Short-term, low-risk outings are ideal for discovering the optimal applications for and extreme limitations of gear, supplies, and skills. If the test succeeds, the lessons can be integrated into longer and riskier itineraries; if the test fails, at least the misery was short-lived and non-consequential. This past year I used such opportunities — specifically my intro-level…

Hammocks are a great alternative to camping on the ground in a tent. You don't have to worry about f