All Entries in the "Field Craft" Category
Lost Hiker Does it Right
Here is a link to the story of Ross Mason, a hiker that got “lost” in the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico earlier this month. Ross was a little unprepared for the trip, had a little bad luck, and took one wrong turn on the trail. Like most hikers unfamiliar with the desert, he underestimated [...]
Seven Tips for Starting a Campfire
Fire making is an essential survival and backcountry skill, and like any skill, you need some basic knowledge and lots of practice! Here is video and a few tips to help you get that campfire going.
Packing for a Day Hike Revisited
My recent day hike into Redfield Canyon Wilderness highlighted that not all day hikes are created equal and safety considerations dictate that the prudent hiker will pack accordingly. A couple of months ago I posted Packing for a Desert Day Hike. The article outlines the gear I carry for a typical out and back hike, [...]
Survival 101
How do you pack for a hike? Survival principles provide a good guide for gear selection and insure that you are properly equipped if something goes wrong.
Super Cat Alcohol Stove
After my trip up Mt Lemmon last month I realized I had to cut some gear weight. The first target was my stove, so I decided to build a Super Cat alcohol stove. This is an easy project for any hiker looking to lighten their load.
Gear Review: Leki Trekking Poles
I’ve always been a fan of walking sticks. Of course, when I grew up that meant hacking down a sapling that just happened to be the right size and then hauling a couple of pounds of wood around with you. That’s not very politically correct in our more enlightened days.
Logan Bread Recipe; A Tasty Emergency Ration
Historically, I have been a freeze-dried food hiker with a generous supplement of noodles, cheese, and salami for my menu. Reading between the lines, I’ve been too lazy to prepare in advance. On the other hand, I love good food and very few packaged freeze-dried offerings qualify as good in my book.
So recently I decided [...]
Packing for a Desert Day Hike
So what do you carry for a day on the trail? I’m a bit of a boy scout so I tend to overpack and prepare for the worst. My basic philosophy is to assume that every day hike will turn into an overnight. Here is my basic kit:
- Lightweight hiking boots; I know some people [...]
