backpacking gear
Ruck Review: Getting Ready for a Long Distance Hike
When I was preparing to hike the Pacific Crest Trail last year, I was looking for any information that I could get. It was my first long distance hike and...
Raider’s Fanny Pack : Toiletries And More
Wallet AWOL Guidebook pages w/ pencil Chic-A-Fil sauce (better than money on the trail) Eye drops Hand sanitizer Lighter Hometown pride stickers Lucky dime acquired in Manchester
Raider’s Gear Review And Other Stories
My fellow hiker trash, welcome! What lies before you is all the hiking gear I used to finish my 2017 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I've included, sizes, weights and ...
Gear Review: My Trail Co Backpack Light 50L
These days, thru hikers and weight conscious backpackers are spoiled for choice when it comes to lightweight backpacks on the market. With Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA), Mountain Laurel
My Sleeping System: I Am Satisfied With Its Performance
I recently upgraded my sleeping system. It now consists of four main components: a sleeping bag, a stuff sack that serves as a pillow, a sleeping bag liner, and a...
Do I Really Need All These Packs?
With so many diverse brands and styles of packs available, each designed for a different type of use, each appealing to various needs, wants, and fashion trends, it's no wonder...
Use it, Wear it, Understand it, Return it, Explore it
Can you believe I'm at the three/ four week point of take off? Well, it also depends a lot on Mother Nature. The past few months have been filled with snowy hikes,...
Your Average Jane’s Gear Log
Warning: there is mild profanity in this article, including a middle finger. It also features potato quality cell phone pictures, which I'm kinda sorry about too. Ok, who doesn't love...
In Praise of Trekking Poles
When I and my knees were years younger, I looked upon trekking poles as a toy of wealthy and wimpy hikers and backpackers, a status symbol suggesting that the person...
Let’s Mini-Explode My PCT Backpack
My pack is weighing in at 12.5 pounds right now. I’m not sure whether this is the final edit. I still have 27 days to worry and fret over a...