time for the ground beneath her feet to crumble and fall away into the dark abyss. She doesn’t even hear them land, surmising she must be several hundred feet above sea level now. Her path lit by the heavy but powerful headlamp strapped to her forehead, she moves more cautiously now.

“Latvia? Really, Nat?”

“It’s a beautiful country,” she defends, pushing Clint’s legs off the desk where he had his boots resting on her world map. “Besides, Slorenia doesn’t exist anymore. But historians say Latvia is one of the countries that absorbed it after the war in 1624.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little too obvious to search Slorenia or Latvia or whatever the hell it’s called now?” Clint asks. “Surely someone else has already gone looking there.”

“But I haven’t,” Natasha says. While her ego did go to her head sometimes, there was no denying she was one of the greatest archeologists and explorers of the modern day. With her years of research and experience, and a kickass team to support her, few ancient mysteries had stumped her yet.

But this one–the Pandora’s Box, as it was known in the archeological community, had sent Natasha spiraling for years. While the name was inspired from the Greek myth, there was discourse between scholars on how much of the story was rooted in reality. Natasha was deeply fascinated by its rich and dark history, and despite the protests from her team that she was chasing a fairytale, she continued to search for clues and leads.

She was determined to prove its existence and uncover the story behind it. If anyone was qualified to do that, she was.

The cave is humid and wet, but the air is heavy and fresh, as if there were not many living creatures to inhale it. Natasha feels more at ease as she hikes through the cave, marching along at a steady pace and keeping away from the edge of the narrow path that borders a cliffside. 

She’s unsure how deep the cave goes, or if she’ll even find what she’s looking for, but she’s certain she isn’t here by accident. Her teammate Steve had found an obscure news article dating a few years back of three Lativian teenagers who went exploring an unmarked cave, but were spooked out by a woman’s voice begging them to “set her free.” A team of police ventured in, but the cave was simply too large to conduct a proper search in a reasonable amount of time. No woman was ever reported being found in the cave since.

Natasha halts when her beam of light reveals a stone bridge, with a near ten-foot gap in the center. There’s no other way forward besides going back, and she doesn’t want to waste time with that. She tightens the straps of her backpack and practices taking a few large steps, then jumping off her right foot, bunching the muscles in her calf and thigh. 

She has one chance. 

A regular person would just turn back, or maybe use a rope to cross the gap. But not Natasha. She kept herself in superior physical shape for these adventures and had full confidence in her abilities. She goes up to where the bridge ends, peering over the edge for fun, and her stomach flips at the height of the drop. 

She can’t see the bottom.

Adrenaline pumps into her muscles and she mentally steels herself for the jump. She counts back six steps from the edge, taking a deep, calming breath, then runs full-tilt towards the gap. On the sixth step, she launches herself over the abyss, aiming to grab the exposed rebar jutting out like gnarled teeth on the other side. Her gloves protect her hands from scraping, but she stops with more impact than she anticipated and the rebar slips right through her right hand.

Her bodyweight tries to drag her down into the abyss, but she refuses to let it win. Staying calm, she finds a new hold amongst the rubble, shoving at it aggressively before she trusts it to hold her. With both hands now properly anchored, she slowly eases herself up and crawls onto the remains of the bridge, her heart pounding so hard against her chest she can see the visible thumping.

She drinks a few sips of water from her pack before she feels oriented enough to continue, more motivated than ever. 

“It can’t actually exist,” Steve says, sipping from a glass of Coke while Natasha and Clint nurse beers. “I mean, we’re talking about witchcraft. Supernatural stuff. There has never been scientific evidence for it, anywhere in the history of the world.”

“This could be the first then,” Clint says. He was always more of a believer than Steve was, but that was why Natasha liked working with them both. 

Steve shakes his head. “What makes this mystery so different from the others?” He directs his question to Natasha. “You’ve spent years looking for Pandora’s Box. I’ve seen you pass over cases in just a few months because you don’t think it’s worth pursuing. What makes this one different?”

Natasha stares into her beer as the white foam melts away. She wants to give him an articulate answer, but the truth is, she doesn’t really know. She was a second-year student in college when she was first introduced to Pandora’s Box, and had been intrigued ever since. Did it hold the solution to world peace, or was it just another instrument of destruction?

