Lightweight Backpacking 101
A quick and dirty overview for transitioning from a traditional backpacker to a lighter weight backpacker. Chart to compare and contrast weights and prices,too Read More …
Category: Getting Started
Some articles if you are just starting in the outdoors. Or want to pick up some new ideas.
Sleeping Bags : A Quick and Dirty Overview
An overview of sleeping bag types and a discussion of down vs. synthetic sleeping bags. Read More …
Build a gear sled the dirt bagger way
For flat or moderate terrain, a gear sled is a great way to haul in gear. Here’s how to build a simple gear sled without breaking the bank. Read More …
Why Black and White Outdoor Photography?
Here’s some advocacy for black and white outdoor photography. Personally I think B&W photos can be just as striking as the color photos often done by most outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor Photography – Point and Shoot or DSLR?
Taking photos when outdoors is a great way to capture memories of outdoor adventures. But which camera to bring? A Point Shoot (P&S) or a DSLR?
Recycling Backpacking Fuel Canisters
The easy and safe way to recycle backpacking fuel canisters without needing to buy extra tools.
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Review: The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide
A review of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka. A guide that is aimed towards the backpacker that wishes to hike more and camp a bit less.
New Insoles: Simple change with a big difference
Replacing the factory insoles with something new is a trick many experienced backpackers know about. But not everyone does. Here’s why it should be done. Read More …
Wilderness First Aid : A Minimalist View
Wilderness First Aid is a basic certification for the assessing, treating and stabilizing of a person’s injuries in the backcountry. But how does the (sometimes) gear and equipment focused backcountry medicine co-exist with a more minimalist view? Here is my Read More …
Backpacking: A Beginners Primer
A primer I wrote for people new to backpacking. With a beginners backpacking gear list, too. Read More …
Review: Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Pocket Guide
A review of an excellent guide to the wildflowers found in the Colorado Rockies. Read More …
Introduction to Snowshoeing Basics
An article on the introduction to snowshoeing basics for enjoying this wonderful winter past time! Covers clothing, gear, the layering principle, a snowshoeing gear checklist and wool vs. synthetics comparison. Read More …
Shoulder Season – The Time in Between
“Shoulder season backpacking”. A phrase that has become more common in recent years. Applicable not just to backpacking, but to any outdoor activity that falls outside of the peak season. But what is shoulder season backpacking? (Or for that matter, Read More …
The Path to Enlightenment – Boulder Weekly
Not my original title for this article..but so it goes. 🙂 The original title of this article was "Lighten the load; not the wallet" ; a quick crash course in how to dirt bag. Not tips new to anyone in Read More …
Dirt Bagging – A minimalist gear philsophy
A version of this document has appeared in Yogi’s PCT Handbook and on various hiking boards. It is also in the current edition of the Colorado Trail Guidebook. My overview of lightweight backpacking. One sunny, summer day in Maine, Read More …
Drop In The Bottle – Water Treament in the Backcountry
An overview and comparison of ways to treat water in the backcountry for hiking, backpacking and camping. Read More …
Day Hiking in Colorado
So you wanna hike in Colorado? An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. –Thoreau Welcome to Colorado! During your visit, you will have an opportunity to explore the mountains of Colorado. Hiking in Colorado is a Read More …