20th
Apr
We just got back from our first trip with our new Mantis, and we have learned quite a few lessons already. There were some warranty issues that we discovered, and TAXA has already jumped on acknowledging those and let us and our dealer know what the planned fixes are (some were able to be fixed […]
8th
Apr
One of the steepest learning curves when we first started using our camping trailer was learning how to manage our power. Camping used to be fairly simple. You had certain items that needed power, and when they ran out, you couldn’t use them. But with our camping trailer, suddenly we had large, expensive batteries that […]
6th
Apr
I have been following a little company called TAXA Outdoors since they first introduced their prototype Cricket Trailer. Then, one year ago, Amy and I finally bit the bullet and purchased our Cricket. One year and 26 trips later, TAXA introduced it’s new larger camper, the Mantis, and Amy and I couldn’t wait. After a […]
19th
Nov
Over the years, I’ve carried my fair share of heavy gear. On backpacking trips, my record is in around 14 pounds of camera gear alone. Though I know folks who’ve carried more than that. Still, my goal is not to have the heaviest load. Especially as I left my 20s, carrying a lot of stuff […]
18th
Nov
Although hiking in the mountains is my passion, I also spend a fair bit of time exploring more urban landscapes as well. My urban gear is much different than my outdoor gear, tending much more towards prime lenses than zooms. What I’m going to outline here is the typical bag I bring to and from […]
21st
Jul
It’s been a couple years since I first wrote my “What’s in My Bag” post, and since then, I’ve gone through a lot of changes, so I felt it was time for an update. As you may have noticed, for many years, I have carried a very heavy camera gear setup, ranging from 6 pounds […]
25th
Aug
In the past few months, I’ve shared what I carry on my overnight trips, however, I have a finely tuned system that works for me. Not everyone can get away with what I bring and leave behind. I highly recommend that every backpacker have their own checklist for what to bring. I can’t tell you […]
20th
Aug
On this hot summer weekend, we decided to head out for a relaxing trip in the Chinook Pass / Bumping Lake area. Leaving late on a Friday, we decided to take it easy, camping at Dewey Lake on Friday night, American Lake on Saturday, and taking a short day hike out to Cougar Lakes, being sure […]
13th
Aug
Gem Lake is an oft overlooked destination for hikers. Snow Lake is a busy trail, which tends to dissuade serious hikers, and Gem Lake can be a long day for those less than serious. But, the escape from the crowds at Snow Lake, and the beauty of this subalpine pond make it a perfect destination. […]
11th
Aug
As most backpackers and avid outdoors folk know, traveling in the backcountry holds certain risks. For many, that risk is managed through adherence to bringing what were originally known as the 10 essentials. The original essentials list has morphed and grown over the years, but it comes down to the main concept, bring what you […]