You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em

As you probably know, I often do short backpacking trips when I travel on business. Most of these trips don’t lend themselves for a lot of advance planning. I look at a map, determine the elevation differences from where my meeting is and where I might hike, look at the weather forecast, pack what seems to be the required gear, and then hop on a plane. Often I don’t know exactly where I will hike; that is something I sort out when I get to my destination.

And that is how it was this week.

Continue reading You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em

It’s Time to Shit-can the LW, UL, SUL, and XUL Labels

2014-01-27 Shit Can Labels

If you have been reading my website for a while, you probably know that LW, UL, SUL, and XUL are backpacking categories for base weights. Base weight is the weight of your backpack and contents minus any consumables such as water, food, and fuel.

Most people define these as:

  • Lightweight (LW) = base weight less than 20lbs.
  • Ultralight (UL) = base weight less than 10lbs.
  • Super Ultralight (SUL) = base weight less than 5lbs.
  • Extreme Ultralight (XUL) = base weight less than 3lbs.

Continue reading It’s Time to Shit-can the LW, UL, SUL, and XUL Labels

I’m An Addict

CONFESSION TIME

Addictions are obsessive behaviors that result in negative consequences. I have tendencies for obsessive behavior. Work is one. I must be productive and I thoroughly enjoy work. I have been known to work for 24 to 48 hours non-stop; not because I necessarily have to, but because I want to. This is bad for people relationships. I now have this under control – I don’t want to hurt my relationship with my wife – she is too important to me.

Last week I realized I have another addiction. This one started decades ago.

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