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Stoves for Backpacking

May 09, 2013February 20, 2022 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”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Food Storage for Backpacking

May 09, 2013December 13, 2022 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”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Hammocks

April 30, 2013August 04, 2022 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”

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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”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Tents

April 30, 2013July 28, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Tents are structures made from fabric that provide an enclosed space which protects the occupants from environment conditions. Historically tents were made from canvas, but now are typically made from nylon or polyester with some some of waterproof treatment. Most tents are double walled, though … “Tents”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Winter Shelters

April 30, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave a comment

Actually, this should really be called shelters for extreme conditions with snow since there are many places where “winter” could be handled with a traditional “three season” tent.  When I think “winter shelters” I am thinking something that can survive 50+mph winds, and a foot … “Winter Shelters”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Shelter Fabrics

April 30, 2013April 28, 2021 MarkLeave a comment

Shelters are made from a variety of materials which have a variety of strengths and weaknesses.  One of the important properties of a shelter is being able to keep you dry. Many fabrics, even those that aren’t “waterproof” can keep you drive in moderate conditions. … “Shelter Fabrics”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Selecting Campsites

April 30, 2013January 08, 2023 MarkLeave a comment

PLACEHOLDER Some brief notes by other sectionhikers campsite selection

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Stakes

April 30, 2013July 11, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Most shelters need something to keep them from blowing away. Most people carry metal or plastic stakes, though it is often possible to improvise using local material. A decent video of the big/little rock anchor is what I often do above treeline. Ultralight backpackers often … “Stakes”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Backpacking

April 06, 2013July 26, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

The following posts can provide a good overview for someone who is thinking and trying backpacking for the first time. Getting Starting Gear You Will Need Food on the Trail Getting a Good Night Sleep Survival skills Winter Activities… and special issues with cold and … “Backpacking”

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Posted Under: fitness, outdoorsTags: backpacking

Backpacks for Kids

April 06, 2013July 24, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

The general rule of thumb is that people shouldn’t carry more than 1/4 of their body weight. From studies done in the military, carrying more than 12% results in increasing fatigue. That means that a 60 pound child shouldn’t be carrying more than a 15 … “Backpacks for Kids”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Backpacks

April 05, 2013January 25, 2023 MarkLeave a comment

Choosing a backpack can be tricky, especially for someone who is just starting out.  You need to know what you are carrying  to choose the right pack, but if you are just starting out you don’t know what you are going to be carrying.  I … “Backpacks”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Survival Skills

April 05, 2013November 15, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Remember the 3s You need air in 3 minutes (and to stop severe bleeding), to get warmth in 3 hours, water in 3 days, and food in 3 weeks.  The Wisdom of Abo Dude touches on most of the survival principles I learned growing up. Cody also has … “Survival Skills”

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Posted Under: health, outdoorsTags: backpacking

Outdoor Gear

April 04, 2013January 25, 2023 MarkLeave a comment

My recommendations on the following pages are focused on backpacking gear, but most of the observations are applicable to a variety of outdoor activities.  I also have a list of my “gear for life“. I strive for simplicity and gratitude. Ultralight Approach The key to ultralight is to … “Outdoor Gear”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Getting a Good Night Sleep in the Outdoors

April 04, 2013June 25, 2021 Mark1 Comment

Many people under estimate the value of a good night of sleep. If you don’t cherish your sleep, you might want to read The Problem of Sleep which does a good job of documenting the value of sleep, what interferes with good sleep, and what the negative … “Getting a Good Night Sleep in the Outdoors”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking

Sleeping Pads

April 04, 2013December 09, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Sleeping pads provide comfort which can enable a good night of sleep.  Waking up in the morning feeling worse than when you went to bed is no fun. Some people can sleep on the bare ground or maybe 1/8″ foam pads for some insulation. I … “Sleeping Pads”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Sleeping Bag & Quilt

April 04, 2013August 05, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Sleeping bags and quilts can provide light-weight and compact insulation for a good nights sleep. I have found that you get what you pay for when it comes to sleeping bags and quilts. It’s also important to have insulation and comfortable surface to sleep on top … “Sleeping Bag & Quilt”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Insulation Materials

April 03, 2013January 05, 2023 Mark4 Comments

Historically the three best choices are Down, Polarguard (especially 3D and Delta), and Primaloft, though Climashield sounds pretty good and will likely replace Polarguard as the most commonly use synthetic in the next few years. Each of these materials has different performance characteristics.  You will … “Insulation Materials”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear

Shaped Tarps

April 02, 2013March 18, 2021 MarkLeave a comment

Shaped tarps can be exceptionally light weight while providing excellent storm protection. The downside of many shaped tarps is that they way you pitch them is limited compared to a classic flat tarp. Shaped tarps come in a variety of sizes and shapes. I have … “Shaped Tarps”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

Tarps

April 02, 2013July 27, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Tarps are often the lightest shelter to provide protection from the environment, provides more space / weight than other options, and let you stay connected to your environment when pitched open. Tarps can often be set up in a number of ways so they can … “Tarps”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, gear, shelters

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