tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80794709944591354152012-01-27T11:48:14.550-05:00Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.comBlogger1561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-27247839880469958502012-01-18T04:00:00.000-05:002012-01-18T04:00:06.139-05:00

Ode to the world of medium and all you medium occupants, all you averaged-sized people with your averaged-sized dimensions, with your average needs always accommodated by the average world around you.  I see you, well, the top of your heads mostly.  I see you chipper and upbeat when you enter your favorite outfitter because you know if your pockets are deep enough that every pack, sleeping

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-10190776846387135272012-01-11T04:00:00.000-05:002012-01-12T07:04:43.103-05:00

Are you part of the minimalist footwear movement?  (I acknowledge that probably sounds funny coming from a guy who wears size 14 shoes because no matter how “minimal” my footwear my feet will always look like flippers.)  There is a clear movement in the outdoor industry debunking the myth promulgated for decades that foot comfort is directly related to overly manufactured and engineered

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-24076497627011571862012-01-04T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T03:00:15.096-05:00

Do you know Warren Doyle?  If you don't, you should at least be impressed by his accomplishments. Doyle has hiked the Appalachian Trail a record 16 times (!!!) over the course of last several decades and has 34,000 lifetime miles under his belt. He holds a PhD and even offers classes for potential Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.  Reading up on Doyle, one of the most unique things he does to

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-60926634602251331872011-12-28T04:00:00.000-05:002011-12-28T07:04:25.672-05:00

I have written previously about the fact that I enjoy laying in a hammock and often bring a hammock with me on day hikes where I'm less concerned about pack weight. Hammocking to me is strictly for relaxing as I simply can't sleep in them.  I don't know why, but I've just never been successful even though I'm comfortable.  Truth be told, otherwise I think they are a great idea and very

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-59653118908513394422011-12-21T03:50:00.000-05:002011-12-21T03:50:00.084-05:00

As a vocal blogger about backpacking resources available for big/tall people, I often get asked about gear selections by others who are in a similar position.  Truth be told (and not something I’m proud of because shipping costs are expensive), I’m actually a pretty good reference for these question because I’ve unintentionally tried a LOT of gear in my own plight. Several years ago when

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-20186086588233816622011-12-14T04:00:00.000-05:002011-12-14T09:49:16.625-05:00

In the cooler months, I have a love affair with soft shell pants.  I have a couple pairs, but the one thing I don’t like is the fact that all the pockets are zippered.  Now this is great for someone who doesn't want to lose anything, but for me I just want to be able to stick my hands in my pockets without fumbling with a zipper or have it scratch me as I take my hand in and out. Oddly

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-50511530569132135432011-12-07T03:00:00.000-05:002011-12-07T03:00:05.295-05:00

When I first got into lightweight backpacking, I can honestly say I was a bit of an unintentional gear snob.  When I saw what others were carrying, I couldn’t imagine that they were making sound gear choices when there were so many other better options than what they were lugging around.  Whatever the piece of gear they had, for the most part anyway, I knew of a lighter option that probably

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-55300023072395133992011-11-30T04:38:00.000-05:002011-11-30T09:56:17.946-05:00

The R1 Hoody.  Ever heard of it?  It is a product made by Patagonia which is often the go-to baselayer for late 3 season and 4 season activities.  It became particularly identifiable when Richard Nisley mentioned it during a nice instruction he offered on the BackpackingLight forums where he addressed ideal clothing layering systems for backpackers. My experience with Nisley’s

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-4265382165877071382011-11-23T03:00:00.000-05:002011-11-23T03:00:16.262-05:00

The cuben fiber vest I described in an earlier blog entry (http://jolly-green-giant.blogspot.com/2011/09/undesired-sabbatical.html) drew a lot of private conversations.  Oddly enough, most people were fairly accepting of a non-breathable, noisy and costly fabric that looked fairly dorky by most standards. For the most part, people wondered how I used the vest in cooler temperatures with

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-69417148924973135522011-11-16T04:00:00.000-05:002011-11-16T06:50:32.824-05:00

Well, I’m back.  After knee and hand surgery, crutches and a cast, I finally have my appendages back.  They aren’t 100%, but functional, and I’m working on trying to regain the mobility and dexterity I had previously.  Hopefully these problems will be a distant memory in the near future although I know surgeries of this scope have a way of being remembered. Although I wasn’t blogging

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-14097161014722859252011-09-16T13:19:00.003-04:002011-09-28T13:22:44.788-04:00

This is going to be my last blog entry for a couple months. I recently tore the meniscus in my knee and had surgery. With stitches still in, I’m waiting to see if I can walk normal again. If that weren’t unlucky enough, I followed up my surgery by seriously breaking a bone in my hand just 5 days later which X-rays showed was weakened because of a tumor in the bone. I need to have invasive

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-19825503777076592942011-09-07T04:11:00.015-04:002011-09-07T14:13:22.593-04:00

I hinted at it in an earlier blog about Trail Days 2011 and now I'm happy to report that after 5 months I'm the proud owner of a cuben fiber tent. Over the last 10 years with a greater focus in the last few, cuben fiber has taken the lightweight backpacking industry by storm. It is essentially a sandwich of mylar (plastic film often used by drafters and others) with Dyneema threads

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-57543062854535843742011-09-01T06:59:00.004-04:002011-09-01T11:13:18.540-04:00