Natasha’s legs are heavy from the effort of an additional hour-long hike since she jumped across the gap in the bridge. She stops only to refuel with some protein bars and more water. She doesn’t know how much longer she should go on for until it’s time to turn back. As much as she’d like to, she can’t explore this cave forever. 

She comes to a fork in the path and contemplates her decision. The right path is open, and leads around a bend she can’t see after a hundred feet. The left path is covered by a rock ceiling barely above her own height.

“Go left.”

Natasha obeys the voice in her head without further hesitation. 

“They called her the Enchantress,” Clint reads from the textbook. “That much scholars can agree on. Everything else is pretty much up for debate. Some say that she could fly, move objects with her mind, or even tell other people what to do.” 

“All nonsense,” Steve dismisses. “No human being can do any of those things.”

“They never said she was human,” Natasha points out.

“Then what else could she be?” Steve asks. “A god? A witch?”

“An enchantress,” Clint repeats, slapping his hand on the textbook for emphasis.

“No such thing,” Steve insists. “She was just some poor kid who got killed in the war, and then the locals made up stories about her to scare invaders. And future historians, because no one can seem to agree on what really happened or where she ended up.”

Natasha clicks her tongue; she hates it when Steve simplifies the facts, even if they are accurate. But that isn’t the whole truth and they both know it. Natasha wants to learn who the “Enchantress” really was and if there was any justification to the horrors that made up her life.   

The narrow path suddenly widens into a large, circular room. In the center, is a pedestal, conveniently highlighted by a ray of sunlight pouring in through a hole in the ceiling. Natasha feels her stomach clench when she eyes a box atop the pedestal, barely bigger than a laptop, wrapped in rusting chains and intricate carvings. She tries approaching with caution, but the pull of curiosity is too great and she rushes to the pedestal for a closer look. The box is made of wood, the chains metal, and the engravings are painted over with gold.  

Natasha has enough sense to survey the room for any hidden doors, windows, or even people, before she touches the box, but she seems to be alone. She picks up the box delicately, wondering if the transfer of its weight will set off a trap. 

Nothing happens.

Tucking it against her chest, Natasha notes it’s not as heavy as she thought it would be, but the significance of what it might hold weighs like a metric ton on her mind. She steps away from the pedestal, and feels a tile depress under her foot.

A volley of rusty arrows shoot out of the wall from either side of her. A sharp pain radiates from her left thigh and her leg buckles. She throws her arms out to brace her fall and watches with immediate regret as the box tumbles to the floor faster than she can catch it. 

The box lands on a corner and Natasha hears the wood crack. The chains might as well have been for show at the way they disintegrate and the lid flies open. A blinding light white fills the room and Natasha curls into a ball on the ground, her eyes squeezed shut.

“Enchantress.” Natasha hears a soft whisper, so faint she thinks she’s imagined it. She’s too scared to open her eyes and curls up tighter. 

“Pretty little thing,” the voice says, with a slight accent she can’t place. “Thank you.”

Natasha swears a hand, solid and hot, presses against her cheek for a moment, leaving her skin burning. Then the white light extinguishes as suddenly as it appeared. She hesitantly cracks one eye open, then the other.

She’s still alone in the dark, damp room. Blood soaks her pant leg where the arrow tore through her flesh. The box lays open, empty, next to her. She touches her cheek, which is flushed with heat but she’s unsure if it’s from her own blood flow pounding beneath her skin.

The silence feels never-ending as she sits there, staring at the box. She can’t believe she dropped it, but more so that it was completely empty. Or was it? Natasha knows something is wrong, an unexplainable shift in her gut that she can’t interpret in the moment.

She quickly bandages her leg, then reaches for the box, closing it up pointlessly and limping out of the cave.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN: Just wrote something short to test the waters, so let me know if you'd like me to continue :)

Read Part 2 here!

Please like, reblog, and comment! Follow for more content. 🥰

[nordickies]

PLEASE PALEASE PLEEEASE NORWAY HEADCANONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Norway is a reliable and trustworthy guy in all situations — the kind of friend you want to hold onto with your life. His honest yet genuine approach tends to leave a lasting impression on people, and he’s viewed very positively. Everybody wants to claim him as their best friend.

Norway seems like he’s living the ideal healthy lifestyle — frequent sports and plenty of time outdoors — but his diet is absolutely horrific. This man seems incapable of buying normal ingredients and making normal food out of them. Among many of his food crimes, he could genuinely eat waffles for every meal.

