#hammock camping is superior for many reasons | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

tsarisfanfiction · 5 months

Text

Overgrowth

Fandom: Trials of Apollo Rating: Gen Genre: Friendship Characters: Will, Miranda, Billie, Douglas, Steve Clearly the newest Demeter kids haven't yet got the hang of growing plants with their powers. TOApril day 14 - Every Rose Has Its Thorns. I went literal today. Also, despite Meg being the clearly obvious candidate for this prompt, I managed to go with every other TOA Demeter kid except for her, whoops. All kids in here are canon names, I promise.

“Hey, Will!”

He turned to see Billie jogging towards him – as fast as she ever moved unless she was fighting or running from something actively trying to kill her – and sighed, because the daughter of Demeter didn’t usually seek out his presence, which only meant one thing.

“Miranda wants you,” she said, then confirmed it with, “bring your medical stuff.”

“Medical stuff?” he parroted at her, bemused. She shrugged dismissively, turning her back on him and starting to head back the way she’d come. Will hadn’t paid attention to it, but it was the direction of the cabins so he had a pretty good idea where she was leading him.

He’d long since got into the habit of keeping an emergency pack of medical supplies on him at all times, so he didn’t bother to make a detour to pick anything else up. Not until he knew exactly what he was dealing with; Billie hadn’t been running, even if she’d been jogging, so Will was confident that his emergency pack would at least suffice for initial treatment of whatever cabin four had done to themselves.

Sure enough, Billie ploughed straight through the door of her cabin without stopping, and Will hurried to get across the threshold before the door slammed in his face.

Cabin four was, in Will’s opinion, the strangest of the cabins. Sure, the Hecate cabin had magic permeating every inch of it rather disconcertingly, and the Nike cabin was an active puzzle for reasons he’d never quite worked out, but there was something about a floor that was actually grass, and a central support that was actually a living, thriving tree that had never quite managed to click in Will’s head.

He was pretty sure those things were all supposed to grow outdoors, but if there was one place where they had an argument for growing indoors, Demeter’s cabin would be it.

The central tree was swarmed with other plants, which certainly hadn’t been the case that morning when Will had done cabin inspection and given cabin four a seven for scattered seeds but tidy hammocks.

For some reason, Demeter wasn’t counted alongside her brothers as superior amongst even the Olympians. Everyone knew the Big Three was the three male godly children of Kronos, while their sisters went mostly unacknowledged. It was difficult to understand why so many people dismissed her or her children, though. Will had seen cabin four members consistently pull off illogical feats – always plant-related – ever since he first arrived at camp, and having seen the sheer destruction they could bring about when they wanted to, he had no intention of ever underestimating them.

Unlike most demigods, who got ADHD and dyslexia and no special powers to show for it, Demeter’s kids consistently got green thumbs and plants that would do anything they asked. Will had never seen one that couldn’t manipulate plants to some degree, and that certainly held true for the current occupants of the cabin.

In the middle, tangled around the central tree, was a massive rose briar, complete with wicked sharp thorns and fully blooming roses the colour of blood. Billie had made her way to join Miranda where the head counsellor was standing by the cabin’s new plant addition and trying to get the plants to move.

Inside the snarl of thorns and vines seemed to be something that Miranda was specifically trying to get to – or someone, because Will could count just fine and there were two kids unaccounted for, visually, at least.

Douglas’ thick accent was slurring out curse after curse as something struggled inside the branches. Will couldn’t make out the exact words, but that wasn’t particularly unusual when the Scottish boy slipped into Scots. He could get the gist, though.

He sighed, drawing Miranda’s attention to his arrival. “What happened?” he asked her.

She responded with a sigh of her own. “Plant growing gone wrong,” she said, gesturing broadly at the massive plant. Some of the branches rustled with her movement, just enough to reveal a glimpse of Steve fighting inside as well. That answered the question on where both the young Demeter boys were lurking, at least.

It wasn’t the first time it had happened. It wasn’t even the first time it had happened to those particular boys – Douglas was an enthusiastic plant grower, and Steve was far more of an enabler than he was clearly prepared to be when it came to the consequences. Neither of them had been in camp all that long, but Will was already well aware that they were going to be a potential headache source for him – especially once they found their own feet at camp.

Will knew the routine, so he waited while Miranda did her magic (not that she would ever call it as such when it was just her normal) and slowly got the branches to release their death grips on the two boys.

Steve was the first one to disentangle enough, rolling out of the mess with stray leaves and the odd broken off thorn stuck deeply into his hair. He also had several freshly-bleeding scratches across his skin, and Will didn’t wait to be invited over when his role was pretty obvious.

And also very much routine.

“Can you at least try not to bury yourselves in plant matter of the injury inducing kind?” he asked as he pulled out some antiseptic wipes and began dabbing at the myriad of scratches that stood out red against the younger boy’s dark skin.

“It was Douglas’ fault!” he protested.

There was an immediate “Oi!” in a thick Scottish accent emanating from the centre of the still-snarled tangle of thorny vines, followed by what Will was pretty sure was a protestation of innocence in Scots.

“You’re not blameless, either!” Miranda called over, and Steve’s shoulders hunched up to his ears.

“It was an accident,” he muttered. “They weren’t supposed to get so…”

“Big?” Billie supplied. “Wild?”

“Yeah, that,” Steve shrugged, thankfully letting his shoulders drop again after a warning poke from Will.

Another sharp gesture from Miranda and Billie had Douglas spilling out from the briar as well, his own curly hair sporting a fine collection of leaves and thorns, and even the occasional petal. He also had openly bleeding scratches on his bare skin, including one long one too close to his eye for comfort. It wasn’t close or deep enough to cause permanent damage, or even scar, but it was a reminder of what could have gone wrong.

Will wasn’t a fan of could have gone wrongs, although he did prefer those over the did go wrongs, for hopefully obvious reasons.

He sighed again and pulled out a fresh wipe to attack the other boy’s scratches with. Douglas winced away from the sting, but Billie grabbed him and held him still.

Neither boy was injured enough to need anything more than just the disinfecting wipe, thankfully, so Will’s medical duties didn’t take long to complete.

“At least try not to injure yourselves on your own plants,” he said as he balled up the used wipes for disposal in the infirmary. “I’m pretty sure that’s lesson one for plant summoning.”

“Something like that,” Miranda said. “Thanks for the assist, Will. I’ll take it from here.”

Will didn’t need to be told twice; he was already in charge of his own cabin and anyone that ended up a patient in the infirmary. He neither needed nor wanted to expand his responsibilities beyond that – Miranda could handle her own siblings.

“See you at dinner,” he said, and made his way out of the cabin, back to where the grass was outdoors and normal. As the cabin door shut behind him, he heard the Demeter kids discussing the best thing to do with the rose bush and whether or not it would damage the tree – or pose an ongoing risk to demigods – if they left it where it was.

That was certainly not Will’s problem, either. Miranda was welcome to that one.

#trials of apollo #trials of apollo fanfiction #riordanverse #riordanverse fanfiction #toapril #toapril 2024 #tsari writes fanfiction #will solace #billie ng #miranda gardiner #toa douglas #toa steve #cabin four #demeter cabin

12 notes · View notes

marymperezga · 5 years

Text

My Backpacking Gear Checklist (How To Pack For A Trek)

My Lightweight Backpacking Gear Setup

Outdoor Gear Guide

Learn how to pack for a successful overnight backpacking or trekking adventure with lightweight gear essentials like a tent, stove, clothing, and more. My ultimate backpacking checklist!

As you’re about to see with my ultimate backpacking checklist here — I’m a total gear nerd!

From backpacking in Greenland, trekking in Afghanistan, or hill-walking in Ireland, I’m always searching for the lightest and most comfortable hiking & camping equipment. Updating my gear guides on a regular basis.

Fortunately, you get to benefit from my expensive hobby of collecting and testing outdoor backpacking gear by learning from my experiences using it during adventures around the world.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find a FREE printable backpacking checklist that you can download and use for your next trip!

Favorite Backpacking Gear For 2019

Backpacking VS Trekking

Lightweight Backpacking Checklist

Choosing A Backpack

Color-Coded Stuff Sacks

Tents & Overnight Shelters

Warm Sleeping Bag

Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Backpacker Kitchen

Hiking & Trekking Clothing

Backpacking Outerwear

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

Backpacking Food

Personal Hygiene Items

The Backpacking Essentials

My Favorite Luxury Items

Backpacking With Camera Gear

Why Listen To Me?

Experience! I’ve been backpacking & trekking around the world for the past 9 years through mountains, deserts, forests, jungles and National Parks in multiple countries. This guide is also completely independent.

Backpacking VS Trekking

First off, I want to define the difference between backpacking, trekking, and hiking. These words are sometimes used interchangeably — but they can also have different meanings depending on who you ask.

Backpacking is a hiking trip that includes overnight camping. Packing everything you need to be self-sufficient in the wilderness on your back. Like my 10-day solo backpacking trip on Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail.

Trekking is hiking long-distance, for days or weeks at a time. You might pack everything in yourself, but more likely you’ll have a guide and pack animal or human porter to help you. You may or may not need to bring your own shelter. Like my trek in the mountains of Afghanistan with a local guide & pack horse.

Hiking is just walking on a wilderness trail through the mountains, forest, desert, or even the countryside. Generally, this is used to define day hikes that don’t require an overnight stay. Like my day hike up Ireland’s highest mountain.

I’m going to focus on a typical 2-5 day backpacking trip, packing in your own food, water, and camping gear. But much of this will also work as a trekking packing list.

Lightweight Backpacking Checklist

The Gear I Pack for Overnight Trekking

Backpacking checklists & packing lists can be a controversial subject. Everyone has an opinion about what’s the best hiking and camping gear to bring on a trip!

You have your traditional backpackers, lightweight backpackers, and even ultra light thru-hikers who all do things differently.

For this backpacking gear checklist, I’m sharing my personal setup, which is considered “lightweight” with a 20 lbs (9 kg) base-weight.

Backpack base-weight is the weight of all your gear except for food, water, and fuel — which varies depending on the length & location of your trip.

Choosing A Hiking Backpack

Great Backpacks for Hiking & Camping

Overnight Backpacks

For multi-day hiking & backpacking, where you’ll need to carry everything in on your back, I recommend choosing a 40-65 liter backpack that will hold your tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and other backpacking essentials.

Gregory Mountain Zulu 55 – This is the backpack I take with me on most 2-3 day trips. It’s super lightweight (3.5 lbs), comfortable, and well designed. The front-loading pannel makes it a great travel backpack too.

Arcteryx Bora 50 – For long-distance treks with the potential for more extreme weather, or more weight (like winter camping), I prefer this for superior weather resistance and a more comfortable hip-belt.

Day Hiking Backpacks

You may or may not want a day pack — it depends on the type of trip. Other than a traditional day-hike that doesn’t require camping, you might also want a day pack to wear during a guided trek, for easy access to certain items while the rest of your gear is with a porter or pack animal.

I do not bring a day pack on independent overnight hiking & camping trips.

Osprey Stratos 24

Arcteryx Alpha AR 35

Waterproofing Your Pack

What if it rains during your backpacking trip? Most hikers bring a waterproof rain cover for their backpack, and I used to as well. Until I discovered the magic of using a trash compactor bag (or two) to line the INSIDE of my pack.

Why? First of all, they are much cheaper. Second, they are multi-use items. Finally, they are much more effective. Sure, the outside of your backpack will still get wet, but everything inside will be bone-dry. Even if you fall into a river.

Color-Coded Stuff Sacks

To keep your backpack organized during your hiking adventure, I recommend using a few lightweight stuff sacks and/or packing cubes, in different colors, so it’s easy to grab important gear quickly.

Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack – I use a few of these in different sizes & colors for my spare clothing, cold weather gear, and more.

Eagle Creek Specter Sacks – I also have a few of these for smaller items, like my repair kit and to store my (occasionally damp) microfiber towel.

Tents & Overnight Shelters

My Nemo Hornet 2 Person Tent

If you plan to sleep outside in the wilderness, you’re going to need a quality shelter to pack with you. Traditionally this would mean using a tent, but a camping hammock or bivy bag are other possible options. While I own and use all three types of shelters, generally I think most people should start with a tent.

Lightweight Tents

This is one of your most important pieces of backpacking gear. You want to find a tent that is a good combination of lightweight, spacious, waterproof, and easy to set up. It’s basically where you’ll be living during your trip!

Nemo Equipment Hornet 2P – My current favorite lightweight backpacking tent if I’m on my own. Perfect for one person plus some gear, but a bit tight with two people. I use this 75% of the time.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 – Another great tent I own. Slightly more room if I’m going to be sharing it with someone else.

BUDGET OPTION: REI Quarter Dome 2 Tent

Camping Hammocks

If you’re going to be camping in a forest or jungle, it might make sense to hang a hammock for your backpacking shelter. A camping hammock keeps you off the ground, away from bugs & wet conditions, but is also easy to pack with no aluminum poles. Some people prefer sleeping in them to tents also.

Hennessy Hammock Jungle Explorer – I’ve used this camping hammock on many adventures. From hitchhiking America, canoeing the BWCA, and even exploring the jungle in Panama’s Darien Gap.

Bivy Sacks

Bivy sacks are not for everyone. Basically, it’s like sleeping in a waterproof bag. The reason some experienced backpackers prefer them is due to their extreme light weight. It’s for minimalists & ultra-light hikers.

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy – Weighing less than a pound, this is an ultra-lightweight shelter for hardcore minimalist hikers.

Warm Sleeping Bag

Good Morning!

For a good night’s sleep, you need a warm sleeping bag. They key is to pick a bag rated warm enough for the weather you’ll encounter on your backpacking trip. I own two sleeping bags (30F & 0F), but if you can only get one, I’d probably recommend something around 15F degrees.

Down sleeping bags are warmer with less weight, but also more expensive. Synthetic bags weigh a bit more, but are more affordable.

Nemo Riff Down 15F/-1C – An amazing 3-season down fill bag that packs up super small, with zipper air vents for those warmer nights. Spoon shape for comfortable side sleeping. I own the 30F version of this.

Nemo Sonic Down 0F/-18C – A fantastic winter mummy sleeping bag for staying warm in very cold conditions. They also make a -20F version.

BUDGET OPTION: Marmot Trestles 15F Synthetic

Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads have come a long way over the years. From bulky rolled pieces of foam, to lightweight inflatable versions with high-tech baffles that take up far less room in your pack. A good sleeping pad can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy camping outside.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT – I’ve tried countless sleeping pads over the years, and this is my favorite by far. Weights only 15 ounces, but is insulated and inflates to a thick 4-inches. I’ve never slept better in the backcountry!

Backpacker Kitchen

Cooking Gear for Backpacking

You don’t need to lug a ton of pots & pans into the wilderness anymore. A lightweight backpacker kitchen allows you to boil water for cooking simple dehydrated meals on the go.

Camp Stove & Fuel

MSR WindBurner Backpacking Stove – After years of using a JetBoil, I made the switch to MSR’s new system due to better cooking in windy conditions and faster boil times.

Mug/Bowl/Spoon

GSI Infinity Mug – While I could technically use the thin “cup” included with my MSR Windburner stove, I prefer a proper insulated mug that keeps coffee warm longer, with a spill-proof cap.

GSI Essential Spoon – Awesome long-handled camping spoon that can reach deep into a dehydrated food bag.

Hiking & Trekking Clothing

Base Layers

Arcteryx Ether Crew – Lightweight, breathable, synthetic t-shirt. I wear one, and pack a spare. They weigh nothing.

Smartwool Merino 150 Top & Smartwool Merino 150 Pants – I always bring one pair of thermals to sleep in, or wear under my clothes in cold weather.

Mid-Layers

Arcteryx Konseal Hoody – Lightweight fleece pullover for when the temperature starts to drop.

Down/Synthetic Puffy

Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoody – Lightweight, packable down jacket with a hood. For extra cold conditions, or under a waterproof shell jacket.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Jacket

Socks & Underwear

I generally pack 3 pairs of socks on my backpacking trips. Two pairs to alternate for hiking (so my feet are always dry) and some thick wool socks for sleeping. One spare set of underwear.

Darn Tough Socks – My favorite brand of hiking socks. As the name implies, they last a long time!

SAXX Boxer Briefs – Expensive, but sooooo comfortable. Quick drying very breathable. I also use them for travel.

Backpacking Outerwear

These are the outer layers that protect you from nature’s wrath — the wind, rain, and snow. You should always pack some sort of rain gear on any backpacking adventure.

Waterproof Shell Jacket

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket – Super lightweight waterproof and packable rain shell for hiking.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Jacket

Waterproof Shell Pants

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant – Super lightweight waterproof and packable rain pants for hiking.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Pants

Warm Gloves & Hat

Obviously this is going to depend on the season, but I usually bring something to keep my head and hands warm just in case the weather turns bad, or it’s colder than expected at night.

Smartwool Sport 150 Hat – Lightweight merino-wool hat to help keep my ears and head warm when it gets cold or windy.

Arc’teryx Rivet Gloves – Thin but wind-resistant gloves that are comfortable for accessing the controls on my camera.

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

There is an ongoing discussion in the backpacking world about the benefits of using hiking shoes over heavy hiking boots. I own a pair of each, and use them for different situations.

La Sportiva Akyra – Lightweight mountain running shoes that I use for most day hikes and shorter backpacking trips.

Scarpa SL Active Boot – My heavy-duty backpacking boots, that I break out for long-distance trekking in more extreme environments.

Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro – Insulated winter mountaineering boots for hiking on snow & ice with crampons.

Backpacking Food

Here’s the deal. I’m not a backpacker gormet cook like some people are. Food is just fuel to me. So I keep my diet simple and fast to prepare.

Trail Mix & Snacks

Usually bags of trail mix (nutes, dired fruit, etc) and some energy bars. I prefer Lara Bars and Clif Protein Bars. These act as both snacks and my lunch. Maybe some Sour Patch Kids or chocolate as an extra treat.

Dinner: Dehydrated Food

Good-To-Go Backpacker Meals – Tasty dehydrated bags of food that just need some hot water to prepare. You can eat right out of the bag too!

Breakfast: Instant Oatmeal

Quaker Protein Oatmeal – Instant oatmeal packets with some extra protein in different flavors. I usually add some dried berries too.

Coffee!

Starbucks Via Instant Coffee – I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not a big Starbucks fan in person. But their instant coffee packets are pretty damn good.

Bear Proof Container

Ursack Major Bear Bag – Easier to pack than a hard-sided container, this Kevlar bag keeps bears and rodents out of your food.

Personal Hygiene Items

Wilderness Wash – Biodegradable soap that’s safe for the environment.

Quick-Dry Towel –

Bamboo Toothbrush – Cut it in half for a travel-sized (and environmentally friendly) version.

Shaving Kit!

Ok, this isn’t a backpacking essential. But a simple shaving kit is part of my own personal hygiene routine. So I thought I’d include it for entertainment value!

I pack a razor, small tube of environmentally friendly shaving cream, and a camp mirror. Generally shaving my head and face every 2-3 days during a trip.

Pooping Kit

Everybody poops. But there’s a particular way to poop in the backcountry that minimizes your impact on nature in the spirit of Leave No Trace principles.

The Deuce Potty Trowel – Lightweight aluminum backpacking trowel for digging a “cat hole” to do your business.

Toilet Paper – Self-explanatory. You probably don’t need a full roll. Take out the cardboard center core to minimize weight and make it easier to pack.

Biodegradable Wet Wipes – For a fresh & clean finish!

Hand Sanitizer – To get rid of any left-over germs.

ZipLock Freezer Bag – To safely store & pack out all your used paper products…

The 10 Backpacking Essentials

These are the 10 most essential items to take with you on any backpacking adventure. From long-distance trekking to simple day hikes. They will help you survive in the wilderness during normal conditions or in an emergency situation.

1. Navigation

Getting lost in the wilderness can turn dangerous quickly. Knowing where you are, and where you need to go, is an essential part of safe backpacking.

Paper Map & Compass – Old school, but the most reliable (as long as you know how to use them).

Gaia GPS App – Amazing iPhone and Android GPS hiking trail app that works offline, even if you don’t have cell service.

Garmin InReach Mini – Personal locator beacon (PLB) and/or satellite communicator device. Alert authorities in an emergency, plus send & receive text messages via satellite.

2. Headlamp

Always pack a light to find your way back down the trail after an epic summit sunset! Or overnight camping trips. Plus a set of spare batteries.

Black Diamond Storm – Powerful, lightweight, and waterproof headlamp that has a great locking feature so it won’t turn on inside your bag.

3. Sun Protection

Many people underestimate the power of the sun, and a bad sunburn or sun-blindness can quickly ruin a great trip. I always pack a combination of wilderness-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a lightweight Buff.

4. First Aid Kit

Some kind of first aid kit is a must on any outdoor adventure. You can buy a pre-made one like the one below, or create your own custom kit, which is what I do.

Adventure Medical Kits 7 – Covers all the basics. Bandages, pills, tweezers, blister care, etc.

5. Water & Filtration System

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Always research how much water you need to bring on a hike to stay properly hydrated, and bring a water purification system too. There are many ways to do this, my setup for long-distance hiking is:

Nalgene 32oz Bottle – I still prefer a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle so I can add re-hydration salt packets to it.

Sawyer Mini Water Filter – Tiny water filter. With the included straw, I can drink dirty water out of my Nalgene, or attach directly to a water bag (below).

Evernew Hydration Bags – Lightweight and fold-able water bladders that screw into the Sawyer Mini, plus they can stand on their own.

Aquatabs – Emergency backup water purification system.

6. Sharp Knife

A key piece of survival equipment for hiking & backpacking trips. My favorite wilderness knife is the Enzo Trapper, but you’ll also get along fine with something less fancy like a Swiss Army pocket knife.

7. Fire Kit

To help you cook food, boil water, and stay warm in an emergency situation. You don’t need to go crazy. I usually bring a pair of Bic Lighters, some cottonballs in a tiny ziplock bag for tinder, and a few water/wind-proof matches.

8. Emergency Shelter

If you’re on an overnight backpacking trip, you’ll already have a tent as I mentioned earlier. But I also recommend bringing an emergency shelter (tent blows away, burns down, etc). It’s also wise to pack a shelter on long day hikes, in case you get injured or lost and need to spend the night.

SOL Emergency Bivy Bag – This heat reflective and breathable bivy bag will keep you warm in an emergency.

9. Extra Food

Always bring at least an extra half-day’s worth of food with you on day hikes, and a full extra day’s worth of food on longer multi-day backpacking trips for unexpected situations.

10. Extra Clothing

Pack a few warm layers (thermal underwear, extra socks, hat, gloves, etc.) to help you stay warm & dry if the weather turns bad, you fall into a river, or have to spend an unexpected night in the wilderness.

My Favorite Luxury Items

While you could pack ultra-light and reduce all unnecessary luxuries from your backpacking gear checklist, sometimes a little extra weight is worth the comfort. Here are my personal favorite hiking & camping extras!

Trekology Inflatable Pillow – I’ve tried many backpacking pillows over the years, this has the best combination of comfort mixed with lightweight pack-ability. It really improved my sleep quality!

