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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.

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 Mags4 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, 2020AuthorJoan12 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

A properly attired hiker: Blaze orange in hunting season

Posted onOctober 5, 2020September 7, 2021AuthorPaul Mags19 Comments

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

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

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

Intro to Backpacking: Part 4 – Backcountry Food

Posted onMay 5, 2020AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Part 4 in this series will discuss options for food in the backcountry with an emphasis on food purchased at the local grocery store. Read More …

CategoriesGetting Started, VideosTagsfood, videos

Intro to Backpacking: Part 3 – Deciding where to go: risk management & factors to consider

Posted onMay 3, 2020AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Part 3 – Deciding where to go: risk management & factors to consider. I discuss different factors on deciding where to go. Read More …

CategoriesGetting Started, Trip PlanningTagsdiscovery, planning, safety, trip ideas, videos

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Unexpected layover for a few hours in Phoenix on t Unexpected layover for a few hours in Phoenix on the.way to Eugene, OR.
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 The complimentary airport light rail drops you off within a five-minute walk of the @pueblograndemuseum with its ball court, mounds,  and impressive pottery display.
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The Ancestral Sonoran People developed irrigation canals and grew cotton. Their trade network actively extended to our high desert area.
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Though 105F out, the complimentary bottled water and umbrella did wonders.
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#phoenix #arizona #petroglyphs
@ramblinghemlock 's parents in town and I'll join @ramblinghemlock 's parents in town and I'll join them in Oregon next weekend.

#moab #utah
Good morning, Moab! ... Good morning, Moab!
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@ramblinghemlock is up in Cortez, CO attending an @ramblinghemlock is up in Cortez, CO attending an amazing two-week program @crow_canyon for educators. 
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After my far less interesting job wrapped up the week, I made the two-hour drive to pick Joan up, and we took off to the nearby La Plata mountains for some hiking and camping.
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Our usual satisfying weekend. Joan completes her class this week, and then we'll take off for points further west in a little bit.
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#Colorado #laplatamountains #hiking #camping
Lazy Sunday in the La Plata Mountains. .. #hiking Lazy Sunday in the La Plata Mountains.
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#hiking #camping #Colorado
Another weekend where we escaped the 100F+ temps a Another weekend where we escaped the 100F+ temps and went into the mountains for a quick trip.
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#hiking #camping #LaSalMountains #utah #Moab
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  • 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

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