I am not a trekking pole advocate. Folks may counter this by saying I do not know how to properly use them, and this may be true. If a hiker has a physical limitation, they may be of benefit. Additionally if a hiker is expert in their use and maintains a natural walking motion and stride, and correct posture trekking poles maybe advantageous.
Backpacking with a Camera
Recently I read a couple blog posts about the pros and cons of bringing a camera into the wilderness on hiking or backpacking trips. A few years ago I wrote about the enjoyment of not taking a camera (when I found the battery was dead at the trail head).
A Nostalgic Hike with Chuckawalla Bill
Familiar Places, Familiar Gear
I “recreated” a trip I did in 1978. Check out the gear list towards the end of the story to see how heavy our packs really were back when. We were light backpackers way before Jardine invented lightweight backpacking.
The Minimalist Shoe Craze
The other day I ordered a couple pairs of cross country (XC) racing flats. More precisely, I ordered some Mizuno Wave Universe 4’s to replace the two pair I wore out over the past year. This got me to thinking about the Minimalist Shoe Craze. Continue reading The Minimalist Shoe Craze
Backpacking with a Smart Phone: Multi-Tool or Anchor?
What’s Up With That?
It amazes me how many people hike with smart phones, or cell phones in general. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not anti-technology. I use my iPhone for business a lot. I travel and manage a field force of consultants with my smart phone. I check schedules, read reports, handle email, sync with my laptop, read books, listen to music, pay bills, and do a myriad of other tasks with my phone. I even talk to people on my phone. But I abhor and don’t utilize the “texting” function. I also keep it synced with my iPad. The smart phone allows me to be more productive when I am working. Continue reading Backpacking with a Smart Phone: Multi-Tool or Anchor?
LiteTrail Titanium Solid Fuel Cook System
The Death of Ultralight Backpacking
I first began a draft of this post this summer. Lately there have been quite a few comments from the Internet backpacking community about the death of ultralight backpacking.
All of this started with a blog post by Andrew Skurka this summer titled, Stupid Light. That post stirred up quite a bit of controversy. I suppose using the word, “stupid” was the catalyst. The gist of the post is that one should choose their gear based on the conditions of the trip, the skill and experience of the hiker. Continue reading The Death of Ultralight Backpacking
Vintage Stoves
Uploaded a page on vintage stoves. Click Here.
Lake Mead Trip Reports Added
NYC Sugar Ban!!
What’s Up With That?
New York City Bans “Sugary” Drinks!
On Thursday September 13, 2012 the NYC Board of Health banned the sale of soft drinks that contain sugar in any container that is larger than 16 ounces. Nine members of the board approve the edict with one member abstaining.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg says this will be a huge blow to obesity.