Budget camping gear
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? Updated March 2025. Read More …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
Quick Tip – Arizona Tea one liter bottle
Gatorade bottle is early 2000s, get the full one liter goodness of Arizona iced tea. Read More …
Solid (Classic) Fleece vs Grid Fleece vs. Alpha fleece
What are the functional differences between grid. Alpha, and solid (classic) fleece? Revised March 2024 Read More …
The Budget Backpacking Kit
A sequel of sorts to my $300 gear challenge. A little over $800 and 10 lbs for a kit that is light, functional, and easily, assembled. Updated Mar 2024. Read More …
The long winter nights – What to do?
Winter backpacking means solitude, gorgeous winter light, and long nights. Here’s what Joan and I find works to make those long nights enjoyable. Read More …
Dirt Bagger Winter Stove Platform
How to build an inexpensive stove platform for winter backpacking. Bonus: doubles as a heat reflector.
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Start here: My unofficial outdoor guidebook
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 Aug 2023. Read More …
Sun protection techniques
Some of the gear, clothing, and techniques we use for sun protection when hiking and backpacking. Read More …
A properly attired hiker: Blaze orange in hunting season
Different options for the wearing of blaze orange while hiking during hunting season. Read More …
How to find dispersed camping sites?
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 …
Pee rag – Kula Cloth vs. cotton bandanna
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 …
Training for a long distance hike?
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 …
Best shoes for water crossings?
My opinion on the best shoes for water crossings. 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 …
There’s an app for that – 2021 edition
The outdoor apps I use for my mobile device currently and plan on using in the coming year. Read More …
How to get outdoor trip ideas
How to get ideas for backcountry trips? Here’s how I do it. Updated for 2020. Read More …
Dealing with Reynaud’s Syndrome – Gear and techniques
Joan shares some thoughts on gear, techniques, and skills she uses to deal with Reynaud’s Syndrome while in the outdoors. Read More …
Sleeping systems – Joan’s Picks
Joan’s thoughts on sleeping systems for winter, cowboy camping, hammock camping, and more and what works best for her. Read More …