The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is fairly new on the scene, and it has some unique features created by Tom Gathman ("The Real Hiking Viking"). It's a frameless "fast pack" / "peak bagger" boasting eight reachable external pockets in addition to its large back mesh. Weighing in at under 2 lbs., this pack is designed for … Continue reading Going BerZERK on the Camino!
Happy Blogoversary! Wow, it does NOT seem like a year since I started planning to walk the Camino and started this blog to keep me focused and motivated. Looking back, I can see that I have learned a lot and made a lot of plan changes since then! Here are some of the significant ones. … Continue reading State of My Camino Address
"How big should my backpack be?" is a regular question for new backpackers and Camino pilgrims. Unfortunately, replies can include assumptions about terminology and measurements that can lead to faulty decisions. HERE I clear up three common misunderstandings made in discussions of backpack sizing.
For some time now, I've been involved in a (mostly) great Camino Facebook group dedicated to helping people prepare for their Camino. It's full of (mostly) helpful folks, and I thought that posting my preparation "vlog" via my YouTube channel would be a welcome addition. And for quite some time it was - I gained … Continue reading Beware the Camino Cops!
In two previous posts (HEREand, later, HERE), I tried out a few different sleep systems. The amazing TD Jacket ended up being a bit too small for me, so I gave it to my son and replaced it. I also found a great synthetic camp blanket and then a blue tooth beanie! So many options! … Continue reading Sleep System Redo Redux
The Osprey Atmos AG 50 is the latest in my quest to find the perfect backpack! It's a contender for sure - basically a 40L pack with a 10L (removable) lid, it's the size I want but with a suspension system unlike any I've ever tried. Click HERE for the review!
What would it be like to hike in waterproof socks? Do they really work? Are they really breathable? I do some tests to find out. Watch Video HERE! Related Post: Brushy Peak Hike
Quick hike with my mom in Ravine Quarry to test out the Zpacks Arc Blast and the Osprey Atmos AG 50. (Reviews on both these packs will be posted as well!) For video, click image above or HERE!
I got a lot of fun hiking/survival gear this Christmas! Numbers 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12 are things I wanted specifically for my Camino. Pilgrim Plunder From top-bottom, left-right: Trekking the National Parks board game Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics GRYPS Backpack Cover Survival Bracelet D-Style Screwgate Carabiner Sealskinz … Continue reading Camino Christmas!
20 oz. in weight. 40 liters in size. Waterproof. Ventilated and adjustable harness. The Zpacks Arc Blast might just be the perfect backpack for walking the Camino de Santiago! Click HERE for video!
Backcountry Pilgrim 