Sawyer Micro Squeeze Field Test
On a field test along a long stretch of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail with no potable water sources, the Sawyer Micro Squeeze proves itself a worthy backup plan
Changing a Bike Tire
Just like car tires, bicycle tires need attention because they do wear down. It's better to change it at home than out on a ride. Here's how to choose and install a new bike tire and how to fix a flat.
Backpacks
John's first backpack is now a museum piece. Sandra went through a parade of packs before settling on an Zpacks Arc Blast. Here's what we carry and why.
Choosing Gear for a Florida Trail Hike
Our detailed recommendations and reviews of the best hiking and backpacking gear for your thru-hike or section hike of the Florida Trail based on our own successful use of certain tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more.
New Primal: a tastier jerky
Lavender package. Tasty jerky. No hormones, no added sugar, paleo friendly. Date & rosemary chicken jerky from The New Primal turned out to be delicious
Tricking out a Trek
Offroad riding means a lot of bounce, especially on a washboarded limerock road like KICCO Grade. Adding trekking bars to John's mountain bike made all the difference.
Keeping the bugs off with Aringel
A botanically-based natural mosquito repellent that doesn't touch your skin, Aringel offers a different way to protect yourself against flying insects in Florida.
Xmas with Zpacks
A field trip, Florida Hikes style, to a lightweight backpacking gear manufacturer creating great products - and jobs - on Florida's Space Coast.
Hydrapak
Hydrapak has served us well as an extremely compact day pack and hydration for both hiking and bicycle rides. Whenever one of us wants to "go light," we pull the Hydrapak from our wall of packs and go.
Lightheart Gear Tents
A fan of lightweight backpacking tents (not tarps) since they first became available, my favorites are those produced by Lightheart Gear. We have two. Here's why
Hiking Sandals: Light On Your Feet
Can you go lightweight on your feet when hiking? John explains his trial and error with lightweight options and preferences for when to wear lightweight shoes and sandals
Keen Targhee II Hiking Boots
My primary boot for backpacking in Florida is the Keen Targhee II hiking boot. They are waterproof - which means they're good anywhere but in a deep swamp - and provide excellent ankle support. They look sharp enough for a wedding, too.