In recent weeks, acknowledged readership of my blog has surpassed 200. Since inception, pages have been viewed over 116,000 times to include 9,400 views just last month alone. This blog simply would not exist without you, plain and simple, and I'd like to thank each of my readers for both stopping by and for sharing their own insights. I have learned as much as I have put in and hope you have

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-17204911361961948872011-08-24T04:49:00.017-04:002011-08-24T04:49:00.187-04:00

Ever hiked at night? Some find it exhilarating, some find it scary. I suppose I've shared both emotions which seem to be heavily influenced by whether I'm solo or with others. If you've hiked at night, or had a need for a functional light to help you set up your shelter, hang a bear bag, or otherwise navigate in a foreign place....and you're of the lightweight persuasion, this article is for

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-26708229684387957092011-08-17T04:46:00.011-04:002011-11-11T11:19:28.584-05:00

Yes, if I'm willing to have a multi-part series on the value of a good poop-scoop, then it's probably no surprise that I have no shame in addressing the value of good underwear too. If you haven't been victimized by chaffing, you're really missing out on a wonderful experience of pain tolerance. Chaffing, specifically thigh-on-thigh chaffing is a very unpleasant experience. In fact, it

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-36828753186700822942011-08-03T04:55:00.009-04:002011-08-04T07:00:31.907-04:00

I've been extraordinarily busy for the last several weeks and my outdoor time whether hiking or merely seeing the light of day has been dwindling. Whether it is the strains of working for a new boss who recently hired one of his former employees who strangely enough does exactly what I do (dusting off the resume and hoping for the best) or the fact that I'm pretty sure I tore my MCL, I feel like

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-90787647498051260452011-07-12T04:10:00.001-04:002011-08-02T13:54:59.771-04:00

UPDATE - This project has been funded. Thanks very much to all those who contributed.READ QUICKLY - TIME IS WASTING. Please contribute to a good cause.As a favor to Hendrik Morkel with the great UL backpacking site Hiking in Finland (http://www.hikinginfinland.com/) I wanted to pass along a great project he's working on which I'm really hoping will gain your support. To be clear, the support I'm

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-56526947068408599982011-07-06T04:19:00.001-04:002011-07-06T11:39:41.520-04:00

I'm a solo backpacker for the most part. I get the pleasure of setting my own schedule, sneaking up on wildlife, and getting the first choice ofshelter sites. I don't need to share my food and no one sees when I'm sprawled out in the middle of the trail from pure exhaustion. Yet truth be told, hiking with others is far more enjoyable. The miles seem to roll by quicker, experienced backpackers

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-26463107905058011242011-06-15T03:40:00.007-04:002011-06-15T07:16:30.069-04:00

My blog principally focuses on gear and what can best be carried as it relates to lightweight backpacking. I assume those who read this blog share a similar interest and they too likely think long and hard about whether the gear they carry is truly necessary, and if so, if there is a lighter, smaller, and just-as-functional version available.My question is, do you evaluate what you would put in a

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-30126751914486832222011-06-08T04:38:00.010-04:002011-06-08T04:38:00.404-04:00

I wanted to take a moment to follow-up on three items I briefly mentioned on my recent Trail Days blog. I would categorize these under the "Education" topic, meaning two are books and the other is a video. I get quite a bit of enjoyment reading or watching videos about backpacking our outdoor adventures especially during times when I can't push away from my desk long enough to hit the trail. In

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-86866645659858305652011-05-25T04:25:00.008-04:002011-05-25T08:27:32.309-04:00

Although not necessarily true in every situation, the world of lightweight backpacking is often fairly expensive. Most vendors referenced in my blog are known for solid products, but also for being fairly pricey (often justifiably so based singularly on materials). Is there anyone out there who offers good stuff at reasonable prices?I often get questions from more traditional backpackers on where

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-54332026688875201732011-05-18T04:44:00.019-04:002011-08-23T12:48:43.018-04:00

Over the weekend my wife and I had the fortunate opportunity to head to Damascus Virginia to participate in Trail Days. In all the years I've attended Trail Days, I continue to be amazed at both the friendly social environment and the generosity of all in attendance. I can honestly say I've never seen those in attendance to be anything less than smiling and enjoying themselves. If only the rest

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-35274581932382107082011-05-11T16:57:00.002-04:002011-05-13T20:44:03.287-04:00

Off to Trail Days in Damascus VA (http://www.traildays.us/). I will update my blog next week with the details. After recently selling a bunch of gear, I may be making a unique purchase that some of you will be interested in... I was supposed to be working/volunteering with Gossamer Gear this year, but they ended up backing out at the last minute. Don't worry, I told them that clearly the solution

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-32802106353536953052011-05-04T04:23:00.017-04:002011-05-08T13:58:46.471-04:00

Thanks to a comment made by fellow blogger http://www.blogpackinglight.wordpress.com/ in response to a recent article I wrote about a lightweight water pump, I was introduced to the Super Delios Portable Water Purifier (http://www.delios.co.uk/). It quickly became one of my favorite outdoor products one which I encourage you to check out.For those who aren't American, chances are you already know

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-14014043643515958322011-04-27T02:01:00.001-04:002011-04-27T11:14:00.987-04:00

Whether you are a history buff of ancient cultures, or perhaps you enjoy the contemporaries of bushcraft/woodcraft like Ray Mears, or maybe you just enjoy the impressive antics of Bear Grylls or Les Stroud when out in the wilderness without gear, at some point you've probably given some thought about how you'd fare if you needed to start a fire by unconventional means or perhaps you needed to

