The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
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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A budget-minded gear list for day hikes in three-season alpine conditions. Read More …
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 …
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 puffies Joan and I use for outdoor use. Updated in November 2023 to feflect both new pieces and input from Joan. Read More …
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 Gear Lists are perhaps the most popular articles in any community. Be it backpacking, music, movies, etc. But they are typically useless. Read More …
A three-season+ or early winter coat suitable for many different uses—the last of my winter season reviews. Read More …
After about 100 nights we find the $200 ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 an excellent car camping tent. Read More …
A look the Armadillo 2 hiking boots from Nortiv8. Another potential budget option that’s effective in certain conditions. Read More …
A look at lightweight backpacking concepts for couples. More so than solo, lightweight backpacking as a couple means the overall system. Some thoughts. Updated Sept 2023. Read More …
A look at the Topo Athletic Ultraventute shoes. Excellent shoes for the mountains but perhaps not brushy and prickly terrain. Read More …
A very promising shake supplement with lots of protein, carbs, fat, vitamns (and caffiene!) but one that lends itself more to day use vs. backpacking. Read More …
A look at the well-designed Alpha direct fleece from the Utah-based Squak Mountain Company. Read More …
A headlamp very similar to the classic 2017 Nitecore Nu25 that’s slightly lighter with an intriguing greenlight setting. Updated for Gen two in May 2023. Read More …
A look at the Salomon X Ultra 4 low hiking shoes. I like these shoes, but don’t love them. Read More …
Budget footwear for cool to cold and dry conditions when in camp. Read More …
A look at the Montbell hoodie that works very well for me as a cold to cool weather top but is too warm for me once the mercury hits ~65F. Read More …