Black Diamond Trekking Poles – Trust me on this one. Your knees will thank you. Especially on steep descents — and if you’re over 30 years old…

Anker Portable Battery – For recharging my iPhone, GoPro, or satelite beacon. Small but powerful. Recharges a phone up to 3 times.

LuminAide Packlite – Lightweight inflatable solar lantern for lighting up your tent or campsite area. Nice backup light to a headlamp.

Earplugs – They weigh nothing, and are very helpful if you want to sleep through thunderstorms, owls, insects, bears walking around your tent, snoring friends, and other nature sounds that are louder than expected.

Repair Kit – Miscellaneous repair gear with 50 feet of paracord, sleeping pad puncture kit, Tenacious Tape, safety pins, zip-ties, sewing kit, etc.

OR Hiking Gaiters – For those especially wet, muddy, snowy, or rough backpacking trips. Helps keep your feet and pants dry and protected.

Camp Shoes/Sandals – Something lightweight and comfortable to wear when you’re done hiking for the day. Can also be used for river crossings.

Backpacking With Camera Gear

How to Pack Camera Gear

Ok, what about hiking with camera gear? I could probably write a whole article about this subject too. For a photography-heavy day hike, I usually bring my LowePro Whistler 350 Camera Backpack.

On longer multi-day backpacking or trekking adventures, I tend to bring much less gear, and attach a simple LowePro Toploader Pro Bag to the front of my shoulder straps.

I might also use a Peak Design Camera Clip and a Peak Design Rain Cover, if I want to travel super light in regards to camera equipment.

You can check out all my photography equipment here.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Backpacking Checklist

If you’d like a simple, one-page backpacking checklist that you can print out to help plan future trips, you can download it for free below. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD YOUR CHECKLIST NOW →

Enjoy This Post? Pin It!

READ MORE BACKPACKING STORIES

I hope you enjoyed my backpacking checklist & gear guide! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

Hiking Italy’s Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Climbing Ireland’s Highest Mountain

Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area In Iceland

Backpacking Through Afghanistan

Trekking Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail

Have any questions about backpacking gear or packing for a trek? Any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://expertvagabond.com/backpacking-gear-checklist/

0 notes

rayanrooke · 6 years

Text

Ranking The 10 Best Camping Hammocks of 2019

A lightweight camping hammock is a must-have item for ultralight backpackers and weekend adventurers. Unlike carrying a tent, a hammock gives you increased ability to camp almost anywhere, as long as you have a couple of sturdy trees to tie off. Set up and tear down are also much simpler with a hammock than with most tents.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Camping Hammocks of 2019. With so many great outfitters providing hammocks today, we recognize that choice overload is a real possibility. That’s why we’ve also included a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide and a Frequently Asked Questions section to give you the information you’ll need to select the right hammock for your intended uses.

But first, let’s take a look at the hammocks themselves:

1. Kammok Roo Double

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

The Kammok Roo Double has been redesigned for 2019. The latest version is lighter, stronger, softer, and more breathable than previous models. For those that need the flexibility to go wherever adventure beckons at a moment’s notice, this camping hammock sets the standard for elevated camping.

The material of this hammock is 40-denier Gravitas fabric. When it comes to strength to weight ratio, this fabric can’t me matched. You’ll be able to hang safely in the Roo Double with up to 500 pounds using Kammok’s climbing grade suspension system. As for weight, the 2019 version is 20% lighter than last year’s model and weighs a total of just 18 ounces.

2. Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

Like most hammocks, the Wise Owl SingleOwl is designed to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more comfortably through the night. It’s a great hammock choice for anyone who’s tired of sleeping on rocks and roots in their tent. This hammock uses 210T (1) parachute nylon that’s capable of supporting a maximum weight load of 400 pounds.

The Wise Owl SingleOwl is designed with triple interlocking stitching to give the seams superior strength. When unpacked, the hammock measures 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide. When packed, it’ll fit in a 5” x 5” space in your pack. Overall, the SingleOwl weighs just 16 ounces and comes in a drawstring stuff sack. Additional items include two 8-foot nautical grade nylon ropes and two steel carabiners for hanging.

3. Lost Valley Camping Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

Made by Oak Creek Outdoor Supply, this camping hammock is a great choice for travelers, hikers, campers, or those that simply want to hang it in the jungle and marvel at the diversity of species in the trees overhead. It’s made with ultra-strong, tear-resistant parachute nylon with reinforced stitching and knotting.

In total, the Lost Valley camping hammock can support weights up to 350 pounds. With a single drawstring bag, the hammock and its accessories pack up to be portable and lightweight. The whole bundle, which includes a hammock, rain fly, bug net, two tree straps, two steel carabiners, two stakes, and two guy lines, weight less than four pounds and can be set up in less than three minutes!

4. ENO DoubleNest

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

With enough space for two people to sit or lie down comfortably, the ENO DoubleNest is the ‘Palace in the Sky’ of camping hammocks. It boasts so much space that it can sometimes feel awkward to sleep solo in it, but it can still be easily packed into its attached compression sack to be conveniently stored in your pack.

The ENO DoubleNest sets up in seconds. It includes heavy duty triple stitched seams and is made of soft, breathable, and fast-drying material. The hammock’s 70-denier high tenacity nylon taffeta (2) can support weights up to 400 pounds. The hammock itself weighs just 19 ounces and offers of dimensions of 9’4” long by 6’2” wide. At either end, the hammock features aluminum wiregate carabiners for secure attachment to tree straps.

5. Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

The Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock is another great selection for hikers and backpackers, but it’s also a great option for hanging in your backyard or on a day trip to the beach. The hammock material is durable 210T nylon that can support weights up to 500 pounds. But it’s also soft and breathable to keep you comfortable and cool for your lie.

The hammock’s material is also resistant to fading, even when exposed to sun and rain. This camping hammock offers total dimensions of 118” long and 78” wide. It weighs just 2.5 pounds when packed up and comes with polyester straps and carbon steel carabiners. These carabiners feature an E-coating surface that makes them smoother and more resistant to scratches.

6. Hummingbird Hammocks Ultralight Single Plus

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

When you’re searching for a durable and lightweight hammock, it’s hard to overlook the Ultralight Single Plus from Hummingbird Hammocks. This hammock is actually built to FAA parachute rigging standards (3) and weighs just 7.6 ounces when packed up. It’s also certified open hardware (4), which means it meets a uniform and well-defined standard for open-source compliance.

The Ultralight Single Plus is made of PIA-C-44378 T4 Certified reserve parachute fabric, nylon plastic, 1500-pound Spectra (5) cord, and military-spec bonded nylon thread. It can support weights up to 350 pounds and boasts unpacked dimensions of 9’8” long by 5’3” wide. The entire bundle includes the hammock, attached stuff sack, and attached button link carabiners.

7. Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Mosquito Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

For those that live in heavy mosquito country, the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro is an excellent hammock choice. There’s nothing worse than climbing into your hammock and being tormented by those little flying nuisances. But with the Skeeter Beeter Pro, the attached bug net will keep you bite-free and allow you to get a solid night’s rest.

This camping hammock is made of 210T parachute nylon with triple-lock stitched seams and No-see-em, nylon mosquito netting. It boasts a double-sided zipper for easy entry and exit and the material is soft, breathable, and fast-drying in case it gets wet. The whole hammock bundle features two nautical grade carabiners, a starter rope kit, suspension cord, and stuff-sack for stress-free travel.

8. Therm-a-Rest Slacker Single Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

If you’re looking to slack off in style, it’s hard to beat the Therm-a-Rest Slacker Single Hammock. This hammock’s soft polyester fabric feels great on your skin and provides a subtle stretch that virtually eliminates all pressure points in the nylon. The attached stuff pocket is a great place to keep a book, phone, or water bottle as you relax under your favorite tree.

This camping hammock is made of 100% ripstop polyester, which dries much faster than nylon. Its one-piece design adds another layer of comfort while boosting the hammock’s overall durability. It can support weights up to 400 pounds and features ultralight aluminum carabiners for easy hanging. In total, the hammock weighs just 18 ounces and packs up to fit in a 7” x 10” space.

9. Hennessy Hammock Expedition Zip Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

The Hennessy Hammock is known to some as “the hammock that started the hammock camping revolution.” With its patented asymmetrical design and structural ridgeline, it’s truly made for comfort, regardless of the spacing between trees. It’s an excellent all-purpose hammock for backpacking, family camping, expeditions, kayaking, and much more.

This camping hammock is made of 70-denier high-density nylon taffeta that can support weights up to 250 pounds. The rain fly is made of 70-denier polyurethane-coated ripstop polyester and the bug net is made of 30-denier polyester No-See-Um netting. The hammock offers dimensions of 120” by 59” and a packed weight of two pounds, 12 ounces.

10. ENO Sub6 Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

The Sub6 is Eno’s lightest hammock. It is designed to embody the spirit of ultralight backcountry camping and boasts an impressive 5.8-ounce body. Although it is one of the lightest hammocks on the market, the Sub6 still retains impressive strength and security. It has the ability to support weights up to 300 pounds.

This camping hammock is crafted from lightweight 30-denier ripstop nylon and Dyneema® fiber (6) that is stronger than steel. It also features new aluminum toggles and combines with the Helios Suspension System to offer the same ease of set up you’ll find with a traditional hammock. When packed up though, the Sub6 fits well into small spaces so that you can go light and move fast.

—

Buyer’s Guide

The use of hammocks dates back more than 1,000 years and their origin can be traced to the Mayans of Central America. The hammocks of those days were most likely woven from bark or plant fibers, but their practicality quickly made them widely used throughout Central and South America, as well as in Mexico.

Today’s hammocks are arguably more practical and easy to transport than ever. With advancements in materials and fibers, manufacturers are able to make hammocks that are both extremely durable and exceptionally light. In order to help you sort through the many great options out there, this Buyer’s Guide will focus on several key factors to consider when buying a new camping hammock.

Hammock Size

The first thing you’ll want to think about is whether you want a hammock to fit just one person or that gives you the ability to sleep two. If you’re a larger individual with broad shoulders, for example, you’ll probably want a “double” hammock even if you’ll be the only one sleeping in it. When you hang your hammock, the last thing you want is for it to be pinching your shoulders toward each other when you climb in.

For this reason, it helps to go slightly larger when it comes to comfort. The caveat is that you’ll add a little more weight, but when it comes to getting a good night’s rest, the added weight is usually worth it. Because the most comfortable way to sleep in a hammock is actually diagonally, some extra width will help you get cozy in your new hammock.

When it comes to length, most of the hammocks on the market today are in the 9-10 foot range. This is designed to leave plenty of extra space at the head and feet of even the tallest individuals. Keep in mind, however, going with a longer hammock means you’ll need more space between anchor points in order to achieve a favorable hang.

Overall Weight

The main reason you want to consider overall weight is for carrying purposes. Today’s hammocks are extremely useful for ultralight backpacking and camping. In these scenarios, most ultralight hikers and backpackers measure their pack weight down to the tenth of an ounce. But when you’re talking about covering 30 or more miles per day, for many days in a row, those extra ounces can add up to extra wear and tear on your body.

Fortunately, most hammock manufacturers know that their ideal audience wants their hammock to be light. Because of this, you can find the overall weight of a hammock easily advertised before making a purchase. On the other hand, those of you that prioritize protection from the elements overall weight reduction will be less concerned with overall weight and more tuned into the rain fly and bug net quality of a given hammock.

Hammock Straps

Because the most important part of enjoying a night in a hammock is how you hang it, it’s important to pay attention to the type of straps you’re getting (or will need to purchase) with a given hammock. Straps will make or break (quite literally!) your hammock experience, so you want to spend some time to make sure you’re getting quality.