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-34168524694055249132011-04-20T04:52:00.005-04:002011-04-20T13:36:15.383-04:00

If you're a lightweight backpacker, you probably use some kind of tablet or chemical to treat your water. After all, these are probably the lightest options. However, some simply can't get past the perceived risk associated without using a more conventional and robust filter, like a pump. Unfortunately, at 10-20oz, pumps aren't light. With seals, filters, and mechanics, pumps run the real risk of

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-63257527032507825032011-04-13T03:28:00.011-04:002011-04-15T11:27:55.462-04:00

For some odd reason, many people have polarized opinions about wearing convertible pants while backpacking. To some, they are the ideal pant because they can be easily "converted" to shorts. To others, they simply look dorky and have (at least) two major fatal flaws - the pant leg zippers. I would imagine these opinions vary greatly depending on whether they come from a weekend backpacker where

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-52616608657052766922011-04-06T03:45:00.000-04:002011-04-06T03:45:00.226-04:00

Probably undeservedly, I like to think of myself as a backpacking purest. No, I really don't know what that means either and I'm sure it carries a certain undesirable but anticipated snobbish connotation. I suppose in a nutshell it means that I backpack to get in touch with nature, myself, friends, and priorities, and all while doing my best to respect it all. This means I don't carry headphones

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-83117690933936628792011-04-02T04:03:00.002-04:002011-04-02T11:44:30.750-04:00

In April I'm happy to report that I've got a several day backpacking trip planned and I'm pretty excited about it because it will be the first time in 2011 I've been able to push away from work and family obligations long enough to stretch my trail legs. I was moving some of my backpacking stuff around when I was inspired to better organize four large food boxes. The result, aside from

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-25519866216427946902011-03-29T05:40:00.007-04:002011-04-01T12:50:14.208-04:00

Tall people be warned. You may finally have an answer to your needs for a lightweight backpacking tent. Lightheart Gear (http://www.lightheartgear.com/) will soon be introducing the SoLong 6, a tent similar to their well-received Lightheart Tent. The prototype needs a little tweaking, but initally weighs in at 26 ounces. It will be 100" long and 55" wide (tapering to 30" at the foot and head)

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-63348396094830619602011-03-23T03:58:00.006-04:002011-03-23T13:21:18.664-04:00

Much like I never thought I'd be writing about an ultralight cot, I never figured I'd be writing about an ultralight stool or hiking stick either either. A stool to weight-conscious backpackers is otherwise a log, rock, or dare I say, good ole Mother Earth...not something you carry.Well, the folks at StikStool (http://www.stikstool.com/) came up with a fairly ingenious idea which utilizes

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-39421127905283532592011-03-16T02:52:00.000-04:002011-03-16T02:52:00.417-04:00

I mentioned LuxuryLite two week's ago as the manufacturer of an ultralight cot. I'd be remissed if I also didn't also mention another way you can drain your wallet.Luxurylite manufactures a 1.75lb backpack they call the LuxuryLite RadLite Extreme (www.luxurylite.com/radlitepackindex.html). At $600, and a mere fraction of the cost of a new car, you too can be the proud owner of this external frame

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-80542179180711191682011-03-08T10:10:00.007-05:002011-03-08T14:05:14.147-05:00

If you happen to have $295+ to spend, perhaps you might be interested in Mountain Laurel Designs new tent - the Cricket (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=174). MLD introduced the Cricket at the same time they introduced a new solo Trailstar tarp ($155/10.8oz in silnylon, 7.5 oz or 5.8 oz in two grades of cuben fiber).The Cricket represents MLD's

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-11988731429706765702011-03-02T04:41:00.002-05:002011-03-02T04:41:00.164-05:00

I think we'd all agree that sleeping on the ground isn't always fun (no need to chime in hammock campers). Air mattresses help, but are a bit clumsy, heavy, expensive, and prone to popping and maintenance. Ever thought about lugging around a cot? Probably not, well, unless you're car camping. Well, how about an "ultralight cot"?LuxuryLite (www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html) has been tweaking their

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-76807503152182388252011-02-23T10:30:00.005-05:002011-02-23T10:50:52.475-05:00

I've been tremendously busy this month and was unable to post despite the fact that there are quite a few pieces of gear I wanted to mention and even a couple MYOG projects. Nonetheless, below are two announcements I promised the owners I would distribute. I am not affiliated with either and cannot offer any insight to them. To be clear, I don't want to be the sounding board for most

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-82870509317458649292011-02-02T03:09:00.001-05:002011-02-05T09:52:29.597-05:00

Backpackers of any experience eventually learn not to add something to their pack unless it legitimately contributes to the performance of their gear, comfort on the trail, safety, or personal pleasure. This sentiment has not stopped gear manufacturers from doing their best to market new gear in such a way that it sure feels like it is a must-have product. Whether printed media, blog reviews, or

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-74963884089431766572011-01-26T04:31:00.007-05:002011-01-26T04:31:00.079-05:00

Backpacking and nearly anything outdoors is a hobby of mine, one which quite literally keeps me sane from otherwise long work weeks and stresses of life that would otherwise likely swallow me whole. Because it is a hobby, it means I have limited time to devote to it. For the time I do have, I strive to use my time wisely.One of the ways I supplement my interest is through online resources such as

