What’s In Your Pack

IMG_6008As long as I’ve been backpacking I’ve heard other backpackers say REI gear is too heavy. Well REI heard you, not only did they hear you, but REI now carries lighter weight gear and has in store instructors who conduct classes on how to lighten the pack weight you already carry.

If you’re interested in carrying a lighter backpack join me at the REI Buford, GA store on Saturday, June 1, 2013. I will be conducting a class on how to lighten your pack weight.  And it’s FREE! 

Register now group size is limited, see details below.

“Description: So you have your backpack loaded with all the “necessary” items for your next backpacking trip. Still think you might be carrying too much? Join REI for this small group session on how to cut weight, carry the essentials and tailor your gear to best suit your needs. In this hands-on class, bring in your personal pack and gear and we will go through the items you take with you when backpacking and do a group “shake-down” on gear. You will receive the small group attention you need to really perfect your packing system.”

Event Location: Buford REI

What’s Inside Your Pack
Date: 6/1/2013
Event Fee: Free
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM EDT
Leader: REI Specialist
Group Size: 10

Take Less

IMG_0535

One of my favorite things to do is share my personal knowledge, experience and techniques with other backpackers who want to lighten their pack weight. Recently I had opportunity to do this with five women. All have years of traditional backpacking experience around the world and various locations across the U.S.

We started the day by meeting at a local eatery for breakfast; this enabled me to become more familiar with everyone’s experience level and expectations each hoped to gain from having a lighter pack. During the breakfast chatter it was apparent everyone in the group had a clear understanding of a good layering system, hyperthermia, camp skills, bear bag hanging etc. The overall consensus was the same…they all wanted to enjoy backpacking more and believed a lighter pack was the solution. Continue reading →

Personal Gripe

Retractable leashes should never be allowed in the hands of irresponsible dog owners…never ever!

It’s been my observation far too many dog owners…humans…with retractable leashes have no idea where their dog is in relation to them. Dogs do what dogs do…I have no gripe with dogs… None!

Earlier this week I was riding my bike on the Silver Comet, a rails to trails path here in Atlanta and on my way to meet a friend. This particular stretch of path has a smooth surface with long views of what’s ahead. I saw a human walking toward me and on their side of the path and I saw a dog on leash with this human, what I didn’t see until I was about 10-feet away was the dog was attached to one of those horrible retractable leashes attached to the hand of the irresponsible human. Continue reading →