Category Archives: Beginner Series

Darn Tough Socks. Are they REALLY “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life”? A personal experience.

Posted on March 2, 2023 by jnunniv

Before I get into my unsolicited review of Darn Tough Socks, let me tell you a story about a younger and less experienced version of myself. When I first got into backpacking and hiking, I went and spent a lot … Continue reading →

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New Day Pack – ALPS Mountaineering Baja 20 Review

Posted on February 21, 2023 by jnunniv

After using the same daypack for approximately 10 years, it was time for a new one. On my old day pack, the elastic on the side pockets had worn out, so every time I bent over, my water bottles would … Continue reading →

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Updated (again) Water Filter System

Posted on February 13, 2023 by jnunniv

My water filter system has been improved and simplified. Again. Here is what what I have have been been using for the past couple of years. I don’t know what I would change EXCEPT bringing the backflush syringe for longer … Continue reading →

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How I quickly set up my hammock tarp

Posted on October 11, 2021 by jnunniv

In this video, I demonstrate how I quickly set up my hammock tarp. Here is a list of the items discussed in this video: Tarp: Hammock Gear standard tarp with doors (camo): https://hammockgear.com/dyneema-fiber-standard-tarp-with-doors/ Dutch hook (used on one end of … Continue reading →

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How to put in higher mileage days when backpacking

Posted on February 26, 2020 by jnunniv

I will never set a speed record for long distance hiking, but I am always looking for ways to improve my overall hiking speed. I will share a few of the things I have learned in my years of backpacking … Continue reading →

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“Going to ground” from a hammock when backpacking

Posted on January 13, 2020 by jnunniv

Recently, there have been several post in blogs and forums about “going to ground” from a hammock. If unfamiliar with this concept, it is the idea to go from hanging in a hammock to sleeping on the ground. Most often … Continue reading →

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Track my progress real-time on my SPOT GPS Messenger

Posted on October 4, 2019 by jnunniv

I’m leaving tomorrow (10/5/2019) morning to drive to Elkmont, Tennessee and begin a 4 day, 35 mile backpacking trip. To show how a SPOT GPS Messenger works, I am sharing my public page where you can track my progress. There … Continue reading →

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My personal backpack packing list/weight planning spreadsheet

Posted on October 4, 2019 by jnunniv

I love a good spreadsheet. Here is the one I’m currently using. It does graphs, percentages, and lots of things you may not need. This information is actually my packing list for a trip I leave on tomorrow to the … Continue reading →

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What I wished I knew before I starting backpacking and hiking, but didn’t…. Part 9: Liquids and Liquid Management

Posted on April 14, 2019 by jnunniv

This is the 9th part of a series. Today is a double post day! What to drink on the trail and how much water do you carry? This largely depends on where you hike but I will say that hydration … Continue reading →

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What I wished I knew before I starting backpacking and hiking, but didn’t…. Part 8: First Aid Kit (FAK)