musings of Jesus's disciple, redeemed sinner, adoring son
Outdoors
Grand Tetons from Yellowstone National Park
If you have been around us for any amount of time, you’ll know that we love to go outdoors. I hope you’ll enjoy the breakdown of gear and locations. I have this page broken down into camping, which is basically car camping where it’s for comfort and being in a single location for a number of days. And backpacking, which is where we carry all of our gear on our backs and travel from place to place. Enjoy our memories at the bottom of this page!
We are a 5 person family, plus a doggie. When car camping that means lots of stuff and supplies. We got this Ozark Trail 10 person tent around December of 2011. We have used it a number of times and find it still suits our needs. At 10’x20’, its huge, a ton of space, and is actually not made anymore. So we will continue with this until we need to replace our base camp or car camping tent.
Sleep System
Depending on how long we will be using our huge tent and temperatures overnight, etc…we have a number of options for sleeping. Momma and I have large cots, which I will get pics of and names for you on our next trip in January 2022.
Cooking
Most cooking when we base camp is done on a Coleman 2 burner propane stove. We do however utilize grills in campgrounds for cooking when available.
Headlamps
I use a Black Diamond Storm headlamp Jen uses a Black Diamond headlamp similar to this oneBennett and Corbin each use one of these affordable but very strong Energizer headlamps
Locations
2021
July
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Canyon, TX
Timberline Campground Jefferson,CO
Lowry Campground Dillon, CO
Copper Breaks State Park Quanah, TX
August
Inks Lake State Park Buchanan Dam, TX
October
Pedernales Falls State Park Johnson City, TX
2022
January
Backyard Campout Spring, TX
April
Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park, CO
Great Sand Dunes National Park Mosca, CO
Palo Duro Canyon Canyon, TX
June
Garner State Park Concan, TX
Grand Tetons in Alta, WY
Backpacking
If you’re interested in getting started or are a seasoned veteran, please feel free to ask questions or even check in to see if you can join us on a trip! It takes years to build up the gear inventory and a good bit of monetary investment. Don’t sweat that. Don’t let those things be the reason you don’t get started. Just go for it!
Backpacks
I’m currently using the Gregory Baltoro 65 liter pack. This is not an ultralight backpack but it is very sturdy. I chose it for personal comfort as well as its many user friendly features. I could go to a lighter pack but I risk damaging it quicker or it not carrying my weight load as comfortably. L5lbs 2.24ozJen is using the Gregory Deva 60 liter backpack. Bennett is currently using the Gregrory Wanderer backpackCorbin us using this Gregory Jade 38 liter backpack that we got at an REI garage sale for 75% offDavis is currently using this Camelbak 14 liter backpack with hydration bladder
Shelter
We have a few different tents used by different family members depending on who is backpacking and for how long.
We recently upgraded our backpacking tent to the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 with the footprint. This one is much much lighter than our previous backpacking tent and allows me to carry the entire tent system while Jen can carry the cooking system…lightening both of our loads. 3lbs 6ozWe had been using the Magellan Gallivant 2P. We love the tent, it has a super large vestibule where an additional person and gear can also stay. Unfortunately it’s heavier than we would like although much lighter than our base camp tent. At 7lbs 9oz total, it had to be split between Jen and I to share the load.The boys each have one of these Magellan Arrowhead 1P tents. They are affordable, light enough and large enough. At 4lbs 4oz it is lighter than the Magellan 2P tent but still not an ultralight option.Bennett recently got the Kelty Late Start 1P tent to replace his Arrowhead. This tent weighs in at a svelte 3lbs 12 oz it is about a half pound lighter but packs down considerably smaller and has a vestibule for exterior gear storage. Definitely an upgrade.
Sleep System
Each of us has a slightly different sleep system for backpacking. And honesty it changes in cooler or warmer weather as well.
Each of us has one of these PIDO “z pad” style foam pads with us each trip. They are 24”x72” and help make that thermal break between the ground and the sleeping air mattress. Furthermore, we use them as camp chairs, laying out to look at the stars, etc. At 8.3 oz it makes a huge difference when sleeping out on the trail.Jennifer is using the Nemo Tensor Insulated Regular Mummy sleeping mattress. 14.5oz and 72″ x 20″ x 3″Bennett is using the Nemo Tensor Regular Mummy sleeping mattress. 12.9oz and 72″ x 20″ x 3″Corbin are rocking the Riptide Origins sleeping mattress. 15.1ozI am currently loving my warm season sleeping mattress. It’s the Klymit Static V Luxe. At 76”x30”x3” and 1lb 10.8oz it’s my go to for overnights anytime.
My cool season sleeping mattress is the Nemo Tensor Insulated Long/Wide. At 1lb 5oz and 76″ x 25″ x 3′ it works magnificently.
Since I use my sleeping bags like quilts, I actually have this sleeping mattress cover as my fitted sheet. The Klymit V Sheet for both of my sleeping pads. It also has a pocket which holds my pillow in place. 15.6oz Also, during warmer weather, Jen will put her sleeping mattress cover on hers and use her lightweight sleeping bag as a quilt or even a fleece blanket. 5.6ozJen is currently rocking this Nemo Fillo pillow and loving it. 9.2ozBennett and Corbin are both using this Nemo Fillo pillow. 9.2ozI, being twice to triple the size of anyone else in my family, and using the Nemo Fillo Luxury pillow as it is the larger version. Again, I love it as well! 12.5ozI am currently using the Outdoor Vitals Atlas 15° for my cold weather bag. It weighs 3lbs 2.9oz, which is a cold weather weight worth carrying. I actually use this like a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. That way I can side and stomach sleep with it still over me. I can do this because this sleeping bag actually zips up the middle, and that way I can leave it unzipped and have material all around me.Jen recently upgraded her cold weather sleeping bag to the Nemo Disco 15°. She recently slept in it at 39° and said she almost got hot. At 2lbs 15oz it is a no brainer for her cold weather sleep system.Bennett recently upgraded his cold weather sleeping bag to the Kelty Cosmic 20° synthetic. He used it down to 39° already and slept almost sweaty. At 2lbs 13oz it’s a cold weather necessity.Our warm season sleeping bags are the Kelty Rambler 50°. Super affordable and they pack down very small for loadout. Weighing in at 2lbs 7.3oz they aren’t ultralight but they do squeeze down nicely.
