Category Archives: MYOG

I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 4

The best part of sleeping under a tarp is the view when you wake up in the morning. In the first installment of this series, I discussed the events that led me to ditch my tent in favor of sleeping under a backpacking tarp.  In Part 2 I talked about buying that first tarp, what it was like to sleep under it, and some of the advantages it had over a tent.  In the most recent chapter, I explained my rationale for making my own tarp, and some of the considerations that went into its design.  Continue reading I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 4

I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 3

I made my own backpacking tarp, and this is it.

In the first installment of this series, I discussed the events that led me to ditch my tent in favor of sleeping under a backpacking tarp.  In Part 2 I talked about buying that first tarp, what it was like to sleep under it, and some of the advantages it had over a tent.  Now its time to talk about how and why I made my custom backpacking tarp. Continue reading I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 3

Backpacking Gear List: Summer 2015

I try to keep all of my backpacking gear organized.  I lay it out like this at home before heading out, and then again each night of my hike.
I try to keep all of my backpacking equipment organized. I lay it out like this at home before heading out, and then again each night of my hike.

When I was learning to backpack, I found it helpful when others posted their gear lists.  It gave me a reference point for the kinds of things I needed, what I was doing right, and what I could be doing better.  That said, there is no “one size fits all” gear list.  There are a number of personal factors that go into making a gear list, such as size, weight, fitness level, and need for comfort.  It also matters where and when you plan to go backpacking.  One must factor in temperature, precipitation, terrain, water availability and natural shelter, among other things.

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I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 2

Spacious Backpacking Tarp pitch at Rutherford Shelter
Spacious Backpacking Tarp pitch at Rutherford Shelter on the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey

This is Part 2 of the story about how I came to make my own backpacking tarp.  (For the first part, click here.) It all started when I first got into backpacking.  All of the experts told me that the best way to sleep while backpacking was under a tarp.  Of course, I didn’t believe them, and bought a two-man backpacking tent.

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Tarp Camping at Pharaoh Lake

Paul discusses his introduction to tarp camping. I’ve been doing my best to spread the light, and I’ve motivated my friend Paul to give tarp camping a try. He was excited to try this liberating experience after joining me on a trip in Harriman State Park last year.  Tarp camping offers many benefits, including weight savings, great views, simplicity, and a sense of community with nature that you don’t get sealed up in a tent. That said, sleeping under a tarp can require advanced skills in site selection, weather prediction, and knot tying, just to name a few. Check out the full report for my 2014 adventure in the Pharaoh Lakes Wilderness. 

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Homemade Wood Gas Stove and Backpacking Meals

This short video discusses the wood gas stove, home made backpacking meals, and my 2014 trip to the Pharaoh Lakes Wilderness.
This short video discusses the wood gas stove, home made backpacking meals, and my 2014 trip to the Pharaoh Lakes Wilderness.

This year while planning for our trip to the Adirondacks, we had the idea to shoot a bunch of video and make a documentary. We didn’t end up taking as much video as we had planned, but I do have a few interviews to share with you over the next couple of days.  This one features myself explaining the wood gas stove and showing off a few of my home-made backpacking meals. For more information on making your own wood gas stove, check out this video from Intense Angler. You can also check out my article on making homemade backpacking meals for some cool ideas on eating healthier on the trial. For a full trip report on my 2014 adventure in the Pharaoh Lakes Wilderness, click here.

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