I’ll admit that I’m pretty much a coffee addict. I love a couple cups in the morning, and on cold mornings it practically transcendent. My go-to coffee solution has been Starbucks Via packets. While I’d prefer a french press, I don’t want to deal with that on the trail. Via packets taste (not great, but) … More Coffee on the Trail
I love preparing for backpacking trips. Making lists, assembling gear, thinking about new gear… Watching Youtube videos has become a standard part of that preparation. Shug’s videos are a favorite in our crew. Getting ready for our Sioux Hustler Trail trip in a month, Shug’s hike of that trail was a must watch. And any … More Preparing is Half the Fun
You would think after my last camping trip, I had enough cold camping. But when you find a group of like minded individuals, things start to sound like a good idea. And that’s how I ended up sleeping in a tent on top of a bluff on a -17 degree (Fahrenheit) night. It was a … More Afton Cold Camp, January 2014
(this has been sitting in my drafts for far too long…) Read Part 1 Going to bed cold sucks. But if you can get dry, and if your gear is warm enough, you can get comfortable and sleep well. There are other things that you can do. I think it’s good to get warm and get … More Falling Into Winter: Backpacking in November, Part II
It started off like most camping trips: talk of gear and schedules, repeated trips to REI, and sugar plums dancing through our heads. We had 4 guys, gear, and a plan. Originally, we had picked a section of the Superior Hiking Trail for this trip, but the deer hunting opener was the same weekend as … More Falling Into Winter: Backpacking in November, Part I
Originally, a couple of friends and I had planned to meet up in central Iowa and do some light winter camping. Unfortunately, the forecast for Saturday night was for the weather to turn very cold, very quickly. The temperature was to drop to the low single digits and not warm up on Sunday. I wasn’t … More Blizzard Camp 2010
In case you haven’t picked up on this yet, I’m kind of a gear-whore. I like gear. It’s fun, and hopefully useful. While I like quality equipment, I usually shop around for a deal and will sacrifice a little of my requirements for a good price (except for when I don’t). I also wish I could … More Walmart Gear for Backpacking?
Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post Closeouts . Goodhew hiking socks offer cushioned support and the itch-free comfort of merino wool to see you all the way up the mountain. Itch-free merino wool naturally regulates temperature, wicks moisture and doesn’t retain odor Turn welt top Arch support Flat toe seam Medium cushion … Goodhew Hiking … More My Review of Goodhew Hiking Socks – Merino Wool, Medium Cushion (For Men and Women)
Holy crap. April is gone, and our wedding tour of the Midwest is taking its toll on my energy, time, and wallet. I wasn’t able to get a camping trip in during the month of April. I don’t know if I’m allowed to make it up or not. I guess that kind of forfeits my … More Reality sucks
That has to be one of the most overused first post titles, but it seemed a fitting place to start. My last manager has a son who is a boy scout. This young scout had set out to achieve a traditional boy scout award: the Twelve-month Camping Award. (I’ll call it an award, because I’m … More In the beginning
Monkey with Chainsaw 