How to get ultralight?
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 …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
Shoulder Season – The Time in Between
You’ll often see publications and experienced outdoors people talk about “shoulder season.” What is it? And what adjustments do you need to make? Read More …
Flying with backpacking gear
Some tips, pointers, ideas, and caveats about packing backpacking gear when you’ll arrive by plane, train, or bus. Read More …
A properly attired hiker: Blaze orange in hunting season
Different options for the wearing of blaze orange and other hi-vis colors while hiking during peak hunting season. Updated Fall 2025. Read More …
Cold and Wet: The Hardest Hiking
What to wear in what many people consider to be among the most difficult of conditions: cold and wet. Updated Sept 2025. Read More …
Paralysis by Analysis
A look at paralysis by analysis that I think stops people from getting out in the wild places. Read More …
Map, Compass, GPS: Not Either/Or, But All of the Above
A collection of my Reddit posts. cleaned up and expanded, with thoughts on how maps, compasses, and GPS all work together in the field. It’s not about which tool is “better,” but how they complement each other. Read More …
Words of wisdom from 1877
How to Camp by John M. Gould was written 150 years ago. But it still has some practical advice applicable for any outdoors person today. Read More …
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 …
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.
Read More …
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 …
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 …