This one is easy. Real easy. With a machine you can whip it together in less than 15 minutes. By hand is a touch longer. It’s a good project for little ones to help with, or if you’re still not too sure about your sewing skills. This was one of the first things I learned…
Formerly the 10 Essentials, now up to 15. 1. Map- A map of the area will let you know what type of terrain you will be travelling through. Study it before you go out. Make sure you know how to read it, especially if it is a topographic map. 2. Compass- Will help you know…
These are toys that Lucy or Beau has decided they really enjoy. You can get them at most online or brick and mortar stores. I try to find something I’d have fun with if I were a dog or something that I’ll have fun using with the dogs. Safety is a big factor as well,…
STOVE- Turbo270 by CampingGaz. Good stove, user freindly, (adjusts like my range at home), the shorter canister is more stable. Heats in a short time (3-4 min for 1L). Heavy at 9 ounces for the stove and 270 or 470g for the fuel canisters (Propane/Butane). $30 at Campmor
SLEEPING BAG- Coleman 15° Mummy Holofil insulation with nylon tafeta shell. Made for folks up to 6’2″, so I swim in it at 5’4″. This extra space gives me enough room to bring my dog in if need be. Box construction on the foot gives plenty of room for my big old feet. Also plenty…
SOCKS- Wigwam Husky Socks Okay socks but…. Feel like an athletic sock but are wool. Soft, dry, warm. Didn’t lose their loft. My feet didn’t get too sweaty or get a real “feety” smell like I got with my generic wool loop knit socks. They DO lose the stretch at the top quickly leaving you…
2-3 DAY PACK- Kelty Gale Not a bad pack. Probably not for most ultralighters. Durable, good size (3500 cu in) but a tad heavy (3.5lbs). I’ve had it hold plenty of gear for a 3 day summer trip, but I feel you would be hard pressed to go over 5 even if you are using…
Things I like that, despite their weight and lack of a ‘name’, I enjoy using. As I pare down the ounces on my pack many of these items have been relinquised to backyard usage for my nieces and nephew but I still like them for newbies. They’ve given me a lot of use and I…
Here are some pieces of gear that I have experience with. More will be added as I get time to write the reviews. There are also patterns for making some of your own equipment. The patterns have been used to outfit dogs, hikers, assistance/therapy dogs, SAR teams, and US Military around the world.
This is not a four-month-long-AT-thru-hike dog pack. It’s a 300 cubic inch 1-2 day pack. It’s a great pack for puppies to learn in, or just to have around for short jaunts when you don’t want to haul out the expedition packs. It would also be a great pack for a service dog.
