Iceland
The Northern Lights were my goal. I’ve seen lots of photos of the aurora, but I’ve always wanted to see them in person. So I decided we would go to Iceland and try to see the lights. Of course, you have to go when there is darkness,…
Year: 2015
Tumbling Rock Cave
On April 4, 2015, my wife, a couple of friends, and I went to Tumbling Rock Cave in Jackson County, Alabama. Jackson County has the distinction of having the highest number of caves of any county in the country. And from what I have seen so far,…
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why
Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzalez is a book that I think everyone who ventures into the backcountry should read. It focuses on the psychology of people who have survived deadly experiences in an effort to identify what helps people survive and what contributes to people dying. Much…
Videos
Just a bunch of videos of the outdoors that I think are great. Do you know of any others?
Outdoor iPhone Apps
I’ve done a lot of research trying to find the best outdoor apps for my iPhone. I love the utility of a smart phone for the backcountry, and these apps help bring out the potential of the phone. ⇒ MotionX-GPS – This is my GPS app. It…
Satellite Communicators
One safety-related device that can really spark a debate among backpackers is the satellite communicator. On one hand you have a group that argues they interfere with the wildness of the backcountry. And on the other hand you have a group that argues they are an essential…
DiCAPac WPH10 Waterproof Camera Case
I bought this camera case to keep my camera dry when I’m kayaking, and it works great for that. I have never dropped the camera in the water, but I’m always worried that I could. When I bought this case I tested it extensively in the bathtub…
Fenix HP-11 Headlamp
I like bright lights. I generally take lighter, dimmer headlamps with me on backpacking trips, but on caving trips I like to have bright lights. The Fenix headlamps are a great option. I have a Fenix HP-11 headlamp that offers 277 lumens of light and is water…
2014 Backcountry Fatality Statistics
Vivobarefoot Ultra Pure Running Shoe
I like to keep my pack weight low without sacrificing much on comfort or the necessities. This has been a challenge when trying to find footwear for river crossings. It’s a bad idea to keep your boots on when crossing a big river, and it can be…
