A pretty good post by Dave over at Bedrock & Paradox. An incomplete treatise on ‘mid selection.
A few things stand out in the first paragraph, in my mind, about Dave’s comments:
Appalachian Section Hike
I was able to spend a few days on the Appalachian Trail this week. The experience is much different than hiking in the Western US.
The Business of Backpacking
LOOKING FOR GEAR
A friend of mine sent me an email asking me to look at a couple of reviews for a new backpacking product. Okay, I like to help my friends. Both reviews were on personal blogs. That’s okay, I like checking with people who actually use gear and provide honest feedback. Whenever looking at new gear and considering someone’s opinion, it is best to get a feel for that person’s experience and whether or not they have a vested interest in the product. Real everyday users can provide the best feedback.
My Backpacking Watches
Are they gear? Doesn’t almost everyone bring one with them?
Okay, a theme with a lot of gear I talk about is a disdain for technology. I have hiked without a watch and find that I am pretty inefficient. A watch helps me plan distances, keep track of my pace, and ensure I get back in time so my wife isn’t worried about my safety. In clear weather it is fairly easy to determine the approximate time without a watch, but in bad weather you lose that ability.
What’s in Your First Aid/Emergency Kit?
Aside from having fun, the goal of the backpacker on any trip should be focused on staying safe — that is staying dry, warm, avoiding injury, or becoming lost.
Keep in mind that I am presenting my opinions, have been backpacking for nearly 50 years, and almost always hike solo. Many risk avoidance backpackers will be critical of this small kit.