Getting Started – Page 4

Quick Tip: Newsprint for drying shoes

Posted onJanuary 23, 2019April 17, 2019AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

An effective, easy, and inexpensive way to dry out your shoes quicker. Read More …

Glove in Hand – Layering for Cold Weather

Posted onDecember 7, 2018April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags11 Comments

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

Posted onNovember 15, 2018January 2, 2021AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Try to not to make “museum displays” as those displays can destroy the archeological record. Read More …

Quick Tip: Easy Cowboy-style Coffee

Posted onOctober 25, 2018October 25, 2018AuthorPaul Mags9 Comments

An easy way to make Cowboy-style coffee without the muss and chewy grounds by using a coffee filter sachet. Read More …

Stove Comparison – Real World Use

Posted onOctober 17, 2018April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags37 Comments

An overview of backpacking stove types with their pluses and minuses. No such thing a the “best stove”…just what is best for you. Revised October 2018. Read More …

Quick Tip: Psuedo Deadman Anchors

Posted onOctober 10, 2018April 29, 2022AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Deadman anchors are the way to secure a shelter in soft sand or snow. But there is a happy medium between a true deadman anchor and hoping your stakes hold. Read More …

Sleepings Pads – A grounded view

Posted onOctober 9, 2018April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags22 Comments

An overview and comparison of sleeping pads for backpacking and camping. Updated October 2018. Read More …

Rain Gear – What To Wear?

Posted onOctober 4, 2018February 4, 2026AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Which rain gear or shell to wear? Depending on the conditions, one piece of gear may be better than another. Updated October 2018. Read More …

Quick Tip: Baking Soda and Vinegar for stains

Posted onOctober 2, 2018October 2, 2018AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

Nasty dirt, oils, sweat, and salt in your outdoor clothing and gear? Grab some white vinegar and baking soda! Read More …

Ground Cloths : A quick overview

Posted onOctober 1, 2018April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags45 Comments

An overlook at some options for ground cloths when backpacking or camping. Updated for 2018. Read More …

Quick Tip: LNT Rule of Thumb for Animal Photos

Posted onSeptember 14, 2018April 30, 2019AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

A literal rule of thumb for gauging if you are too close to an animal for photo taking. Read More …

Basic Backcountry Hygiene: Why do it!?

Posted onApril 26, 2018April 26, 2018AuthorPaul Mags8 Comments

Why basic hygiene in the backcountry is good for you, your health, your gear, fellow outdoor users, and the people in town. Read More …

Quick Tip: Water bottle leveler

Posted onFebruary 27, 2018December 2, 2018AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

An easy way to make sure the ground is level. Something showed to me when taking crew leader training for volunteer trail work. Read More …

Quick Tip: Estimating amount of daylight left

Posted onJanuary 4, 2018January 4, 2018AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

A quick and dirty way of estimating the amount of daylight left for hiking, backpacking, skiing, etc. Read More …

Lightweight Backpacking: REI Style

Posted onAugust 10, 2017April 27, 2025AuthorPaul Mags26 Comments

Going lightweight (sub-20lbs) with typical gear and clothing from REI. Read More …

Colorado outdoor issues and concerns

Posted onJuly 31, 2017January 19, 2021AuthorPaul Mags15 Comments

Some issues and concerns for Colorado backpacking, hiking, and camping that may not be readily apparent. Read More …

How to do a fast hike

Posted onJuly 6, 2017July 9, 2017AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

How to do a fast hike? The real question is how to hike all day consistently. And then repeat. Here are some ideas. Read More …

The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide – 2nd Edition

Posted onMarch 28, 2017June 22, 2017AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

A look at the second edition of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka. Read More …