Spring has arrived
I saw a Pasque flower. Spring is here. Read More …
Author: Paul Mags
Sports Authority, EMS and the change in retail
The financial woes of two outdoor retail stores and thoughts on today’s outdoor commerce market. Read More …
Gear Review: Black Diamond Firstlight tent
The Black Diamond Firstlight is a light and easy to setup winter shelter for the solo winter backpacker not spending a lot of time in camp. Read More …
May Day Weekend Backpacking…on skis!
A backpacking trip for May 1st weekend. Fresh powder, winter-like conditions and beautiful terrain. Read More …
Gear review: Deuce of Spades
A lightweight, durable and compact trowel for doing what needs to be done. Useful in more popular backcountry areas. Read More …
What is rotten snow?
A brief explanation of what is “rotten snow”. And why it is best to not plan on extended travel in these conditions. Read More …
An encounter with a Northern Goshawk
There was only one incident where I ever felt threatened by a wild animal. Where? In the “wilds” of Rhode Island. Read More …
Spring wildflower hunt
A few hours in the foothills with my camera? It means looking for spring wildflowers. Read More …
LWCF permanently reinstated
The Land and Water Conservation Fund was reinstated. A victory for the outdoors! Read More …
Fish on a bicycle – Useless gear concepts
Some gear concepts boggle the mind for three-season backpacking. Why are they so popular? A very opinionated list. Read More …
Discovery vs Safety – The Balance
How to plan, have a measure of safety but still have a sense of discovery when outdoors? Read More …
Springtime Snow
A spring snow storm is a bridge between the seasons. Read More …
So long to The Trail Show
It has been a fun three years of beer, trails and nonsense, but it is time for me to move on. Read More …
Stoves for camping
Car camping, road tripping, doing trail work or even a trailhead bivy? Here’s an overview of stoves that may work. Read More …
Book Review: The End of Night by Paul Bogard
A look at “The End of Night” by Paul Bogard. The subtitle of the book says it all: Searching for Darkness in an age of artificial light. Read More …
TBT Gear: Gossamer Gear Rukus
An odd pack that is “neither fish nor fowl”, but ends up being surprisingly useful. Read More …
Quick Tip: Burning end of cord
A frayed piece of utility cordage? Here’s a very simple way to help prevent it from fraying further. Read More …
New Mexico – Kiowa Grasslands
Seeking wildness and a remote experience in the High Plains of New Mexico. Read More …