Before outhouses and modern toilets, we had holes in the ground. In fact, toilets are relatively new to modern society. Most of the campers I lead on backpacks cringe at the thought of having to poop in the woods. Some think it’s sick, abnormal or my favorite, “ungodly.” Continue reading
I love LA — I especially appreciate the diversity of weekend options available to adventurers who make time to get out once in a while.Last weekend I took the opportunity to signup and go on my first Meetup trip with the LA Backpackers Club. It was a local, 10-mile round trip backpack to the historic site of what was once the Ye Alpine Tavern. One of my motivations for going was Continue reading
Have you ever been a few miles from the trailhead and forgot something, or had a feeling that you may have left an essential piece of gear at home? If so, chances are you were not using a checklist.
Big List vs. Small List
Most ultralight backpackers maintain a gear list. Some “gear wienies” like me, keep a list of each item on a spreadsheet and/or online, including their category and weight–down to the gram. Gear lists help keep track of what you have and help determine base weight, yet most of us don’t carry a gear list with us to the trailhead, and virtually no one carries it with them on the trip. Heck, a sheet of paper weighs 5 grams…, right?
I found a quick and easy way to Continue reading
Last year I decided to remove the small tube of Krazy Glue from my repair kit in order to save 5 grams (.2 oz). I later regretted that move.
After a few days on the trail, the sole of my trail runner started delaminating. I continued to walk but the 1″ flap was a walking hazard and I Continue reading
Before you buy a backpack, you need to decide what type of backpacker you want to: A traditionalist who carries 30-50 pounds of gear on a weekend, or a more modern, lightweight backpacker who carries smaller, lighter and smarter gear, lowering their weight to a comfortable 15 pounds?
Try Before You Buy
Always rent or borrow before making your purchase. REI rents packs at a reasonable price and you probably don’t know what you (or your son) needs until you try them in the field.
Once you have some experience backpacking and get a good feel of the gear you plan to take, then it’s time to consult an expert. Continue reading
West Fork area
Every trip seems to have a theme that we remember it by. Sometimes it’s excessive rain. Maybe mosquitoes, unexpected snow, or when solo, a song that won’t leave your head.
I think this trip will be remembered as the “weekend of exploration.” We didn’t blaze new trails or go where no shoe has seen before, rather, we Continue reading