The past winter was so brutal that only the thought of a week-long hike through hell could keep Scott Gauvin warm. Gauvin, 37, of Springfield, IL, is one of 14 outdoor bloggers from all over the country to undertake the six-day Hell Hike and Raft — named for the trip through the Seven Devils mountain range and the Snake River running through Hell’s Canyon in Idaho. It begins Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014.

Planning began during one of the bleakest winters in recent memory. “This is what we were discussing last winter when it was too cold to do anything else,” Gauvin said. “It’s what kept me warm inside.”

Throughout the excursion, Gauvin and the group will document their experiences on social media and their personal blogs. They will also be testing equipment provided through various sponsors.

Gauvin has been an outdoors blogger for about five years, but he’s been an outdoors enthusiast his whole life. An Eagle Scout and avid camper, he spends as much time as he can outdoors.

“If I could spend all day outdoors, I would,” he said. “I just feel the most comfortable … it’s where I like being. I hate being cooped up inside.”

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