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 …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
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 …
Gear Review – The Tractive GPS Tracker
My good friend Josh review the Tractive GPS ; a device that’ lets pet owners track their furry friend and combines a bit of Strava functionality, too. Read More …
Gear Review – The Squak Mountain Co Woolie
A merino blend, cold weather base layer hoodie with excellent ventilation from Squak Mountain Co. Read More …
Quick review – Groundhog clone tent stakes
Just in time for February 2nd, here’s a review of some budget-minded Groundhog-style stakes that also work for less money.
Read More …
10+ year gear review – Flytop tent
An off-hand purchase about a decade ago of our current backup/loaner tent makes me think of the place and use of budget gear items. Read More …
Gear review: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 shoes
A look at the Topo Ultraventure 3 shoes. I found these shoes a worth successor to the 2s. I only wish for less flashy color choices! Read More …
Dirt Bagger Winter Stove Platform
How to build an inexpensive stove platform for winter backpacking. Bonus: doubles as a heat reflector.
Read More …
20+ years Gear Review – Military Surplus Wool Liner Gloves
As winter approaches, I am reminded of one of the items we use all year around: Surplus wool liner gloves. A long-time favorite for twenty years now and a favorite budget pick for both Joan and I.
Read More …
Budget day hiking kit
A budget-minded gear list for day hikes in three-season alpine conditions. Read More …
Solo camping cook kit
A more in-depth look at the solo camping cook kit we put together for some trips Joan did this past year that seemed to sparked some interest. Read More …
Ten plus year review – Nemesis Safety Glasses
A review of Nemesis Safety Glasses. Affordable, light, functional, comfortable and durable. And after over ten years of use, perhaps one my favorite pieces of budget gear by far.
Read More …
The Quiver: A plethora of puffies
The puffies Joan and I use for outdoor use. Updated in November 2023 to feflect both new pieces and input from Joan. Read More …
Gear we liked for 2023
Our annual look at the pieces of gear and clothing we enjoyed over the past year. A mix of high-end, cottage, budget, and even surplus. Read More …
Top Ten Reasons Why Top Ten Gear Lists (Mostly) Suck
Top Ten Gear Lists are perhaps the most popular articles in any community. Be it backpacking, music, movies, etc. But they are typically useless. Read More …
Gear Review: Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka
A three-season+ or early winter coat suitable for many different uses—the last of my winter season reviews. Read More …
Gear Review – ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 tent
After about 100 nights we find the $200 ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 an excellent car camping tent. Read More …
Gear Review – Nortiv8 Armadillo 2 boots
A look the Armadillo 2 hiking boots from Nortiv8. Another potential budget option that’s effective in certain conditions. Read More …