Bear spray canister copy/pasta
More people insist they need bear spray when venturing into black bear country because “it is better to have it and not need it.”—my boilerplate response. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
Review – Wildland Coffee bags
A look at some coffee bags that’s a notch above my usual backcountry coffee fare Read More …
Quick Tip – Get an emergency air compressor
A must-have item for anyone traveling to trailheads away from mobile device coverage. Read More …
Gear Review – SMD Pack Pods
At ~1 oz for the 7 liters (large) pod, Six Moon Designs pack pods make a light, affordable, and inexpensive alternative to most stuff sacks or ditty bags. Read More …
Gear review – Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka
A sub-10z synthetic parka that makes an excellent all-around three-season+ for conditions not always dry. And extremely comfy a well! Read More …
Lightweight backpacking concepts for couples
A look at lightweight backpacking concepts for couples. More so than solo, lightweight backpacking as a couple means the overall system. Some thoughts. Read More …
Right on Trek Meal Planning – Two Views
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 …
Gear review: ULA Circuit backpack
The ULA Circuit makes a “jack of all trades pack” for three years now. From cold-weather backpacking to desert water hauls and only at a little over 2 lbs. Read More …
Rain mitt #4 – Swiss Army vinyl rain mitts
Another inexpensive and effective mitten option for cold and wet use that also allows easy layering. Read More …
Gear Review – Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp
A very good sun and rain tarp for the back of a truck or SUV. Purchase some additional equipment and the tarp goes from a very good piece of gear to excellent. Read More …
Rain Mitt #3 – Biohazard mitts
These biohazard liner mittens are inexpensive, waterproof, and light at 1 oz a pair. I think they’ll work best for occasional three-season use. Read More …
Rain mitt #2 – Frogwear 8490MT
Continuing to look for the ideal pair of rain mitts for my use. The second option ends up as extremely weatherproof, warm, and only $18. Read More …
Rain mitt search #1 – Decathlon overglove
Looking for my ideal rain mitt. Here’s one option I’ve used – The $17 Decathlon Trek 500 Overglove (mitt). With an intro to the thoughts behind this series. Read More …
The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge
Backpacking gear on the cheap. A complete gear list for less than $300. Now with a “Frugal Deluxe Kit” for 9.5 lbs and $400! Updated Jan 2021 Read More …
Last-minute outdoor checklist
Our final step in getting out is a general outdoor checklist we always consult as our last step. Here it is. Read More …
Perma-camping kit: What the heck is it?
Another way to maximize outdoor time: Having some gear pre-packed and ready to go. Read More …
Toyota Tacoma – Our camping setup
How we turned our Tacoma into a comfortable place to camp esp during the winter months. Read More …
New gear I liked for 2020
With about 90 bag nights this year in all four seasons, we had ample opportunity to try out new gear and replace existing equipment. Read More …