LIST OF LISTS

This pack has been my go to pack. My current one is 3 years old and has about 2500 miles on it and is still in great shape. I recommend any of their backpacks, very customizable for different shapes and heights, and cool colors, great materials, and friendly business.

Although the Multicam model isn't made by Thru Pack anymore, this pouch has outlived three backpacks and two tents. 5 years strong and counting. Great for side trips, summits, first aid, or as a snack trough. The Comfy Straps also live up to their name, spandex style stretch material in wild color patterns that fit like a glove. I also own two other models, one in Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) and VX21, both ultralight and high tenacity.

Currently in the market for a 2+ freestanding tent, side entry. I'm leaning towards the Nemo Hornet 1P. Send me a message if you have a favorite tent that meets the description.

My Nemo lasted about 3 years strong until I donated it to another hiker. My Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 Quilt is a tired withered shadow of its once lively self. It lead a hard life. I'm actually thinking of going back to a bag by way of one of my favorites, the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20, especially because I can get it in right hand zip. I use a Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF 0 for the snow, but it is way too warm for the summer months.

I'm a side sleeper who needs the added cushion on my boney bits. My favorite mats have been 25"x72"x3". Thick enough to not bottom out, wide enough to not fall off. I also like an insulated version for use with a quilt. The Big Agnes AXL Insulated Wide was garbage and blew several baffles. Big Agnes is a great company with some of the best customer service folks, but this one product was just a dud. I still enjoy the other products I own from them. Send me a message with your recommendations.

This device pays itself off with all the features if you have the right plan. I find it is pretty predictable in its operability, especially when clouds or terrain get in the way of communication with GPS satellites. Nice and compact and links with my phone and watch.

Like I said before, being able to link this with my phone and InReach is amazing. The GPS function can sync with your maps. The biometric tracking is a great way to monitor your health and nutrition. Step counter, controls Spotify, compass, links with the Garmin Tempe thermometer (I also own), and assortment of other tools. You can even send an SOS from the watch to the InReach if you can't get to your pack.

Ranked high on my list of most underrated piece of kit, this thing has been my best friend since January 2021. I tried other umbrellas, all of them sucked. This thing is light and study. Can't wait to see how this thing deals in the rain and sleet.

This is what helped me change my nutrition on trail and stay strong and healthy in the outdoors. Pancakes, curries, and falafel for me, thank you. Need I say more? Ask me below.

Bear canister with a skillet for a top! This little one is great for shorter trips and is equivalent in size to a Bear Vault 450. Near same dimensions but with a skillet. A. Skillet. Way cool.

Easiest to use & maintain, and a good flow rate. I clean mine out when I get to town as a good practice. Haven't had the Big G yet. I usually use the BPA Free Evernew Water Bladders with this filter.

Only packed if I'm hiking with a friend, obviously. Bears don't understand this game.

Getting good  photos or videos is great until you start carrying a ton of batteries and a tripod. Smaller trips just for these activities and more are great for testing out new skills, new gear, and new trails, but I've only actually met four people video documenting on a professional level the past few years. Weight and charging logistics seem to be the hamper.

These short shorts sport a 3" inseam, comfortable liner, and dry quickly. Not for the modest hiker.

Decent sun protection at UPF  20, hood, thumb holes in the sleeves, and a little bit of stretch. Good in the mountains when a tighter weaved shirt helps to block wind a little more. In the heat of summer it soaks with sweat which keeps me cool. Also it doesn't stink up as fast as nylon or 100% polyester. 

Liberating is the word that comes to mind. The town folk call it obscene, but only if I don't sit 'lady-like'. One of the best cottage industry companies, family owned and operated by thru hikers, for thru hikers. Super high quality, hand-picked fabrics, super comfy, and waist band feels like heaven under pack straps.

Everything can be done in a R1. Hood, thumb holes, chest pocket, and waffle fleece, flashy colors, always warm even when wet. These have been my favorite as a mid-layer in the spring and fall. During hot months it has been known to replace my puffy.

