By: Keith Thompson
Copyright 2006 Keith Thompson

Originally designed with military applications in mind, the technology was made available to mere mortals in hte 1980’s for the many and varied uses we’ve found so far for these special tools. Not only handy for auto navigation, GPS units have made their way into maritime navigation, backcountry uses, and [...]

Mountain hiking demands great gear and more education than your typical trail hike. Why? Because as you ascend breathing becomes less efficient, passage grows rugged, and rescue becomes more challenging. So consider your mountain equipment to be your life support system.
Where in day hiking you may be able to get away with wearing light-weight boots [...]

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.
-Aristotle-
I remember watching my boys growingup. They would go to their Scout meetings and bring home a pole that they had cut from a sapling. They made it into a pole
by stripping the bark and carving different designs into it. They [...]

Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next issue? No, really. Hiking or running shoes are better for most backpacking trips, at least during late spring, summer and early fall. Boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. A pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), [...]

Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when you’re going downhill.
What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You [...]