https://pmags.com/the-absolute-tried-and-trued-gear-that-a-middle-aged-guy-uses Practical advice and musings on the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, ski touring, and camping. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:30:47 +0000 hourly 1 https://pmags.com/the-absolute-tried-and-trued-gear-that-a-middle-aged-guy-uses#comment-699722 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 11:20:48 +0000 https://pmags.com/?p=29936#comment-699722 Great article. My best gear has been found in thrift stores. My “luxury items” are Smartwool still purchased at a fraction of retail used, due to a love of merino wool. You can tell at the trailhead who actually hikes… look at their gear.

]]> https://pmags.com/the-absolute-tried-and-trued-gear-that-a-middle-aged-guy-uses#comment-699687 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 22:36:07 +0000 https://pmags.com/?p=29936#comment-699687 Hey, we have a lot in common, being short, balding, bushy eyebrows, and keep using the same gear that just works! But you have walked way more than I have. I support you in keeping backpacking real and down-to-earth…but you have a stiff headwind!

]]> https://pmags.com/the-absolute-tried-and-trued-gear-that-a-middle-aged-guy-uses#comment-699686 Thu, 23 Sep 2021 02:05:48 +0000 https://pmags.com/?p=29936#comment-699686 I find a lot of my hiking gear and clothing at thrift stores, most of it is slightly used or never used with the original tags still on it.

]]>