While traditionally made of cotton, my polyester one is good year round. Great for the bugs and the sun, breathable, packs down small, and works as a oglala for taking your small stuff on side trips if you don't have a fanny pack. If you need a fanny bag check out www.thrupack.com

If your feet knew about these you would, too. Lifetime warrantee. I'm not sponsored, but I endorse their products. I even use their ski socks. Great company, great products, hiker friendly customer service. Long lasting cushioning and built to spill. I've retired a good 30 pair.

Great for toe isolation and light supporting compress with good cushioning. I like the 1/4 top/mini-crew style because it adds a sacrificial layer to the balls of my ankles. I also find I get less debris build up and less blisters using these socks. I've been through at least a dozen pair over the years. 

Great for toe isolation and light supporting compress with good cushioning. I like the 1/4 top/mini-crew style because it adds a sacrificial layer to the balls of my ankles. I also find I get less debris build up and less blisters using these socks. I've been through at least a dozen pair over the years. 

I'm on my 7th pair. These have truly been my favorite hiking shoe fo r the past 2-3 years for my style of hiking and my physiology. And I get around 600 miles of solid support before they get too soft. The tread lasts a little longer than the support so I use them as everydays, too.

Tents should be double walled and work to circulate condensation outside of the walls. Tarps are another good choice if set up properly. I currently do not have a favorite 2 person model, just a 3 person North Face that is bomb proof.

Weight and volume are a concern as much as finding a bigger backpack to store this beast. This bag I can only use in the 4th season because otherwise it is to darn hot.

Lightweight, compact, and strong. Great for avalanche safety and for digging out your shelter area.

Find a good warm jacket with a high fill weight to total weight ratio. The hood will help protect your head and neck when temps really drop.

Find a good pair of sunglasses that wrap around the sides of your eyes as well as covering down to your cheeks. Get the highest legal tinting available and consider spending a little more on anti-smear, anti-fogging, and anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lens. I also prefer polarized and special full spectrum UV blocking finishes on the outside. 

Canister stoves don't always hold up to the demands altitude and cold put them through. This stove allows me to control fuel pressure as well as control the flame. No burnt eggs here, folks.

This has been my go to pack for the past year and a half. I stripped off the extras that come standard to make this pack lighter than stock. Plenty of room and very comfortable.

This has been a good 2-3 season quilt especially once I learned how important the retention straps are to use. A little on the cool side when the temps drop below 30 degrees, but easily fixed with a good sleep mat and thicker base layers.

I had the pleasure of working directly with Thrupack to make a custom version of the fanny pack, which eventually became their company's design standard; small paracord loops in all four corners to attach the pack to shoulder straps of my backpack. The result is an easily accessible pouch that carries my essentials on trail and when I'm bumming around town on a zero day.

These shorts are very comfortable, dry fast, and don't bunch up. I also like having no belt to bunch up under pack straps.

Nice loose fit, wicks away sweat like a champ, and provides great UPF protection.

Lightweight trail gaiters that help keep dirt and debris from getting in my shoes and slowing me down. I've had the same pair for going on 3 years.

For the most part I enjoy cowboy camping under the stars or the warm protection of a tent on buggy or rainy nights. On shorter, warm weather trip I will use my hammock setup. Just don't forget a mattress or under quilt as hammocks are a bit drafty. 

*My hammock passed away in the summer of 2019. Seems a small zipper caught some canopy silk and when I rolled in the hammock the small tear ripped like Velcro and I dropped 2' to the ground and landed on pine cones and needles.

On shorter trips I like taking a lot of whole foods with me, that's fruit, veggies, bread, and more. Having a skillet, different cups and pots, cutting board, paring knife, spice wheel, and other culinary utensils is a great way to keep your meals interesting, fun, and enjoyable just like at home.

Festive and fun, this light has gone with me almost everywhere. 9 colors to choose from, solar charged, and a cool multi-color setting make this a great item for late nights in camp.

You haven't lived until you've worn these bad boys around camp. You'll also be the envy of everyone else in your group. They're also great for sleeping in during really chilly nights.

Sometimes its just nice wearing a good old cotton tee when its warm and you're not going to freeze to death.

Because puffy pants.