Gear pick of the year 2024 – The Free Time Firewall
The gear pick of the yeat for 2024? The Free Time Firewall. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
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 …
Fifteen-plus year review – Bison Designs belt
Long term look at a humble, but well-made and afforadable, hiking belt. Read More …
Pants for trailwork
The pants I use for trail or related work. One pair for heavier duty or cold weather work and one for lighter duty work or when it’s warm. Read More …
Gear Review – The Squak Mountain Co The Swell sun hoodie
A look at the desert use of the Squak Mountain Co sun hoodie. Light, breathes well, and comfortable. Take care when bashing through brush. Read More …
The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge
Backpacking gear on the cheap. A complete gear list for $300 and under 15 lbs. Revised for 2024. Read More …
Long term review – Flat Stone Cooking Platform (FSCP)
A long term review of the Flat Sone Cooking Platform. Read More …
The Budget Backpacking Kit
A sequel of sorts to my $300 gear challenge. A little over $800 and 10 lbs for a kit that is light, functional, and easily, assembled. Updated Mar 2024. Read More …
Ten year gear review: Montbell Superior Down (updated)
A well-designed three-season puffy with a hood that is under 9 oz. I’ve used one version or another of this garment for overa Read More …