More and more, land management agencies are requiring backpackers to store their food in “approved” bear-resistant equipment. A common question is, “What is the lightest bear-resistant food container I can buy?”

Many, many years ago I was shopping at a well-known backpacking outfitter for a sleeping bag. In those days, retailers like this one, had special areas or rooms with all their sleeping bags on display. This store had several inflated air mattresses and foam pads available so shoppers could try the fit of sleeping bags in the store. Additionally, the store had experienced employees that could answer all questions and ensure customers bought the correct size bag.

In conversations with a couple employees they showed me a new product — a bear canister — recommending it to protect my food. 

But it isn’t that simple. Continue reading Canisters, Ursacks and Bears, Oh My!! →

A couple days ago Joyce had surgery for her broken ankle, which I shared in this post, An Epic Trip in More than One Way. As it turned out, she had three broken bones and will have to keep the ankle immobile for six weeks. The surgery included screws to help set the bones.

At the time of the injury she was wearing a pair of Salomon XA Pro 3D trail running shoes, not boots. Had she been wearing a pair of hiking boots instead, could the boots have prevented or minimalized the injury? Some people would say, “Yes,” others say, “No.” Continue reading Do Hiking Boots Protect Against Ankle Injuries? →

This isn’t a tutorial on binoculars, nor is it a product review. I simply would like you to consider the benefits of making a lightweight, compact binocular a part of your everyday backpacking gear.

I’ve never met a backpacker who regularly carries binoculars. To me this seems odd, because a compact binocular can be such a useful tool. Back around 2008, I stopped taking binoculars on most trips for about five years, because I was too focused on the weight of my gear. On most trips, binoculars were not a critical “keep me alive” piece of equipment. After realizing my mistake, I, again, now carry compact binoculars on almost every trip.

But I am still in the infinitesimal minority. If you never, or infrequently take binoculars backpacking, perhaps this might be a good time to re-consider. Continue reading Binoculars for Backpacking? →

These shorts were worn for several days during a summer trip in the desert. Water was too precious to waste on washing clothes. There is so much salt build up on the fabric that they could stand up on their own — no Photo Shop tricks with this picture. This is why we need to wash our backpacks occassionally. Continue reading Why and How to Wash a Backpack →