Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Socks 2.0
My review on an updated version of the Hywell merino wool socks. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
There’s An App for That: 2026 Edition
A ten-year update to the original 2016 article and its 2021 follow-up, highlighting the apps we currently use for our outdoor jaunts. Read More …
Digital mapping tools, my use in 2026
State of the union for my mapping tool usage. Read More …
Off Piste – Nelko P21 Label Maker
An inexpensive and useful label maker to help organize gear, maps, and other items. Read More …
Grab and go – Pantry tote
Organization is not glamorous, but it buys us more time outside. Our pantry tote is a key part of that system. Read More …
Budget overlook – 32 Degree Heat light puffy
An inexpensive, functional puffy jacket for outdoor work, go bags, day hikes, and starter backpacking kit. Not fancy, but useful. Read More …
Avenza: Enshittified. Sigh.
Another victim of enshittification – Avenza Maps Read More …
Ultralight as an auto hobby
Ultralight hobbyists reminds me classic car aficionados. Some thoughts. Read More …
Backpacking and Car camping – Two tools in the timebank kit
We often treat backpacking and car camping as separate categories. They’re not. They’re two tools that add to the overall time outside. Some thoughts. Read More …
Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Boot Socks
An alternative sock to Darn Tough that does not quite work well for trail runners. Read More …
Western Snap shirts vs. Sun Hoodies- Hot and Dry Weather
I’ve tried several sun hoodies over the years. I still find my poly-cotton Western snap shirt works better in hot, dry weather. Here’s why. Read More …
One Year Review – OYGSieg Sun Hoodie
A look at some effective sun hoodies for cool to cold weather use. Read More …
Standard vs Grid vs Alpha vs Octa Fleece for Backpacking: Real-World Pros and Cons
Solid, grid, Alpha, and Octa fleece for backpacking and hiking. Real-world durability, breathability, cost, and when each layer works best. Updated Feb 2026. Read More …
Gear Review – Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Bottle
A look at the Nalgene UL widemouthed bottle that has a place in our cold weather kit. Read More …
Gear pick of the year 2025 – Cider, rum, and chocolate
Gear pick of the year for 2025? Cider, chocolate, and rum. Read More …
How to get ultralight?
Going ultralight with your gear is a Holy Grail of sorts for many new to backpacking. Here are some thoughts on achieving that goal. Read More …
The Quiver – Top Shelters of all time!
What began as a parody of “top ten” gear lists has grown into a reflection on how real shelter choices evolve with trips, partners, seasons, and the simple goal of sleeping well and walking on. Updated 2025. Read More …
Gear we liked for 2025
Our annual roundup of the simple, effective gear that served Joan and me well in 2025 — from shelters and stoves to daypacks, pans, and a few DIY touches. Read More …