Four Days in the Dark
Four days backpacking in Dark Canyon with a friend. Read More …
Author: Paul Mags
Review: Desert Cabal by Amy Irvine
An overlook at a book that is lauded as a response to Desert Solitaire on the 50th anniversary of its publication. Read More …
Canyonlands Sojourn
An overnight trip in Canyonlands National Park in the Salt Creek Zone. With meandering canyons, ancient sites, and amazing ancient art. Read More …
Quick Tip: Easy Cowboy-style Coffee
An easy way to make Cowboy-style coffee without the muss and chewy grounds by using a coffee filter sachet. Read More …
The Obscure Arches National Park
Two days exploring Arches National Park and nearby BLM land a little off the beaten path. Read More …
Cedar Mesa Redux
Two days in Cedar Mesa. Camping, hiking, sunset views, canyons, and remnants of the Ancestral Pueblo past. Read More …
Stove Comparison – Real World Use
An overview of backpacking stove types with their pluses and minuses. No such thing a the “best stove”…just what is best for you. Revised October 2018. Read More …
Industry Terms, Outdoor Gear, and Marketing Buzz
Some musings on how industry terms for outdoor gear become marketing buzz. And how people use buzzwords to purchase gear without thinking what the terms mean. Read More …
Natural Bridges and Cedar Mesa: A Bit Obscure
Exploring two unmarked lesser known canyons in the Natural Bridges National Monument and Cedar Mesa. Read More …
Gear review: NatureHike Foam Pad (Z-Lite clone)
Here’s a $27 alternative to the $45 Z Lite or the new $50 Nemo Switchback. Similar specs and performance at about half the price. Read More …
Quick Tip: Psuedo Deadman Anchors
Deadman anchors are the way to secure a shelter in soft sand or snow. But there is a happy medium between a true deadman anchor and hoping your stakes hold. Read More …
Sleepings Pads – A grounded view
An overview and comparison of sleeping pads for backpacking and camping. Updated October 2018. Read More …
Gear review: Altra Superior 3.5
A very comfortable and light shoe that fits wider toe-boxes well. Not durable, however, and best for maintained trails and non-rough terrain. Read More …
Rainy Arches Weekend
An overnight backpacking trip in Arches National Park and nearby BLM land. Read More …
Gear Review – Atlas Guides GDT app
A review of the Atlas Guides (Guthook) Great Divide Trail app for Android and iOS-based devices. More than just navigation, it works as a guidebook, too. Read More …
Gear Review: Montbell Versalite
A light, functional, and effective jacket that packs a lot of features in a 6 oz package. Including pit zips! Read More …
Rain Gear – What To Wear?
Which rain gear or shell to wear? Depending on the conditions, one piece of gear may be better than another. Updated October 2018. Read More …
Gear review: Salomon X Ultra 3 Hiking Shoes
An all-purpose hiking shoe good for rough trails and conditions in addition to off-trail jaunts. Reminiscent of the old Montrail Hardrocks in many ways. Read More …