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-564594638752029512011-01-19T04:24:00.001-05:002011-01-19T04:24:00.069-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. It's only taken me 6 weeks to find my blog again. I decided I needed a break, so I took one. I'm not sure how 2011 will shape up, but I look forward to blabbing away incessantly on things that may or may not interest you. As always, I appreciate the time you take to check in and give me your input.2010 was a bizarre year for me as it relates to this blog, specifically the

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-45770627726505380452010-12-01T04:15:00.003-05:002010-12-01T04:15:00.098-05:00

Zpacks (http://www.zpacks.com/) was really one of the first cottage manufacturers to use cuben fiber. In fact, owner Joe Valesko uses it nearly exclusively and his own backpacking endeavors proved its long-term staying power in the lightweight backpacking industry. When I really want to test how light I can go, I bring along one of his Blast packs and Hexamid Duo tents. Both are so absurdly light

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-74076966463059737392010-11-24T04:37:00.005-05:002010-11-24T04:37:00.440-05:00

One of the great things about blogging is the collaborative environment it inherently creates as people openly share their knowledge. Backpacking further brings with it a community which shares an unspoken bond of good naturedness and apathy which I've long appreciated.In a recent blog I talked about a new flint striker that I wasn't thrilled with and one of our readers (Thanks Basti!) brought to

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-8717860713125234662010-11-17T03:37:00.003-05:002010-11-17T03:37:00.253-05:00

A compass is one of those pieces of gear that is critically vital in an environment where getting lost is a reality. Talking about compasses could be quite a lengthy and in depth conversation - one which you won't find here as others have covered it far more effectively.Oddly enough, a compass is only somewhat useful in the areas I hike due to the extensive tree canopy and lack of observable land

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-33971103406949640452010-11-10T03:37:00.005-05:002010-11-10T03:37:00.950-05:00

In July 2010 at an Outdoor Show in Germany, Exped (http://www.exped.com/) revealed a sleeping pad which would easily compete with the famed NeoAir. Personally, I wasn't a big fan of the NeoAir for many reasons, but it does have a following. More correctly, people either love it or hate it and one could probably read between the lines a bit when it was announced that Thermarest was redesigning the

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-63377458839181121482010-11-03T04:28:00.006-04:002010-11-04T08:01:12.313-04:00

If you backpack, there is a good chance you carry something to make a fire. If you are responsible, you likely have some redundancy being that the ability to make fire may be the difference between life or death, or more likely, a tasty marshmallow or warm meal. Redundancy in fire tools usually includes matches, a lighter, fire plug, or some kind of flint.Like many backpackers, I generally carry

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-50102051618893197602010-10-27T04:54:00.005-04:002010-10-27T04:54:00.193-04:00

When I started this blog I had many ideas running around in my head about what topics I would write about. Over the course of time, many topics addressed were out of obvious necessity while others were more organic and often based on an experience or a new product on the market.One topic that has received several entries is one that I honestly can say I never anticipated writing about once, let

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-22219852647087041502010-10-20T04:05:00.003-04:002010-10-20T10:41:05.819-04:00

For the most part, I would describe myself as a poor excuse for a four-season backpacker. The reason I will win no awards for my year-round backpacking activities is because I rarely backpack in the heat of the summer where there is only an abundance of bugs and hotness and not water. I also rarely backpack in winter, although not for lack of interest, as I have not yet quite developed the skills

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-2015409122978425532010-10-13T05:21:00.005-04:002010-10-13T05:21:00.391-04:00

Over the weekend I took my three-year old son camping at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park in central Virginia. At a young age, my parents exposed me to this wonderful place and I have returned several times per year for as long as I can remember. It was only fitting to me that this would be my son's first overnight trip in the park as I wanted to start the tradition early and impress upon

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-62651332160707383552010-10-06T04:32:00.010-04:002010-10-10T09:55:09.480-04:00

One of the first books I read about lightweight backpacking was Ray Jardine's "Beyond Backpacking". As I slowly started evaluating my own pack contents, oddly enough I was mentally stuck on the fact that Jardine suggested a collared hiking shirt for the principal reason that it looked fairly responsible for trail towns. Having educated myself on the benefits of merino wool, I spent a good amount

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-14876426694585778512010-09-29T05:18:00.004-04:002010-10-15T18:03:27.178-04:00

I received a lot of comments about my recent blog regarding my Trail Designs Sidewinder cooking system. Apparently, there are a lot of you out there in bloggerland who share the same affinity I do for simple and lightweight cooking systems that are flexible and take up little space.A question I received several times was about what kind of utensil (spoon) I used with the system as the inference

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-22610177640852277742010-09-22T04:26:00.002-04:002010-09-22T04:26:00.040-04:00

Anyone who reads this blog or hikes with me knows that I'm not a huge fan of technology in the wilderness. I think phones are mostly unreliable and serve as dead weight while headphones often distract from the wilderness experience and can even create a dangerous situation if, for example a cracking branch is an unheard warning of a forthcoming head injury or an unnoticed growl is an indication

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-39325275490847579682010-09-15T04:04:00.002-04:002010-09-16T08:38:18.136-04:00

As many of you know, I have a love affair of my Titanium Ti-Tri cooking system which I purchased from Titanium Goat (http://www.titaniumgoat.com/) but inspired and designed by Trail Designs (http://www.traildesigns.com/). Now that Trail Designs has the ability to work with titanium, they sell both aluminum versions and titanium versions of their famous cooking cones.The reason I love the Ti-Tri