Cooking
I got the Soto backpacking stove kit on sale at REI for about $25 and have loved it. The Soto 750 mL pot is super for our needs while the lid is actually my coffee cup. Everything ticks neatly inside and then fits into the convenient mesh carrying bag. I purposefully use the 4 season isobutane/propane fuel since I never know if we will be at altitude or in cold weather when we are backpacking. Jet oil brand pictured but any will work.
Footwear
I started backpacking and hiking again back in 2018. At that time i knew my ankles and feet were not broken into trail conditions. I opted for a hiking boot instead of a trail runner at that time. From the moment I put on the Vasque Breeze 3.0 GT, they felt broken in already and I never looked back. Now, these are very sturdy and overall very comfortable, but they are heavy. I have since gotten my trail ankles and trail feet again, I have switched to trail runners which dry out quicker and are lighter weight.The trail runners I switched to are the Merrill Meru. I love these things. I’ve dunked them accidentally in water to my knee or waist twice and they dry out overnight. They are much lighter as well. The only thing I will say is that they don’t maintain super reaction on damp or wet large rocks. Other than that they are super grippy. Jen had also started back using her new Vasque hiking boots. However, during her proceeding few mints she realized that she has super flat feet. She has been rehabilitating and training her ankles and arches and has actually switched to the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. She doesn’t have any problems now!The boys are all rocking the ASICS Gel-Venture 8 trail runners
Gear
Below is an assortment of other gear we use backspacing. Check it out!
We each have a Kammock Roo Single, with Python Straps to attach to trees. 1lb 2ozWe used the Katadyn Hiker hand pump filter system for quite awhile until we switched to the Sawyer Squeeze system. I found out that the Hiker Pro replacement filters are better than the original. I also hacked my system by installing a one way 1/4” check valve on the intake hose and now I have zero loss of water on my discharge stroke.At 5.5″ x 1.9″ and 2.5oz it filters water like a champion!
Locations
2021
February
Lone Star Trail- 16 miles Richards, TX
March
Lone Star Trail- 16 miles Richards, TX
April
Lone Star Trail- 16 miles Richards, TX
November
Lost Maples State Natural Area- 16 miles Vanderpool, TX
Good Water Loop-Lake Georgetown- 27 miles Georgetown, TX
December
Pedernales Falls State Park- 6 miles Johnson City, TX
2022
March
Lone Star Trail- 106.7 miles Richards, TX
April
Rocky Mountain National Park-
Hiking
Gear
I’m currently using the Osprey Daylite-Plus 20 liter daypack/hiking backpackJen is using the Osprey Daylite 20 liter daypack/hiking backpack Beesly uses the Ruffwear Fromt Range Day Pack at 18.5 liters. Just let her carry snacks, collapsible water bowl and 2 half liter bottles during day hikes. On backpacking trips she carries some of her food and her tie-off lead
Locations
2021
April
Spring Creek Nature Trail- 3 miles The Woodlands, TX
May
Spring Creek Nature Trail- 2.4 miles The Woodlands, TX
Neighborhood Hike- 1.3 miles Spring, TX
Cypresswood Trails- 5 miles Spring, TX
Spring Creek Nature Trail- 2.5 miles The Woodlands, TX
June
Spring Creek Nature Trail- 2.8 miles The Woodlands, TX
July
Kenosha Pass- Continental Divide Trail- 2 miles Jefferson, CO
November
Neighborhood Hike- 3 miles Spring, TX
December
Cypresswood Trails- 3 miles Spring, TX
Rob Fleming Trail- 2 miles The Woodlands, TX
2022
January
Cypresswood Trails- 3 miles Spring, TX
Cypresswood Trails- 4 miles Spring, TX
Cypresswood Trails- 3 miles Spring, TX
June
Spring Creek Greenway- 5 miles Spring, TX
Cypresswood Trails- 4 miles Spring, TX
September
Cypresswood Trails- 4 miles Spring, TX
Pics
A coyote in the fogPalo Duro Canyon State ParkCypresswood TrailsTwin Falls at Pedernales Falls State ParkGoodwater Loop around Lake Georgetown Jen on our cliff campsite overlooking the North San Gabriel RiverMy forever tent mateSabinal River overlookLost Maples State Natural Area Blue Lakes near Breckenridge, COKenosha Pass On the Continental Divide Trail in Jefferson, COTimberline Campground in Jefferson, COLighthouse Rock in Palo Duro Canyon State ParkSpring Creek Nature TrailLone Star Trail Cypresswood Trails with some guest hikers
Videos
Enjoy our adventures!
Continental Divide Dillon, Colorado July 2021
Frisco and Dillon Colorado July 2021
Breckenridge July 2021
High Plains Fairplay, Colorado July 2021
Continental Divide Trail- Kenosha Pass and Jefferson, Colorado July 2021
Palo Duro Canyon July 2021
Eagle Rock Loop- Ouchita National Forest- Big Fork, Arkansas- October 2022
