Featured
Klean Kanteen Review
I've had my Klean Kanteen Wide 40 oz. single wall water bottle since 2008. It's not sexy, it's not expensive, and it's not the item that most gear heads would ever brag about. But it is reliable, durable, and trustworthy. Exactly what you want in a backpacking partner. Of all of the backpacking and camping gear that I have bought and used over the last thirty years, I can easily say that my Klean Kanteen has been the most used, most reliable, and best value of all. When I first purchased it, I was looking for a water bottle for winter camping. I wanted a bottle that I could melt snow in as well as to store water. Most people will melt snow in one of their cooking pots. This is fine but why not use another vessel separate from the cooking gear? It seemed like a simpler solution with…
Backpacking
Klean Kanteen Review
I've had my Klean Kanteen Wide 40 oz. single wall water bottle since 2008. It's not sexy, it's not expensive, and it's not the item that most gear heads would ever brag about. But it is reliable, durable, and trustworthy.…
Camping on South Manitou Island
South Manitou island is located in Lake Michigan about seven miles from Leland, Michigan and is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was once inhabited and home to farming and logging and was an essential re-fueling stop…
Ghosts and Hauntings of South Manitou Island
I was waiting at the dock on North Manitou Island waiting for the ferry to take me back to the mainland when I overheard a conversation between two national park rangers. They were talking in hushed tones about how, the…
Cycling
Searching For the Perfect Mountain Bike Grip
Handlebar grips serve two main functions: comfort and control. Both functions are closely related to each other. A well-designed handlebar grip provides sufficient friction to prevent your hand from slipping. The surface should also allow for easy changes in…
Three Foot Passing Laws and Mutual Respect
Recently a Facebook group member posted an angry response to how bike clothing manufacturer, VOmax Apparel responded to a comment on one of their Facebook ads. This particular group is a private group for former cycling industry members. The member…
Tom Ritchey Road Logic Review
Tom Ritchey is best known for building mountain bikes and mountain bike components. He was at the birth of mountain biking way back in the 70's. Tom however also has a lengthy history in road bikes. After all, Tom…
Kayaking
Beaver Island Water Trail
Beaver Island is an amazing sea kayak destination. With the addition of the new Beaver Island Water Trail, it just gets better! It’s rather special to me since it is where I had my first sea kayak lessons. Being…
Upcoming 2020 Michigan Kayak Symposiums
Symposiums are a great way to learn kayaking skills. Taught by experienced paddlers, typically, ACA or BCU certified coaches; one can learn an incredible amount of useful information in a fun, safe, hands-on environment. 31st Annual WMCKA Symposium Montague, MI…
NRS Freestyle Wetshoe Review
My Valley Nordkapp RM has little spare room for big feet. In the summer, this hasn’t been too much of a problem but during dry suit season, finding footwear that can accommodate the extra bulk of socks and the dry…
