Category Archives: Clothing

Fill Power – What is it?

loftFollowing my recent post on 10 Ways to Keep Warm While Camping, a friend asked me about the best clothing to wear when it’s cold.  The answer to that question is technical, and you should see my article on Layering for more detailed information.  We ended up talking about down jackets.  I told her that the best down jackets are thick, have a hood, fall low on the hips, and have a high fill power.  But what is fill power?

 

Continue reading Fill Power – What is it?

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

A happy camper with a bag full of goodies from Campmor.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Here I am adding a pair of micro-spikes to my boots.   As you can see, I'm already wearing my gaiters.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

CampingMeg stops to adjust her layering system after warming while climbing this hill.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Footwear

My Trail Running Shoes
My Trail Running Shoes

A Message to Parents about Outdoor Clothing for Scouts

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve given several lectures and gear talks, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Footwear

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Materials

CampingJay
CampingJay

A Message to Parents about Outdoor Clothing for Scouts

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Materials

Adirondack Adventure 2014, Part 3: Planning for Backpacking

Planning for backpacking requires checking and rechecking the map until you are sure of every detail.
Checking out my map one last time before we begin.

This is Part 3 in a series on my recent adventure in the Pharaoh Lakes Wilderness.  In this section, I will discuss planning for the backpacking trip.

Planning for base camp is very easy compared to planning for backpacking.  When you are backpacking, you rely much more on your planning and your wits than you do on your gear. It is very important to have a route mapped out and to understand the terrain, climate, and local restrictions.  It is also very important to have a good understanding of the capabilities of your group, as I found out the hard way. Continue reading Adirondack Adventure 2014, Part 3: Planning for Backpacking