Skip to content
Menu

Primary Menu

  • Home
  • Ramblings
    • Musings
    • Books and Media
    • Videos
    • From The Web
    • Thru Hikes, Long Walks, or Routes
      • My Alphabet Soup summary
      • Vermont’s Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail
      • Pacific Crest Trail
      • Colorado Trail
      • Continental Divide Trail
      • Ring The Peak Trail (Pike’s Peak)
      • Benton Mackaye Trail
      • Tahoe Rim Trail
      • Uinta Highline Trail
      • Collegiate Loop
      • A Walk Across Southern Utah
      • Great Divide Trail (Canada)
      • The Northern New Mexico Loop
      • Grand – Moab Route
    • Other Outdoor Jaunts
      • Utah
      • Colorado
      • New Mexico
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Nebraska
      • New England
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
      • South Dakota
      • Texas
      • Wyoming
    • Photos
    • PMags News
    • Press
  • Nuts and Bolts
    • New to the outdoors? Start here!
    • Getting Started
    • Quick Tips
    • Trip Planning
    • Quick and Dirty Guides
    • Food
    • Gear
      • All Gear Posts
      • Gear Reviews
      • Gear Quivers
      • Gear Lists
      • Budget Gear
      • What I’m Wearing
      • Clothing and related
      • Footwear
      • Packs
      • Shelters and related
      • Sleeping bags, quilts, and pads
      • Stoves, cooking, and related
      • Water containers
    • Road trip and car camping – gear and techniques
    • Winter trip reports, gear overviews, tips, and techniques
  • Subscribe by email
  • Write Me
  • About PMags.com
    • Who is Paul Mags?
    • About Joan West
      • Joan’s articles
Header Toggle
Facebook Twitter Feed Pinterest YouTube Instagram
PMags.com
Facebook Twitter Feed Pinterest YouTube Instagram
Home » Archive for  Getting Started

Category: Getting Started

Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.

Solid (Standard) Fleece vs Grid Fleece

Posted onNovember 21, 2022November 24, 2022AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

What are the functional differences between grid and solid (standard) fleece? Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting StartedTagsclothing, fleece

Sun protection techniques

Posted onNovember 8, 2022November 10, 2022AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

Some of the gear, clothing, and techniques we use for sun protection when hiking and backpacking. Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting StartedTagssun protection

A properly attired hiker: Blaze orange in hunting season

Posted onOctober 5, 2022October 12, 2022AuthorPaul Mags25 Comments

Different options for the wearing of blaze orange while hiking during hunting season. Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting StartedTagsbackpacking, blaze orange, hiking, hunting, popular

The Budget Backpacking Kit

Posted onMarch 28, 2022April 26, 2022AuthorPaul Mags18 Comments

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 …

CategoriesGear, Getting StartedTagscheap outdoor gear, gear list, Six Moon Designs

How to find dispersed camping sites?

Posted onSeptember 28, 2021September 30, 2021AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Designated sites can be practical. But Joan and I prefer dispersed sites for our camping. Here are some ideas on how to find dispersed (free) campsites. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagscar camping, LNT, maps

Pee rag – Kula Cloth vs. cotton bandanna

Posted onSeptember 14, 2021September 15, 2021AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

With over six months of active use, Joan looks at the well-known Kula Cloth and compares it to the more budget-minded bandanna from the past decade-plus of use. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsgear review, health, hygiene, Joan West, LNT

Training for a long distance hike?

Posted onJuly 28, 2021July 28, 2021AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

Here are my thoughts on training for a thru-hike or any long hike. I don’t think of it as training; I think of it as part of daily life. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsexercise, training

Best shoes for water crossings?

Posted onJuly 27, 2021July 27, 2021AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

My opinion on the best shoes for water crossings. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsfording, shoes

Bear spray canister copy/pasta

Posted onJuly 23, 2021October 4, 2021AuthorPaul Mags12 Comments

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 …

CategoriesGear, Getting Started, MusingsTagsbears

Budget camping gear

Posted onJune 24, 2021May 11, 2022AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

Car camping serves as a useful introduction to the outdoors for many. And a useful adjunct to other trips for the experienced. How to equip affordably? Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagscar camping, cheap outdoor gear, gear list

There’s an app for that – 2021 edition

Posted onDecember 29, 2020December 29, 2020AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

