Feels like I have mono (though I could just be really bored), a major snowstorm is beginning to take shape outside, and I have nothing particularly interesting to say today. Therefore, I’m in full blog-reading catch-up mode. Here’s a few posts from my favorite bloggers that I think you’ll enjoy:

– 501 Places — a cool travel blog — hits the proverbial nail on the head with 6 Tips For Successful Complaining.

– National Geographic Adventure folded last month, but as they promised, they’re back with some web content, which is cool.

– Wend Magazine’s blog tells you how to get free condoms from Climb Addict so you can “keep climbing, not parenting.”

Anybody else camping out on the couch with the laptop today? If you see anything interesting for me to read/watch, feel free to add it in the comments. Thanks!

It’s 18 degrees here in PA — 13 w/ wind chill — so I got to thinkin’ about my recent  trip to (relatively) warm Joshua Tree National Park last December. Enjoy the vid. My glass of wine and I just got done viewing #3 of the evening. I’ll be back soon, ol’ J-Tree.

Know how to boil water and slice some cheese? Sweet! I saw this video the other day and decided to test it out.  The results were delicious! Try it on your next hike and let me know how it goes.

Recipe and video courtesy freezerbagcooking.com

It’s hard to find a good hiking podcast.  There’s some quality content out there, but most of it is either out of date or very rarely updated.  To save you some time, here are 5 relevant, high quality, info-packed, entertaining hiking podcasts for your listening and viewing pleasure.  I know there’s more out there, so if you’d like to rep your favorite hiking podcast, do so in the comments below!

(Note:  This list is hiking/backpacking-specific.  There are a few awesome mountaineering podcasts out there which I will feature in a future post)

1.  Backpacking Light Podcast

Audio & Video
Podcast page
Updated 1/week

If you’re into gear, this is your kind of podcast.  The team at BackpackingLight are pros and this podcast enhances their reputation.

2.  ATHiking… the Podcast

Audio
Podcast page

AT veteran Toothless provides awesome tips and advice, as well as some interesting historical info about the trail, in an often humorous, never dull style.
Updated avg 1-2/mo.

3.  Compass Points TV

Video
Podcast page
YouTube channel:  Compass Points TV
Updated 2/month

News reporter, freelance travel writer and avid hiker Dave Pidgeon takes you with him as he explores trails both domestic and international.  At times he’s filming himself “Survivorman” style, other times he’s with a hiking partner, but the content is always extremely well-done, entertaining and informative.

4.  Practical Backpacking Podcast

Audio
Podcast page

This informative backpacking podcast features interviews with experts and (as the title states) practical tips and advice for backpackers at every experience level.

5.  Doing Stuff Outdoors Podcast

Audio
Podcast page
2/month
Although not specific to hiking, there’s plenty of great content here.  Start with these ‘casts:

“Hike Naked Day & Being Followed by a Horse on the Appalachian Trail”

“Hiking a Section of the Appalachian Trail with Toothless”

6.  SouthEastern Backpackers Podcast

Audio
Podcast page
Weekly updates (sometimes more)
From iTunes review page, user ShugSean writes:

With the sound of a fire popping in the background, Rylan and Golden talk about trips they have taken and trips yet to take. Pro’s and cons on gear that they have tried. You can feel the passion as they talk about their love of the piney woods. Wonderful conversational tone and these fellows don’t come off as “know it alls” about backpacking. Fun and imformative!

Add a little variety to your trail lunch with Trail Quesadillas, and the best/most easiest version is this one from TrailCooking.com. The ingredients are simple:  tortillas and 2 packs of little cheese cubes.  That’s it.  All you need is a medium-sized titanium pan (gotta keep it lightweight!), a stove and an appetite. Watch Sarah from TrailCooking make it from scratch:

Do you have a favorite trail quesadilla recipe to share?  Add to the comments below!

Ok, the purists might hate this one, but the MacGyver in me loves it.  All you need is some steel wool, your cell phone and some tinder (dryer lint ftw!) and you’ve got fire!  Video from the team at Backpacker:

]]> http://trailsauce.com/video-how-to-start-a-fire-with-your-cell-phone/feed/ 0 http://trailsauce.com/9-rain-gear-resources-to-keep-you-dry/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://trailsauce.com/9-rain-gear-resources-to-keep-you-dry/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 22:11:39 +0000 meatball http://trailsauce.com/?p=317

Stay dry

Everyone and his brother has an opinion on how to choose the best rain gear for hikes both long and short.  Ignore everyone (and their brothers) and allow the experts below to guide you in the right direction. 

“Hiking Rain Gear” – NetBackpacking.com:  An excellent primer for the beginner and superb refresher for the experienced hiker, start here to learn the ins and outs of selecting rain gear.

“Buy the Right Rain Gear” – Backcountry.com:  Another good resource detailing the mechanics of effective rain gear, albeit with a slight salesmanship tint, which is ok by me considering it’s a store.

“Raingear Shopping Guide” – Backpacker:  Backpacker’s great at everything, no reason their Raingear guide would suck.  Well, except for insisting on Raingear being an actual word.  Some very good info here.

VIDEO: How to Choose Hiking Rain Gear – The Expert Village:

“Backpacking Rain Gear — Some thoughts” – sectionhiker.com:  Blogger Philip Werner shares his thoughts on some common misconceptions when it comes to choosing effective rain gear.

“Rain Gear Buying Guide” – GORP:  Tips for proper layering, choosing water repellancy, finding lightweight rain gear and much more, plus reviews and editors’ picks.

“Backpacking Rain Jackets” – Travel Gear Blog:  Good general info with links to thorough reviews.

“How to Compare Hiking Rain Gear” — Trails.com

“Getting Waterproof Clothing Right” – Ideal-Hiking-Equipment.com

Trailsauce readers:  Save 5% off lightweight raingear at TrekLightGear.com.

Coupon Code: 4TREKGEAR

If you haven’t been following the First Ascent team’s Everest attempt, you’re missing out on some great stuff.  Born Out There–The First Ascent Blog– is full of great video footage, daily journals and much more, and is an absolute must-read for anyone who likes mountain climbing.

Make sure to also subscribe to their YouTube video channel so you can stay as up to date as possible.  As of today Dave Hahn and company are at the Everest Basecamp, a lofty 17,530 ft up.  Good luck with the acclimitization, guys!  I can’t imagine how hard it is, especially since it took me a week to acclimatize after I moved my office from the first floor to the attic.

April 20, 2009 video update from Born Out There:

(Part 1 of the adventure can be found here)

Dave from Compass Points is back with another gripping entry from his Costa Rican honeymoon.  This time, though, he’s also created a video podcast to back it up.  I’m a bit biased, but I think it’s absolutely kick-ass.

I could go for a Corona

Part 2: “Strangers until we meet”

Part 3: “Shades of lime and emerald” (you’ll find the link to the video here)

I can be  a bit of a speed hiker, but I might just take my time on this trail.  Even Bear Grylls would probably only make it halfway before saying, “F*ck it, I’m basejumping my way to the bottom.”