This is a quick update on my Softopper post from two years ago. It’s quick because it’s been uneventful. My biggest concern was how it would hold up to the cold Minnesota winters. It has handled them flawlessly. The rear window is a little cloudier than it was when new, but that might be because … More Softopper Long-term Review
In the balance of capacity and efficiency, I lean more toward filling to my capacity. I know I can comfortably carry 35lbs all day, so if I have the space, I bring a few excess items that I feel enhance my my time in the wilderness. What fun is traveling light if you can’t bring … More Trail Tools: Cutting Wood
These are things that I really don’t need to carry, but I find worth it. As my buddy, Josh says, “I carry less so I can bring more”. REI Flexlite Chair: This stupid chair is probably the most unnecessary item I carry, but I love it. There is something incredibly nice about having a dry … More Backpacking Luxuries
A pulk is an adapted sled that you pull behind you to haul your gear. It allows you to haul more gear with less effort, taking the weight off your body and legs. During the winter it becomes a huge asset. The document below is available here and does a great job of summarizing build options and … More Winter Camping: You Want a Pulk
For me, everything about my truck is a compromise. Gas mileage, towing capability, size, and so on. When I first got my truck, I picked a roll-up tonneau bed cover since it would allow me to keep a fair amount of stuff covered, and still roll out-of-the-way when I need to haul something larger. I … More Cover Your Bed: Softopper Truck Bed Top
One of the few things the GORUCK GR1 is lacking is a sternum strap. A sternum strap is a key feature when carrying heavy loads for an extended period of time. It allows your shoulders to relax a little and stabilizes the load. Add-on sternum straps are actually kind of hard to find. I was … More GORUCK GR1: Sternum Strap and Grimlocks
Last weekend, a GORUCK Challenge veteran was awesome enough to take a group of us rookies through the paces for about 4 hours. It wound up being a great fitness check and gear test. The weather was going to be challenging, probably my least favorite condition: precipitation and just warm enough not to snow. It … More GORUCK Training: Organized “Dry” Run
Late winter is a wonderful time in the northern Midwest: temperatures rise, the roads clear, and the clouds give way to the sun… but not yet. March began with a 9 inch snowfall, on top of the foot or so of snow already on the ground. I decided that the additional snow warranted the (not … More NB MT100 and REI Gaiters, Revisited… and Pants
My girlfriend, Sandy, lives in the woods. She’s not really a girl, or a friend. Sandy is a 60 pound sandbag that sleeps next to a downed tree in Lone Lake Park. Today’s workout brought me to those woods to lift Sandy from the snow, and carry her up and down a few hills, lift … More GORUCK Challenge Training: Snow Ruck
Saturday was a perfect day to visit Lake Calhoun, take in the sites, and carry 60 to 70 pounds of extra weight. In preparation for the GORUCK Challege, a buddy and I met for a couple of laps around Minneapolis’ best known lake. Josh has put together a flag that we’ll likely use for the … More GORUCK Training: Carry Your Stones
Monkey with Chainsaw 