Iceland

Took a quick driving trip around Iceland, mainly around Reykjavik and the South Coast. The scenery was surreal and I hope to get back sometime and drive the whole ring around the coast. First day off the plane called for a soak in the Blue Lagoon. It’s a little touristy Read more…

Trailpix

Trailpix is active on Kickstarter. I got a chance to use the prototype on a recent bike ride. Instead of trekking poles I used the pole from a tarptent double rainbow. This provided to be a stable . light , and compact platform for my Pentax K-X. I was able Read more…

Trail Pix

I actively look for things on Kickstarter that can be used for hiking & photography. The trail Pix can be used for both and utilizes your hiking poles and a string stake setup. It’s original incarnation was called the pole pod. It’s creator Andy@nv8design.com has since been refining the concept Read more…

Moonville

Halloween is getting close , so I’d figured I’d go somewhere haunted. Moonville is an old forgotten town near the Hope furnaces and Zaleski state park.  I came across it from forgottenOhio.com when it was posted to youtube. Instead of the direct route that I found online I decided to Read more…

Wilcat Hollow

With a nice cool break in the weather I finally got the chance to get some dirt time. It’s been fairly dry so finding water sources was a little hit and miss. 9 miles the first day left 6 miles for an easy out the second day. In a never Read more…

Cook Systems

I haven’t been backpacking in awhile , but I have gotten a chance to try some new stoves. The Back Country Boiler is the 2nd version that’s been produced. The first one , which I also own, is very similar. The newer features are an integrated silicone stopper , and Read more…

Zaleski

Lately I’ve kind of gotten away from backpacking. I’m training for a half marathon with a local MIT group. I’ve signed up to do a triathlon and have been training with a group of triathletes @ Triformance,  Between running and biking , I haven’t got much dirt time in. Zaleski Read more…

Optimus SVEA 123

Talk about oldschool. This stove was designed over 100 years ago. I wouldn’t categorize this as a normal stove I’d use. It’s not lightweight or very efficient. It is however  , very well tested , and dependable. At high altitude  cold weather treks , the typical butane/propane hikers stove typically Read more…