Gear review – surprisingly good budget compact binocs
For our arc site-focused trips, the $22 and sub-5oz Bushnell Powerview Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular works surprisingly well. Read More …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
Gear pick of the year 2022 – Our bike kit
The gear pick of the year for 2022? Our biking system – save gas, gets exercise, is good for the environment, and is often quicker and less stressful. Read More …
Five year review – Silk weight surplus bottoms
At $20 a pair, 4.75 oz, made with Polartec, the surplus thermals make an excellent bang for the buck for active use in cool weather. Read More …
New gear we liked for 2022
A look over the pieces of gear and clothing that served us well in 2022. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Mountain Co. fleece hoodie
Joan reviews the $60 Squak Mountain Co grid fleece hoodie. Based out of Utah, it’s a Melly-style hoodie for active use. No appointment is needed to purchase! Read More …
Sun protection techniques
Some of the gear, clothing, and techniques we use for sun protection when hiking and backpacking. Read More …
Long live the watch
My 15+ yr old Timex Indiglo finally went kaput. The watch is dead; long live the watch. Here are some reasons why I still have and use an analog watch in 2022. Read More …
Packrafting – the gear
The gear we use for our backpacking-focused packrafting trips. Read More …
Budget gear – The popular picks
A curated list of the budget items people seem to borrow or find intriguing over the years of hiking, camp, and hiking. Read More …
Influential Gear?
What backpacking gear has become influential in the past few decades? Some thoughts. Read More …
Long term review – REVALCAMP sleeping bag
Two+ years, and many nights of camping with these sub-$30 sleeping bags, means I can give a review of this worthy part of a $70, three-season sleep system. Read More …
Review -Fire Dept. Coffee
A look over some flavorful and enjoyable java. Read More …
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 …
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 …