PMags.com

Spring in the Foothills

Paul Mags — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:13:10 +0000

In between the ski season and when the high country opens up is one of my favorite times of the year. Early season wildflowers bloom. The local brooks and streams are rushing with fresh snow melt. And the views of the distant mountains are wonderful. It is the time of the year to be in [...]

Book Review: I HIKE by Lawton “Disco” Grinter

Paul Mags — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:40:56 +0000

Lawton "Disco" Grinter, best known in thru-hiking circles for producing The Walkumentary, has written about his ten-thousand miles of hiking. Rather than a traditional thru-hike narrative about a journey, it is a collection of short vignettes from his many years and miles spent on the long trails. Many books about the thru-hiking experience follow [...]

The Joy of Car Camping – Base Camping for the active outdoors person

Paul Mags — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:46:34 +0000

An article on how to enjoy and prepare for car camping. This article has an emphasis on car camping with a healthy dose of outdoor activity during the day. A gear and equipment list for camping is included.

Replacement Insoles: A simple change with a big difference

Paul Mags — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:20:41 +0000

Replacing the factory insoles with something new is a trick many experienced backpackers know about. But not everyone does. Here's why it should be done. As much as I love spending all my free time outside, even I have to pay the bills. I'm in transition, but currently I am working at the occupation [...]

Gear Review: Champion C9 Clothing (Target)

Paul Mags — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:51:54 +0000

Outdoor clothing can be expensive. When a brand of clothing is that is inexpensive, functional and durable it is rare and wonderful find. And for me, the brand of clothing that fits that criteria is the Champion C9 brand found at Target. Outdoor clothing is often expensive. A synthetic t-shirt from well known outdoor [...]

Wilderness First Aid : An Ultralighter’s View

Paul Mags — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:46:47 +0000

Wilderness First Aid is a basic certification for the assessing, treating and stabilizing of a person's injuries in the backcountry. But how does the (sometimes) gear and equipment focused backcountry medicine co-exist with a more minimalist view? Here is my own take. In anticipation of assisting as a guide, I earned both my [...]

Backpacking: A Beginners Primer

Paul Mags — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:27:44 +0000

A primer I wrote for people who are on the beginners backpacking trip that I organize. Basic Backpacking Primer “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares [...]

Teton Valley – Winter Becoming Spring

Paul Mags — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:19:02 +0000

Adrianna and I had planned a ski trip to the Teton Valley and nearby areas in later March. Some Nordic backcountry in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the surrounding area was the idea.. An early spring altered our plans. But it was still a fun and relaxing trip. The trip started off [...]

Gear Review: Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Pocket Guide

Paul Mags — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:34:44 +0000

Ever spring and summer, I look forward to the wildflower display in Colorado. Starting in spring, Pasque flowers and sand lilies dot the foothills. By high summer, blue columbine and Indian Paintbrush are covering the sides of the Rockies in a riot of color. And how to identify all these flowers? I use the Rocky [...]

Shameless Plug: Guided Trip in Rocky Mountain National Park

Paul Mags — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:56:08 +0000

Interested in backpacking in Colorado and want to explore one of the least visited parts of Rocky Mountain National Park? And learn some new skills in the process? Andrew Skurka will be guiding a 3 day backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park this August and I will be assisting. Less expensive than comparable trip [...]