Not Gatekeeping – Guardrails
Some thoughts on maps, miles, and giving people the tools to see what they want to see. Read More …
Tag: Wilderness Ethics
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 …
Thoughts on gatekeeping
What is gatekeeping? And is withholding specific location information a form of it? Read More …
The politics of blaze orange and COVID masks
People on either side of the political divide are often more alike than different. They both eschew practicality and safety for political statements. Read More …
How to make staying local into a #epicadventure
Joan shares five tips on how to find joy in the local areas. 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 …
Why you should stay local for outdoors
Hey folks, please don’t go to small tourist towns for outdoor recreation. It is irresponsible. Read More …
LNT, cyber-shaming, and slacktivism: Public Lands Hate You
Musings on a popular Instagram account, the recent Outside Magazine article about it, and thoughts around click-button activism. Read More …
Some thoughts: Brave New West by Jim Stiles
Some of my thoughts on “Brave New West” by Jim Stiles. If you are interested in the future trajectory of “The West”, I suggest giving this a book a read. Read More …
Social Media ethics
An article I recently wrote for TrailGroove Magazine about the ethics of social media. “Obscurity, not secrecy” Read More …
The ethics of off-trail hiking
Is hiking off-trail ethical? And, assuming this type of hiking is ethical, what is the best way to preserve these ethics? Read More …
Bread Crumbs – How much information is enough?
Striking a balance between giving information about a place and making the information too detailed is interesting. Read More …
Backcountry mobile device etiquette
Thoughts on possible etiquette for mobile devices in the backcountry. Read More …
Wilderness Ethics – Preserving the Spirit of Wildness
Looking at a minor classic in wilderness writing that may be more pertinent now than when it was written. Read More …
Trip is Full?
I’ve recently been a bit more strict about the size of trips I organize. Some members of the outdoor group to which I belong have questioned this TRIP IS FULL designation. Some seriously, some teasingly, all wondering. Here is my Read More …