There are a variety of ropes and straps out there to help you hang your hammock. Ideally, you want to find straps somewhere between 6 and 10 feet long. Nylon tubing is a great material for hammock straps, and you want to look for straps that can support upwards of twice your body weight, just to be safe.

Some hammocks that are frequently used by rock climbers need steel screws or mounts that attach to the rock face before you can hang the hammock in place. But for those of you that plan to hang your hammock from trees, the best straps wrap around the outside of the tree without any insertion points, so that you don’t damage the bark. Straps that are at least ¾ of an inch wide will be much less likely to damage trees than thinner straps or rope.

Accessories Included (Or Not Included!)

When you’re comparing one hammock to another, you’ll also want to look at the accessories that are (or aren’t!) included in the ‘hammock bundle’. As I mentioned briefly earlier, some hammocks are sold a la carté and you’ll need to purchase straps, a bug net, a rain fly, and anything else you need to complete your hammock set-up.

When you’re just starting out, it’s both beneficial and economical to choose a bundle that includes everything you’ll need to get started. Unless you can say with certainty that you’re not going to see a drop of rain during your camping trip, you’re going to want a tarp to go above your hammock. Unless it’s nearly the end of fall and mosquitoes are a complete non-factor, having a bug net to put up just in place is really convenient.

With that said, if your intention for buying a new camping hammock is to have a place to relax during the day before retreating into your tent after night falls, then there’s no need to have all the bells and whistles that come with a full hammock camping set-up. Make sure you know your intended use before you overpay for a full set-up that you don’t really need.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are certain best practices that will help you get the most out of your hammock’s performance and also enjoy your hammock camping experience to the best of your ability. In this Frequently Asked Questions section, we’ll answer some of the most common concerns and inquiries about hammocks and hammock camping.

What is the most comfortable position for sleeping in a hammock?

Experienced hammock campers will pretty much universally tell you the same thing. For the best night’s sleep in a hammock, you should sleep at an angle. This minimizes the amount your back bends. To achieve an optimal sleeping position in a hammock, angle your body about 10 to 15 degrees away from the centerline of your hammock.

What should I look for when it comes to trees to hang my hammock from?

Too many novice hammock campers make the mistake of hanging their hammock from what we like to call “widow makers.” These are old trees with lots of dead branches. Even if they look like they’re still sturdy enough to hang from, avoid them! Don’t even camp underneath them. Instead, look for healthy trees that are at least 8 inches in diameter. Ideally, the tree doesn’t budge much at all once you’ve wrapped your strap around it and you give it a firm tug. If the tree sways a lot, find a new place to anchor your hammock. Remember that you’re going to be hanging there all night!

How should I hang my hammock straps?

Once you’ve found a couple of trees that you’re sure will support your hammock, tie your straps at about a 30-degree angle. When your hammock is attached to the strap, the acute angle between the strap and the attachment point (if you were to draw a straight line from it to your anchor point) should be about 30 degrees. When you achieve this angle, you’ll find that you can get comfortable in your hammock without your back bowing uncomfortable. If you’re unable to achieve this optimal angle, you can always go steeper, as it’s usually more comfortable with more sag, rather than a straight, rigid set-up.

Will any old carabiner do when hanging my hammock?

No! We’ve seen way too many folks fail at their first hammock set-up because they didn’t choose the right carabiners. Fortunately, many hammocks come with their own, but if you have to replace them or choose your own, make sure the carabiners you choose are climbing grade and rated to support the appropriate amount of weight (7). Lightweight wiregate models are almost always an excellent choice for hanging a camping hammock. Certainly beware of the cheap variety packs you’ll find at a local hardware store. If it says ‘Not For Climbing Use’, then it’s ‘Not For Hammock Use’ either.

What are the major differences between hammock camping and tent camping?

Well, for starters you’re up off the ground. Perhaps the most important difference is in airflow. In a hammock, you’ll be exposed to more wind and air movement throughout the night than you would be in a tent. If you’re hammock camping in hot environments, you’ll actually welcome this added airflow. But if you’re camping in a colder climate, you’ll want to bring along an underquilt or pack a heavier sleeping bag when hammock camping. Typically, the underside of your hammock is where you’ll need added insulation.

How can I wash my hammock?

Like most of your gear, the exact recommendations for washing your hammock will depend on the hammock’s manufacturer. Many hammocks can actually be machine-washed, but you’ll need to be careful to remove any metal carabiners or other items before placing them in the machine. Most manufacturers also recommend air-drying your hammock on a breezy day, as the heat of a dryer can compromise the hammock’s material. Most hammocks can be cleaned with mild detergent. Bleach should always be avoided. But, as I mentioned, be sure to consult the exact recommendations for cleaning from your hammock’s manufacturer before starting the process!

Summary

There are actually many amazing benefits of sleeping elevated in a hammock. For our money, it’s hard to beat being rocked to sleep by a gentle breeze as you gaze up at a sky full of stars on a clear night. We hope you’ve enjoyed this review of the best camping hammocks of 2019 and we wish you the best of luck choosing the right hammock for a quality hang!

Via https://bestsurvival.org/best-camping-hammock/

source http://bestsurvivalus.weebly.com/blog/ranking-the-10-best-camping-hammocks-of-2019

0 notes

bestsurvivalus · 6 years

Text

Ranking The 10 Best Camping Hammocks of 2019

But first, let’s take a look at the hammocks themselves:

1. Kammok Roo Double

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

2. Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

3. Lost Valley Camping Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

4. ENO DoubleNest

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

5. Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

6. Hummingbird Hammocks Ultralight Single Plus

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

7. Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Mosquito Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

8. Therm-a-Rest Slacker Single Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

9. Hennessy Hammock Expedition Zip Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

10. ENO Sub6 Hammock

Click here for the lowest price on Amazon

—

Buyer’s Guide

Hammock Size

Overall Weight

Hammock Straps

Accessories Included (Or Not Included!)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most comfortable position for sleeping in a hammock?

What should I look for when it comes to trees to hang my hammock from?

How should I hang my hammock straps?

Will any old carabiner do when hanging my hammock?

What are the major differences between hammock camping and tent camping?

How can I wash my hammock?

Summary

source https://bestsurvival.org/best-camping-hammock/

0 notes

cristinajourdanqp · 6 years

Text

Great American Campout, Worker Bee Trips, and a Contest!

On June 23rd, the world changes. Every RV, Subaru Outback, and pickup truck in every neighborhood across the country disappears from city limits. Expect the swoosh of fiberglass poles sliding through tent fabric to resound across the land and millions of campfires to produce enough smoke to block out the sun. Molted marshmallow flows will destroy hundreds of homes, and millions of fathers sitting on Doug fir rounds by the fire will tell so many ghost stories that they summon actual phantoms from the spirit world. The nation’s circadian rhythms will get a hard reset back to the superior factory settings, thanks to avoidance of artificial light after dark. Or so we could hope….

June 23rd is the Great American Campout, that time of the year when the National Wildlife Federation arranges a series of mass public camping sessions across the country and encourages everyone else to do the same in their local communities. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone.

The unfortunate truth is that the vast majority of people still don’t camp. Chances are, the average person won’t even be aware that the Great American Campout is happening. This is a tragedy.

Regular camping could change the world. Imagine if every citizen spent at least a couple nights per month under the stars, gazing into a dancing campfire, getting fresh air and plenty of natural sunlight during the day, going on hikes, lounging in hammocks with a book, and ignoring their smartphone (because there’s no reception). The world would be a better place. People would be happier, healthier, and more tuned in to everyone’s ancestral homeland: the wilderness.

You might think it’s cheesy, or lament the imagined crowds, but you’d be making a mistake. Getting more people to enjoy and experience the outdoors will ensure we hold onto them for years to come.

There are many ways to take part:

Host a public campout. Arrange your own public campout in your community.

Attend a public campout. Go join in on the fun.

Just go camping. Participating in the Campout doesn’t have to be formal or registered. You can just camp in solidarity with everyone else.

If you’re new to camping, want to level your camping up, or are just interested in why camping is so important for our health, take a look at the posts I below.

Here are the main benefits of camping.

Here are tips for mastering the wilderness.

Here is where I explain why artificial blue light after dark is so bad for our sleep and circadian rhythm. A big reason to go camping on a regular basis is that it removes the worst source of nighttime artificial light, like electronic devices and street lamps.

Here is where I explain how to access and foster your wild side.

Here’s how to grill.

Here’s how to take better hikes.

Here are some ideas for good Primal non-perishables.

Go to the website, make the pledge, and start getting friends and family together for an awesome time together. There’s no way you’ll regret camping. Even the rough situations, like storms in the middle of the night, make for great stories—but you almost certainly will regret letting the opportunity slip through your fingers. Chances are, camping is one of those things you “resolve” to do more of but never actually do. Now’s your chance. Consider it a mini-challenge within your 21-Day framework.

Want some inspiration for camping and other active vacations? Some of our Worker Bees are sharing their favorite trips today. And be sure to leave your own anecdotes/suggestions for camping and active vacations in the comments for today’s contest (details below).

My favorite type of vacation is a good balance between relaxation and activity. I love getting up in the morning for a hike or taking a walk on the beach at sunset. Then, finding time to read, recharge and connect with the natural beauty of my surroundings is where it’s at! Also, water is a must! I feel the most relaxed near the lake or an ocean. This photo is a Rocky Mountains camping trip. – Ana G.

Destination races! My husband and I sign up for races as an excuse to visit other countries, like when we ran the Great Wall of China Marathon. It’s pretty much the opposite of sitting poolside with a mai tai! You get to meet amazing people—other participants, race volunteers, and locals—you’d never normally encounter and see things the average tourist misses. It’s a wonderful way to travel. – Lindsay T.

My favorite active spot around the globe to vacation is Costa Rica! I especially love Dominical, a little surf town on the Pacific Coast. Great for yoga, kayaking, surfing, hiking, running, and swimming, there are literally endless adventures to be had in a place so rich in different ecosystems and outdoors escapes. – Annie M.

Morning run in Tel Aviv, Israel! – Chloe M.

One of my most memorable places for vacation was Lake Tahoe, absolutely gorgeous scenery and amazing time spent with family. We paddle boarded, canoed, and fished! – Michelle F.

I spend a lot of time in the North Woods and North Shore (Minnesota). It’s beautiful hiking there, and we enjoy gorgeous sunsets on the rocky beaches. – Jen W.

I’m lucky to live just a few hours away from Big Bear, California, and it’s definitely a favorite getaway spot. With breathtaking views, epic hiking trails and calm water, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you moving!

Last time I was there, I linked up with the Bee the Wellness tribe for one of their adventure retreats. It’s so nice to just show up somewhere with all your activities and (paleo!) meals planned, so you can sit back and really enjoy your surroundings. In fact, I’ll be joining them again this July in the Redwoods! If you miss PrimalCon, you’ll LOVE this (and you might see a few familiar faces too). – Liz M.

Favorite active vacation spot: San Diego, CA Favorite activities: 1. Hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (attached photo taken on one of the trails that overlooks the beach) 2. SUP/paddleboarding in Mission Bay 3. Family bike riding on Coronado Island 4. Kayaking and jetskiing in Carlsbad Lagoon 5. Trail running and hiking in the San Elijo Hills

– Sabrina T.

Now For the Contest…

The Bees and I want to hear your stories and suggestions for camping adventures and active vacations. Simply leave a relevant comment here by the deadline, and you’ll be entered to win.

