My first ever rain jacket was one of those DWR numbers that had a strange ability to let all the rain in and none of the perspiration out. My second jacket was slightly better, but no seam sealing and problems with the liner. Finally, I’ve found something that I like …

Two years ago I was looking for a lightweight, compact, warm jacket at a reasonable price. After a lot of research and the promise that I could choose my birthday present, I picked up the Golite Beartooth down jacket. At the time it was less than $70 so it was …

When it comes to memory cards, organization has not been one of my strong suits w. Typically I shove the 3 or 4 memory cards that I have into my pockets for backpacking. Sometimes I’d use a ziploc bag, but mostly I just fumbled around hoping that I had the right …

Backpacking with a family presents a conundrum. Even if one has an ultralight philosophy it still results in heavy loads. One has to cut down on weight as much as possible, but still ends up carrying all of the gear for (in our case) 4 kids. This means that an UL …

In my preparation for Hiking the John Muir Trail I find myself looking for videos on youtube of over people’s hikes. I’m not looking for logistics, I’m looking for the experience. Take a look at the video below of a fun and well put together time lapse of different parts …

One of the challenges of backpacking with a family is finding a cook system that gets the job done quickly. Enter the Jetboil Helios. The Jetboil Helios is a canister stove system with 2.1 liter pot that shares the Flux ring technology that made Jetboil system famous. It’s been on …

  A couple years back I came across a traditional Japanese form of fly fishing called “Tenkara”. I even got Jason Klass (then of www.geartalkwithjasonklass.com) to put together this article on Tenkara 101 for Backpackers. As a backpacker who loves fishing, but doesn’t like loading down his pack with tackle …

After submitting and resubmitting our application (waiting for the fax machine on their end not to be busy) all afternoon, I finally received a “success” message at  2 or 3 in the morning and waited painstakingly over the weekend for the permit office to get back to me, hopefully telling …

I honestly thought I’d use my tyvek ground sheet once or twice a year tops, which made it a hard purchase to make (even at $15). It turns out to have been one of my most used pieces of gear and best investments. Last summer I bought a 4′ x …

Serves 4 adults Ingredients 4 Spanish-style smoked chorizos or smoked sausages 1 to 2 cups dry, pre-washed quinoa (2 cups for a thicker soup) (any color) 1 tsp. Thyme 1 tsp. Salt (or to taste) 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 to 2 carrots, finely diced 1 to 2 …

  When some friends came over to visit from various parts of the world, I knew I had to take them on the Choro Trail… even if it was the rainy season. Day 2 started late and due to a few too many breaks and some badly blistered feet we …

This year I’m planning on doing another survival trip. I’d like your help in making some realistic plans. My brother has already told me he wants to go, but aside from being resourceful, he doesn’t have much experience with survival skills. Essentially I’m looking for your advice on: What type …