When it comes to wilderness preparedness, the phrase “think positive” doesn’t apply. Actually this is one time the best practice is to think negative. That is, consider all the possibilities of what could go wrong on a hike. Then using a checklist, make sure you have covered all the bases. Then you can hit the …
Chris Holmes is one of those serious outdoor lovers that eats, breathes and sleeps adventure. Chris spends most of his time choosing between snow sports, sea kayaking, and long distance trail hiking. Chris is also a connoisseur of outdoor gear and though years of putting equipment to the serious test, has come down with a …
The preceding years before Lucky Sheep started, I was experimenting with an all natural, plastic free backpacking set up. I had put together all my clothing from pieces mostly found at Goodwill. I had my clothes out of either cotton or wool, a backpack made from canvas, and even a tent made from canvas which …
Last August I got to go on a “business trip” to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is one very special place I like to go at least once per summer with the huge trees and a most pristine and wild creek called Big Creek, which isn’t too far from where I grew up …
As the body’s metabolism works throughout the night, perspiration is released as water vapor also called insensible perspiration. Synthetic fabrics trap and hold this moisture because air can’t circulate. As body heat and moisture build up, your heart rate increases, which elevates blood pressure and causes shallower sleep. At a time when you should be resting, …
Why Damp Weather Makes Us Feel Colder Our clothing keeps us warm on cool days by trapping air between our bodies and clothing. The clothing, and layer of trapped air, prevents our bodies from losing heat by convection currents, which transfer heat by circulating air like a cool breeze on a hot day. Air trapped …
Down has come to be considered the highest choice for sleeping bags. Down bags are certainly light and pack really small, but the benefits stop there. When you get the real lowdown on down, you’ll begin to see it’s not always what it seems. Down doesn’t breath so cannot regulate body temperature Down can’t take …
When I take my friends camping they are amazed at how easy I make it look. I just whip out my gear, have the tarp up and everything organized no matter the weather, and usually fall asleep about as soon as I hit the sleeping bag. I have spent many years trying to find a …
I have created a set of outdoor clothing utilizing wool and waxed cotton primarily. This gear packs into a 20 lb. base weight backpack for all year hiking and camping. I show how my natural fiber outdoor wardrobe fits into my backpack and how each article coordinates together to create an effective camping experience in …
See Part One here: In May of 1984 when I embarked on an outdoor leadership training expedition with Paul Petholdt and 21 other students in Nantahala National Forest In the Shining Rock Wilderness which was basically the backyard of the land where I grew up in Cullowhee, North Carolina. During the this six week wilderness …
Rewilding Your Outdoor Clothing: Part Two (The Shell) Read More »
