For as much as I enjoy backpacking, one would think that I would engage in the activity more than I do. But I’m guessing that very few of us actually have opportunity to do the things we love as much as we’d like to. I guess that’s how life is. This summer I had really […]
Backpacking/Hiking
These posts reflect my thoughts on backpacking and all things outdoors
Sawyer Mini Modifcation
What’s not to love about the Sawyer Mini Squeeze filter? Well, for one thing, the provided “dirty” water bladder isn’t very convenient. The bladder is designed to be attached to the filter so that the water can be squeezed through it. However, the opening of the bladder is around an inch wide. One must either […]
Shakedown Hike on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Shakedown Hike, Spring 2015 Friday, April 17, 2015 It was time. With Spring settling in it was time to get the boots dirty again. A “shakedown” hike was exactly what I needed. I needed to stretch my legs and use some gear. It was time to hit the woods. For this hike I hooked up with Rob […]
Side by Side Comparison of Two Water Filters
I recently shot a video to compare two of my backpacking water filters. First up was the MSR Mini Works. I’ve owned this filter for nearly twenty years. The original ceramic filter has been replaced as well as the O rings. However, the rest of the filter is still original. The MSR Mini Works has […]
Testing Pine Fire Fatwood
A few months ago Black Owl Outdoors published a video highlighting a small business product known as Pine Fire Fatwood. I was impressed with their testing of it and wanted to give it a shot myself. Fatwood is a term given to pine wood that has become impregnated with resin. This occurs when the pine […]
Zub-Zero Backyard Hammock Test
If I’m going to make a mistake about my winter gear, I’d rather it be in my backyard than up in the mountains. It’s so much easier to abandon backyard camp in the middle of the night and crawl into a warm bed with my wife, then it is to figure a way off of […]
A Review of The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
I was asked to write a review of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail for a great outdoors website: HikeByFaith. If you’re familiar with me or my own web site you’ll know that I’m a huge supporter of the trail. In spite of my obvious affections for the trail, I will strive to provide an honest, straightforward […]
An Interview With the Author of ‘The Nephilim’
This week I had the chance to catch up with Dane Cramer, the author of The Nephilim: A Monster Among Us. However, what makes this article both woefully awkward and incredibly pitiful is that I am actually Dane Cramer. So, I’ll be playing the part of a notable author as well as a renown correspondent. Yeah, […]
How Hammock Camping Has Changed Me
When I first started backpacking, some 20 years ago, I was immediately drawn to it. I loved my time in the woods. I loved walking. I loved physically pushing myself and climbing difficult ascents. I loved the pressure of a pack on my back. To this day, I still feel that I am at my best […]
Hammock Stealth Camping – Failed!
Ever since the spring of this year, I had been dreaming of doing some hammock stealth-camping at a particular spot. The site is located along one of my favorite trails. I’ve walked past the spot many, many times, and have always loved it. It is a secluded location. The trail winds across the breast of two, […]