The outdoor apps I use for my mobile device currently and plan on using in the coming year. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsapps, electronics

Start here: My unofficial outdoor guidebook

Posted onNovember 30, 2020December 1, 2020AuthorPaul Mags16 Comments

Here’s a quick reference to articles that will be useful for anyone starting out with camping, hiking, or backpacking in all four seasons. Updated Nov 2020. Read More …

CategoriesGetting Started, Quick and Dirty GuidesTagsbeginners, quick and dirty

How to get outdoor trip ideas

Posted onNovember 25, 2020July 25, 2021AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

How to get ideas for backcountry trips? Here’s how I do it. Updated for 2020. Read More …

CategoriesGetting Started, Trip PlanningTagsbackpacking, trip ideas

Dealing with Reynaud’s Syndrome – Gear and techniques

Posted onNovember 23, 2020December 3, 2020AuthorJoan13 Comments

Joan shares some thoughts on gear, techniques, and skills she uses to deal with Reynaud’s Syndrome while in the outdoors. Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting StartedTagsclothing, gloves, Joan West, winter

Sleeping systems – Joan’s Picks

Posted onAugust 31, 2020December 14, 2021AuthorJoan4 Comments

Joan’s thoughts on sleeping systems for winter, cowboy camping, hammock camping, and more and what works best for her. Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting StartedTagsJoan West, quil, sleeping bag, sleeping pads, wintert

How to get ultralight?

Posted onJuly 30, 2020August 3, 2020AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Going ultralight with your gear is a Holy Grail of sorts for many new to backpacking. Here are some thoughts on achieving that goal. Read More …

CategoriesGear, Getting Started, MusingsTagsultralight

Intro to Backpacking: Part 6 – Navigation Basics

Posted onMay 14, 2020May 14, 2020AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

The sixth chapter in our series – An introductory look at map, compass, and electronic navigation resources. Read More …

CategoriesGetting Started, VideosTagselectronics, navigation, videos

Intro to Backpacking: Part 5 – Water Treatment Concepts

Posted onMay 7, 2020AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Why and how to treat water; and why washing those hands might be just as important. Read More …

CategoriesGetting StartedTagsvideos, water treatment

Post navigation

← Older posts

PMags Instagram

A wintery weekend behind the rocks ... @ramblinghe A wintery weekend behind the rocks
...
@ramblinghemlock and I kept it local this weekend as there is much snow in other places. Joan was not as keen to ski tour as I nor did we wish to drive down snowy roads.
...
Instead, we went to a nearby wilderness study area and walked some ATV, jeep, and MTB track that gets little traffic this time of the year.
..
What's a busy (!) place come spring makes a deserted, and stunning, place to view the winter sunset, the alpenglow on the La Sals, and that stunning mix of red rock and snow found on the Colorado Plateau during the winter months
...
#hiking #backpacking #camping #Moab #Utah #moabutah
Ten miles from home. Not bad. Ten miles from home. Not bad.
A cold and overcast morning for some local high de A cold and overcast morning for some local high desert hiking. We took a quick pitstop with few people before taking a hike in a more obscure park corner. The unofficial kick-off for peak season will start in less than a month.
..
 We'll now enjoy the local park with red rock, snow, winter light, and fewer people.
...
#hiking #moab #utah #moabutah #archesnationalpark
Joan finished a project today and could not join m Joan finished a project today and could not join me for hiking. I decided to stay local, see what I could see with fewer people, all topped with snow, and enjoy the beauty of my "backyard." 
..
Winter makes the perfect time to see the familiar in a different light.
...
#hiking #moab #utah #moabutah #petroglyphs
Joan looks at the made-in-the-USA, ~6..5 oz and $6 Joan looks at the made-in-the-USA, ~6..5 oz and $65 @lightheart_gear  Base Layer Shirt, designed by a woman for women. This shirt comes in sizes up to 3XL as well. Over the late fall and into winter, Joan’s worn this every week on our hiking, camping, and backpacking trips. Joan noted there are no other reviews posted of this garment and thought she’d write about one of her now favorite pieces of clothing .
. 
👕 Link in profile 🥾

....
#hiking #backpacking #camping
Snow in the high desert. .. #moab #utah #moabutah Snow in the high desert.
..
#moab #utah #moabutah
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Virtual tip jar

A Quick Guide to Moab

The Squak – A readily available, $60, active-focused grid fleece hoodie from a Utah-based company. Read the review.

