IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL
Thought I’d share how I plan my trips, because it seems to me that many folks spend way too much time planning their trips. This is what works for me.
The Search for the Holy Grail: Waterproof Breathable Rain Gear
Some thoughts on rain gear…
There is no perfect rain gear.
What works for me may not work for others. Of utmost importance is the fact that each of us have a different physiology, hike at different speeds; and each trip varies in weather, temperature, and terrain. Each of these variables contributes to different kinds of rain gear solutions. Like so much other backpacking gear, the hiker will need to learn from experience what works best for them. You won’t learn it here, or anywhere on the Internet, or in a book.
So I decided to share what I have learned over the years — what has worked and what has not worked. Your experience may be different.
Continue reading The Search for the Holy Grail: Waterproof Breathable Rain Gear
Lightweight Backpacking: The Way, and the Truth, and the Life
MAYBE WE SHOULD MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS
There are quite a few things in life that irritate me. The top of my list includes:
- religious people who knock on my door telling me I will burn in Hell if I don’t accept their religion
- Prius owners who accost me in gas stations and condemn me for damaging the planet with my SUV
- petition gatherers who want to deny property rights
- New York Mayor Bloomberg who thinks I am too stupid to take care of myself because I like to drink Venti Frappacinios
- politicians who want to pass all sorts of laws and ordinances because they think the populace doesn’t know what is best for them
- and lightweight backpackers who evangelize to other backpackers they meet on the trail that their pack is too heavy.
Continue reading Lightweight Backpacking: The Way, and the Truth, and the Life
Avoiding the Pacific Crest Trail
A WEEKEND HIKE TO ASSESS THE SAN JACINTO FIRE DAMAGE
In the summer I do a lot of hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail south of the San Jacinto Wilderness. Because it is hot this time of year and there is little water available, most hikers avoid this part of the trail. Since this area is usually 20 degree cooler than where I live, and there are few hikers, it is an excellent destination for me.
Unfortunately most of this section was burned in the San Jacinto Fire a couple weeks ago. Right now the PCT is closed from Highway 74 north, past the San Jacinto State Park Wilderness, a 50 mile long section of trail. From what I could see on this hike, and the fire I observed from my house a couple weeks ago, I would not be surprised if this section (or parts of it) are closed for several years.
Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis Shelter
A while back I posted about Dave Chenault’s Pyramid Shelter article. At that point it dawned on me that I have not discussed this shelter previously. The Wild Oasis seems to be a shelter that often gets little love. It has been around for quite a while; I bought mine in 2008. But I don’t see many people talking about it these days. I typically only used mine for those days when I expected a lot of flying insects. But since I decided to do a review, it occurred to me that I should use it more often.
How to Start a Forest Fire
JUST GO TO THE MANY BLOGS AND WEBSITES OF BACKPACKING EXPERTS AND FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE
Okay, it is a pet peeve of mine.
– Howard Beale (played by Peter Finch, from the movie Network)
Yesterday I was reading a review of a wood stove on a well known backpacking blog and I notice about 6 inches of leaves and brush have been cleared from around the base of the stove.
Only problem is, the flames from the stove extend a few inches above the pot, which is sitting on top of a wood burning inferno of a stove. The entire assembly height is at least twice the width of the cleared area. Knock the stove over and you have a forest fire.
Finding and Keeping Secret Places Secret
A common theme of many of my posts and articles is the desire for solitude in wild places. This doesn’t necessarily make me anti-social; just a preference to enjoy the peace and quiet that the wilderness can provide without other people to muck things up.
For those who are tired of crowds in campsites or on the trail, finding your quiet place isn’t that difficult. But don’t look here in PopUpBackpacker for directions to my favorite secret places.
Searching for Pebbles
LOOKING AT THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE
After a cancelled backpacking trip last weekend due to the San Jacinto Wilderness fire, Monday morning found me traveling towards Nevada. Driving 55 miles per hour on back roads tends to turn the road into a gray blur separated by a dirty white dividing-line in the center.
Stopping to take a pee break, a silver reflection in the center of the pavement changed the character of the next four days to come.
How to Level and Stabilize a Tent Trailer
THERE IS A RIGHT WAY, AND A WRONG WAY
One thing I really enjoy about a tent trailer is the open feeling when all the curtains are pulled backed and the windows are opened. You have a 360 degree view, with netting to keep insects out. Even in hot weather, the shaded interior is much cooler than outside, there is plenty of ventilation.
Tent trailers are a little different to set up than a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or a motor home.
It is surprising how many people do not know how to properly set up their tent trailer, in spite of the fact the Owner’s Manual provides comprehensive instructions.
San Jacinto Fire Update
RAIN.
The San Jacintos are shrouded in clouds. A light rain fell overnight, dropping 0.78 inches of rain on the desert floor overnight. Good news. Hopefully any additional rain will be light, so our fire fighters are not endangered by flash floods. A flash flood warning is in place for the desert.