Litesmith have recently utilised the 21700 Lithium battery to make perhaps the most compact and lightest (at 73.5 grams) 5000 mAh power bank. These batteries are available to 5800 mAh so expect some improvements still.They are selling for US$22 (Sep 2023). This size should allow you to charge (once) the largest mobile phone around (usually […]
This was one of my father’s favourite sayings, by which he meant you must stand on your own two feet and ‘shift’ for yourself. Never delegate such responsibility to someone else. So, for 40 years I have been fixing my own cars. For example I have been rebuilding a sequence of Subarus since circa 1978
I have fiddled with this before but without a really satisfactory result which meets every need. It is easy enough if you have adjustable poles or the type which one section from another pole can be added to the first one, but the method below works whatever type of poles you have. I have played
Tractional security just got even lighter. The new version of Vargo’s ultralight crampons weigh a little over one ounce each (32.6 grams) as compared with their previous version which was around twice that. They have these plates on either side to keep them located (also lugs under) They look pretty grippy here on one of
Recently I bought a couple of cheap approx 40 litre packs from Amazon for less than US20 each. I thought these would be a good recommendation to someone who wanted to begin hiking on a small budget. The first thing you need after all is something to comfortably and reliably carry your stuff in. I
Many people may not know that the famous C19th Wonnangatta Station was ‘serviced’ by a pack track up the true right bank of that river (ie the right bank facing downstream) along which all its supplies came (including even a large piano). No doubt other sections still exist below the Moroka Junction, but this post
I’m sure most of you are familiar with the best-selling young adult’s story ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen, which spawned the film Cry in the Wild and a heap of sequels. I guess it was inspired by the classic Heinlein SF ‘Tunnel in the Sky’ which if you have not read, do – withal it may
A centre line is the best idea when using any tarp rather than just trying to tension the tarp back towards the tree against its own weight which is all too likely to damage it or tear out the grommet or tie-out. You will also want to secure the line to the tree/s quickly and
This has to be one of those great hiking myths like whether you need to filter/purify your drinking water. (in most cases, No, but if you want to, consider this post: Trouble With Water Filters). Folks are convinced that the moisture (nasties?) in their breath will ruin the inside of their hiking mat so they
You can hang two hammocks side by side from the one pair of trees using just one tarp with this simple expedient. You need one (or two) spacer bars (3/4″ thick branches or parts of your hiking poles will do) and some of these 25 mm (1 inch) poly plumbing fittings from eg Bunnings at