The Prize: The Primal Blueprint Platinum Supplement Package

The Platinum Package is the ultimate in supplementation, and a daily dietary boost favored by Mark Sisson, his wife and thousands of other health-conscious devotees. This comprehensive supplement plan includes: Primal Master Formula, Primal Fuel, Primal Probiotics, Primal Omegas and Primal Sun. With a 30-day supply of a high-antioxidant multivitamin complex, omega-3 fish oils, healthy probiotics, vitamin D and a 21-day supply of delicious, coconut-based Primal meal replacement shake, the Platinum Package is a complete, convenient and cost-effective way to live a healthy, Primal life in the modern world.*

The Deadline: Midnight PDT, June 19th, 2018

Thanks for stopping in, everyone. Take care.

0 notes

cynthiamwashington · 6 years

Text

Great American Campout, Worker Bee Trips, and a Contest!

The unfortunate truth is that the vast majority of people still don’t camp. Chances are, the average person won’t even be aware that the Great American Campout is happening. This is a tragedy.

There are many ways to take part:

Host a public campout. Arrange your own public campout in your community.

Attend a public campout. Go join in on the fun.

Just go camping. Participating in the Campout doesn’t have to be formal or registered. You can just camp in solidarity with everyone else.

If you’re new to camping, want to level your camping up, or are just interested in why camping is so important for our health, take a look at the posts I below.

Here are the main benefits of camping.

Here are tips for mastering the wilderness.

Here is where I explain how to access and foster your wild side.

Here’s how to grill.

Here’s how to take better hikes.

Here are some ideas for good Primal non-perishables.

Morning run in Tel Aviv, Israel! – Chloe M.

One of my most memorable places for vacation was Lake Tahoe, absolutely gorgeous scenery and amazing time spent with family. We paddle boarded, canoed, and fished! – Michelle F.

I spend a lot of time in the North Woods and North Shore (Minnesota). It’s beautiful hiking there, and we enjoy gorgeous sunsets on the rocky beaches. – Jen W.

– Sabrina T.

Now For the Contest…

The Bees and I want to hear your stories and suggestions for camping adventures and active vacations. Simply leave a relevant comment here by the deadline, and you’ll be entered to win.

The Prize: The Primal Blueprint Platinum Supplement Package

The Deadline: Midnight PDT, June 19th, 2018

Thanks for stopping in, everyone. Take care.

(function($) { $("#df6pIgc").load("https://www.marksdailyapple.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=dfads_ajax_load_ads&groups=675&limit=1&orderby=random&order=ASC&container_id=&container_html=none&container_class=&ad_html=div&ad_class=&callback_function=&return_javascript=0&_block_id=df6pIgc" ); })( jQuery );

The post Great American Campout, Worker Bee Trips, and a Contest! appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple.

Article source here:Marks’s Daily Apple

0 notes

touristguidebuzz · 7 years

Text

Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Paddling Into The Wild

Canoeing the Boundary Waters in Minnesota

Ely, Minnesota

If you’re looking to get away, unwind, and reconnect with nature, you really can’t beat a backcountry canoe trip into Minnesota’s pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

With the wind at my back, I glided effortlessly over the cool lake water with every thrust of my paddle. The calming silence broken only by the lonely wail of a loon swimming close by…

My father & sister were slightly ahead of me, scouting for our first campsite. Our lightweight kevlar canoes loaded with enough food & gear to support us for 10 days in the wilderness.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is an outdoor lover’s paradise — encompassing over one million acres of North Woods backcountry and 1000+ scenic lakes.

Part of Superior National Forest, it hugs the border between Minnesota in the United States and Ontario in Canada. This is a summary of our first adventure canoeing the lakes of the BWCA, fishing for dinner, and camping in the forest.

I hope it inspires you to embark on your own journey into Minnesota’s Boundary Waters one day!

Me, my Sister, and Father

Canoeing the Lakes of BWCA

Boundary Waters History

Canoeing, camping, fishing, and hunting have been practiced in the Boundary Waters area for hundreds of years. The Ojibwe and Sioux indigenous tribes called these woods home, traveling the numerous lakes in birch-bark canoes.

Next came French fur trappers and the English-owned Hudson Bay Company, who made fortunes selling beaver pelts caught in the region. Eventually, in the 1900’s, the area became a popular recreation destination.

Finally in 1978, after many legal battles, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act was passed to protect the region from development.

It’s one of America’s greatest land conservation success stories, and is enjoyed by over 200,000 visitors a year. However because it’s so large, the BWCA doesn’t feel as crowded as more popular National Parks.

Rocking a Northstar Magic Solo Canoe

Navigation Stop to Check the Map

Boundary Waters Map: Entry #23

Canoeing The BWCA

In July of 2017, I drove up to Ely, Minnesota along with my father and sister to begin our first “epic” Boundary Waters adventure into the North Woods.

We’d been looking forward to it for months! A way to bring back childhood memories of canoeing & camping together in New England… some family bonding time.

It’s also good to simply take time off, immerse yourself in nature, and disconnect from the outside world occasionally. One of the best ways I’ve found to recharge your senses, de-stress, and gain some perspective on life.

After packing our gear up the night before at a rented cottage in Ely, we awoke before sunrise, strapped two canoes onto the car’s roof-rack, and drove towards Entry Point #23 at Mudro Lake to start our 10 day journey.

Our Boundary Waters Route:

Mudro Lake

Fourtown Lake

Boot Lake

Fairy Lake

Gun Lake

Gull Lake

Thunder Lake

Beartrap Lake

(then back to Mudro the way we came)

Portage Trails in the Boundary Waters

Canoes are Carried Using Yokes

Portaging Through The Forest

If you think a long-distance canoe trip is easy, I’ve got some news for you. While many of the lakes are next to each other, you still have to cross portions of land to get from one lake to another. This is called a “portage”.

Basically, you get out of your canoe, unload it, then take turns hiking the canoe and your gear through the woods to the next lake. Depending on how many people are in your group, and how much gear you have, it could take a couple trips back and forth to get everything over.

Some Boundary Waters portage trails are only 50 yards long. Others can be up to a mile long. And portage trails aren’t measured in meters or feet, but in “rods”. A rod is about 16.5 feet long, or the approximate length of a canoe.

Portaging can be a nice way to break up the trip — a chance to stretch your legs and give your arms a rest.

However if the trails are overgrown, steep, or muddy — or if you hit a series of small lakes with multiple portages over a short time, it gets tiring too.

Camping in my Hennessy Hammock

Sunset Over the Boundary Waters

The “Biffy”, or Campsite Toilet

Camping In The Wilderness

Each lake has a handful of designated campsites that are snatched up on a first-come, first-serve basis. They’re equipped with a fire-pit, metal cooking grill, and a biffy (open-air camp toilet).

If all the campsites are taken, you must continue on to the next lake and check there. True wild camping is not allowed in the Boundary Waters, unlike on the Canadian side (called Quetico Provincial Park).

Usually we’d pick a good campsite in the early afternoon, set up our tents and tarp, then go fishing nearby. Sometimes we’d stay in the same spot for 2 nights in a row — in order to relax between travel days.

Gathering firewood was a regular task, requiring us to jump into a canoe and seek out dead trees (white pine, cedar, jack pine) along the shoreline. We’d saw some limbs off, load the canoe, return to camp, and cut the wood into smaller pieces.

Lindsay Catching an 18″ Walleye

Frying Fresh Fish for Dinner

Fresh Water Fishing

Many people take canoe trips into the Boundary Waters for the amazing fishing found there. The fish are plentiful, and large! The most common types are walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, brook trout, and crappie.

The pristine lakes offer plenty of opportunities for catching fish.

A Minnesota fishing license is required for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Licenses may be purchased online here or in person at many local businesses or canoe outfitters.

We caught a mixture of walleye and smallmouth bass using leeches as bait. My sister hooked a northern pike one afternoon, but unfortunately it snapped the line with its sharp teeth as she attempted to reel it in!

When fishing the BWCA, it’s important to only keep what you can reasonably eat. That said, we ate plenty of fresh fish for dinner during our journey. Often breaded & fried up with onion, lemon, beans and rice! Yum.

Early Morning Moose Sighting

Swimming Garter Snake!

Wildlife Spotting!

One morning, on Gull Lake, we watched from camp as a large female moose came crashing out of the forest and swam across the bay to disappear on the opposite side.

After days of tranquil silence, it was a bit startling! I imagine that’s what Big Foot would sound like if he was coming to get you…

Other animals we came across included partridges thumping the ground to attract a mate, garter snakes, rabbits, loons, bald eagles, and angry beavers slapping the water with their tails as we approached.

Timber wolves, black bears, and bobcats also call the Boundary Waters home — but are a bit more difficult to spot.

Camping on Gull Lake

Loaded Up For our Adventure!

Boundary Waters Tips

Most BWCA visitors “base camp” for a night or two near the entry points. So if you want to find less crowded lakes, you simply need to travel further out into the backcountry.

Even though we were there during the busy mid-July high season, we rarely saw anyone beyond Fourtown Lake.

Beware the mosquitos! After the sun sets, they’re the worst I’ve ever seen. You definitely want to pack, at a minimum, strong bug spray and a mosquito head net. However a full bug shirt works wonders.

Rainy Day in the BWCA

One of Our Campsites

BWCA Permits

To visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, you need to buy a permit online. The BWCA is made up of different “entry points” near roads. You buy your permit based on which entry point you want to begin from.

Each entry point only allows a certain number of permits per day, so you’ll want to try and book a BWCA permit at least a few months before your trip — because they can sell out fast.

We began our adventure from Entry Point #23, Mudro Lake. It’s a popular one, so we booked our July permit in March. You pick up the permit in person from the closest ranger station to your entry point.

Voyager North Outfitters in Ely, MN

Boundary Waters Outfitters

If you don’t have all the gear necessary to canoe the Boundary Waters, it’s possible to rent gear from local canoe outfitters. Or even hire a guide to help you with navigation, camp setup, cooking, etc.

While we had most of our own gear, we chose to rent two Northstar kevlar canoes with paddles from Voyager North Outfitters. Highly recommend them!

Kevlar canoes are incredibly lightweight, which makes carrying them on your shoulders during a portage MUCH easier than aluminum ones.

Packing For The Boundary Waters?

I’ll be publishing a packing guide for the BWCA shortly! Make sure to join my mailing list if you want to get notified when it’s complete. ★

Bonus Video! Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for new Adventure Travel Videos! (Click to watch Boundary Waters Canoe Trip – BWCA on YouTube)

READ MORE FROM THE USA

Why Is Asheville North Carolina Cool? Hanging Out Of A Helicopter Over New York Hitchhiking America From Coast To Coast

Have any questions about my Boundary Waters trip? What about other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!

Disclosure: I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. I’m also a member of several similar programs. But I only recommend products/services I use and trust.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

0 notes

juliamichaels84 · 7 years

Text

Miami Everglades Tours

Have the Best from Your Miami Everglades Tours

Thinking of a holiday destination? Splurge in Miami Everglades tours. Everglades is a stretch of tropic wetlands situated in the southern portion of Florida. The place is moreover, a wilderness filled with a rich aquatic and wildlife. Find alligators, royal palms, mangroves, shorebirds this vacation of yours. The everglades wildlife can be best discovered during the wet season, one of the two dominant seasons of the place.

Miami Everglades Tours

Visit the region during simmer, for having the best holiday experience of your lifetime. The season is made to satiate the adventure lover in you. Row a boat, or hire a kayak, Everglades will indeed provide you with bounty. Bag your sunblock and hat to have a glimpse of alligators and baby alligators or plan for a mangrove airboat tour.

Here is a list of exhilarating things to do in Everglades.

