Off Piste – Nelko P21 Label Maker
An inexpensive and useful label maker to help organize gear, maps, and other items. Read More …
Tag: gear
Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Boot Socks
An alternative sock to Darn Tough that does not quite work well for trail runners. Read More …
One Year Review – OYGSieg Sun Hoodie
A look at some effective sun hoodies for cool to cold weather use. Read More …
Gear Review – Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Bottle
A look at the Nalgene UL widemouthed bottle that has a place in our cold weather kit. Read More …
Shoulder Season – The Time in Between
You’ll often see publications and experienced outdoors people talk about “shoulder season.” What is it? And what adjustments do you need to make? Read More …
Cold and Wet: The Hardest Hiking
What to wear in what many people consider to be among the most difficult of conditions: cold and wet. Updated Sept 2025. Read More …
Paralysis by Analysis
A look at paralysis by analysis that I think stops people from getting out in the wild places. Read More …
Ultra-light but not ultra-precise
Why I stopped counting ounces with my gear…at least precisely. Updated for 2025. Read More …
Gear review -Zengjo grid fleece hoodie
A $20 grid fleece hoodie that’s not as well made as others ones, but a good price for a no-frills piece of kit. Read More …
Gear review – Coghlan’s Map Compass
A basic compass at $8 from Coghlan’s but made for them by a navigation company with over 40 years experience. Good quality at a good price! Read More …
Gear Review – Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes
A look at the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes, Call them the “Subaru Outback of hiking shoes.” Read More …
Gear review – Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp
A look at the Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp that fits a more robust niche than general backpacking. Read More …
Gear review: Topo Terraventure 4 Trail-Running Shoes
I loved the Ultraventure 3s and now I love the Terraventure 4s even more. An excellent “do it all” shoe for many different conditions. Read More …
The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge
Backpacking gear on the cheap. A complete gear list for $300 and under 15 lbs. Revised for 2024. Read More …
Gear Review – The Tractive GPS Tracker
My good friend Josh review the Tractive GPS ; a device that’ lets pet owners track their furry friend and combines a bit of Strava functionality, too. Read More …
Gear review: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 shoes
A look at the Topo Ultraventure 3 shoes. I found these shoes a worth successor to the 2s. I only wish for less flashy color choices! Read More …
Dirt Bagger Winter Stove Platform
How to build an inexpensive stove platform for winter backpacking. Bonus: doubles as a heat reflector.
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20+ years Gear Review – Military Surplus Wool Liner Gloves
As winter approaches, I am reminded of one of the items we use all year around: Surplus wool liner gloves. A long-time favorite for twenty years now and a favorite budget pick for both Joan and I.
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