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Educational

Learn from people who have already made the mistakes!

XUL (Extreme Ultralight) Packing List

XUL (Extreme Ultralight) Packing List

Just how light can I get and still not be stupid about things? By that I mean how light can I go and still cover the 10 essentials: Navigation, sunscreen, extra clothes, flashlight, first aid kit, Fire, knife, water, food, shelter. Well, it turns out, if the temperatures are moderate

The quest for the ultimate tent stake

The quest for the ultimate tent stake

When you become a UL gram weenie, you start looking at how much things weigh and for ways to eliminate unnecessary items, find dual/multi-use items, or find lighter items. In that light, I've kind of been obsessed for a couple years with how much tent stakes weigh.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Down the Rabbit Hole

Ultralight is many things. A mindset. A set of principles. A goal. A quest. One thing that can't be disputed - by anyone who has tried a "true" UL pack/load - is how much different it is than "traditional" backpacking. And by traditional

How to go UL at Philmont

How to go UL at Philmont

Philmont is Scouting's premier high adventure base. I went twice as a youth. Once with my troop (1988) and once by myself as part of a trail crew program (1989.) It was my first time backpacking in the Rocky Mountains, and until last year, was the highest elevation

Sleep System Evolution

Sleep System Evolution

Quilts/sleeping bags are one of the "big 4" items - those 4 items that most impact the weight and cost of most people's backpacking kit. Over time I have evolved my sleep system components, upgrading to get better/lighter versions. Today I have multiple quilts

Rationalizing Backpacks - Why do I have so many?

Rationalizing Backpacks - Why do I have so many?

The simple answer is because I'm a gear geek who is at a point in life where I have the financial means to spend on my hobbies. The longer answer is a bit more nuanced. I currently have four backpacking packs. Each serves a different purpose. Could I

In Search of the Perfect Pump Sack

In Search of the Perfect Pump Sack

I HATE inflating my sleeping pads by blowing into them. I hate seeing condensed water vapor clinging to the inside walls - where I can't easily get it out - where it adds weight (!), and breeds mold and other nasties. Thankfully most pad manufacturers agree with me and

Superior Trail Packing List

Superior Trail Packing List

Tina and I will be doing the Superior Trail September 4-16. We are going to be doing a "choose your own adventure" plan. i.e. we know where we are going to start, and we know when we are going to finish, but exactly where we are going

BBNP Shakedown

This past weekend I went on a quick two-nighter with Chris and his daughter to Big Bend NP to see how she liked backpacking with elevation change. This is in preparation for a possible longer trip later this summer. Chris has many more pics and stories to share - I&

Penny-wise but Pound-foolish

Penny-wise but Pound-foolish

If you've used a canister stove for any amount of time, you've undoubtedly got a collection of half-used canisters. Annoying. Wouldn't it be great if there were some way to combine the contents of one cannister into another? Surely there must be a way.

My pre-trip planning documents for the LSHT

My pre-trip planning documents for the LSHT

Had someone ask me how I plan for a backpacking trip. I'm sure everyone's planning system is completely different. Mine varies greatly by what the hike is. Some hikes are more about route planning and making sure you have good maps and know the elevation changes

Brian's LSHT Lighterpack Breakdown!

Brian's LSHT Lighterpack Breakdown!

LSHT Mar 2022 - UL Lone Star Hiking Trail March 4-6 2022. Weather: * Friday 3/4: High 75, Low 61, Wind 6-10 mph, Dew Point 46-50 * Saturday 3/5: High 80, Low 67, Wind 9-15 mph, Dew Point 55-57 * Sunday 3/6: Hight 83, Low 66, Wind 8-16 mph, Dew