Plan for an Airboat Ride

Well, while you are touring in Everglades, an airboat ride will assure you the ultimate thrill. You can sail through the natural habitat of many wild animals. Apart from being a pleasure trip for all ages, it is absolutely safe. Moreover, an airboat ride in Everglades Holiday Park is a package of comfort and fun. Here is actually a wonderful opportunity to learn about Florida’s ecosystem and wildlife in its most natural form ever. From reptiles, alligators, to a dense flora and fauna enjoy them all.

Everglades National Park

Wake up the child in you. This is a must visit if you are planning for Miami Everglades tours. Everglades National Park offers you to choose from a range of activities like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, saltwater fishing, biking among others. With boating, you will perhaps discover most of Everglades. It actually gives you a terrific view of the wildlife of Everglades. Moreover, bird-watching is one of the most renowned activities over here.

Shark valley is the best place to find the dense wildlife. Rent a find and you are good to go. Plan a visit around the end of November to the end of April or May to have the best views of the migratory birds and all sorts of wildlife. You can also plan for a Tram Tour for your ultimate wildlife tour.

Flamingo

Heaven for every first time tourist! The best season to plan a visit is during December to April, which is actually the dry season. This is because you may find the museum and the stores closed in summer, due to of course lack of visitors. Make a camp and watch the exotic varieties of bird that you will find around there. You may find manatees, owls and eagles. Boat or canoe, or just indulge leisurely, Flamingo is here to offer you with plenty of delights. Also, consider bringing a bug spray if you are hitting around the wet season.

The Main Road

Well, if you are driving along the main road, you will find plenty of places just apt for short strides such as Pineland Trail, Pahayokee Overlook, and the most popular Mahogany Hammock Trail. Mahogany Hammock is around 0.5 miles and meanders through the dense hardwood hammock. You will find plenty of lush vegetation around this area to sooth your eyes.

There are also plenty of pubs and bars/restaurants to choose from. Sweet Mayberry’s Cafe Inc. is her to offer you with delicious menu and in different cuisines. You will find organic teas with superior quality ingredients to rejuvenate yourself. Also fresh homemade desserts are actually a stress buster if you are holidaying.

You can also plan a visit to Island Cafe famous for a wide range of snacks. You can come here for your breakfast, brunch, dinner and launch. They are amazingly prepared and served.

The post Miami Everglades Tours appeared first on Miami to Key West Tours Guides.

Source: https://www.miamitokeywesttoursguides.com/miami-everglades-tours/

from Miami to Key West Tours Guides https://miamitokeywesttoursguides.wordpress.com/2018/01/12/miami-everglades-tours-5/

0 notes

johnaffeymuseum · 7 years

Text

From the JAM Archive...

In this series of posts, we present some of the unpublished materials which can be found in the John Affey Museum’s archive.

The fourth part of the Ascensorescetis Mss., click here for Part C.

Will it surprise you, beloved reader, that every week or two, as I go about my day, I stop entranced, and run my hand over the smooth flat surface of my desk? That I pause, and place my fountain pen with exaggerated carelessness on the edge? That I spend long minutes watching it do precisely nothing, its braided grey and green silk heartstring spooling away across the calm expanse, utterly unrequired? Perhaps it might shock you to enter my office, only to come upon me find me sprawled like a cat, cheek upon the burnished oak floorboards, patting them with my palm as though calming a horse? But surely, perceptive reader, it will not much astonish to learn that I cannot sleep but in a hammock? Some old salts can't give them up, after a life below decks. Does this not make me a mere creature of habit, like the whale? Eminently biddable, given the appropriate pressures are applied? Like many less advanced peoples, I am very partial to strong alcohol. I have but little self-control, though I keep this vice to myself, alone in my office. There is something of a craze for racial psychology currently sweeping the papers. How does my own race weigh on the scales, or rank in the measuring calipers? We have a good streak of independence, of that there can be little doubt. My people often travel alone upon the sea for hundreds of leagues, with naught but their own resources to rely upon. But is that independence merely casting in a more favourable light what is in reality brute stubbornness, as evinced to even the most basic physiognomic assessment by our markedly pointed chins?

I am fortunate enough to have on hand a copy of Vaught's utterly invaluable treatise on the subject of practical character reading; a fundamentally sound work, you will no doubt agree, for all that it lacks in subtlety. (And after all, what more can one reasonably expect of an American?) The Whale Riders... no, let us Latinize, for a more formal tone. The Ascensorescetis have the dubious merit of possessing the very model of Vaught's Selfish Ear (Page 62). That is, I have checked mine against the illustration, and barring a somewhat more distinct lobe, they are identical. That I am a selfish man, there is no doubt: I am one who has abandoned his home, his country and his family for purely personal gain. But what of the ears of that family, my clan? Were my ears atypical? I must confess, I have tried to recall the ears of my mother without success, and if I cannot recall her ears, upon which I must have gazed for hours as an infant strapped into my mother's parka, what good are my recollections, after all? I was at least not mercilessly mocked by my playmates for having pointed ears myself, as I was for so much else as a child. One assumes then that my ears were normal, or at least less abnormal than my other parts. Our smallish snub noses – I do remember that my nose was not unusual – most nearly fit Vaught's 'good and bad' (Page 80), upon which he sadly provides no further commentary. I confess, this ramble into science's demesne has all too quickly bewildered me. Any trained expert could tell across a crowded room that I don't have the requisite faculties, and that for all my native wit and parrot-like ear for language, I have not the true rational intelligence of the civilized Englishman.

I found Roald Engelbregt Gravning Amundsen to be a fair master, and ever eager to learn new tricks for survival. I later discovered he had spent time with the King William Islanders, who call themselves the Netsilik, learning how to fashion good clothing from skins and work with dogs and sledges. It took him I think all of twenty four hours to become decided that the juncture of my cuffs with my mittens was superior to his own, and to order the adaptation of the gear of all his crew accordingly, though they were on their way out of the Antarctic by then, their mission accomplished. Amundsen was a ruthless pragmatist, utterly uninterested in propriety and convention, and I took to him immediately. In the interests of transparency, it must be said that I had never had a true father figure, and Amundsen was the very archetype. He taught me my first words of English, which I have always considered my father tongue. English has no time for the layered conditionals and hypothetical hedgings of my people's languages, which – as they know of no other – is simply called linkha, the double tongue. English, with its blunt utility and forthrightness, is nothing like the effete equivocating linkha. But at Framheim, his base camp in the Bay of Whales, we spoke almost exclusively Norwegian. The Norwegian for tongue is tunge, as I learned quickly, due to the frantic exclamations of Amundsen's men at the shape of mine. To put it plainly, my tongue is forked, as are all those of the high-caste members of my people. We are born with a pronounced hereditary groove in the centre line of the organ, and an indented tip. This is not itself a forked tongue, however: that oddity can only be produced by what will no doubt appear a most barbarous practice.

In infancy, the centre of the tongue is pierced and a bone spigot inserted, much as with the ear lobes of the female European infant, or the noses or lips of various savage peoples. Using sinew fishing line, the central section of the tongue is bound between the resulting hole and the tip, and this excruciatingly tight binding gradually separates the foremost part of the tongue into two independently mobile sections. This ghastly procedure is usually carried out while the infant is teething, and the same numbing jellyfish toxin we feed to our whales is used to reduce the pain. To those of you who balk at my description of this foreign practice, think only of circumcision, and you will begin to understand its significance to our culture. And unlike circumcision, nothing is removed. Rather, a faculty is added, which will astound all who have not witnessed it. The two forks of the tongue are independent, as I have stated, but they become also independently mobile, and with practice they can be dextrously employed to grasp and manipulate the most delicate of objects. Within the sensitive confines of the mouth, and paddling all the while, the Ascensorecete can, with pressed lips and a careful tongue, thread the eyelet of the most delicate fish-hook, and with nary a risk of losing it overboard. The forked tongue is used besides in the tying of certain knots, and can be of great value while dining, in the extraction of small fishbones. Certain of our lancets and awls would seem to be fashioned for use by elves, were it not known that they are excellently suited to the prehensile, bifurcated tongue.

At Framheim, however, the dire connotations of the forked tongue to the European became quickly apparent to me, though it took me several years to fully comprehend its origin. The snake, a most deadly animal in many parts of the world and widely feared even where it is harmless, possesses a forked tongue. The forked tongue is thus an attribute of evil, and of the epitome of evil, Satan the Enemy, Father of Lies. The symbolism partakes also of all that is two sided, split, and thus duplicitous. Add to that a sensuous, sibilant hissing, whispering of subterfuge, and the case is closed. I learned quickly to press the two halves of my riven organ together. Among the dour, righteous folk of this iron coastline I call my home, what consequences would follow the revelation that I have a forked tongue in my mouth do not bear thinking on. I may as well be outed for owning a pair of horns beneath my cap, or a pointed tail tucked into my longjohns.

As it was, there on the Antarctic ice, it was only Amundsen's inviolable authority and unconcealed disdain for all talk of luck and fate that saved me, I am certain. That, and the irrepressibly jubilant mood of the camp, for Amundsen had only recently returned from his triumphant assault on the South Pole, that most distant and inaccessible point so precious to the Occidental mind. The point where all meridians intersect, and which – though utterly desolate and devoid of life – pegs out the farthest corner of Civilization's rectilinear conquest of the globe. The squaring of the circle; the point where Euclid's straight and parallel lines inevitably meet. The success of this superhuman feat of derring-do, strategy and endurance – undertaken rather at the last minute in lieu of mastering the recently deflowered North Pole (and much to the disgust of a certain Captain Scott) – impelled the inhabitants of Framheim into the most expansively benevolent of moods. Much hearty backslapping, gay singing, and toasting with akavit were indulged in, and even I – a totally alien stranger who had stumbled alone out of the white wilderness mere days before – was invited to the party.

Hobart of 1912 was a town obsessed with the Antarctic, bravely re-making a name for itself in newspapers worldwide and proud of its eighteen years of self-governance. Captain Scott's Terra Nova had put in there to provision, and the bars were full of hopefuls looking to ship to the Great White South, or braggarts claiming that they had. It was a town of whalers and adventurers, at least in the streets around Franklin Wharf, though the whole place had a empty, faded feel just beneath the brash exterior. The great days of whaling – and the money that it brought – were over for Hobart, and everyone knew it. The Henry Jones IXL jam factory was the great hope now, though there is something comparatively less heroic about the manufacture of tinned goods, no matter how they or their manufacturers “excel”. But say what you like about tinned goods, they were certainly popular on Antarctic voyages. I myself was brought up on a diet of raw fish and seal meat, and tinned food is still a novelty to me these many years later. Amundsen got himself to the pole eating a goodly number of dogs, which have a distinct advantage over tins in that they'll carry themselves about for you before you eat them. To all things, as the Good Book says, there is a season.

I soon learned in Hobart that the best way to get drunk and learn a little English was to act as though you wanted to be left alone, at which point one or another young hopeful would try to engage you in conversation about exploration, whaling, and the seafaring life by plying you with spirits. I slept mostly on a little dinghy I patched up, as sleeping on the wharf made me feel seasick. I had the characteristic bow-legged sway of the mariner as I made my way about town, and learned that spending enough time on the sea automatically makes you part of a close-nit and violent family, who will enthusiastically do each other grievous bodily harm over the least imagined slight, but will never let one of their own go without food, booze, or a pinch of tobacco.