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-78393168590602046582010-09-08T05:53:00.006-04:002010-09-08T13:27:17.413-04:00

It's been discussed before, to include on my blog (http://jolly-green-giant.blogspot.com/2009/04/lightweight-gear-tips.html), but I wanted to briefly mention a new tool I found to dig a cat hole. Yes, we're going to talk about taking a crap in the woods boys and girls.As many of you likely know by now, my personal belief is that going lightweight doesn't mean being personally stupid nor

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-30388301361905745382010-09-01T05:00:00.001-04:002010-09-01T14:00:01.048-04:00

Responding to reader requests to post more trip reports, I figured I'd casually mention a 20-mile hike I recently did off the Appalachian Trail and in the South River Falls area of Shenandoah National Park. I personally have a tough time with most trip reports because I find them a bit silly to discuss the act of hiking or seeing this or that when pictures do such a better job of illustrating the

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-56878304528073486642010-08-24T05:18:00.000-04:002010-08-24T10:35:24.119-04:00

Lightweight backpacking requires individuals to think out-of-the-box and break from traditions likely taught for generations. For example, many "traditional" backpackers often carry emergency kits which may consist of an emergency tube tent or emergency blanket in addition to other items. I too would love to have an emergency shelter or blanket if put in a survival situation with no other gear.

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-16461064832194342672010-08-18T06:47:00.006-04:002010-08-18T08:33:30.434-04:00

Over the course of the month of August, the acknowledged readership of my blog passed the 100 mark. These readers are from around the world and bring with them a vast amount of knowledge and experience which have been welcomed. What started nearly 2 years ago has spiraled to a point that I couldn't ever have imagined. I've made numerous friends, learned a lot, and reaffirmed my belief that the

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-52973407031477925752010-08-10T10:55:00.002-04:002010-08-10T11:10:49.444-04:00

www.mountainfitter.com has recently joined the lightweight and ultralight backpacking scene with several cuben products. Instead of copying the designs of others, the owner (thankfully) thinks out of the box and doesn't rush to market with anything but well thought out products. For example, MountainFitter was one of the first to pursue a cuben hammock which was tested with the intent of going

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-12900221606633694162010-08-04T13:54:00.015-04:002010-08-06T09:21:36.608-04:00

For most of the year, I've been quite content in my belief that the lightweight outdoor industry had slowed in sense of product development. A cuben Haven or Vamp by Six Moon Designs never came out nor did a similar shelter from Gossamer Gear - both of which I figured would be out by now (although I believe we'll see them by next year at the latest). Even products which were debuted at other

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-84674320366174909962010-07-01T12:41:00.004-04:002010-07-01T16:41:41.155-04:00

Many of you know that my once weekly blog has turned into something that I try to fit in between the responsibilities of life which have been dominating my personal landscape as of recent. One of the more pressing of these responsibilities is my pursuit of a Graduate Degree in Natural Resources. How does this have anything to do with lightweight and ultralight backpacking? Well, many of the

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-64828751356027489862010-06-16T04:26:00.000-04:002010-06-16T08:37:32.476-04:00

Within the confines of my blog, I do my best to find unique things in the world of lightweight and ultralight backpacking which aren't being heavily discussed elsewhere. One item that I can't say I ever hear much about is self-tensioning guylines like those offered by Jacks R Better (www.jacksrbetter.com) and Whoopie Slings (www.whoopieslings.com). Likely the reason is because this is

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-83967943922364755242010-06-05T13:28:00.006-04:002010-06-05T14:21:18.194-04:00

Although I'm a big fan of the Granite Gear Uberlight CTF3 DrySack (http://www.granitegearstore.com/uberlight-drysacks-P170C15.aspx) which I discussed in another blog, I wanted to mention a new product that serves the same purpose, is a little cheaper, and is a little bigger. Oh yeah, and it's black.I purchased the Granite Gear DrySacks to keep my sleeping quilt and clothing dry. In the past, I

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-68064266647362850852010-06-01T04:54:00.002-04:002010-06-01T04:54:00.631-04:00

A topic heavily debated by lightweight backpackers is the necessary or appropriate light source to carry while backpacking. What to carry depends on environment, use, and the comfort zone of the hiker. Some will claim a simple Photon Micro-light (http://www.photonlight.com/) is plenty. Chances are, those people merely need a simple lightweight option for camp use as it wouldn't be practical to

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-86391218540804275902010-05-24T10:40:00.002-04:002010-05-24T10:40:00.052-04:00

Just thought some of you might enjoy this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qle-vjHoQa4

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-48552541739603970442010-05-19T06:21:00.003-04:002010-05-21T13:27:00.791-04:00

Last summer the world's lightest 4-season tent was released to the fan fare of - well, very few. Whether people didn't know it existed or balked at the price tag, either way, I've heard very little chatter about a tent that I think is pretty fascinating.The "Rocket" by Brooks Range (http://www.brooks-range.com/) is a 1 pound 6 ounce "mountaineering" tent which boasts roughly 25 feet of floor

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-36070144248409394382010-05-12T04:03:00.006-04:002010-05-13T09:40:39.755-04:00

Last fall, for the first time in my backpacking career, I faced a very unfun experience while backpacking - chaffing. As I explained to my hiking partners who found the situation entirely more comical than I did, I felt like I had been bit in the crotch by a Rottweiler.At the time, I was wearing Merino Wool underwear by Minus 33 which in the past helped control odor and stood up better to

