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 …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
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 …