He’s one of those insane people who puts on a headlamp and reflective gear to go for a run at 5 AM (no matter the weather or season) because “it’s more peaceful” when there are no people around. Yes, his neighbors think he’s insane.

Whenever he has time off, he retreats to his mountain cabin to recharge his batteries.

He’s frugal when it comes to many things. For example, he still knits his own sweaters so as not to “waste” money on them. Yet he’ll wear insanely expensive outdoor gear and windproof jackets without seeing any problem with it.

Along with his sporty side, Norway also has musical talent; he plays the violin.

He’s perhaps the most adventurous of the Nordics. Well-traveled and surprisingly knowledgeable about other cultures. Unfortunately, he's bad at keeping in touch. He might be hiking in South America or somewhere off-grid if you don’t hear from him for a while. There's basically no place left on this planet that he hasn't visited at some point, not even Antarctica.

He’s rather reserved, which some may interpret as unfriendliness or emotional coldness. But really, Norway just prefers to keep to himself, avoiding bothering others or standing out — which can make him difficult to approach.

Norway makes a conscious effort to be respectful, often avoiding situations that could feel awkward for either party. Around strangers, he keeps his social interactions formal and brief. But once he's drunk, he’ll open up more than usual, only to be hit with crushing embarrassment the next day for letting his guard down.

[ren14554]

Want to start from the beginning? Chapter 1

**Warning: Mature/Sexual content. Read with caution**

Eternal

Chapter 21: Mexico - Reverence

"How do these look?" Sarah asks, propping her foot on one of the low benches. She proudly showcases a pair of sturdy yet stylish hiking boots, slamming the sole down to emphasize their durability.

They had made it to an adventure supply store, one that John B had tracked down on the internet a short drive from their Airbnb. It smelled of fresh rubber and canvas and was filled with rows of backpacks, tents, and camping essentials for the day-and-a-half excursion Pope had surmised.

Standing beside Sofia, arms crossed, Rafe barely glances at Sarah's boots before scoffing. "You're not making a fashion statement. You need practicality."

Sarah shoots him an unimpressed look. "I can look good while making sure it's functional for me," she argues, chin tilting up.

A few feet away, Kiara and Cleo exchange amused glances, muffling their laughter.

Sofia smirks, glancing between the siblings. "To be fair, Rafe’s got a point. Your feet will hate you if you choose the wrong ones."

Sarah gestures toward her choice. "They're waterproof, have ankle support, and are cute. Best of both worlds."

Rafe huffs, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet," Sarah singsongs, lifting her foot again before dramatically spinning on her heel, "I'm still going to be the one with better-looking feet by the end of this."

Already sifting through another rack of boots, John B doesn't look up as he vocalizes, "As long as no one complains about sore feet, we'll all survive."

"I can get behind that." Cleo chimes in.

Sofia picks up a pair of boots, testing their weight in her hands. Rafe lingers near her, then nudges her with an elbow, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

"You're not gonna make me carry you if you pick the wrong ones, are you?"

She scoffs, tossing him a look. "Please, I'll be carrying you."

His mouth quirks up at the corner, and for a moment, it feels like they're back to months ago before everything got hard, when teasing each other was an afterthought. Rafe moves on, shifting to another section of boots, but Sofia shakes her head, pretending her heart didn't just stutter.

At checkout, the cashier barely spares them a glance as she scans through their pile—hiking boots, tents, water filters, headlamps, and whatever else Pope deemed necessary. The total flashes on the screen, and for a brief second, Sofia catches Rafe's hesitation. His fingers grip the credit card just a little too hard, jaw tightening as something unreadable flickers across his face before he hands it over.

When the receipt prints, he shoves it in his pocket, shoulders stiff as he grabs one of the bags. And honestly, regardless of how pissed she was at him—not that she is anymore—Sofia can't help but check on him.

"You good?" she asks, voice casual as she slides up beside him.

Rafe barely glances at her, adjusting the bag's weight in his grip. "Yeah."

Liar.

"Liar."

He ignores her, but there's the slightest shake of his head. She doesn't push; she lets the silence stretch as they walk.

A few blocks from their rental, she tries again. "You sure everything's okay?"

"A middle-aged man ran off with almost half a million of my money. My dad's legacy is currently down nearly three hundred grand. And I'm stuck in Mexico searching for what... treasure? Eternal life?"