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-63466401662292051602010-04-28T23:28:00.004-04:002010-05-06T13:52:48.105-04:00

After a trip about a month ago following some night hiking where I ended up sleeping in an AT shelter out of sheer exhaustion and my complete unwillingness to set up my shelter, I decided to revisit the topic of inflatable sleeping pads because my CCF simply wasn't as comfortable as I'd like on a hard surface like the plywood floor of an AT shelter.As a weight conscious backpacker, I did quite a

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-14008171231822763972010-04-23T21:04:00.003-04:002010-04-23T21:17:01.186-04:00

Evernew (http://www.evernewamerica.com/EBY255.htm) is coming out with a 3.3 oz titanium stove suitable for burning alcohol, solid fuel, or wood. It should give the Titanium Ti Tri from TitaniumGoat a run for its money. The stove isn't on the market yet. The little birdie who provided me with the link also told me to expect it to arrive in the hands of fellow blogger Jason Klass (http://

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-60160560655745572512010-04-20T11:15:00.003-04:002010-04-20T11:21:05.415-04:00

I'm preparing for a section hike of the Appalachian Trail, but wanted to mention a new lightweight cottage manufacturer: http://katabaticgear.com/. Katabatic Gear sells lightweight down sleeping bags and bivies made of the decent fabrics and materials (Pertex and 850-down). They also sell lightweight down hoods which have turned my interest a bit in recent months. Oddly enough, I think pricing

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-16785555322423373842010-03-18T11:53:00.006-04:002010-03-18T12:10:42.361-04:00

For those who follow my blog, you'll notice a handful of links to the right of my commentary which identifies other bloggers and websites whom I think are insightful and worth your time.One such blogger is Gary Mittelholtz of "Doing Stuff Outdoors" (www.doingstuffoutdoors.com").I regret to inform everyone that Gary passed away on Saturday following a heart attack he suffered while skiing in

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-60054335401612586342010-03-16T02:41:00.000-04:002010-03-16T02:41:00.199-04:00

When I first started going lightweight several years ago, I was very skeptical about guidance which said that weight could be cut by foregoing stuff sacks and pack covers and instead opting for a simple interior liner such as a trash bag or shredder bag. Over time, I realized this guidance was reasonable and functional, although I still elected to use stuff sacks for certain things either purely

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-787316619748069862010-03-10T21:49:00.006-05:002010-03-11T08:29:31.685-05:00

I had been sitting on this for a while and decided finally to mention it principally because I really think Joe with Zpacks.com is really innovative in addition to offering excellent customer service. Having spoken with him numerous times, I can't think of anyone in the lightweight backpacking industry who comes across as more genuine, more concerned, more helpful, and just all all-round good guy

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-80519654940432494422010-03-06T07:18:00.003-05:002010-03-08T19:02:47.283-05:00

I realize it's been awhile since my last blog and I wanted to express my appreciation to all those who contacted me to make sure I was alive being that my "weekly" blog wasn't up to par. I had a death in the family, a marriage, two bouts of very sick kids, extensive traveling, many work commitments, more snow than I ever wanted, an on-going bout of food poisoning which I wouldn't wish on my

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-87884919363471790962010-02-03T04:26:00.002-05:002010-02-03T08:46:44.345-05:00

At one time or another, all of us have likely thought, “What’s the best lightweight and breathable rainwear?” Most lightweight backpackers nearly always throw out three options “Frogg Toggs”, "Dri Ducks” or “O2 Rainwear/Rainshield”. It’s pretty much a canned answer in the same spirit as when I ask my wife if I can buy more backpacking gear. (The answer is always – “no.”)Outside of lightweight

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-86574889618145933922010-01-29T05:18:00.007-05:002010-02-02T20:22:03.408-05:00

Sleeping pads come in all shapes and sizes and many have very polarized opinions on what works best for them. For me, I’m fortunate because I find more comfort in CCF pads than just about anything else which allows me to save some money and weight while gaining a product nearly indestructible and very thermally efficient. I think my only gripe is that they simply don’t pack small which is

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-41182681384779849662010-01-26T14:50:00.003-05:002010-01-26T14:57:03.201-05:00

Back in July I wrote about a product called JakPak (http://jolly-green-giant.blogspot.com/2009/07/raincoat-tent-and-sleeping-bag-combo.html) which marketed itself as a raincoat, tent, sleeping bag combo. I received quite a few e-mails about the product which generally carried the same theme: nice idea, but unlikely to be successful to the mainstream as people like to pick specific gear from

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-67583096983470601972010-01-21T03:19:00.002-05:002010-01-22T09:43:13.403-05:00

If I were to judge the most uncomfortable part of my body while trying to sleep in the backcounty, I think I’d argue it was my feet. I can’t say I was ever really truly uncomfortable, but it was the one area which I felt could use improvement. My discomfort was the fact that they would get slightly chilled about 2am and I found myself keeping them close together to keep them warm. Different

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-32044386917794390572010-01-13T04:19:00.004-05:002010-01-13T08:06:38.841-05:00

The blogs have been a bit active lately regarding an 850-down goose fill jacket called the “New Balance Fugu”. A little over a year ago this jacket was compared by Richard Nisley in warmth to various offerings from Montbell, several fleeces, and other warming layers. The Fugu was significantly warmer than all of them. The jacket was supposedly being sold for $250-$450.The problem is, no one could

