budget gear – Page 4

A useful item: Poncho liner

Posted onFebruary 21, 2019January 10, 2021AuthorPaul Mags4 Comments

A poncho liner, aka “a woobie”, is another potentially useful tool to have in the gear kit. Read More …

Gear review: UBTech Travel Pants

Posted onDecember 27, 2018April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags11 Comments

The UBTech Travel Pants are a less expensive alternative to the popular prAna Zion pants. Here’s a review based on over a year of hard use. Read More …

Gear review: LWCWUS Thermals (MilSurplus)

Posted onDecember 18, 2018December 8, 2025AuthorPaul Mags1 Comment

A mere $22 for cold weather tops and bottoms comparable to midweight layer offerings from mainstream outdoor companies. Read More …

Gear Review: Kinco Alyeska 5230 Mittens

Posted onDecember 7, 2018June 24, 2021AuthorPaul Mags8 Comments

Some inner mittens for cold weather activities that are durable, reasonably light, effective, inexpensive and, most importantly, sized correctly for my shell and liner use. Read More …

Bahco 2444 Carpenter Mora Multi Purpose Knife

Posted onNovember 13, 2018September 27, 2021AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

A $12, practical, and useful “Jack-of-all-trades” utility knife that keeps a sharp edge and requires little maintenance. Read More …

Gear review: NatureHike Foam Pad (Z-Lite clone)

Posted onOctober 11, 2018April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags9 Comments

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 …

Gear Review – Aennon USB Rechargeable Headlamp

Posted onDecember 19, 2017October 15, 2019AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

An inexpensive workhorse of a headlamp that is rechargeable via USB. Read More …

Top Three Brands for Outdoor Gear and Clothing

Posted onSeptember 18, 2017September 7, 2020AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

My three most used brands for outdoor gear and clothing. Based on a BPL discussion. Read More …

Gear review: Bank line for cord

Posted onJune 26, 2017August 12, 2020AuthorPaul Mags11 Comments

A strong and inexpensive alternative to both paracord and traditional outdoor accessory cord. Read More …

The Great Eight – Pieces of timeless gear

Posted onMay 26, 2017November 6, 2024AuthorPaul Mags8 Comments

Key items of gear and clothing that have stood the test of time for me. My outdoor trips often take all or some of these items. Read More …

Gear Review: M65 jacket liner

Posted onApril 13, 2017November 26, 2023AuthorPaul Mags4 Comments

Another inexpensive and effective surplus store special. Read More …

Website of the week: Fakespot

Posted onFebruary 3, 2017July 15, 2017AuthorPaul Mags4 Comments

Fakespot helps sort the dross from the gems regarding lower priced gear and clothing for the outdoors. Read More …

Quick Tip: Sun shield reflector for insoles

Posted onJanuary 4, 2017December 18, 2024AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

Some DIY reflective insoles to help keep the feet warm when stationary in winter. Read More …

The AliExpress wormhole

Posted onSeptember 27, 2016April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags6 Comments

AliExpress is becoming more and more of a choice for outdoor gear. Some observations. Read More …

A well worn piece of gear over the seasons

Posted onJuly 6, 2016April 24, 2018AuthorPaul Mags6 Comments

My well loved and used boonie hat. Read More …

What not to dirtbag

Posted onJuly 5, 2016November 25, 2023AuthorPaul Mags15 Comments

I’m a big proponent of inexpensive backpacking gear and clothing when it makes sense. But there are some items where it is worth spending more money. Read More …

Quick Tip: Ammo boxes for caching

Posted onMarch 29, 2016November 6, 2024AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Caching food or other supplies for off-the-beaten trips or even convenience? Surplus ammo boxes are an inexpensive and easy way cache these supplies. Read More …

Quick Tip: Pull tab guyline tensioner

Posted onMarch 22, 2016April 25, 2025AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Make a guyline tensioner out of pull tab from a can. Light, cheap and easy to use. Read More …