Joan West

New gear we liked for 2021

Posted onDecember 14, 2021December 15, 2021AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

We did not buy or have a chance to try out much new gear or clothing this past year. Instead, we replaced worn-out items with a few exceptions. Read More …

Pee rag – Kula Cloth vs. cotton bandanna

Posted onSeptember 14, 2021September 15, 2021AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

With over six months of active use, Joan looks at the well-known Kula Cloth and compares it to the more budget-minded bandanna from the past decade-plus of use. Read More …

Right on Trek Meal Planning – Two Views

Posted onApril 27, 2021April 29, 2021AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

Looking at the RightOnTrek meals and meal planning shopping. I loved the logistic part; Joan liked the variety. Includes a code for a free meal and discounts. Read More …

Dealing with Reynaud’s Syndrome – Gear and techniques

Posted onNovember 23, 2020December 3, 2020AuthorJoan12 Comments

Joan shares some thoughts on gear, techniques, and skills she uses to deal with Reynaud’s Syndrome while in the outdoors. Read More …

How to make staying local into a #epicadventure

Posted onSeptember 15, 2020October 8, 2020AuthorJoan2 Comments

Joan shares five tips on how to find joy in the local areas. Read More …

Sleeping systems – Joan’s Picks

Posted onAugust 31, 2020December 14, 2021AuthorJoan4 Comments

Joan’s thoughts on sleeping systems for winter, cowboy camping, hammock camping, and more and what works best for her. Read More …

Thoughts on hiking solo

Posted onJanuary 24, 2020January 24, 2020AuthorJoan17 Comments

Joan shares some thoughts on her solo hiking experience. Read More …

What’s in your mail drop?

Posted onOctober 30, 2019October 30, 2019AuthorJoan5 Comments

Joan details what she places in her maildrops for long hikes and why. With a focus on her cold food (no stove) strategy.

Becoming an NPS ranger – The nuts and bolts

Posted onSeptember 30, 2019September 30, 2019AuthorJoan3 Comments

How Joan became a National Park Ranger mid-career; discussed are ways to volunteer, finances, housing, and even healthcare from a nuts and bolts perspective. Read More …

Hands-free umbrella rigging

Posted onSeptember 23, 2019January 2, 2021AuthorJoan12 Comments

Joan shares her techniques for using an umbrella hands-free. Bonus: She also shares some unique, and colorful, alternative uses for an umbrella, too! Read More …