Skip to content

Mark's Musings

  • Home
  • About
  • Start Here

Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes

September 07, 2017December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

There have been numerous articles  such as You Walk Wrong, Your shoes are killing you which promote the benefits of going barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes. These articles note out feet is well engineered and actually does a better job on removing stress from your knee and hip than … “Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

ZPacks Hexamid

October 27, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Review Item: ZPacks HexamidOptions: Cuben with NettingManufacture Year: 2010Listed weight: Cuben shelter, guylines, and bag 8.9ozWeight as delivered: tarp+attached guylines 8.3ozMSRP: US$259 I have a first generation which uses three zippers that meet at the top peak. Joe has now switched to a single zipper to save … “ZPacks Hexamid”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Shelters

October 02, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Shelter selection should be based on how much room you need and the conditions you expect to encounter (rain, snow, wind, bugs, blistering heat, etc). For example, if you only camp in mild weather it would be silly to buy a mountaineering tent designed for … “Shelters”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Boots or Trail Runners

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 Mark1 Comment

When I started hiking as a child everyone knew you should wear hiking boots, ideally made in Italy with Vibram soles and leather.uppers. Only stupid people wore tennis shoes while hiking, though often they were brought for river crossings and for relaxing around camp. Years … “Boots or Trail Runners”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

Hiking Boots (and Shoes)

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Historically people wore heavy weight boots for backpacking, trekking, etc.  Your feet need to be protected, and what could do a better job that a  heavy boot which will help prevent sprained ankles and give excellent support?  Actually, most boots don’t give good “ankle support”.  … “Hiking Boots (and Shoes)”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Socks

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Appropriate socks help keep your feet at a comfortable temperature and play a large part in preventing blisters.  Blisters come from the combination of friction and moisture. You want socks which wick moisture away from you feet and minimize the amount of friction between the … “Socks”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Trail Runners

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

For most conditions provided you are carrying less than approximately 40 lb, I would strongly recommend trying trail running shoes because they can be quite comfortable and will be lighter than the more traditional hiking shoes or boots; I have heard the following concerns about … “Trail Runners”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Sandals

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

There are a number of people who have found using sandals or water shoes to be highly effective.  They provide excellent ventilation for your feet, and are ideal when you are in wet conditions because they don’t hold water against your feet.  The downsides of … “Sandals”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Feet in Snow and Cold

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

In colder weather, people often struggle with their feet getting cold.  There are a number of reasons for this Feet are the furthest point from your core which is generating heat. Feet are subjected to conductive cooling through the soles of your shoes/boots. Feet sweat … “Feet in Snow and Cold”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

Feet in Wet Conditions

September 13, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

In general you want to keep your feet dry.  There are a variety of ways you feet can get wet. The most dramatic are river crossings, followed by rain, snow, and slush. The final issue is sweat from your own feet (feet can dissipate up … “Feet in Wet Conditions”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

Goto Backpacking Gear

July 06, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Thought it would be interesting to see how my primary items have changed over time:  I am ignoring items that were used briefly or for testing purpose. For a while I was regularly purchasing new gear and trying it our. When I found something that … “Goto Backpacking Gear”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Backpacking on the Cheap

May 09, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Every year I help organize several backpacking trips for the communities I participate in. Typically we will have several first time backpackers. I often get the question “What should I buy?” Everyone expects the first thing I will suggest is a good pair of boots. … “Backpacking on the Cheap”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Backpacking Resources

May 09, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Online Communities BackpackingLight.com. (BPL) In 2000 this was the best site for people who wanted information about light weight backpacking. In the last few years I feel like they have been stumbling a bit (ugly UI / too many ads, etc) as they have tried … “Backpacking Resources”

Read More

Posted Under: fitness, outdoorsTags: backpacking

Food for Backpacking

May 09, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

There is a saying that an army runs on it’s stomach. The same could be said for most backpackers and outdoor adventurers. For most, food is not only fuel for the journey, but also a source of enjoyment, comfort, and motivation. There is a wide … “Food for Backpacking”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking

Cookware for Backpacking

May 09, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

If you want to cook food, you need something that holds the water and/or food as you heat it up. They best cookware will vary depending on the size of a group and the type of cooking. My Choice When I am traveling solo I … “Cookware for Backpacking”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Stoves for Backpacking

May 09, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

A portable stove enables you to cook nearly anywhere. Most stoves burn clean which makes cleanup easy. While a stove will add weight to your pack, the combination of a stove and foods which you cook are often lighter than ready to eat foods. Cooked food typically provide … “Stoves for Backpacking”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Food Storage for Backpacking

May 09, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

In most parts of the country correctly hanging food in a bear bags can be effective though it takes a bit of skill. Unfortunately bags won’t protect your food in the more highly trafficed parts of the Sierras were the bears see backpackers and think “Great, I … “Food Storage for Backpacking”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Hammocks

April 30, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

I have tried using hammocks several times and never enjoyed the experience. Furthermore, I am near or above tree line which makes hammocks useless.  I would suggest you check out people who love hammocks such as Sgt Rock’s Hammocks 101. In warm weather nothing will … “Hammocks”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Bivy

April 30, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Bivy’s are minimalist shelters which have a footprint no larger than the person they are protecting. They have the advantage of being very quick to set up and have a very low wind profile. Full Protection / Waterproof In most cases I would not use … “Bivy”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Tents

April 30, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Single-wall Tents There are two types of single wall tents. The first is made using waterproof (or water resistant) breathable materials. These are typically free standing shelters designed for mountaineering, and have very similar designs such as those from Bibler, Rab, or Black Diamond. I like … “Tents”

Read More

Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Posts navigation

Previous 1 2 3 4 Next

Recent Posts

  • You never know when a NPR marketplace story will be useful
  • Gear 2021
  • Family Gear 2021
  • Favorite Movies
  • Make a Difference

Categories

  • audio
  • fitness
  • health
  • life
  • money
  • outdoors
  • relationships
  • simplicity
  • tech
  • travel

Tags

backpacking bicycling books christian clothing footwear gear it sfbay shelters systems

Archives

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Copyright © All rights reserved.| Proudly Powered by WordPress and Echoes