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 …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
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 …
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 …
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 Images: 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 …
Glove in Hand – Layering for Cold Weather
A fair amount of people ask what to wear on the hands for cool and cold weather hiking. Here’s my take.
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A hike in the museum
Try to not to make “museum displays” as those displays can destroy the archeological record. Read More …