The drink was new to me, and for a while it was all I wanted. This marvellous fluid, that made you thirst the more you drank! I spent the nights singing at the top of my lungs with my new brothers, staggering from inn to inn, spewing up my guts over the wharves, and generally making a sorry exhibition of myself. The moment any lull appeared in the raucous wharfside merrymaking, my newest shipmates would entreat me to demonstrate my uncanny balancing abilities, which I had discovered shortly after I became able to walk in a straight line upon the land. Amongst my own kind I was a cripple, but here amongst these giant men I was an acrobat. I would stand upon a chair, and tilt the chair so that it would perch upon one leg, balancing knives upon my nose and indulging in other foolery until the room erupted in thunderous hollering, stamping and applause. I confess the first speech I learned among this unsavoury, rambunctious company was not the King's English as I write it now, and fully half of my early vocabulary is as unfit to set out on paper as it would be unintelligible to the decently educated reader.

Amundsen's party landed in March, 1912, and it was not until September of that year that I became sober, and then only because I washed up in a Christian hospice in a state of utter collapse. I had spent the winter months of June and July battling an endless bout of influenza, and was taken in by the Seamen's Mission on Harrington Street, quite at death's door. There I was taken on as the personal project of one of the chaplains, a grandson of the late Baptist Rev. Kerr Johnston. I have since realized that this adoption was a somewhat political anti-Calvinist finagle, to demonstrate the value of working for the salvation of the pagan soul. William Johnston taught me to read Scripture, and found me an able student of hermeneutics and exegesis, for I had been raised to perform a similar task on the heartstrings of my people, fishing within the stories’ deeper currents for flashes of meaning. Chaplain Johnston was himself an avid fisherman, and soon discovered in me the perfect companion, for I could paddle the whole day without tiring, and no land-born can match one of my people when it comes to reading the clouds, the waves, or the fish. As I regained my strength during the warmer months, we spent our days out on the water and our evenings in the study of the Bible. I was, I am sure, an infuriating but addicting pupil, as I remembered every detail, dedicated myself fully to my studies, but swallowed not one single word among the lot of it.

The story of Jonah spoke to me, as might be imagined. But to the good Chaplain's exasperation, it spoke to me not of God, but of the landlubber, as the seamen say. The certainties required by the land-born, which they cling to, instead of swimming. Their terror of being engulphed, their horror of immersion. It spoke also to their ignorance; which whale was this, if whale it was? And if that distinction were meaningless, then why distinguish between birds or beasts, or anything at all? It spoke too of hermeneutics, in which discipline the Chaplain attempted to school me, and of satire. For Jonah, the Dove, is satire; no true reader can deny it. The Book of the Dove is, in its forty-eight pithy verses, a scathing critique of the institution of prophets, and their purposes. And as to the various commentaries on Jonah, particularly that of John Calvin, in the Rev. John Owen's translation of 1847, printed in Edinburgh! For the Chaplain, as for Calvin, Jonah is valuable as an historical figure, the recipient of both the gift of prophecy and a miracle, and most importantly as a typological prefiguring of Christ Jesus. That volume, from the Calvin Translation Society, was given me as a parting gift when I sailed from Hobart for Scotland, and it sits before me now, on my great steel desk. It is a slim volume, with a beautifully debossed black binding, a fine gilt rendering of Calvin on the cover looking in silhouette, in his double-brimmed conical cap, not unlike one of my own people, a fact for any students of coincidence. We have such a conical cap, though the brim is a touch wider, and the fur-lined cone is stiff leather to ward off rain. The ear flaps are very like, though. The Hebrews, the true Hebrews, if such there were, I do not regard as land-born, for they are born to the desert, and follow the herds. Such a desert I have never seen, but it has been described to me by one who has, that the desert is to the sand dunes of the shore as the sea is to a river. An ocean of sand.

Calvin, in his scholar's cap, presumes a lot, it seems to me. His philosophy is that of a people who have settled, who live upon the land as a tick upon a sow, or a barnacle upon a whale. A people with a short memory, eager to deny change and movement. Calvin even presumes, repeatedly, to paraphrase YHWH himself, writing “as though he said”. He also presumes that YHWH is not to be trusted, that His motives are in fact to shame Israel, and nothing to do with the mysterious “wickedness” of the Ninevites. And moreover:

“We hence see that there is a twofold view of God, — as he sets himself forth in his word, — and as he is as to his hidden counsel. With regard to his secret counsel, I have already said that God is always like himself, and is subject to none of our feelings: but with regard to the teaching of his word, it is accommodated to our capacities. God is now angry with us, and then, as though he were pacified, he offers pardon, and is propitious to us. Such is the repentance of God.”

This from Lecture Seventy-Ninth. We are to believe that Calvin has access to God’s secret counsel, beyond God’s misleadingly worded Word, which is accommodated to our capacities – though not to Calvin’s, needless to say, which far surpasses not only that of all mankind, but particularly that of Jerome. Calvin’s poor Jerome, so “frivolous”, “foolish”, “puerile” and “dull”. A learned and laborious father of the Church, a blessed translator, one might imagine, were it not for this “wayward disposition” apparent everywhere, but nowhere more self-evident than in this: his ridiculous sympathy with Jonah’s rage at being thwarted, denied the eagerly awaited spectatorship of Nineveh’s apocalyptic destruction. The petulant rage of one who is forced to carry a prophecy of impending doom to the Ninevites, only to witness their eager repentant fasting, decked out as for a play in sackcloth and ashes, yea down to the last cow. Truly, the only thing worse than being a prophet to the ignorant and doomed heathen is being perfectly heeded, thus finding oneself the unwitting instrument of their salvation, just when you’d picked out the ideal spot from which to witness the final act. But enough of this dry-as-dust exegetical excursioning, which I have included merely as illustration of how infuriating and heretical a student I was then to Chaplain Johnston, and unfortunately and unrepentantly, do so remain.

But back to Etzequel, our hero. In a state of Nature, he had fulfilled the place set out for him. What could one read on his impassive face? Pride, of a sort. A defiant gull. Distain, or rather a watchful readiness to be displeased. The nurses I have seen about Edinburgh town with children perfectly turned out, and in that perfection barely satisfactory, the best being only just about enough. In the gazes of those nurses, the stern demanding look, I witness again Etzequel’s expression. Etzequel and Ilahahl, a seeming-two, joined nose to giant nose with braided sagas richer than a hundred tapestries, a hundred novels, at least to our poor nation’s estimate. I myself was such, once, it is said; a seeming-two. But though my own seeming-two, my twin, preceded my entrance into the world across the shore of our mother’s waters by a moment, she couldn’t make the cry of passage from the warm belly ocean into the stinging, frozen air. No wave of breath washed into her, I have heard the women say, with my bellystring wrapped about her throat.

Crouched in the qalbaminach, the great braid hanging from his nose, Etzequel grew fat as a leopard seal, and as ferocious. Calling in the erhunni to play for him his Great Sister’s songs, sending them away in sudden curt disgust, only to call for them again as they slept. And soon it was my turn, though my brother had not shown interest in sharing breath with me in seventeen dark winters. The call came, and I took care to dress as though about to leave on a spirit hunt. Clothed thus, shabby but bedecked, transparent in my shaman’s habit, I crouched before him in the bone and skin hut where I had slept so many times before. All was changed. His khulhuqqa had not begun to return to their family aminachi as the weaning of Ilahahl wound to a close. Instead, they sat in hunting kayaks, an open ring of eyes behind me on the sea. The harumman too remained bound to their new title, squatting shiftily in the low circumference of the floating house, ducking in and out on one errand or the next. I saw at once that I had misjudged my aim, as so often. In my cleverness, I had knotted myself. I had thought that, dressed to go on a voyage, I might be excused the sooner, more easily dismissed; a bird who circles now and then, otherworldly and of no consequence. Instead, I saw that Etzequel, though apparently in calm repose, was tossed by constant troubled motion beneath his skin, signed upon the surface by turbulent ripples. Forever out sporting against the waves, Etzequel had lived as his namesake the albatross: a being forever on the wing. Leashed here, over-fed and fussed over in forced ease, Etzequel was standing barely able to contain himself, itching for release. In my misjudgement, I had presented him with the very seeming of untrammelled flight and no-strings voyaging, which he would never more enjoy. I glimpsed the shark in his eyes, though it swam deep and he himself was perhaps too close to spy it beneath him, and I saw at once I was in peril of my life.

It was not for me to speak first, and this whale would be long in breaching. Etzequel would wait as long as breath held before spouting. And how should I comport myself? Patient comfort: no, for this was one fish Etzequel could never catch, and since all to him was besting or defeat, this would spur his anger all the more. Impatience too would rile him, signing disrespect. He wished to ease his suffering, as ever he had, by taking pleasure in the suffering of another. Etze had always been one of those who saw balance only within a small horizon. Very well. I sat proudly for a spell, crooked right hand open, ready to clasp his arm as though expecting a greeting of honoured brothers. Gradually, I allowed the pain in my spine, my shoulders, even my opened hand to build. An easy choice, for my body has an unlimited store of suffering prepared; I am one of those born aged already, with trembling knotted muscles and sore joints as though pre-worn by a life of hard use. Perhaps as others lie basking in the warm amniotic waters of the belly ocean, I had indeed been hard at work, hunting strange prey, or paddling leagues through the boundless red night, encountering the seal my namesake. Whether the case or no, the pain grew, unfeigned. My posture began to fail, spine slipping off true with skewed shudders, half-raised hand sagging slowly as I fought to keep my dignity. In flickers, my face betrayed my pain, my confusion, my increasingly exhausting struggles to maintain my straight and dignified seat. I began to sweat, small seal-like grunts escaped my nose and my pressed lips grew pale. And as my suffering increased, Etzequel grew calm. His eyes narrowed with pleasure, and he settled into his nest of white seal pup skins with a new-found ease.

As my neck began to spasm in earnest, and my hand dropped to my lap of its own accord, Etzequel signalled to one of the uneasy young men nearby, who left. Some time later, a time which had stretched into one long oar-stroke of howling muscles, each involuntary shudder wringing new stifled whimpers from my throat, I noticed Maraïal was rubbing fragrant white parmacetti oil into Etzequel’s powerful shoulders. She had begun her task with dignity and bemused pleasure at this uncharacteristic request, which then flowed into confusion and concern as Etzequel requested the oil now on his impressive chest, and now, reclining, further down his newly-padded abdomen. All had seen, to my braided shame and pride, how my eyes had followed Maraïal for the last three winters. Maraïal, plump and smiling, with oiled black hair and dextrous tongue, whose eyes saw deep beneath the surfaces of things. Maraïal, who looked to Bhi’iq, and he to her, with two squalling pups between them and – it was said – more on the way. Maraïal who had once, looking deeply into my eyes, taken both my hands in hers for just a moment and pressed them together.

As I began to twist and twitch, flopping then to my left side with arms wound up to my thin chest like flippers, a hoarse mewling high in my nose and salt in my eyes, I put off my skin like a cloak and stood back from it. I saw myself curled there like a shrimp on the woven leather, juddering, and with a thick cord of spittle hanging from my parted lips. I saw two women move to cradle me, and the smile that surfaced briefly on Etze’s lips.

Later after a long sleep I set out in my kayak, the Great Bright Mother drifting red between the ice floes on her daily migration around the upper ocean. One of Etzequel’s khulhuqqa set out after me. He was a young hunter, with little patience. I outpaced him easily with the seeming of that exaggeratedly slow, laborious passage he expected of a cripple. On his first look, I was dragging myself over the waves as clumsily as a seal over rough ice. On his next, I had disappeared utterly among the floes, without leaving him even a glimpse of my tail.

#whale #whaling #whaling ship #Kayak #Model #memory #pattern #whitespace

0 notes

marymperezga · 5 years

Text

My Backpacking Gear Checklist (How To Pack For A Trek)

My Lightweight Backpacking Gear Setup

Outdoor Gear Guide

Learn how to pack for a successful overnight backpacking or trekking adventure with lightweight gear essentials like a tent, stove, clothing, and more. My ultimate backpacking checklist!

