When you fork over 200 to 300 bucks for a fancy waterproof/breathable rain jacket, you expect it to keep you dry for a good long while. And you should.
But the time will come when your jacket seems to be absorbing rain rather than repelling it.
This is because the outer fabric's DWR has worn off. DWR stands for "durable water repellent," and it's the magic ingredient that makes water bead up and roll off the fabric.
By Kristin Hostetter | November 20, 2003
Have you ever let the rain dictate your hiking plans? When the weatherman calls for thundershowers all weekend, the easy thing to do is to blow off your trip, stay home and rent some movies. I know, because I've done it plenty of times. And I always regret it.
After all, I have the right stuff to keep me dry. I have rain gear that's so effective it's like walking around in my own private tent. This winter, when I get tired of watching the puddles form in my basement, I intend to get out there and enjoy the green, dripping canopies of the woods. How about you?
By Kristin Hostetter | November 6, 2003
After days of freeze-dried this and dehydrated that, there is nothing so satisfying and tasty as a mound of crunchy green sprouts. Nothing. Put them on a sandwich (see recipes below), make a salad of sprouts and grated carrots with oil and vinegar, or top your favorite Thai noodle dish with a mound.
The best part about sprouts is that you can make them while you're on the trail. They weigh virtually nothing and if you time it right, they'll continue to sprout throughout your trip, giving you day after day of fresh greens.
By Kristin Hostetter | October 9, 2003
One of the cardinal rules of good outdoorsmanship is to always pack the "10 essentials." The specific contents of this all-important list varies slightly depending on whom you're talking to.
However, most pros agree that the following 10 items are essential to your wilderness well-being:
- map
- compass
- flashlight/headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
- extra clothing
- extra food
- sunglasses
- first aid kit
- pocket knife
- fire starter
- matches in waterproof container.
By Kristin Hostetter | September 25, 2003
Belly up to the campfire and listen to some comments and questions from your fellow readers:
I am one of those who suffer from blisters every time I put on my boots to hike. I really think I've tried everything -- proper break-in, different sock combinations, different boot brands and styles, all to no avail. Are there really people out there who have to tape up their heels every time they go hiking? What's the best way to do it without ripping out my heels every time?
-- Leigh F., Fall City
By Kristin Hostetter | September 11, 2003
Take a seat around our virtual campfire. My recent column and quiz about bears sparked lots of interesting feedback. Some of you shared stories, some sent more tips, and one of you ever-so-politely disagreed with my advice. Read on...
Ed Ferrell of Juneau, Alaska: "I have had approximately 150 bear encounters in Alaska and Canada. Most of them took off when they heard me coming. However, on one trip, I startled a sow with cubs and she charged me. Fortunately I did not have to kill her (Ed carries a gun in Alaska) as she broke off the charge. Here are some additional tips:
By Kristin Hostetter | June 5, 2003
Bears -- most people are terrified of them, and statistics about the rarity of bear attacks will do nothing to change their minds. The truth is, if you spy a bear in the wilderness, it's a gift. In my book, there are few things more thrilling and wonderful than a bear sighting (from a comfortable distance, of course). But before you charge off into the hills to meet the bears, take this quiz to test your bear knowledge and etiquette.
Questions:
1. True or false: Black bears are always black.
By Kristin Hostetter | May 15, 2003
Wouldn't it be nice if once in a while you could gather around a campfire with a bunch of knowledgeable, if not know-it-all, fellow hikers and talk shop? You could swap tips on blister taping and fire starting and bear bagging. You could trade one-pot recipes. You could debate the best methods for treating water or the ideal components of a repair kit. The list goes on and on.
By Kristin Hostetter | April 10, 2003
As I grow older (I'm now deep into the dark side of my 30s), I grow more aware of the importance of clear eyewear. I have enough trouble picking up fine details at even short distances without having to worry about sunglasses that make things look muddier.
By Dan A. Nelson | April 3, 2003
As long as folks have journeyed into the woods, they've carried knives. Stone flakes and sharpened bone shards have been replaced with steel blades, but the basic requirement of the blade remains the shape: It must be sharp, and it must be useful.
All too often, today's wilderness traveler packs along a multifunctional, multibladed gadget that looks great in the store but proves to be overloaded with useless features in the backcountry. A simple single blade, when done right, can be far more practical and useful.
By Dan A. Nelson | March 27, 2003
