Gear reviews and tests for the Camino de Santiago
Click for Video! How do we keep our food safe from bears (and bears safe from our food)? In the second of this two-part series, I look at one of the best (if also hated) backcountry methods: storing food in bear canisters.
Click for Video How do we keep our food safe from bears (and bears safe from our food)? In the first of this two-part series, I look at one of the most popular backcountry methods: hanging bear bags.
Click for Video! What is the history of today's backpacks? How did they evolve into the high tech packs we carry today? Here I do a quick walk-thru of the high points of backpack design history.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VIDEO! Shopping for hikers or backpackers is often difficult because their gear is so specialized. Unless you are told precisely what to get, you stand a good chance of making a mistake. Here I go over some gift ideas that most any hiker or backpacker will like - but more importantly … Continue reading Christmas Gift Guide 2020: Shopping for Hikers and Backpackers
While it is possible to go overboard on stuff sacks, with modern materials they barely add weight to your kit and can be very helpful for organizational efficiency. Here I review several lightweight backpacking stuff sacks, food / bear bags from cheapos to top-notch cottage industry UL bags. FULL VIDEO HERE!
Cooking on the trail - it's never been easier! Here I go through my cooking gear comparing my past and present systems including the MSR Whisperlite, BRS-3000 stove, MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot, Toaks titanium pot, Sea-to-Summit vs. Toaks long-handled spoons, Light My Fire Spork, GSI Infinity Mug, and more! FULL VIDEO HERE!
Keeping hydrated while hiking can be a huge challenge - but it is one that must be faced. Here I review my hydration system for when I am on the trail. FULL VIDEO HERE!
In "My Gear" part 3, I go over my sleep system: the UGQ Bandit quilt, the Nemo Tensor sleep pad, and the Trekology Aluft pillow. FULL VIDEO HERE!
The "Big 3" are big/heavy/expensive items in a backpacker's kit - namely, the backpack, shelter, and sleep system. In this - the second of my "My Gear" series - I will go over shelter considerations and give short reviews of my main tents: the deluxe Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 3 and the budget-friendly 3F UL … Continue reading My “Big 3” (Part 2): Shelter
NEW SERIES! For the first three parts of my new MY GEAR series, I am looking at the "Big 3" - namely, the backpack, shelter, and sleep system. I go over backpack feature considerations and offer short reviews of my backpacks. FULL VIDEO HERE!
Backcountry Pilgrim 