She stays quiet.

"Not really going how I imagined the last two months."

"Maybe not. But in what world would you ever imagine you'd be chasing a potential supernatural life-altering discovery?"

"I know how the last few treasure hunts ended for me." He exhales. "Not confident this one's gonna be any different."

"Rafe Cameron without confidence? I don't know him."

He glances at her. Almost wary.

She doesn't press, just offers a small smile. They walk silently the rest of the way, but it's not as heavy as before.

Content in just being.

~~~~~

The new rental Jeep—retrieved by John B and Pope, who have zero regard for legalities or alternative options—sits parked and ready, gassed up for the seven-hour drive inland. They didn't hesitate. Didn't second-guess. This was it. One way or another, they were doing this.

The town they're heading to is about thirty minutes from the lake Pope swears is the one depicted in the Mayan temple. They'd sat around the old wooden table this morning with a flimsy paper map from the local store, tracing and retracing the same route, cross-checking it against John B's scribbled notes from the museum.

Sofia just hopes they're right.

Because once they hit the trails, there's no cell service. No backup. No lifeline.

The thought lingers, settling uneasily in her stomach. The what-ifs are stack ling up too fast. What if they're wrong? What if they don't find anything? What if Groff finds them first?

Sarah had told her what happened back at the pyramid—when they finally faced Groff in person for the first time in weeks, how he had brazenly ordered Dalia's men to fire near Rafe. Not at him—near him. A calculated warning. It was close enough to rattle, unnerve, and remind them who held the power.

Sofia hadn't been there. But just hearing about it made her heart sink. Still does.

Loading up isn't much of a fanfare. They move fast in the thick early afternoon heat, fueled by the need to get out of here, to put some distance between themselves and this place. A new town, a new place might not be a clean slate, but at least it's something.

She keeps an eye on Rafe the entire time. He doesn't smile much, but there's something in the way he moves—more focused. He cracks a few sarcastic jokes under his breath, the kind that ripples through the group in small waves. Pope huffs a laugh. Sarah rolls her eyes. Even John B, who's had more than enough reasons in the past to keep his distance, snorts at a few of them.

To Sofia, it feels like Rafe's coming back into his own. Like some part of him— the previously worn parts—has started to mend.

She watches as he helps Sarah with her pack, lifting the overstuffed bag into the back of the Jeep like it's nothing. The way his gaze flicks toward her—just a second, just to make sure she's good—lingers longer in Sofia's mind than it should. And when John B starts wrestling with the growing pile of gear, trying to Tetris everything into place, and Rafe, without a sigh or a single complaint, steps in to help.

John B thanks him. No animosity. Not even a blink of surprise.

Maybe Rafe's not doing as bad as she thought.

Either way, the Jeep is packed, the doors slam shut, and with one last glance at the town fading in the rearview, they proceed forward into whatever's to greet them next.

~~~~~

The drive feels long, the roads narrowing as they trek further inland. It would've felt shorter back in the States, where highways cut clean through cities, where civilization never felt so distant. But here, there's nothing but miles of dense, untouched green. The trees stretch high on either side of the cracked, sun-bleached road, the terrain growing wilder, more untamed. It's the kind of landscape that swallows, leaving only the engine's hum and the occasional bump of tires over uneven pavement.

Sofia sits behind Rafe, watching the back of his head and the shift of his shoulders every time he leans an arm against the door. It's stupid how aware she is of his presence. How much space he takes up just by existing.

She leans back, resting her head against the seat, watching the jungle blur past.

About three hours in, they stop at a small town—one of those places that barely exists on the map, where locals eye them warily but don't seem surprised by outsiders passing through. A few market stalls line the street, and the smell of cooking meat drifts from an open-air food stand on the corner.

Sofia feels the Jeep jolt as John B shifts it into park. He swings out of the driver's seat first, stretching with a groan.

"Gas and food. We need both."

Pope, already scanning the town, nods. "And water. I really want some water right now."

Rafe as he steps out of the Jeep, holds out his hand for her to steady herself with as she jumps down onto the uneven gravel. Hand warm in hers. Brief.

He doesn't say anything, just shoves his hands into his pockets, scanning their surroundings with that careful, unreadable look he always gets when they're somewhere new. Not tense, exactly, but watching. Sizing things up.

He always does that—like he can't fully relax no matter where they go, like something in him is wired to be on edge.

