Palm Springs Leaves Citizens ‘Holding the Bag’

April 9, 2015The Environment, What's Up With That?plastic bagsNick Gatel

sicle and sythe — The People’s Republic of California

What’s Up With That?

An ordinance went into effect on Jan 1, 2015 in Palm Springs that makes it illegal for stores to provide “single use” plastic bags to customers. Instead they must sell customers a plastic or paper bag at a minimum cost of 10 cents, or the customer must supply their own bag, which can be purchased at much higher price point. I can purchase large paper grocery bags with handles in bulk for a little over 3 cents each. A large grocery chain can get an even cheaper price. So where is all the extra money going?

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TorkLift Propane Lock

April 5, 2015Camper Upgradespropane tank lock, TorkLift propane lockNick Gatel

If you own something, somewhere out there, a person is willing and able to steal it from you. They just need the opportunity. And they want your propane tanks. Most of these thieves do not have a specific need for your propane tanks or the gas they contain. It is something they can sell. And how do I know they want your tanks?

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Why Base Weight Is Important For the Backpacker

April 2, 2015Backpackingbackpacking base weight, BMINick Gatel

A little over a year ago I wrote that we should shit-can backpacking base weight categories. I also presented the argument that total pack weight is the most important thing and base weight was unimportant.

Actually base weight is important, in fact it is very important.

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Camper Cargo Carrier Solutions

April 1, 2015Camper UpgradesAdjustable hidden hitch, BAL Hide-a-Spare, camper cargo carrier, Thule T2 Bike CarrierNick Gatel

Sometimes we need to transport bulky equipment or gear with our camper. Before I show you what we did with our 2014 Milan 26RLS, it might be helpful to review how we solved this problem with our tent trailers, which presented their own unique challenges.

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Are Bivies Obsolete?

March 31, 2015Backpacking GearNick Gatel

THE BIVY

Bivies were, and still are, mostly used as emergency shelters by mountaineers. However, some backpackers see them as a viable (and lighter) alternative to a tent or tarp. I was one of those folks.

Bivies have been around for a long time. Basically they are a waterproof envelope or a big bag you put your sleeping bag inside, eliminating the need for a shelter. I bought my first bivy some 30 odd years ago. Designs haven’t changed much since then. Years ago you could get a basic bivy that weighed around a pound. And you could, just like today, get a bivy with an elaborate setup at the “head” end using poles or a hoop to provide a little more room at the top of this most minimal of shelters – you could lean on your elbow and move around a bit. These fancy bivies, just as they do today, generally weighed at least twice as much as the basic bag.

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