We all know the classic image of the outdoors backpacker: heavy leather boots, wool socks, shorts and a massive backpack with too much stuff attached on the outside. That image of a heavy laden walker has changed over the last 20 years, especially with the introduction of minimalist footwear and ultra running, creating a whole […]
Final checks before leaving on an expedition
Going on expeditions is all bout maximizing efficiency, but prior to going, especially if it is all self organized and implemented, things can be forgotten. This is not just about packing, we also need to remember to take care of electronics (inevitable in this day and age), give our body some extra support and fill […]
The disabling effects of not being casual
When I decided to start cycling as my commute, I spent a few months deciding on which bike to buy; I changed my mind roughly a million times between a road bike (which would cost an arm and a leg), a touring bike (for the long run) or a simple single speed. It really took […]
Gear Review – Ergobaby Performance
Front baby carriers are not exactly the classic “outdoor kit” that I would usually read about, but it is part of the basic arsenal of an outdoors father family. Since our daughter was born, our Ergobaby performance has been on more hikes, hill walks, multiday backpacking and camping trips than some people see their whole […]
Can new gear excitement be inherent?
It finally arrives, that package you’ve been waiting for, for so long – that new tent/ice axe/helmet/anything else. After months of reading, comparing, checking again, asking friends, going to the store to try and then doing it all again 3 times, you pick what you want. You order it and wait. You know that the […]
Waterproof clothing basics
Waterproof clothing has many many myths, claims and strong opinions around it; I have heard so many of them over the years that it still amazes me what some companies will sell as “waterproof.” The properties of waterproof clothing Lets start with the first truth that no one likes to admit: making something waterproof is […]
How to navigate with a compass and map
Navigating when outdoors is pretty much a necessity to avoid getting lost, even if you are on clearly marked trails; we all have stories about walking/cycling/running on a clear route just to get distracted and end up on the wrong path. Venturing beyond the beaten path requires you to know navigation, and despite the simplicity […]
Menu planning for Cape Wrath – an update
As the date of my Cape Wrath trail adventure is coming close, I have one big issue to deal with (besides missing my family) – food and supplies. In terms of gear I’m pretty much sorted (just a few tweaks left) and gear tends to be easy when it comes to longer trips as the […]
Long weekend in the Lake District – the best of both worlds
Last weekend was Easter weekend in the UK – Friday and Monday were holiday days meaning a four day weekend! Here, in the Outdoors Father family household, we decided to extend it a little and take Thursday off too and go up to the Lake District national park in northern England. The idea was to […]
My Cape Wrath Gear List – an update
My Cape Wrath trail trip is getting closer and final preparations are on their way. My two last tasks were to deal with with my gear and my food. My Cape Wrath gear list is finally done and all the gear is here or almost here! Packing for this trip required me to have a […]