Sofia tells herself she isn't watching him. Not really.

But she notices everything. How his gaze lingers on the locals, how his shoulders stay taut even as he walks toward the gas station with John B. Not suspicious, not hostile, just… aware.

She exhales, rolling her shoulders as she steps onto the uneven pavement. The air here is thick, clinging to her skin, the jungle pressing close in a way that makes her stomach tighten.

The group naturally separates—John B and Rafe heading for the gas station, Pope making a beeline for the nearest market stall, and Sarah stepping toward the tiny convenience store.

She lingers a second longer by the Jeep, her gaze drifting past the edges of the town to where the road disappears into green nothingness. Just beyond that, somewhere deep in the rainforest, is whatever they're chasing.

She just hopes they’re all ready for it.

~~~~~

They finally make it to their rental in a small town, a bit off the beaten path but surprisingly well-kept for being farther from the much larger populous cities. The house is a little rough around the edges—worn paint, creaky floorboards—but cleaner than any of them had anticipated. They shuffle through the doorway, the weight of travel hanging heavy on their shoulders, and quickly divide up sleeping arrangements, all in agreement that sleep is the only decision.

Sofia finally gets into bed just after eleven, exhaustion clinging to her limbs. She sinks into the mattress, clicking off the bedside lamp and letting the room fall into darkness, a dull light from the moon casting shadows. The quiet hum of the outdoors settles around her as she snuggles beneath the covers, shifting until she finds a comfortable position.

A short, light knock rasps against the bedroom door.

"Yeah," she whispers, loud enough for her voice to carry.

The door softly creaks as it opens.

"Hey," Rafe murmurs.

She turns her head, eyes adjusting to the darkness, making out the shadow of him leaning in through the cracked doorway. Blinking against the darkness, she clicks the lamp back on. A soft yellow glow bathes the room, illuminating his face. His blue eyes squint slightly, adjusting to the sudden brightness.

"Hey?" she echoes, propping herself up on her elbows, brow raised.

"You need anything?"

She studies him in the dim lighting, her hazel eyes locking onto his blue, searching for something beneath the surface. Slowly, she shakes her head.

"Just let me know—"

"Rafe…"

He stops speaking. His hand lingers on the doorknob, fingers twitching.

"Yeah?"

"I'm proud of you." She sits up.

His lips part slightly, brow furrowing.

She means it. Rafe doesn't open up easily, not with most people. With her? More than not, but never all the time. With Kiara, though, with someone who sees him and has experienced a completely different side than her, no. And yet, he did.

He shuffles further into the room, cautious.

"For?"

"Sarah and I overheard you the other night. With Kiara."

His expression shifts, his eyes darting to the floor. He exhales sharply. "Ah. That."

"That," she affirms.

Silence stretches between them longer than it should, but it isn't uncomfortable. It's a pause filled with understanding, with the unspoken weight of everything left between them. She has always appreciated their relationship—the ability to just exist together without the need to fill every moment with words.

"How do you feel now?" she asks softly.

She doesn't move as he fully steps into the room. And she doesn't protest when he closes the door behind him—after all, the others are sleeping. It's only considerate.

"Better."

She nods, waiting, sensing there's more. He doesnt quite continue.

"Is there anything else?" she asks as he inches closer to the bed.

After a few moments of staring silently at each other, he sits on the edge like he's testing the waters. She allows it. 

"I'm sorry." 

She doesn't speak.

"I agreed—no more lies, no more secrets. And yet, I kept the ones I hated the most." He exhales, running a hand through his hair. "And of all people, Kiara was brave enough to say something."

"I owe her," Sofia admits.

Rafe's face falls slightly at her words. But it's true. She can't ignore that, without Kiara, she might never have learned these things about him. He never would have wanted her to. So, in a way, she owes Kiara a debt of gratitude for removing the slightly tinged rose-colored glasses from her view of him. 

"Yeah," Rafe mutters, his voice low, picking at a loose thread unraveling from the comforter. His gaze lifts back to hers. "I can't say there aren't more things in my past that I haven't thought of yet. There's a lot, unfortunately. But I think the worst of it, you now know. And how that changes your view of me… I'll live with it."

She exhales slowly. Listening.

"I just… I love you and—"

Fuck it.

She can't help herself. 

Her hands find the back of his neck, pulling him toward her in one swift motion, launching herself at him all the same.