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-2807022251011253072010-01-06T04:50:00.000-05:002010-01-06T04:50:00.275-05:00

Since having children, pillows have become more important to me both at home and in the backcountry. For example, in order for me to sleep while the kids are raising a ruckus, my body has engaged its own survival instinct which includes essentially turning my head to the side to the point that one of my ears is at least partially muffled by the pillow. Another pillow over my other ear and “voilà

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-8885341677407481362009-12-30T04:11:00.006-05:002009-12-30T04:11:00.385-05:00

I wanted to mention a topic of conversation I hear frequently with regards the benefits of base layers such a Patagonia Capilene (synthetic) versus merino wool products. Worth mentioning is that there are a ton of other options on the market to include high-tech moisture wicking materials, anti-odor materials, materials under development by NASA and the U.S. military to allow the person wearing

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-70102922296352982402009-12-23T04:11:00.005-05:002009-12-23T04:11:00.340-05:00

As I sit here typing this blog, I’m looking at 24” of snow which was dumped in central Virginia in addition to the rest of the eastern states. My back is aching from shoveling and my car will go absolutely no where until a snow plow visits my small and rural residential community. Unlike even a single other person on my street, I got the bright idea to set up my tent the night before the storm so

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-38769221153412530452009-12-16T06:12:00.000-05:002009-12-16T06:12:00.091-05:00

Over the course of 2009 I had the opportunity to read several great backpacking books and also watch a handful of backpacking DVD’s. Having only minimal time to backpack, I find these resources help fuel my interest and allow me to live vicariously through the accomplishments of others.One DVD I recently watched was “The Walkumentary” (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-62841809900502651402009-12-09T05:44:00.001-05:002009-12-09T05:44:00.867-05:00

A couple years ago I purchased a dehydrator because I was convinced I was going to be backpacking on a near daily basis. After all, dehydrating is what “real backpackers” did and that was my goal. Well, marriage, kids, and eternal responsibility have a way of clarifying reality. In as much as I’d like to use the dehydrator for the backpacking trips I am able to schedule in the midst of balancing

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-50010776202589380412009-11-29T14:21:00.006-05:002009-12-13T19:08:04.534-05:00

What does the World’s Lightest Tent weigh? Well, the answer is apparently 9.2 oz in Cuben and 12.5 oz in sil-nylon.A manufacturer, who I will respect and not name on my blog until it becomes public, has made a one-person full coverage tent (see below for an update). And no, it is not Six Moon Designs...although like the Refuge-X by SMD, this tent cuts weight through the use of Cuben fiber. To cut

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-42649006109817210212009-11-24T05:58:00.003-05:002009-11-24T21:11:54.441-05:00

Sleeping in the backcountry can be a challenge without the right gear. Sleep system components must consider ground comfort, warmth, protection from elements (and possibly animals), and often something to cradle your head. Lightweight backpackers have been known to cut any pillow from their gear list and substitute a rolled up jacket, stuff sack, or even a flexible water bladder instead. Some

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-42313186358707345512009-11-11T03:53:00.005-05:002009-11-12T07:59:52.875-05:00

There’s always a lot of chatter during this time of year regarding ways to keep warm in the cooler months. Most of us know the standard methods which include camping below the treeline on soft ground duff, dressing in layers, stopping drafts, keeping your head covered, drinking something warm or eating spicy foods before going to bed, putting a hot water bottle in your sleep system, and of course

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-89631833893348949602009-10-28T04:19:00.003-04:002009-10-31T12:25:26.408-04:00

Throughout each backpacking year, I often switch between a tarp and fully enclosed shelter. I make this change depending on where I’m backpacking, the weather conditions, the temperature, and even who I’m hiking with as sometimes privacy is nice.For quite awhile I had been eyeballing Henry Shires Tarp Tent Contrail (http://www.tarptent.com/contrail.html). It was extremely light at 24.5 ounces and

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-73963312334244935192009-10-21T06:53:00.005-04:002009-10-21T06:53:00.608-04:00

After a 30 mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail with some friends last week, this weekend my wife and I camped at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. Unlike out west or New England, Virginia doesn’t normally pick up snow until late December or January/February. As such, it was a complete surprise to both of us when the forecast mentioned there was definitely going to be

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-5373675915106117842009-10-14T04:03:00.000-04:002009-10-15T09:42:13.338-04:00

One piece of gear that gave me some mental grief was rain gear. I simply couldn’t figure out what I wanted to carry which was lightweight and kept me dry. For a long time I wore Gore-Tex Paclite, which worked fine until I started sweating because it didn't breathe very well. Getting soaked from the inside is just about as bad as being soaked from the outside (although it was warmer...which is

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-32015021267194829632009-10-07T06:45:00.004-04:002009-10-09T16:00:42.535-04:00

I don’t hike nearly as much as I’d like principally because there are bills to be paid and mouths to feed. With that said, I often find myself not being in the physical condition I’d like to enable me to hike with ease. Usually somewhere around mile 10, my calves and quads start to burn and the bottom of my feet get fatigued. From that point on my level of enjoyment starts to decrease

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-10599889957499065282009-09-29T06:25:00.001-04:002009-10-01T09:30:21.925-04:00

Grant Sible with Gossamer Gear was nice enough to provide me with some details about a new tent they are working on. It is currently under the personal development of Glen VanPeski and it sounds like the tent is still undergoing quite a few tweaks and "may" be available in 2010. It is diamond-shaped and sets up with two trekking poles and two stakes (think about that...). Because of the shape,

