Recent content by dchinell

I can imagine this being a reasonable substitute for a mentor. If one can't readily identify the items from text or pictures, one would at least have an idea of what to look for by buying these "samples" of the real thing. -- Bear

I've had great success with a dead-simple version of the Hoodoo Hone. It's for those of us too unskilled or too lazy to get up to much in the shop. Many hobby stores and even Home Depot stores have a wide selection of precut, prefinished boards. I pick one around two inches wide and 1/4-inch...

I'll second the Spyderco SharpMaker for traditional double-bevel sharpening. I think it will handle serrated edges as well, but have not personally used it for that. It won't do a convex edge, though. For that I'd recommend you research and experiment with abrasive paper on a mouse pad...

I hope this hasn't already been posted, but I thought it looked like something others might be interested in. Here's the product: http://www.makairametal.com/products.htm It looks good enough to me that I ordered one. It's also being tested backpackgeartest.org -- where you can read the...

My all-time favorite hammock is the Mosquito Hammock, Expedition model. It's a two-layer base with a mosquito net built in, and side-zipper entry. It's not as light as a Hennessy Hammock, but I think the side entry and the ability to turn it over when you don't want the net, make the extra...

I don't think there's anything wrong with the Fiskars/Gerber hatchets. http://www.gerber-tools.com/Gerber-Back-Paxe-5912.htm Bear

I'm not sure I've got your requirements right, but I use the Evernew 0.9L titanium pot. The ClickStand rig fits into this like it was designed to. In fact, I think it was. That's the pot featured on the ClickStand home page. I have a cut-down spoon that goes inside the pot. A small dishrag...

In case you haven't visited his page lately, Tom Claytor has his latest model in production and ready for sale. It's the Expedition Hammock. http://www.mosquitohammock.com/ The Expedition model is sort of a cross between the original Mosquito Hammock and the Jungle Hammock. It has dark...

I've been backpacking and camping with a hammock for three or four years now. There's no doubt that the Hennessy Hammock is a great piece of gear when you want something light, fast, and integrated. However... My favorite hammock of all time is the Expedition Model Mosquito Hammock...

Here's an interesting page -- no sewing required. http://www.imrisk.com/testhammock/testhammock.htm You should also check out Ed Speer's site and material: http://www.speerhammocks.com/ http://www.hammockcamping.com/ Bear

I know of two other mug/pot candidates that fit on the bottom of a nalgene bottle. One is a lidded titanium mug or pot made by Vargo: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/vargo_titanium_mug.html One is a large stainless steel mug made by Olicamp...

I'm a technical writer and editor. (Hey, Keith!) In the UK I think the job is also called technical author. I work for an engineering company the designs life safety systems and equipment (fire alarm, security, access control, building operation, etc.) It's kind of neat to work in an industry...

The Trailmaster is in my left pocket at all times. It's as close to an ideal survival tool/knife as I could find. http://www.swiss-knife.com/asp/detail.asp?lan=EN&code=0.8463.3&shop=SK I also like the Locksmith and Outrider. Bear

I do leisurely backpacking in Florida (no hills) and stealth camp on one- or two-night trips. In the summer, I need 3 liters per 24-hour period to feel okay. That water is used for drinking as I hike, and cooking meals and brewing tea or coffee in camp. In the "winter" I can get by with 2...

Are they really made of genuine tarpaulin? Or is it some other material? Just kidding, sort of. What the heck kind of lame description is that? What's the thing made of? Bear