As you’re about to see with my ultimate backpacking checklist here — I’m a total gear nerd!

Fortunately, you get to benefit from my expensive hobby of collecting and testing outdoor backpacking gear by learning from my experiences using it during adventures around the world.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find a FREE printable backpacking checklist that you can download and use for free!

Favorite Backpacking Gear For 2019

Backpacking VS Trekking

Lightweight Backpacking Checklist

Choosing A Backpack

Color-Coded Stuff Sacks

Tents & Overnight Shelters

Warm Sleeping Bag

Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Backpacker Kitchen

Hiking & Trekking Clothing

Backpacking Outerwear

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

Backpacking Food

Personal Hygiene Items

The Backpacking Essentials

My Favorite Luxury Items

Backpacking With Camera Gear

Why Listen To Me?

Backpacking VS Trekking

I’m going to focus on a typical 2-5 day backpacking trip, packing in your own food, water, and camping gear. But much of this will also work as a trekking packing list.

Lightweight Backpacking Checklist

The Gear I Pack for Overnight Trekking

Backpacking checklists & packing lists can be a controversial subject. Everyone has an opinion about what’s the best hiking and camping gear to bring on a trip!

You have your traditional backpackers, lightweight backpackers, and even ultra light thru-hikers who all do things differently.

For this backpacking gear checklist, I’m sharing my personal setup, which is considered “lightweight” with a 20 lbs (9 kg) base-weight.

Backpack base-weight is the weight of all your gear except for food, water, and fuel — which varies depending on the length & location of your trip.

Choosing A Hiking Backpack

Great Backpacks for Hiking & Camping

Overnight Backpacks

Day Hiking Backpacks

I do not bring a day pack on independent overnight hiking & camping trips.

Osprey Stratos 24

Arcteryx Alpha AR 35

Waterproofing Your Pack

Color-Coded Stuff Sacks

To keep your backpack organized during your hiking adventure, I recommend using a few lightweight stuff sacks and/or packing cubes, in different colors, so it’s easy to grab important gear quickly.

Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack – I use a few of these in different sizes & colors for my spare clothing, cold weather gear, and more.

Eagle Creek Specter Sacks – I also have a few of these for smaller items, like my repair kit and to store my (occasionally damp) microfiber towel.

Tents & Overnight Shelters

My Nemo Hornet 2 Person Tent

Lightweight Tents

Nemo Equipment Hornet 2P – My current favorite lightweight backpacking tent if I’m on my own. Perfect for one person plus some gear, but a bit tight with two people. I use this 75% of the time.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 – Another great tent I own. Slightly more room if I’m going to be sharing it with someone else.

BUDGET OPTION: REI Quarter Dome 2 Tent

Camping Hammocks

Hennessy Hammock Jungle Explorer – I’ve used this camping hammock on many adventures. From hitchhiking America, canoeing the BWCA, and even exploring the jungle in Panama’s Darien Gap.

Bivy Sacks

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy – Weighing less than a pound, this is an ultra-lightweight shelter for hardcore minimalist hikers.

Warm Sleeping Bag

Down sleeping bags are warmer with less weight, but also more expensive. Synthetic bags weigh a bit more, but are more affordable.

Nemo Sonic Down 0F/-18C – A fantastic winter mummy sleeping bag for staying warm in very cold conditions. They also make a -20F version.

BUDGET OPTION: Marmot Trestles 15F Synthetic

Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Backpacker Kitchen

You don’t need to lug a ton of pots & pans into the wilderness anymore. A lightweight backpacker kitchen allows you to boil water for cooking simple dehydrated meals on the go.

Camp Stove & Fuel

MSR WindBurner Backpacking Stove – After years of using a JetBoil, I made the switch to MSR’s new system due to better cooking in windy conditions and faster boil times.

Mug/Bowl/Spoon

GSI Infinity Mug – While I could technically use the thin “cup” included with my MSR Windburner stove, I prefer a proper insulated mug that keeps coffee warm longer, with a spill-proof cap.

GSI Essential Spoon – Awesome long-handled camping spoon that can reach deep into a dehydrated food bag.

Hiking & Trekking Clothing

Base Layers

Arcteryx Ether Crew – Lightweight, breathable, synthetic t-shirt. I wear one, and pack a spare. They weigh nothing.

Smartwool Merino 150 Top & Smartwool Merino 150 Pants – I always bring one pair of thermals to sleep in, or wear under my clothes in cold weather.

Mid-Layers

Arcteryx Konseal Hoody – Lightweight fleece pullover for when the temperature starts to drop.

Down/Synthetic Puffy

Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoody – Lightweight, packable down jacket with a hood. For extra cold conditions, or under a waterproof shell jacket.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Jacket

Socks & Underwear

I generally pack 3 pairs of socks on my backpacking trips. Two pairs to alternate for hiking (so my feet are always dry) and some thick wool socks for sleeping. One spare set of underwear.

Darn Tough Socks – My favorite brand of hiking socks. As the name implies, they last a long time!

SAXX Boxer Briefs – Expensive, but sooooo comfortable. Quick drying very breathable. I also use them for travel.

Backpacking Outerwear

These are the outer layers that protect you from nature’s wrath — the wind, rain, and snow. You should always pack some sort of rain gear on any backpacking adventure.

Waterproof Shell Jacket

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket – Super lightweight waterproof and packable rain shell for hiking.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Jacket

Waterproof Shell Pants

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant – Super lightweight waterproof and packable rain pants for hiking.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Pants

Warm Gloves & Hat

Obviously this is going to depend on the season, but I usually bring something to keep my head and hands warm just in case the weather turns bad, or it’s colder than expected at night.

Smartwool Sport 150 Hat – Lightweight merino-wool hat to help keep my ears and head warm when it gets cold or windy.

Arc’teryx Rivet Gloves – Thin but wind-resistant gloves that are comfortable for accessing the controls on my camera.

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

There is an ongoing discussion in the backpacking world about the benefits of using hiking shoes over heavy hiking boots. I own a pair of each, and use them for different situations.

La Sportiva Akyra – Lightweight mountain running shoes that I use for most day hikes and shorter backpacking trips.

Scarpa SL Active Boot – My heavy-duty backpacking boots, that I break out for long-distance trekking in more extreme environments.

Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro – Insulated winter mountaineering boots for hiking on snow & ice with crampons.

Backpacking Food

Here’s the deal. I’m not a backpacker gormet cook like some people are. Food is just fuel to me. So I keep my diet simple and fast to prepare.

Trail Mix & Snacks

Dinner: Dehydrated Food

Good-To-Go Backpacker Meals – Tasty dehydrated bags of food that just need some hot water to prepare. You can eat right out of the bag too!

Breakfast: Instant Oatmeal

Quaker Protein Oatmeal – Instant oatmeal packets with some extra protein in different flavors. I usually add some dried berries too.

Coffee!

Starbucks Via Instant Coffee – I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not a big Starbucks fan in person. But their instant coffee packets are pretty damn good.

Bear Proof Container

Ursack Major Bear Bag – Easier to pack than a hard-sided container, this Kevlar bag keeps bears and rodents out of your food.

Personal Hygiene Items

Wilderness Wash – Biodegradable soap that’s safe for the environment.

Quick-Dry Towel –

Bamboo Toothbrush – Cut it in half for a travel-sized (and environmentally friendly) version.

Shaving Kit!

Ok, this isn’t a backpacking essential. But a simple shaving kit is part of my own personal hygiene routine. So I thought I’d include it for entertainment value!

I pack a razor, small tube of environmentally friendly shaving cream, and a camp mirror. Generally shaving my head and face every 2-3 days during a trip.

Pooping Kit

Everybody poops. But there’s a particular way to poop in the backcountry that minimizes your impact on nature in the spirit of Leave No Trace principles.

The Deuce Potty Trowel – Lightweight aluminum backpacking trowel for digging a “cat hole” to do your business.

Toilet Paper – Self-explanatory. You probably don’t need a full roll. Take out the cardboard center core to minimize weight and make it easier to pack.

Biodegradable Wet Wipes – For a fresh & clean finish!

Hand Sanitizer – To get rid of any left-over germs.

ZipLock Freezer Bag – To safely store & pack out all your used paper products…

The 10 Backpacking Essentials

1. Navigation

Getting lost in the wilderness can turn dangerous quickly. Knowing where you are, and where you need to go, is an essential part of safe backpacking.

Paper Map & Compass – Old school, but the most reliable (as long as you know how to use them).

Gaia GPS App – Amazing iPhone and Android GPS hiking trail app that works offline, even if you don’t have cell service.

Garmin InReach Mini – Personal locator beacon (PLB) and/or satellite communicator device. Alert authorities in an emergency, plus send & receive text messages via satellite.

2. Headlamp

Always pack a light to find your way back down the trail after an epic summit sunset! Or overnight camping trips. Plus a set of spare batteries.

Black Diamond Storm – Powerful, lightweight, and waterproof headlamp that has a great locking feature so it won’t turn on inside your bag.

3. Sun Protection

4. First Aid Kit

Some kind of first aid kit is a must on any outdoor adventure. You can buy a pre-made one like the one below, or create your own custom kit, which is what I do.

Adventure Medical Kits 7 – Covers all the basics. Bandages, pills, tweezers, blister care, etc.

5. Water & Filtration System

Nalgene 32oz Bottle – I still prefer a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle so I can add re-hydration salt packets to it.

Sawyer Mini Water Filter – Tiny water filter. With the included straw, I can drink dirty water out of my Nalgene, or attach directly to a water bag (below).

Evernew Hydration Bags – Lightweight and fold-able water bladders that screw into the Sawyer Mini, plus they can stand on their own.

Aquatabs – Emergency backup water purification system.

6. Sharp Knife

7. Fire Kit

8. Emergency Shelter

SOL Emergency Bivy Bag – This heat reflective and breathable bivy bag will keep you warm in an emergency.

9. Extra Food

Always bring at least an extra half-day’s worth of food with you on day hikes, and a full extra day’s worth of food on longer multi-day backpacking trips for unexpected situations.

10. Extra Clothing

My Favorite Luxury Items

Black Diamond Trekking Poles – Trust me on this one. Your knees will thank you. Especially on steep descents — and if you’re over 30 years old…

Anker Portable Battery – For recharging my iPhone, GoPro, or satelite beacon. Small but powerful. Recharges a phone up to 3 times.

LuminAide Packlite – Lightweight inflatable solar lantern for lighting up your tent or campsite area. Nice backup light to a headlamp.

Repair Kit – Miscellaneous repair gear with 50 feet of paracord, sleeping pad puncture kit, Tenacious Tape, safety pins, zip-ties, sewing kit, etc.

OR Hiking Gaiters – For those especially wet, muddy, snowy, or rough backpacking trips. Helps keep your feet and pants dry and protected.

Camp Shoes/Sandals – Something lightweight and comfortable to wear when you’re done hiking for the day. Can also be used for river crossings.

Backpacking With Camera Gear

Ok, what about hiking with camera gear? I could probably write a whole article about this subject too. For a photography-heavy day hike, I usually bring my LowePro Whistler 350 Camera Backpack.

On longer multi-day backpacking or trekking adventures, I tend to bring much less gear, and attach a simple LowePro Toploader Pro Bag to the front of my shoulder straps.

I might also use a Peak Design Camera Clip and a Peak Design Rain Cover, if I want to travel super light in reguards to camera equipment.

You can check out all my photography equipment here.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Backpacking Checklist

If you’d like a simple, one-page backpacking checklist that you can print out to help plan future trips, Click Here To Download. Enjoy!

Enjoy This Post? Pin It!