Stuck at home? Some skills to learn
If you have to stay at home, now is the time to brush up your outdoor skill set. Read More …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
Etsy – lightweight, inexpensive, and useful gear
Etsy often means tchotchkes for oddball things. But it also offers a surprising array of backpacking items from individuals or small businesses. Read More …
Thoughts on hiking solo
Joan shares some thoughts on her solo hiking experience. Read More …
The Joy of Car Camping – Base Camping for the active outdoors person
An extensive guide to car camping. Includes suggested equipment, clothing, gear and a gear checklist. Read More …
Another Contest: Backpacking for Beginners Giveaway
I’ll be giving away two copies of this book. Tell me about a beginner backpacker in your life and why they might like this book. Read More …
Quick Tip: Firearms oil for pole maintenance
With oil used to lubricate and clean firearms and some simple scrub brushes, you’ll keep your hiking and ski poles in optimal condition. Read More …
The Budget Backpacking Kit
A sequel of sorts to my $300 gear challenge. A little under $800 for a kit that is light, functional, and easily, assembled. Read More …
Communication technology options: A vendor neutral view
An overlook at various options for communication technology in the backcountry for personal use, emergency, commercial, or search and rescue applications. Read More …
Wilderness First Responder course – Overall impressions
Some thoughts and impressions on my experience of taking the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course through NOLS. Read More …
What’s in your mail drop?
Joan details what she places in her maildrops for long hikes and why. With a focus on her cold food (no stove) strategy.
Quick Tips: Finding archaeological sites on your own
How to find arc sites on your own without GPX coordinates, map annotations, guidebooks, web sites, or social media. Read More …
Those we left behind: What to tell the people at home
Here are some ideas and tips for information to leave with friends and family when you take off on a backcountry trip. Read More …
Lightweight Backpacking: BassPro and Cabela’s
Going lightweight (sub-20lbs) with gear and clothing from BassPro and Cabela’s. Yes, the 8 billion dollar company sells “real” outdoor gear not in camo! Read More …
Quick Tip: Dishwashing gloves for rain
A budget item that is readily available for keeping your hands warm and dry in cold rain. Read More …
Becoming an NPS ranger – The nuts and bolts
How Joan became a National Park Ranger mid-career; discussed are ways to volunteer, finances, housing, and even healthcare from a nuts and bolts perspective. Read More …
Hands-free umbrella rigging
Joan shares her techniques for using an umbrella hands-free. Bonus: She also shares some unique, and colorful, alternative uses for an umbrella, too! Read More …
How to Survive Your First Trip in the Wild: Backpacking for Beginners
My book focused on beginner backpackers will be available on Sept 3rd. And pre-order copies are available for a discount. Read More …
An outdoor library: Colorado Plateau collection
Some suggested books for the outdoors person that make a good read for someone interested in the history, culture, or politics of The Colorado Plateau. Read More …
Quick Tip: Instagram for trail conditions
How to use Instagram for quick and dirty researching of trail conditions. Read More …
All about the lumens and some real world use
What the heck is a lumen? And what does this rating mean for real-world application? Read More …
Rock Art: Petroglyphs and Pictographs differences
What are the differences between petroglyphs and pictographs? Read More …
Quick Tip: Newsprint for drying shoes
An effective, easy, and inexpensive way to dry out your shoes quicker. Read More …