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Mark, I author a blog. It has actually grown into a popular website in the United States. I also run free hiking trips and training classes in conjunction with California State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife, and the Sierra Club. I use the blog to spread the word. I originally started it as...

I am trying to decide whether to switch from a synthetic to down bag. I am looking at a high-end down bag. And the 20-degree(F) bag is a full pound lighter than my synthetic bag, rated for the same temperature. A pound is not a trivial amount of weight. But the cost difference is not trivial...

Yes, I use my "fancy" knives. I learned my knife skills using the Fallkniven F1. It is a forgiving knife that saved me from myself when I abused it. As my knife skills improved, I graduated to a more expensive (note I did not say better) knife. Part of it is vanity, another is the pleasure...

One option is to sew or patch the hole and then use seam-sealer, like with tents, to prevent down from leaking out the holes. - Woodsorrel

Dan1982, here's a slightly lower priced alternative. http://customhuntingknives.org/models/the-kephart/ The maker seems to have a good reputation for quality. I've heard good things about his work. You will need to wait while he makes it to order. - Woodsorrel

I have a Bark River Kephart in CPM-3V. I like it very much. You can find them on a number of websites in the US. There are a variety of handle materials to choose from. - Woodsorrel

But do they have squared-off spines to work with a firesteel? (Joking!) :) I've seen obsidian knives made by descendants of the Ohlone People at cultural gatherings near where I live. I'm impressed by the ingenuity and craftsmanship. But I also appreciate what an incredible advance steel...

I spent a weekend practicing traditional skills with Native Americans in the San Gabriel Mountains of California. I used my Fallkniven F1 a great deal. We smoked salmon, carved ceremonial canoe paddles, cooked bannock over the fire. When I returned home I swear I unpacked the knife with my...

I use squirrel calls to help me track wildlife. Like birds, squirrels see everything... and they talk! Here's an article with sound clips that illustrates common calls you can learn. https://www.natureoutside.com/enormous-coming-toward-interpret-squirrel-alarm-calls-audio/ - Woodsorrel

Thanks, MrEd! Last week I found dyneema cord (specifically aimed at tarps and tents). It was very expensive. But after reading your reply I searched again and found boating supply stores near me that carry it at more reasonable rates. So, I'll check it out. Thanks! - Woodsorrel

Hi Everyone! I have always used Type III 550 paracord for the ridge-line and guy-lines for my tarps. I now use silnylon tarps. So most of the packable weight is the cordage. I am thinking of switching to 95 paracord (with reflective tracers) to reduce my pack weight. My question: Is the...

Things seem a little slow, so I thought I'd relate a funny story from last weekend. Many of us are experienced outdoorsmen (and outdoorswomen). So we take certain things for granted. But I volunteer leading urban youth on hiking and backpacking trips. They remind me that our experience is...

I make moccasins that I use for camp shoes on backpacking trips. I also use them from time to time when I'm animal tracking. Workmanship = Terrible. Fit = Great! :) - Woodsorrel

Correct. They are one of several brands of minimalist hiking boots on the market. - Woodsorrel

I now wear minimalist hiking boots. They're not appropriate for some terrains and weather conditions. But on the whole, I like them a lot... and so do my feet! Here's a link to a discussion of minimalist hiking boots and a review of a popular brand: Review: Xero Shoes DayLite Hiker – Do you...

Fascinating suggestion, Woody girl. I need to try that with my own Native American style flute. I'll start with A# and see if that works. I already know that my neighbors react to my flute playing. But I've become good at dodging thrown objects. :) - Woodsorrel

I guess there are downsides to learning "squirrel language." :) - Woodsorrel

That's awesome, mousey! It turns out that our innate language skills make it surprisingly easy to learn "bird language" or in this case "squirrel language." Other types of communication are harder for us to pick up on. For example, if you can see the squirrel you may notice it uses "tail...

I'm sorry to hear that, Wayland. Perhaps one day it won't be restricted. Here's the show description: Experience the natural world through the eyes of the Vikings. From the killer whales of the North Sea to the volcanic mounts of Iceland, see the deep history and cultural respect the Vikings...

Things are a bit slow so I thought I'd post a link to an article that talks about tree squirrel alarm calls. Tree squirrels are vigilant, always on the lookout for predators. They're also loudmouths! If you're tuned to what squirrels are saying, you can use it to your advantage. You can...