Women’s | Men’s | Children’s

– 10% off coupon = PMAGS-SQUAK 

  • REI: Shop Deal of the Day at REI Garage!
  • REI: Outlet 50% off deals
  • REI: Official Coupons and Rebates page
  • REI: Used Gear Store

gaiagps

PMags Twitter

My Tweets

Latest from YouTube

Subscribe to my channel here!

PMags Popular Posts

  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Latest
  • Today Week Month All
  • The Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide The Colorado Trail “End to End" Guide
  • Backpacking Loops – Mags Favorites Backpacking Loops – Mags Favorites
  • The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge The Frugal Backpacker - The $300 Gear Challenge
  • PCT trail marker A Quick and Dirty Guide to The Pacific Crest Trail
  • A Quick and Dirty CDT Guide A Quick and Dirty CDT Guide
  • Stove Comparison – Real World Use Stove Comparison – Real World Use
  • Ground Cloths : A quick overview Ground Cloths : A quick overview
  • Talus vs. Scree – What is the difference? Talus vs. Scree - What is the difference?
  • From GIS Sleepings Pads - A grounded view
  • Off-season backpacking destinations in Colorado Off-season backpacking destinations in Colorado
  • Local Moab winter hikes Local Moab winter hikes
  • Local in the winter Local in the winter
  • Roaming the canyon Roaming the canyon
  • Gear review – Lightheart Gear Base Layer Shirt Gear review – Lightheart Gear Base Layer Shirt
  • Ready for storage Gear overview – OXO Good Grips scale
  • Rock Images Gallery Rock Images Gallery
  • Another winter camp Another winter camp
  • Gear review – Etsy double-knit fleece mittens Gear review – Etsy double-knit fleece mittens
  • Review – West Desert Gear & Repair camera bag Review – West Desert Gear & Repair camera bag
  • A wild goose chase A wild goose chase
  • Today Week Month All
  • Sorry. No data yet.
Ajax spinner

Recent Comments

  • Rachel on Local Moab winter hikes
  • Paul Mags on Lightweight backpacking concepts for couples
  • Hayley on Lightweight backpacking concepts for couples
  • Paul Mags on Local in the winter
  • Ellie Thomas on Local in the winter

Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products to which I link. These sites include Amazon, REI, Moose Jaw, Gaia GPS, Six Moon Designs, Squak Mountain Co, and ULA Equipment. There is no additional fee for purchasing items through these links.

 

© 2023 - PMags.com - All Rights Reserved -Privacy Policy
Scroll Up
  • Home
  • Ramblings
    • Musings
    • Books and Media
    • Videos
    • From The Web
    • Thru Hikes, Long Walks, or Routes
      • My Alphabet Soup summary
      • Vermont’s Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail
      • Pacific Crest Trail
      • Colorado Trail
      • Continental Divide Trail
      • Ring The Peak Trail (Pike’s Peak)
      • Benton Mackaye Trail
      • Tahoe Rim Trail
      • Uinta Highline Trail
      • Collegiate Loop
      • A Walk Across Southern Utah
      • Great Divide Trail (Canada)
      • The Northern New Mexico Loop
      • Grand – Moab Route
    • Other Outdoor Jaunts
      • Utah
      • Colorado
      • New Mexico
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Nebraska
      • New England
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
      • South Dakota
      • Texas
      • Wyoming
    • Photos
    • PMags News
    • Press
  • Nuts and Bolts
    • New to the outdoors? Start here!
    • Getting Started
    • Quick Tips
    • Trip Planning
    • Quick and Dirty Guides
    • Food
    • Gear
      • All Gear Posts
      • Gear Reviews
      • Gear Quivers
      • Gear Lists
      • Budget Gear
      • What I’m Wearing
      • Clothing and related
      • Footwear
      • Packs
      • Shelters and related
      • Sleeping bags, quilts, and pads
      • Stoves, cooking, and related
      • Water containers
    • Road trip and car camping – gear and techniques
    • Winter trip reports, gear overviews, tips, and techniques
  • Subscribe by email
  • Write Me
  • About PMags.com
    • Who is Paul Mags?
    • About Joan West
      • Joan’s articles

Subscribe to PMags.com

  • Receive an email notification of new posts direct to your inbox once a week.
  • Old school text email digest
  • It is easy!

ClickHereButton

×