Expertise
Hiking & Trekking, Kayaking, Camping
- Laura has completed multiple thru-hikes worldwide, including the Annapurna basecamp trek in Nepal, Tiger Leaping Gorge in China, and the Mount Chenrezig Tibetan pilgrimage circuit trek in Sichuan.
- She loves spending time outside and appreciating nature, whether on a kayak or while walking, camping, or sitting by the bonfire with a nice cup of hot coffee.
- Laura's life goals include trekking to the base camps of all 14 eight-thousanders and visiting every national park in the United States.
Experience
Laura has always enjoyed hiking, and her passion for the outdoors first started in the state parks of Northern Illinois. However, it wasn't until she left her comfort zone and moved to China that her true love of backpacking and thru-hiking fully developed. She finds nature breathtaking and awe-inspiring and believes nothing clears her mind and makes her feel whole, like being in the mountains. Laura also enjoys stargazing and traveling to dark-sky locations to enjoy the view of the constellations and planets above.
Education
Laura has a bachelor's degree in international business and management from Drake University. She also speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese and beginner Hindi.
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Mount San Antonio, commonly known as Mount Baldy, is an incredibly popular California mountain for hiking. That said, it also happens to be extremely dangerous.
By Laura Zbinden
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There is so much gorgeous flora and fauna, it can be hard to be experts on what's best for long term planting, but here's why you may regret planting this bush.
By Laura Zbinden
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It's great when things have multiple unexpected uses, like how you can clean your camping cooler with the help of this indigestion medicine.
By Laura Zbinden
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If you have little kids running around in your yard but still want to make full use of your grill, consider this genius pool noodle hack.
By Laura Zbinden
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If your charcoal grill just won't start, this unassuming kitchen item will help you get those flames going.
By Laura Zbinden
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Nepal is home to a number of multi-day hikes that offer breathtaking views. The Annapurna base camp trek, in particular, is a must-do for adventure seekers.
By Laura Zbinden
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Each season of "Survivor" takes unexpected twists and turns, including seasons where weather conditions were so brutal all contestants were evacuated.
By Laura Zbinden
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Avoid the frustration of running out of gas while in the middle of cooking by trying this quick and easy trick for checking your grill's propane tank content.
By Laura Zbinden
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Med checks are an important part of wilderness survival show "Alone," but there are some details behind these life-saving check-ups you might not know about.
By Laura Zbinden
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One "Survivor" contestant in Season 45 realized early on she had to leave. To do so, she forced her premature exit, leaving viewers with theories as to why.
By Laura Zbinden
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Competing on Survivor isn't easy, and some players do much better than others. Here is the fan-favorite contestant who has spent the most time on the show.
By Laura Zbinden
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If you're firing up your grill this summer, you probably want to give the grates a quick clean. Here's how to do so with this one kitchen staple.
By Laura Zbinden
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Discovering that everything in your cooler has gotten warm can be disheartening. Here's how to use one pantry staple to keep your food cold while camping.
By Laura Zbinden
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"Naked and Afraid" is well-known for the hostile conditions its contestants go through. So, what's the shortest amount of time a player has competed?
By Laura Zbinden
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The most popular hiking trails in the Himalayas can be quite crowded. If you want a more rugged experience, this little-known hike should be on your list.
By Laura Zbinden
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Jeff Probst has been witness to some crazy stunts while on "Survivor." In fact, there's one stunt he participated in that almost proved fetal.
By Laura Zbinden
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Some states, like California and Washington, should come as no surprise to be popular camping destinations. That said, have you ever wondered about the worst?
By Laura Zbinden
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Mount Whitney is a popular hiking destination, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. Here's what to know before embarking on a hike there.
By Laura Zbinden
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There are a few inherent dangers for "Survivor" contestants who compete in the wild, but here's one dangerous aspect of the show you don't see.
By Laura Zbinden
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Les Stroud has had some tough and potentially deadly experiences on "Survivorman," but one particular expedition had him seriously worried for his life.
By Laura Zbinden
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Backyard decks are not only attractive but they make a great place to entertain. Check out our non-slip hacks to keep your deck safe after rain.
By Laura Zbinden
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An overgrown yard can be an overwhelming task to deal with. Here's the simple yard maintenance tip HGTV's Erin Napier swears by to tackle a big landscaping job.
By Laura Zbinden
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Many people love camping and being in nature, but we still want slithering snakes to stay our of our campsites. Here are the best ways to keep them at bay.
By Laura Zbinden
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"Survivor" has evolved a lot over the last two decades, with the show regularly tweaking its rules. Here's why contestants get less food now than they used to.
By Laura Zbinden
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It's pretty common to see dogs accompanying their people on hikes but why should dogs have all the fun? Here's how to train your house cat to be a hiking cat.
By Laura Zbinden
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Finding a tick on your body is both revolting and worrisome since they carry disease, but spraying this chemical on your clothing can help keep them away.
By Laura Zbinden
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Since the show premiered in 2000, "Survivor" has been filmed in myriad locations worldwide, but there's one place where it will likely never be filmed at again.
By Laura Zbinden
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