On being an amateur professional
What is a professional outdoors person? Who knows for sure. But I am an avowed amateur. Post Script for 2026 Read More …
Tag: favorite
Small, good things.
A recent social media post made me think about shorter hikes and how they add up to a collective whole; much like a collection of well-crafted short stories. Read More …
Gear pick of the year 2025 – Cider, rum, and chocolate
Gear pick of the year for 2025? Cider, chocolate, and rum. Read More …
Times are a changin’ – Walking in time of weather extremes
Call it climate change, weather events, cycles, or bad juju. But there are more fires, swings in snow levels, droughts, closures, etc. Some thoughts. Updated July 2025 Read More …
Words of wisdom from 1877
How to Camp by John M. Gould was written 150 years ago. But it still has some practical advice applicable for any outdoors person today. Read More …
On “Structured Rambling”
What got directed as an insult months ago seems less an insult and more of an aspirational idea worth striving for. Read More …
Images, not vandalism
Thoughts on why images are not vandalism. And reasons why people are calling them images rather than “rock art” as well. Read More …
The last journey
Polar explorers talk about the concept of last journeys. Maybe we are in the age of last, traditionally defined, other outdoor journeys as well? 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 …
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 …
Perma-camping kit: What the heck is it?
Another way to maximize outdoor time: Having some gear pre-packed and ready to go. Read More …
Thoughts on gatekeeping
What is gatekeeping? And is withholding specific location information a form of it? Read More …
Back to the 1920s – Thoughts on outdoor rec
Thoughts on the state of outdoor recreation in our modern times. Read More …
Green friendly, consumerism, and minimalism – Some thoughts
Thinking (virtually) out loud about some ideas on the green-friendly movement, consumerism, and minimalism as it pertains to the outdoors. Read More …
Gear Review – Crappy Coleman Cooler
My first YouTube gear review looks at my “Gear Pick of the Year” for 2019…but in the field! Read More …
Thoughts on the Seventh Principle of Leave No Trace
Some thoughts about the Seventh Principle of Leave No Trace: “Be Considerate of Other Visitors.” Read More …
Outdoor pursuits and the greater community
The priority of self vs. the community in outdoor pursuits. And when thinking of the community, you help yourself in the long run. Read More …
Musings on backpacking consumerism
Just some thoughts on gear and clothing as the outdoor equivalent of a fashion item. Read More …