His hands react instantly, gripping her, fingers digging into the soft flesh of her bare thighs as he lifts her onto his lap. Instinctively, she tightens her knees around his hips, their mouths meeting messily. Almost bruising in nature.

She doesn't know how long they stay like that, attached. Fused together, moving together. 

"Sof—" Rafe groans into her mouth as she grinds her hips down softly again, the growing bulge in his jeans pressing against her in a way that makes her stomach tighten. She cradles his head between her hands, fingers slipping into the short hair at the back of his head, scratching lightly.

She breathes him in—his scent, his touch, the way his hands grip her thighs with just enough force to make her shiver. He pulls her hips against his, once, twice, until the friction has her gasping.

She barely registers, pulling herself away from him, her mind clouded. His hands trace up her back, warm against her skin, slipping beneath the hem of her shirt. She lets him lift it, raising her arms. He bunches it up and chucks it away. Her chest is bare. 

Rafe never once hesitates. His eyes search hers first before his hands cup her face, guiding her back into him. She lets him. She lets him shove his tongue in, hands run ragged over her bare skin. She lets him in. 

"Off," she breathes against his lips, her hands moving to the hem of his shirt, fingertips sliding up his chest.

He follows her lead, lifting his arms to let her tug it over his head before gripping her waist and pulling her closer again. Their mouths fusing together, urgent… desperate. She traces her fingertips across his torso, teasing, reveling in the way he shudders beneath her touch.

She feels hot all over, a fire that spreads rapidly as his lips trail down her neck, his tongue flicking against the pulse point just beneath her jaw. Her body shivers, overwhelmed by the push and pull of his hands, his mouth, the way he alternates between rough and impossibly soft.

A moan slips from her lips—soft, unintentional, but enough to startle them both.

She pulls back, breath heavy. She could stop. Be rational. Tell him this isn't going to happen. But she'd be lying to herself.

"Condom?"

Rafe stills, blinking at her, then exhales, eyes half-lidded, "Not really carrying one on me at the moment." He captures her lips briefly.

Disappointment flashes in her expression, her brain reluctantly catching up to reality.

"But," he murmurs, lifting her off his lap with ease, "maybe they have some."

She watches as he strides to the bathroom, disappearing inside. The distant shuffle of cabinets being searched fills the silence. She leans over, grabbing his discarded shirt, covering herself momentarily.

Her libido is raging.

He pops back out of the bathroom carrying a small box. 

"What are the odds this random Airbnb just happens to have a box of condoms?" he muses, stepping back toward the bed. He towers over her as he hands her the box. "It's in Spanish."

She flips the package over, searching for the expiration date. Her heart hammers against her chest.

"Still good?" Rafe asks, voice dropping lower as he leans in, the warmth of his breath skimming her neck. His fingers ghost along her waist, sending a shiver through her. Before she can answer, his lips find hers again, stealing whatever words were about to form on her tongue. The kiss is deep, searing—designed to distract. And it does. Completely.

When they pull back, her breath is uneven, her chest rising and falling against his. She nods. He plucks his shirt from her and drops it back on the floor. 

His hand cups her neck, thumb tracing slow, deliberate circles beneath her jawline. Blue eyes search hers, flickering with something unreadable.

"Are you sure?" he murmurs.

Sofia bites her lip, nodding without hesitation.

His thumb presses lightly against her chin, coaxing her swollen lip free from her teeth before he leans in again, kissing her with slow deliberation—one of those everything-you-want kind of kisses. Toes curled, breath caught, eyes rolled. 

And he does it again as he lays her down, as he peels away her underwear, as he struggles momentarily with his own jeans and briefs, muttering something under his breath that makes her smile against his lips. As he rolls the condom on, pressing another kiss to her bare shoulder, he doesn't rush a single movement.

He kisses her like it's life itself, like he needs it more than air, and she has no complaints.

He's slow with it and sweet and rough. His lips trail down Sofia's neck before biting at the soft spot where her neck meets her shoulder, making her gasp as he finally sinks into her.

An inhale is all she can manage before her hands find his back, nails dragging along the expanse of his shoulder blades, needing something to hold onto.

Rafe groans, the sound low and guttural, his breath warm against her skin. His fingers skim down her ribs, light, and teasing, before settling on her waist, gripping tightly. He shifts, adjusting her beneath him, his touch rough yet reverent, like he wants her exactly the way he has her now.

