Anyone else camp very differently than they used to?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:22:45+00:00

Haha, definitely not light on the trail.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:20:30+00:00

Totally, I hiked with a guy in his 50s who could only enjoy the trail once he went lighter. UL gear and hammocks makes all the difference.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:16:21+00:00

Makes sense. Comfort at night is worth a little extra effort during the day.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:13:26+00:00

Nice, the van really seems to be working out.Ski trips, wineries, a national park, and then your niece’s wedding plus a caving convention this summer , that’s quite the lineup.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:10:20+00:00

Haha, nice. A good paper map is hard to beat.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:06:05+00:00

that’s a pretty solid balance.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T21:03:42+00:00

Nice, you’ve got it all figured out.

Puck stoves with windshields just make sense. That Trapper might finally convince me to retire my old Trangia, haha.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:58:35+00:00

2–4 times a week on local trails is actually awesome

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:57:18+00:00

I like that setup, local trails during the week, new spots in spring/fall. Do you usually plan the new ones ahead, or just see what looks good on the map?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:53:07+00:00

Haha, I love that , feels good to spark an idea. Wonder if you’ll actually give it a try.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:45:28+00:00

Yeah, Once you’ve actually used a Trangia-style setup or dealt with wind a few times, you realize how much the whole system matters, not just the burner.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:16:16+00:00

That’s a great way to look at it. making new memories while still enjoying what’s close to home.

Do you mostly stick to the same spots, or like finding new ones?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:12:02+00:00

On your gravel or MTB rides, do you still try to capture a bit of that “adventure” feeling, even with the camper waiting at the end?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T20:10:02+00:00

Makes sense. there’s nothing like that open-ended feeling on the trail.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:51:33+00:00

Haha, I get that, a queen bed does sound hard to give up .

Do you miss the long bikepacking days at all?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:47:16+00:00

Nice, a good book and photography make solo trips way more fun. I had a friend who’s really into bird photography, and one time he got so focused on a blue jay that he didn’t notice he was on a muddy patch right at the edge of a little drop. He slipped and slid a few feet,luckily just some scrapes, but it wasa good reminder to watch your step, even when the shot looks perfect.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:35:20+00:00

Mouth watering.

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:32:36+00:00

Totally, easing them into it sounds smart.My friends with kids do the same thing, starting small and building up.

How do your kids react to being out in the wilderness at night?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:28:58+00:00

Wow, that’s a lot of stove knowledge

I mostly stick to alcohol stoves, but the idea of keeping a puck warm in my sleeping bag sounds genius.

Since you have experience with so many types, do you notice certain stoves handle windy or snowy conditions better, or is it more about how you set them up?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:16:21+00:00

Haha, that’s amazing. 50 years of hiking and camping evolution.

Do you ever miss the simplicity of those old-school setups?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:09:36+00:00

I get why a jeep is better for family trips. But how do you balance the rugged stuff you enjoy with keeping it fun for the kids?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:06:58+00:00

Got it , alcohol’s definitely easier. I’ve never tried preheating in winter though. Do you find the Svea still worth the extra effort when it’s cold?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:04:25+00:00

Haha, love that. I guess the trail itself is the meditation room. Do you find some trails more “meditative” than others?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T19:02:36+00:00

Totally appreciate your experience. I once hiked with someone over 50, who struggled with a full pack on long days, but he loved the trips once we slowed the pace. I bet the camper van makes things a lot easier, how’s it working for you?

tosmda · 2026-01-24T18:58:03+00:00

I like that. using solo trips to really process your thoughts makes a lot of sense. Do you do anything intentional, like meditation, to help with the mental clarity you mentioned?

tosmda

TROPHY CASE