surplus

Five year review – Silk weight surplus bottoms

Posted onDecember 5, 2022AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

At $20 a pair, 4.75 oz, made with Polartec, the surplus thermals make an excellent bang for the buck for active use in cool weather. Read More …

New gear we liked for 2022

Posted onNovember 30, 2022December 4, 2022AuthorPaul Mags6 Comments

A look over the pieces of gear and clothing that served us well in 2022. Read More …

Gear review – Boonie Hat 2.0

Posted onSeptember 21, 2020November 8, 2022AuthorPaul Mags6 Comments

I retired my beloved and well-worn boonie hat 6+ months ago. Here’s a look at version 2.0 – wider, lighter, and only $13. Read More …

The Quiver – Packs

Posted onApril 20, 2020April 22, 2020AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

A look at some of the gear I regularly use. This installment of the series is about the packs. Updated April 2020. Read More …

Top gear of the decade

Posted onJanuary 1, 2020November 29, 2022AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Items of gear and clothing that I used consistently over the decade. Read More …

Gear review: TSLA 1/4 Zip HyperDri shirt

Posted onDecember 20, 2019December 4, 2022AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

A light layer excellent for cooler three-season conditions. And only $17. A women’s version is also available for $14. Read More …

Road trip gear all-stars

Posted onJuly 14, 2019June 25, 2020AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

Some useful items for our Summer 2019 road trip. Read More …

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 …

Whatchya Wearing: Three-Season Hiking base clothing

Posted onFebruary 7, 2019January 2, 2021AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

The base clothing I wear for three-season hiking and backpacking. Read More …

The Quiver: A plethora of puffies

Posted onJanuary 30, 2019January 3, 2021AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

The puffies I use for outdoor pursuits. Read More …

Gear review: LWCWUS Thermals (MilSurplus)

Posted onDecember 18, 2018December 4, 2022AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

A mere $22 for cold weather tops and bottoms comparable to midweight layer offerings from mainstream outdoor companies. 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: M65 jacket liner

Posted onApril 13, 2017September 20, 2021AuthorPaul Mags4 Comments

Another inexpensive and effective surplus store special. Read More …

Whatchya Wearing: Winter Camping

Posted onJanuary 10, 2017January 22, 2021AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

The clothing I take for some deep winter, usually multi-day, camping. Read More …

Whatchya Wearing: Winter Backpacking

Posted onJanuary 3, 2017February 4, 2021AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

The clothing I bring when winter backpacking. Supplements my winter day use clothing. Read More …

TBT Gear: Bunny Boots

Posted onDecember 21, 2016March 16, 2021AuthorPaul Mags6 Comments

Another Throw Back Thursday gear edition. The warmest boots around – Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots (Type II) aka Bunny Boots. 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 …

Gear review: BDU pants

Posted onJune 24, 2016April 19, 2021AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

Need some durable, versatile and inexpensive pants for trailwork and other outdoor activities? Consider some military style Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) pants. Read More …