Bugforce Scale
Bugforce Scale as proposed by Paul Wagner 0 is Zero. Really. No mosquitoes or other biting bugs
Read MoreHiking Destinations
The following is a reference I use when selecting the next hiking or backpacking destination with a bias toward Northern California. I make it in 2002 and just now am updating in because many of the links were out of date. I have been meaning … “Hiking Destinations”
Read MoreCamino de Santiago
In the next couple of years I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago. The following are notes I pulled together for myself which might be useful to others who are considering walking The Way of Saint James. I am considering integrating this pilgrimage with the 30 … “Camino de Santiago”
Read MoreGet Outdoors
Every Saturday Jackie and I take at least a couple hours to walk in one of the parks in our area. Within a few minutes of beginning our walk I can feel myself relaxing. I periodically take a long weekend in one of the nearby … “Get Outdoors”
Read MoreTarp-tents and Other Ultralight Shelters
Today there is a wide range of ultralight shelters including traditionally designed tents using exotic materials to move them into the ultralight weight classification. Many of the ultralight shelter designs came from people’s experiences on long thru hikes combined with a desire to find the … “Tarp-tents and Other Ultralight Shelters”
Read MoreFlashlights & Headlamp
Flashlights and headlamps let you continue your activities once it is too dark to see. The ability to expend the hours that we can do things is invaluable. Today, virtually all flashlights and headlamps use LEDs to produce light. I strongly encourage people to retired … “Flashlights & Headlamp”
Read MoreKnives and Other Sharps
Many activities requires cutting things. Cutting needs varies: food preparation, opening packaging, trimming material to cover a blister, or hacking branches off a tree to build an emergency shelter. My Choice My every day carry (EDC) knife is a Victorinox Rambler Pocket Knife which is … “Knives and Other Sharps”
Read MoreWater Treatment & Containers
Next to staying warm, the most important survive and comfort factor is to make sure you drink an adequate amount of safe water. This often means you need to carry water and be prepared to treat water. Not all locations have a continuous supply of … “Water Treatment & Containers”
Read MoreVapor Barriers
In extremely cold vapor barriers can be part of an effective clothing or sleep system. According to the book Secrets of Warmth by Hal Wiess, the human body gives off moisture for three reasons: (1) as a fear response, (2) as sweat to cool us down when … “Vapor Barriers”
Read MoreRecommended Clothing
I recommend clothing that can be comfortably worn day after day for a wide variety of activities. My clothing is typically made from technical fibers or merino wool which provides good mobility, decent durability, is light weight, fast drying, and odor/stain resistant. I use mostly … “Recommended Clothing”
Read MoreZPacks Hexamid
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 MoreBoots or Trail Runners
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 MoreFeet in Snow and Cold
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 MoreFeet in Wet Conditions
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 MoreGoto Backpacking Gear
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 MoreBackpacking on the Cheap
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 MoreBackpacking Resources
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 MoreFood for Backpacking
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 MoreCookware for Backpacking
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”
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