In an era of ultralight gear and high-tech fabrics, one of the most useful pieces of backpacking equipment remains remarkably simple: the ordinary cotton bandana. Cheap, lightweight, and endlessly versatile, a bandana earns its place in any pack by serving dozens of functions—often when you least expect it. For backpackers who value multifunctional gear, a cotton bandana is hard to beat.
Continue reading The Cotton Bandana: One of the Best Backpacking Gear Items Ever!
It’s that time of year again. I often struggle to find just the right gift for friends and family, especially stocking stuffers. Here’s a list of things that I use and can recommend.
During the first four years of my blog, I would post my favorite gear of the year. I haven’t published a favorite gear list in 10 years, the last being in 2015. This was mostly because I rarely buy new backpacking equipment.
I thought it might be interesting to create a 2025 version and compare it to 2015, to see what has changed.
Back in 2008 I bought these two garments. A Montbell EX Light Down Jacket and a Montbell EX Light Down Vest. They are identical pieces although one has sleeves and the other doesn’t.
At the time they were probably the lightest down garments on the planet — truly minimalist — all of which doesn’t tell us much at all.
Today, 18 years later, the Montbell jacket is still my “go to” insulation for most backpacking trips, followed by the vest. Neither item is still sold by Montbell. In this article I will explain why these pieces of gear have remained my favorites and also share similar garments that Montbell sells today.
Continue reading Montbell EX Light Down Jacket & Vest: Long Term Review
Joyce bought me a Six Moon Designs Deschutes Silpoly shelter for my birthday.
The Deschutes is, in my opinion, the best buy on the market for a ultralight one person shelter.
After several days of rain, I finally got the chance to set up the shelter to seal the seams. While doing this I took a few pictures.
Continue reading Six Moon Designs Deschutes Silpoly — A Best Buy