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-79762079008875576282009-09-23T05:08:00.001-04:002009-09-23T05:08:00.577-04:00

Looking for an alternative to keep animals and critters out of your food supply that isn’t as expensive as a bear canister but is more durable than a simple mesh or plastic bag hung from a tree? Well, try GrubPack (http://www.grubpack.com/).Grubpack is an animal resistant bag made of stainless steel mesh. It is flexible and durable, although an animal could still crush your food if they wanted

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-87484682713585590132009-09-16T06:51:00.001-04:002009-09-16T09:26:53.716-04:00

For whatever the reason, I’ve focused a disproportionate amount of time on what socks to carry while backpacking. Whether it was to cut ounces, find something more durable or warmer, or to identify a sock that dealt better with moisture and stink, the reality is that socks and foot care are a terribly important topic while on the trail.First I made the switch from SmartWool to DarnTough for my

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-86508888312444254872009-09-09T06:02:00.002-04:002009-09-09T08:03:54.155-04:00

Over the Labor Day weekend I was finally able to get out for a brief backpacking trip after rehabbing two bad knees since April and following foot surgery just two weeks ago. It is amazing how quickly the body FORGETS simple things like walking with a pack. This is my polite way of saying that making decent mileage wasn't my friend and I found it to be actually quite difficult to find

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-87494953589150680212009-09-02T07:55:00.004-04:002009-09-02T10:09:05.689-04:00

One aspect of my backpacking experience that I’d like to change is the food I carry both in quantity, weight, quality, and effectiveness. Much like many backpackers, I have a tendency to dehydrate what I can and carry lightweight food options. Unfortunately, these meals are often too bulky, a pain to cook, or otherwise lose their appeal.Other than not eating, dehydrating, taking less food, or

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-64652700842573734512009-08-29T20:15:00.008-04:002009-08-30T11:37:19.451-04:00

I'd like to think my endless pestering of GoLite (http://www.golite.com/) to offer XXL and long's motivated them to finally do it. Regardless of why, I'm happy to report that GoLite is now offering XXL's in apparel. Hopefully they will make their packs and sleep systems longer too.GoLite is really a pioneer in the lightweight backpacking movement and heavily impacted by one of the premier

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-17479969880677154132009-08-26T08:53:00.003-04:002009-08-26T13:12:28.089-04:00

True lightweight backpackers will generally tell you that a stuff sack is nothing more than unnecessary ounces. After all, a simple trash bag liner in your pack will do fine to keep everything safe and dry. Although this is true for the most part, few things are more annoying to me than emptying out my entire pack to find something that shifted to the bottom. It’s also aggravating to be unable

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-57015772396130980862009-08-23T19:34:00.004-04:002009-08-23T19:48:14.548-04:00

I typically avoid backpacking in the middle of summer principally because I hate dealing with the summer heat and bugs which are always in abundance in Virginia. With the days getting shorter, I'm reminded each day by the scenes in my front yard that backpacking season (at least for me anyway) is right around the corner.

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-90456773296113369042009-08-19T08:08:00.005-04:002009-12-02T15:17:34.571-05:00

One of the things I fail miserably at is getting caught up in the hype about lightweight backpacking. When the forums start going wild and the technology police claim a new innovation, I quickly check my gear to see if I need an upgrade. If the answer is “maybe”, then the answer is really “yes”.A few years ago, the footwear manufacturer “Inov-8” hit the market. Their design was innovative and

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-86048747126694397952009-08-12T08:34:00.005-04:002009-09-24T15:34:27.298-04:00

This is a gear review I almost hate to write because it is about an absolutely top notch product that I decided to return. Sorry to ruin the suspense. Hopefully this is obvious, but I generally don’t write about hammocking so I hope you read this as a really special item worth the attention.In the east, hammocking makes a lot of sense because most of our trails have an abundance of trees (and few

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-37032101471055348802009-08-03T05:18:00.001-04:002009-08-04T11:29:46.346-04:00

Around the end of the year I like to mention specific backpacking websites and blogs which I enjoy. I also often have blogs which I write long in advance and release them at dates scheduled in the future as I want content to keep flowing so my site doesn’t get stagnant.Well, I wanted to break from tradition and mention a fairly unknown website both because I’m intrigued by it and because there is

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-77974783716692055532009-07-30T07:35:00.000-04:002009-07-30T10:51:12.930-04:00

Have you ever had an urge for a ONE OUNCE backpack? Well, a backpacker named Mark Henley was kind enough to post information on how to construct one out of Cuben fiber fabric on Gossamer Gear's website http://www.gossamergear.com/gossamergear/images/myog/Henley_1oz_instructions.pdf. If you are a "make your own gear (MYOG)" type of person, this might be an excellent opportunity for you to try your

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8079470994459135415.post-12050786629245210062009-07-28T02:43:00.005-04:002009-07-28T02:43:00.575-04:00

Last week, Robin of Backpackbasecamp.com (http://www.backpackbasecamp.com/basecamp/blogengine.net/) was kind enough to stop by and commented on my NeoAir thread about Argon filled sleeping pads which will hit the market very soon. She even has a nice article and video about it on her website. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I figured it would be appropriate merely to redirect you to her site.

Jolly Green Gianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02784130095157180086noreply@blogger.com3