In Part 1 of this series, I introduced several high level topics regarding telescopes. In this part we’ll take another look at expectations in greater detail. Continue reading Telescope Buying Guide For Campers (Part 2)
Last month I wrote about using binoculars for backpacking as a means to enhance the back country experience. Telescopes are not practical to take backpacking, but they are for those who car camp or own a recreational vehicle.
I often get questions about telescopes, especially since I wrote this article about my telescope upgrades way back in 2013. If you are interested in the night sky and the cosmos, a telescope is almost a must have. Continue reading Telescope Buying Guide For Campers (Part 1)
So now we have apparently discovered another pollutant endangering our planet — synthetic microfibers. Is this a real problem? Continue reading Microfiber Pollution and the Guppyfriend Review
I liked the new pull-down kitchen faucet we installed during our house remodel so much that I thought a similar faucet would work well in our camper too. Joyce agreed.
In over 15,000 miles, I never had a problem with the Bargman cable that connected our Milan 26RLS travel trailer and our 2012 Ford Expedition, even though the socket on the Expedition was below the bumper. That changed a bit with our 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty, which has the connection socket above the bumper. The connection plug above the bumper is a huge advantage for easy access.
Back in August we were driving home with the trailer in tow and the dash had a message stating, “Trailer Disconnected,” or something similar. When I pulled over the cable was connected and secure, but I noticed it had been pinched and the rubber covering was cut along with a wire. I was able to quickly repair it and continue home. Continue reading Bargman Trailer Hitch Cable Routing
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?
It has been a difficult year for millions and millions of people. Pandemic, stay-at-home orders, economic difficulties on both personal and corporate levels, and large numbers of people struggling psychologically with all that has, and continues, to transpire.
Except for a long protracted illness that resulted in the passing of Joyce’s beloved eldest brother last month, we have fared well. For this we are fortunate.
But it was time for an epic camping trip. Continue reading Camping in the Time of Coronavirus
So here we are, 5+ plus months into the COVID-19 pandemic with on and off shutdowns in our lives. Along with this, we now have common words to describe our situation, words that most of us almost never used prior and are now everyday terms, such as “social distancing” or “herd immunity.”
On word that doesn’t get much attention, and should, is herd mentality. Last month herd mentality came to the forefront while I planned and then executed a camping trip for Joyce and me. This herd mentality didn’t harm us or ruin our trip, but, once again, gave me pause to think about how we act out our lives. Continue reading Backpacking, Camping, and Herd Mentality
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?
This collection of cookware from Sea to Summit has been available for a couple of years.
I have been mostly using freeze-dried and instant foods for quite a long time and have been an advocate of freezer bag cooking, which is the lightest and quickest way to carry and prepare meals.
I am slowly going back towards actually cooking meals on the trail to improve the quality of foods I eat. For those who want to cook food, the Alpha series of cookware is hard to beat.
So much thought and effort went into the design, that if one is in the market for new cookware they should check out the Sea to Summit Alpha series of pots and pans.
