Words of wisdom from 1877
How to Camp by John M. Gould was written 150 years ago. But it still has some practical advice applicable for any outdoors person today. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
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 …
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.
Read More …
An overlook -Alpha Squak V2
A look at the Alpha Squak V2. The TL;DR – I like the garment itself but I still find Alpha fleece a niche use for my needs. Read More …
Gear over the years – A look back, Part 2
Another look over the gear Joan and I used over the decades. Read More …
Ultra-light but not ultra-precise
Why I stopped counting ounces with my gear…at least precisely. Updated for 2025. 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 pick of the year 2024 – The Free Time Firewall
The gear pick of the yeat for 2024? The Free Time Firewall. 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 …
Gear review -Zengjo grid fleece hoodie
A $20 grid fleece hoodie that’s not as well made as others ones, but a good price for a no-frills piece of kit. Read More …
Gear review – Coghlan’s Map Compass
A basic compass at $8 from Coghlan’s but made for them by a navigation company with over 40 years experience. Good quality at a good price! Read More …
Gear review – Laek Adventure Towels
A look at the laek adventure towels – simple, sturdy, quick drying, and absorbent. Awesome for our extended camping trips and times in between backpacking. Read More …
Gear Review – Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes
A look at the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes, Call them the “Subaru Outback of hiking shoes.” Read More …
Gear review – GADIEMKENSD long-billed running hat
A look at the $14 GADIEMKENSD long-brim foldable nylon “running hat” that works better than a trucker-style hat for me and my needs. Read More …
Gear review – Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp
A look at the Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp that fits a more robust niche than general backpacking. 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 …
Gear review: Topo Terraventure 4 Trail-Running Shoes
I loved the Ultraventure 3s and now I love the Terraventure 4s even more. An excellent “do it all” shoe for many different conditions. Read More …