The simple pleasure of bike errands
Now that we live near downtown, we find we rarely drive during the week. The addition of a bike trailer made this task feasible. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
Jack of All Trades gear
Limited budget, space, or time? Here is a Jack of All Trades gear kit for general-purpose outdoor use that fits in one large duffle bag. Updated June 2022. Read More …
Review: Canola oil water bottle
My new dry-camping and water hauling bottle of choice: Light, wide mouth for easy filling, fits well in a pack front pocket of my pack, and is cheap! Read More …
A simple backcountry field repair kit
A light and practical kit for emergency gear repairs in the field. Read More …
Quick Tip – Tyvek envelope stuff sacks
Light, nearly free, and very useful – the Tyvek mailing envelope stuff sack. Read More …
Long term gear review – Titanium step stool
Are you a vertically challenged hiker? Get a titanium step stool! Read More …
The Budget Backpacking Kit
A sequel of sorts to my $300 gear challenge. A little over $800 for a kit that is light, functional, and easily, assembled. Updated Mar 2022. Read More …
Gear review – Bene Casa grease pot
A $10 and 5 oz, one-quart cookpot makes an excellent solution when backpacking for two. Read More …
Whaddabouda-ism
If you try to prepare for every contingency you may find you end up ill-prepared for what you need to do. Read More …
One year+ review – Corporate schwag puffy
A look at a corporate schwag giveaway puffy. Something I think you’ll find in consignment and thrift stores in the years ahead. Read More …
New gear we liked for 2021
We did not buy or have a chance to try out much new gear or clothing this past year. Instead, we replaced worn-out items with a few exceptions. Read More …
Gear pick of the year 2021 – A truck tailgate
A yearly tradition. My gear pick of the year for 2021? A truck tailgate! Read More …
The Ultimate 2021 Gift Guide
The only gift guide you’ll ever need. Read More …
Two+ year review – Nitecore NU25 USB Headlamp
A look at a headlamp that’s light, works well, and less expensive than comparable models. Read More …
The absolute tried and trued gear that a middle-aged guy uses
Have you ever read those articles about cool people doing extraordinary things and a list of gear they use to do those cool things? That’s not this article. Read More …
A look at Avenza
Avenza allows small companies and non-profits to publish their maps. He’s a look at this somewhat obscure app. Read More …
Gear Review – Salomon X Crest hiking shoes
A look at the Salomon hiking shoes. My verdict? Shoes best for daily wear for the person who hikes occasionally. Read More …
Bear spray canister copy/pasta
More people insist they need bear spray when venturing into black bear country because “it is better to have it and not need it.”—my boilerplate response. Read More …