Best shoes for water crossings?
My opinion on the best shoes for water crossings. Read More …
Author: Paul Mags
Bear spray canister copy/pasta
More people insist they need bear spray when venturing into black bear country because “it is better to have it and not need it.”—my boilerplate response. Read More …
Checking in with a friend
A quick overnighter in our local peaks. I roamed around the other portion that did not suffer fire damage. Read More …
Review – Wildland Coffee bags
A look at some coffee bags that’s a notch above my usual backcountry coffee fare Read More …
The Trek – Backcountry Campfires : A relic of the past
The Trek published my thoughts on backcountry campfires. Happy to have a larger and different audience discuss this important issue. Read More …
San Juans Solo
Some solo time in the San Juan mountains over the 4th of July holiday. Read More …
San Juans Solstice
Backpacking in the San Juans over the solstice weekend. Read More …
Ending campfire romanticism
I’ve made a case that campfires belong in the past with other practices. And to make that change, we need to change the culture around campfires—some thoughts. Read More …
Into the Abajos
Escaping the fires, smoke, and heat by going to the Abajo Mountains. Read More …
To NOT build a fire
Why backcountry campfires should no longer be a regular part of the backpacking experience. Updated with modified views. Read More …
Quick Tip – Get an emergency air compressor
A must-have item for anyone traveling to trailheads away from mobile device coverage. Read More …
Into the La Sals
Escaping the desert heat by hiking in our backyard mountains. Read More …
Dinosaur Nat’l Monument – With the Boulder Clan
First time seeing some friends since pre-COVID! A long weekend of hiking and camping in Dinosaur National Monument. Read More …
Birthday Bash – Desert to Mountains
A few days backpacking with friends and then spending the rest of the weekend hiking and camping with Joan. Two different environments but two enjoyable times. Read More …
Poking around Price
A mellow weekend of camping and hiking north of us in a quiet area. Read More …
Gear Review – SMD Pack Pods
At ~1 oz for the 7 liters (large) pod, Six Moon Designs pack pods make a light, affordable, and inexpensive alternative to most stuff sacks or ditty bags. Read More …
Above the desert floor
When the weather warms up we escape the desert floor and backpack among the ponderosas, maples, the occasional Doug fir, and lots of wildflowers. Read More …
Gear review – Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka
A sub-10z synthetic parka that makes an excellent all-around three-season+ for conditions not always dry. And extremely comfy a well! Read More …