Gear · Hiking Gear

Gear Review: Birkenstock Jackson Boots

For over the past decade I have worn primarily Keen trail shoes, rather than hiking boots. Due to my aggressive working out schedule this past year or so, I developed some toe issues. Of the crippling pain kind. So I started looking for different shoes to wear, to lock my feet into place. I had… Continue reading Gear Review: Birkenstock Jackson Boots

Hiking Gear · Trail Cooking

The History of The FBC Cozy

A long time ago, in late 2005, I began dreaming about a functional, but decent looking concept for a cozy for FBC meals. A cozy? Yes. The FBC Cozy would insulate the meals in their bags, to keep them piping hot, and to help with hydration. When I just started writing Freezer Bag Cooking (FBC)… Continue reading The History of The FBC Cozy

Gear · Hiking Gear

Gear Review: Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag

In early summer of 2003, on a trip into the Olympic Mountains, I met the Hill brothers. They became a legend*. I think mostly it was envy of their tent setup that included a light weight wood stove. Sitting on the outside of their tent, the flaps open and the heat pouring out as a… Continue reading Gear Review: Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag

Gear · Hiking Gear

What’s In My Daypack 2020

Years ago I was a happy UL (ultralight) hiker. I carried very little, I would do 4-day trips with a large daypack on. I was also on a high from the "there I was" tales. I once got into an argument on a trail about misery and hiking with a hiking partner, where I snarkily… Continue reading What’s In My Daypack 2020

Gear · Hiking Gear

Gear Review: Amazon Essentials Boy’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket

Whenever someone whines about the evil overlord that Amazon is.....I tend to roll my eyes, because living on an island means I have few choices for clothing shopping. Much less gear shopping (let me laugh a wee bit on that....there is nowhere to shop locally for that). When it comes to the boys, I want… Continue reading Gear Review: Amazon Essentials Boy’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket