Quick Tips – Page 2

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 …

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 …

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 …

Quick Tip: Backcountry Slushies

Posted onJuly 5, 2018January 3, 2021AuthorPaul MagsLeave a comment

Hiking in the glorious alpine terrain? See some snow banks? Time to make a backcountry slushy! 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 …

Quick Tip: Propane adapter hose for a camp stove

Posted onDecember 3, 2017November 30, 2022AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

Want the convenience of propane for camping but not deal with those (mainly) one-use green canisters? Get an adapter hose! Read More …

Quick Tip: Easy Bake Oven Post-Trip

Posted onJanuary 13, 2017January 4, 2018AuthorPaul Mags4 Comments

Hot cinnamon rolls or warm danish for post-trip enjoyment? Why yes. Read More …

Quick Tip: Sun shield reflector for insoles

Posted onJanuary 4, 2017December 18, 2024AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

Some DIY reflective insoles to help keep the feet warm when stationary in winter. Read More …

Quick Tip: Pre-packaged winter meals

Posted onDecember 12, 2016January 31, 2017AuthorPaul Mags3 Comments

A quick way to make a meal for winter backpacking. Read More …

Quick Tips: Backpacking rules of thumb

Posted onJuly 22, 2016April 26, 2025AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

A grab bag of some quick answers to some common questions I’ve answered over the years. Read More …

The fine art of the truck bivy

Posted onJune 22, 2016October 25, 2020AuthorPaul Mags5 Comments

Maximize weekend time and camp near the trailhead. Do a truck bivy! Read More …

Quick Tip: Ziplock bag map cover

Posted onJune 7, 2016November 25, 2023AuthorPaul Mags1 Comment

A simple and effective map cover to keep your printed maps protected while outdoors. Read More …

TBT Gear: Cheesecloth

Posted onJune 2, 2016June 14, 2019AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

TBT follow-up to my surprisingly popular article on Pecorino Romano cheese. How to keep all cheese even longer in the backcountry? Use some cheesecloth. Read More …

Quick Tip: Burning end of cord

Posted onApril 5, 2016April 26, 2022AuthorPaul Mags7 Comments

A frayed piece of utility cordage? Here’s a very simple way to help prevent it from fraying further. Read More …

Quick Tip: Ammo boxes for caching

Posted onMarch 29, 2016November 6, 2024AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Caching food or other supplies for off-the-beaten trips or even convenience? Surplus ammo boxes are an inexpensive and easy way cache these supplies. Read More …

Quick Tip: Pull tab guyline tensioner

Posted onMarch 22, 2016April 25, 2025AuthorPaul Mags2 Comments

Make a guyline tensioner out of pull tab from a can. Light, cheap and easy to use. Read More …

Category: Quick Tips