Author: DaveC
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The Yellowstone Grizzly: Free at last?
A not-GYE Grizz. This past week the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) met in Missoula, and recommended that the Grizzly be delisted from the endangered species act in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It is at once a small step and a big deal. This latest report (linked to here) primarily concerned the effects of continued…
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An open letter to 2014 CDT Thru-Hikers
With the quietest time of the year upon us, many capital H hikers are contemplating their 2014 plans, and rightfully so. If recent trends are any indication, a record number of such people will attempt to hike the CDT next year. If that is you, allow me to share some intemperate thoughts. The north side…
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Why Duck Dynasty is good for America
It’s hard to like Duck Dynasty right now. I try to ignore American commercialism as much as is humanly possible, but we’re halfway into the six weeks when that is just not possible. I was in Cabelas yesterday, and the only thing missing in their branding empire was ammo (which seems like a serious oversight). …
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That’s not a review
The internet makes experts of all, that much is certain. What is less so is how to know which items are worth the time they take to read. Just going for a walk has become “gear testing.” This should be condemned for two reasons. First, it’s bullshit. Second, it supports the talking before doing acquisitionalism…
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Minimalist Footwear in Technical Terrain
File this one under ideology: a revised and expanded version of my earlier post on the subject just went up on Toe Salad.
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How to make a light pack (610 pack, version 2)
I needed a new pack. I always needed a new pack. The original 610 was a great size, but the torso was a bit too short, and I wanted more flexibility with regards to load size, features, and suspension. I weighed the Tamarisk the other week, and was surprised that even with all that burly…
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The Cold and the Darkness
It is cold outside. Barring this morning, it’s barely been above zero for four days. The sun rises at 8 and sets at 430, but twilight lingers until 10 and starts at 3. Saturday morning I woke up and the webcam over in St. Mary read -78F. Probably a technical error, but nonetheless impressive. I…
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Havalon Piranta review
This one is pretty simple. The Piranta is a light (1.4 oz with blade installed, .15 ounces for each additional blade in the wrapper) folding knife which takes removable, replaceable blades. The blades are thin, and very sharp. I’m far from a knife expert, but I like to think I know what I’m doing. I…
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2013 big game season in review
Big game season is over for 2013. The final tally: 1 deer, 1 turkey, a bunch of smaller stuff, and many good days in the field. For Thanksgiving, and a last attempt on elk, M and I headed east for the plains along the foot of the Bob Marshall. Well into the first day out…
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2013 B&P Holiday Gift guide: An Island
Islands comes in many different forms. What they have in common is also their primary virtues: isolation from everyday life, and time alone with something new. When it comes to backpacking, Isle Royale is my favorite island. Getting out into the center of Lake Superior is a costly nuisance, which is how traveling to an…
Bedrock & Paradox 
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