This, can be terrifying. The sun is beaming down. You’re pushing hard to get in those last few miles before the evening begins to set in. You’ve done so well, eight miles in already. You’re on a roll. You’re focused, concentrating, and completely overlooking the fact that a few miles away a storm is rolling … More What to do when you are caught in a Lightning Storm
Perhaps it’s the rhythm, the gentle pounding of footsteps down the trail. Music that can’t be repeated, or captured. The soft brushing of my shoulders through the leaves, over the rocks, through the wind. Overheard by none, the steps do not echo, they do not leave a trace that can easily be followed by man … More Why do I backpack?
Considering the dry weather, the Colorado Forest fires, and the recent heatwave, I thought it was important to mention the fact that the 4th of July is upon us. As much as I love America, and blowing things up, please keep in mind that fireworks can easily cause raging forest fires in situations such as … More Fireworks and Forest Fires
I just finished an interesting debate on the topic at hand, so I thought I would bring it here as well. Do radios have a place in the back country? It certainly seems that it depends on who you ask. The argument: Radios have their place, but keep in mind not everyone wants to hear … More Radios in the Backcountry? Backpacking etiquette
What I liked It’s light. It’s under 4 pounds, and considering the 2 doors and 2 vestibules, that’s pretty slick. It packs up like a pro, and it stays out of the way with the included tent sack. The price. $199 for a lightweight backpacking tent, I’m not complaining . Similarly weighted, dependable tents can … More L.L.Bean Microlight FS 2-Person Tent Review
This trip was a joy, and a joy for many reasons. Trip details including map and elevation profile can be found below. http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=47545 The crew was excited. It’s hard to contain the enthusiasm of 7 people who are all gathered to dominate a mountain. The first day was a long, 6 mile climb to the … More Trip Review, Sams gap to Spivey Gap. Appalachian trail. Flag Pond, Tn.
I’m not going to lie. Backpacking can get expensive, especially if you become a bit gear addicted like myself. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be expensive. What happens when you aren’t willing or able to invest in all that fancy ultra light gear? There are alternatives that will get you out, and get you out … More Backpacking on a budget
I thought I was clever. Using a couple of tandem kayaks for an overnight backpacking trip has it’s advantages. It opens galleries of new spots that are otherwise unreachable by local trails surrounding the lake. We found a nice, open area with a nice view of the sunset of the crisp Tennessee water, set up … More A bear jacked my Pop-Tarts
The arrival 3:30 am, I pull into the dark, ghostly underbelly of Yosemite park. The sky is illuminated by the lights of the stars watching curiously over us as we gaze around into the valley. The Sky is dark, but dimly lit by the fairy like dots within. Just enough to contrast the alluring silhouette of … More Yosemite Park, Trip Report
I’m back from my big Yosemite trip, and it was fantastic. Tall looking granite cliffs, crushing waterfalls, and views that make you question your own eyes. The climbs up the mountain were more intense than I anticipated, especially when packing on the weight for two, including a bear canister, two man tent, cool weather gear, water, … More Back from Yosemite
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