Building Community with Joan West
A great interview about Joan and the volunteer coordinating role she performs for the state of Utah. Read More …
Tag: Joan West
Gear we liked for 2025
Our annual roundup of the simple, effective gear that served Joan and me well in 2025 — from shelters and stoves to daypacks, pans, and a few DIY touches. Read More …
Gear Review – Gossamer Gear Mariposa 2025
Joan looks at 2025 Gossamer Gear Mariposa. It’s a pack she’s used for a while in both the 2014 and 2016 iterations and she compares and contrasts the various iterations. Read More …
Gear Review – Gossamer Gear Loris 25 daypack
A look at the Gossamer Gear Loris 25 daypack that’s a worthy successor to the Type II utility packs we we wore out. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Camp Dress
Joan looks at her new favorite car camping staples these past few months – The Squak Camp Dress. Read More …
Gear over the years – A look back, Part 4
Part four of this ongoing series of a longer term look at gear and techniques Joan and I use for the outdoors. Read More …
Two+ Year review – LightHeart Gear Fleece Hoodie
A longer term review of the LightHeart Gear micogrid fleece hoodie. Made in the USA, readily avialable, warm and fuzzy, but best for people who run cold or static use. Read More …
Gear over the years – A look back, Part 3
Part three of a a continuing series of looking at gear we’ve used over the yeatrs.
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Gear over the years – A look back, Part 2
Another look over the gear Joan and I used over the decades. Read More …
Gear over the years – A look back, Part 1
The first in a series of some quick looks at some gear or gear-adjacent items we still use over the years. Read More …
Gear we liked for 2024
Our annual summary of “The Gear We Liked” in 2024. A mix of cottage, budget, and even some MYOG courtesy of the talented Joan. Read More …
Sewing lightweight tall gaiters
Joan’s rocked a skirt and long gaiter combo for ventilation and protection from the sun and brush for many years now. Here’s her MYOG instructions on making a pair. Read More …
Quick Tip – Arizona Tea one liter bottle
Gatorade bottle is early 2000s, get the full one liter goodness of Arizona iced tea. Read More …
Solo camping cook kit
A more in-depth look at the solo camping cook kit we put together for some trips Joan did this past year that seemed to sparked some interest. Read More …
The Quiver: A plethora of puffies
The puffies Joan and I use for outdoor use. Updated in November 2023 to feflect both new pieces and input from Joan. Read More …
Gear we liked for 2023
Our annual look at the pieces of gear and clothing we enjoyed over the past year. A mix of high-end, cottage, budget, and even surplus. Read More …
Completion of a dream
“I finally completed all 2650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. I started in 2014, and this was my last of five long section hikes” . Joan continues to amaze me. A dream fulfilled. Looking forward to seeing her Saturday. Read More …
Gear review – Lightheart Gear Base Layer Shirt
Joan looks at a base layer shirt designed by a woman for women and made in the USA. Read More …