Gear tip – Zenni eyeware glass case
A lightweight and protective eyeglass case for the backcountry, with an Amazon alternative available, too. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
Gear Review – Generic $10 canister stove
A $10 canister stove I’ve recommended for years received some extended field use this past year. It’s not perfect, but it’s light, functional, and surprisingly capable for the price. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie
The Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie is absurdly light, breathable, and low bulk. I’m still not enamored with Alpha fleece for active use, but for static insulation, this $20 beanie fits nicely into my cold-weather system. Read More …
Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Socks 2.0
My review on an updated version of the Hywell merino wool socks. Read More …
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 …