And then he moves.

His hips roll into hers, sharp, precise, stealing the breath right from her lungs.

His lips claim hers again, slow this time, a contrast to the pace he sets. Sofia tries to match it, to meet him in the middle, but the pleasure unravels her too fast, leaving her pliant underneath him.

Her mouth parts, gasping against his lips.

He, ever the pleaser, drags his lips down her collarbone, across her chest, pressing open-mouthed kisses to every inch of skin he can find. When he speeds up, she feels it everywhere, the coil inside her tightening, stretching unbearably close to breaking.

"Rafe," she groans softly, her fingers curling against the muscles of his back, her body arching.

He takes the opportunity, trailing a hand between them, his hips and fingers moving in tandem. A few long, excruciatingly perfect moments later, the tension inside her snaps.

Everything disappears.

Her breath catches, her body tensing, then unraveling all at once. A rush of warmth spreads through her veins, euphoria and endorphins, lighting up every nerve ending, clouding her thoughts.

Rafe follows soon after, his movements turning erratic as he stutters, his head falling against her shoulder, his breath hot and heavy against her skin.

Sofia brushes a soft hand down his spine, soothing as his hips slow, their ragged breathing the only sound in the dimly lit room.

They just exist in the aftershock, tangled together, chests rising and falling against each other.

Neither of them speaks for a long moment.

————————————

After a minute or two, their breaths slow in unison, syncing naturally. The lingering heat between them fades into something softer. 

Sofia is the first to move. She leans away, slipping from his arms and over the side of the bed, reaching for his discarded shirt. Rafe watches her closely, searching for any flicker of regret, any shift in her expression that might signal second thoughts. But in the dim light, her face remains unreadable.

She pulls the fabric over her head, slipping from his grasp completely as she stands. Without a word, she disappears into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Shutting him out.

Rafe exhales, running a hand through his hair. He waits. Listens. The faint sound of water running and the floorboards creak as she moves inside. He cleans himself up, letting the minutes stretch. Two. Five. Ten.

This is probably his cue to leave. To slip out quietly, with as little fallout as possible. He's already intruded—on her rest, on her solitude.

With that thought, he pushes himself upright, reaching for his briefs first, then his jeans. He steps into them, fastening the button deliberately.

"Where are you going?"

Her voice startles him. Soft. A little accusatory.

He turns. Sofia stands in the doorway, arms crossed over his shirt, bare legs peeking out from underneath.

"I, uh—" he hesitates, choosing his next words carefully. "Was gonna give you some space."

Her brow furrows. "Why?"

He shifts on his feet. "I figured maybe—"

"That I'd want to be alone after that?"

The air in the room shifts—something heavy settling between them.

She swallows, "I don't wanna be."

His eyes snap back to hers. "What?"

"Alone." She takes a few slow steps forward. "I don't wanna be alone."

Her fingers find the waistband of his jeans, undoing the button again, tugging the zipper down. The small, intimate sound echoes in the quiet room. But it's her touch that undoes him completely—her hands shifting up, cupping his face, thumbs skimming along his cheekbones with a tenderness that makes his chest ache.

"I want you right here."

His breath hitches. He searches Sofia's gaze, looking for hesitation, for doubt. But there is none.

She lets go, stepping around the bed to pull on her underwear as he exhales, letting his jeans drop. He steps out of them once more; the decision is final, easy.

The silence that follows isn't awkward. It's comfortable. Familiar. It's almost domestic how they both peel back the covers and slip beneath them again.

She reaches for him, fingers curling around his bicep in a gentle tug. An invitation. He moves without hesitation, shifting closer until his legs press against hers, his chest warm at her back. One arm tucks beneath his head while the other drapes around her waist, pulling her in.

She laces her fingers through his. Sighs as she settles.

Minutes pass. The room is silent, save for their breathing, slow and steady.

Then, softly—

"I love you."

Rafe exhales deeply. Closes his eyes.

"I love you."

He presses a kiss to her shoulder, lingering.

Fuck. If he isn't absolutely, completely, irrefutably in love with this woman.

Despite everything—despite the weight lingering in the air and thoughts that could haunt him if he let them—he drifts off faster than he has in months.

Lulled by the warmth of her body against his. By the steady rise and fall of her breath.

The best damn sleep he's had in months.

————————————

Next part: Chapter 22