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 …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
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 …
Solid (Classic) Fleece vs Grid Fleece vs. Alpha fleece
What are the functional differences between grid. Alpha, and solid (classic) fleece? Revised March 2024 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 …
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 …