One of the best parts of heading to the beach here in Oregon is walking through the ‘Mom and Pop’ shops. Little art galleries, home-made crafts and unique items flavored for the coast. It doesnt matter if it’s the beach or the mountain, Central Oregon, or the little town I live in, you are sure to find that store that just has that touch that makes you feel at home.
Cottage Industries have long been a tradition in America. The “Mom and Pop” shop whether it is a local hardware store or nick nacks people are out there and have talent and skill and have turned those talents and skills into a business. Often times these cottage industries are over looked unless you are in a touristy section of an attraction destination, like the coast.
The internet has become a wonderful place to see the American cottage industry at it’s finest. You can buy and sell almost anything on the internet and if you are one of those that have the skill and talent and know how… well your cottage store can do well… once again though, most of these internet cottage outlets are also overlooked by people afraid to shop online or the limited advertising inherent in the internet.
Lately I have been turned on to a hand full of great cottage industry outlets on the net. Specific to the world of backpacking and in particular hammock camping. And by the nature of most hammock campers.. lighter weight camping.
What I have found is that the customer service is 100% better than what you get in the big ‘chain’ stores and while I may pay just a tad bit more, the quality is second to none.
Two years ago I bought my hammock from a fellow in Boulder Colorado. He has made his niche in the internet cottage industry with a company called Warbonnet Outdoors. They handcraft a number of hammocks, tarps, top and bottom quilts, and other accessories for hammock camping. The guys name is Brandon, and he actually answers the phone when you call with a question.
After my purchase from Warbonnet, I started looking into other backpacking business’s on the net. I came across a great site of multiple cottage industry stores that specialize in backpacking. Outdoor Trail gear.com is the host to a couple really neat online stores. There is a guy named Dutch there that sells ultra lightweight hammock and tarp suspension hardware and accessories. Then there is Butt in a sling, they make light weight hammocks and accessories. If you are looking for a good alcohol stove, Smokeeatter908 has machine tooled stoves that really do the job. He also has cook gear for the backpacker looking to shave weight.
Jacks R Better is an online store for shelter, quilts, and other essentials. They are a great company started by two retired Army guys… so they must be good.
If you are really looking for the ultimate weight savings you need to visit zpacks.com. They are there to help you shave grams from your pack and they do it with high quality, state of the art, super light materials.
I just got an order in from them today and I can’t wait to see the weight savings in my pack. Once again when you are looking for quality craftsmanship and outstanding customer service these online stores are the place to shop.
Recently I placed an order for an underquilt for my hammock. I went to a site called Hammockgear.com. I had some questions so I called the phone number listed on the web site. A man named Adam answered the phone. Him and his wife own, operate, sew, take orders, raise kids, answer the phones, emails, and maintain the web site. And they turn out one of the leading quilts in the industry. Adam spent about a 1/2 hour on the phone with me, first we talked a bit about my order, then we spent the rest of the time talking about backpacking in the Northwest. I really felt great about spending my money with him.
I guess the point of all of this is like I discussed in yesterday’s post on Scouting Blogs. There are people out there with talent, skill, and passion for what they do and we need to support them.
My need to seek information, skills, and gear for backpacking has led me to the cottage industries on the internet where I am finding great products and outstanding people who provide customer service. I could just head to the nearest REI and hope they have what I want, or I can get exactly what I want from people the make it, test it, use it, and sell it.
Find your niche and see if there is an online resource for it by way of a cottage store.. the online ‘Mom and Pop’ shop.
I am sure you will find that they will not disappoint.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Category Archives: camp skills
Year in Review
It’s that time of the year when we all take a look back at our year and take stock in what we have learned, what we accomplished, and what we look forward to in the coming year. It is also that time of the year that all the “Lists” come out and WordPress sends us bloggers our report card.
So lets start with that. The blog is doing very well and it is all because of you the reader/viewer. Now I don’t claim to understand how blogs are rated and ranked, and I don’t know where the Scoutmasterminute.net rates among the really big blogs out there. I guess deep down inside I wish the blog was massive and only because then the world would see our Scouting world in the light in which we want it to be seen. I surf around at some of the blogs out there that are truly about nothing and see that they have thousands of followers, get millions of hits, and have what I consider sub par content. Scouting blogs seem to not get the views it should.
Resolve this coming year to tell a friend about a Scouting blog. It doesn’t have to be this one, but pick one. There are great Scouting blogs out there.
You can start with Bryan on Scouting. The official Blog of the BSA (Scouting Magazine). In typical well produced fashion the BSA has a nice product in this blog. I like that it is pretty interactive and does a nice job of telling Scouting’s story.
Then you need to check out the blogs of my Scouting friends. Scouter Adam for the Cub Scout folks out there, mixes up his personal touch as well as telling a great Scouting story. A stop in at the Boy Scout Trial is a nice site for resources, stories, and fun stuff. No list of Scouting blogs could be complete without Clarke Green’s Blog. That is a site that every Scouter should have bookmarked and visit often. Doug Metz has a nice blog out there also. I wish he would put more out there. He has a great story and I love to hear about his journey. Bobwhites Blather is another good site. I like blogs that stay current, are on topic, have fun, and speak to not only their Scouting world, but the writers other interests also.
I could list site after site that I am sure do not get enough visits and would love to see more. You can get a great idea of the Scouting blogs that are out there by visiting my friend Gregg’s Half Eagle.com. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to the guy that pretty much got me interested and encouraged me to keep it going. Steve. His Blog has been out there for a long time. Steve has a unique take on Scouting from the perspective of a small town and small troop that has been there and done that. Steve was a Scoutmaster for 30 years and just can’t walk away. And for that we are all better.
If I left you off the list it is not intended to slight you or say that you do not have a great story. The list I just named was pretty much in the order they appear on my favorites list.. which is pretty random at best. There are great blogs out there.. but google Scouting blogs and see what you get. We need to be up on the top of that list.
The point is we need to get better at supporting one another. We need to tell Scouting’s story and get Scouting out front in a positive light.
Today I did receive my “Year in review” from WordPress. They give an option to share, but the numbers really do not mean anything unless they are placed in context. So I thought I would share, but in the context of you the great reader.
This blog was visited 52,000 times this last year. That to me is pretty darn good. But once again, I think it is to the Choir that we preach. And yep, the Choir needs to hear the sermon, but telling Scouting’s story and sharing tips and tricks for the trail is something that I want more to see. Believe me when I say that my ego does not this blog. I do it cause I like it and it is helping I am sure. In some small way 52,000 views lended a hand in someones Scouting life or life as a camper.
I was surprised to see that I only posted (as of yesterday) 133 new posts to the blog. And then upon further review I noticed that there were some real thin months for blogging out there.
So for 2013 I resolve to write more and post more to the blog.
2013 saw a major increase in feedback to the blog also and I want to thank everyone that made a contribution to the conversation. I especially want to thank Allan Green. Allan was the top contributor to the blog, lending his comments and feedback more than anyone else. Thanks Allan. Send me your address and I have something for you.
This year in Scouting for me took me to Philmont. Scouting’s paradise and I fell in love with the trails, the mountains, the canyon country that is the Sange de Christo range. The trip to Philmont for me was extremely special in many ways. Taking 2 crews from our Troop on an adventure of that magnitude was a challenge and an experience of a life time. It was not a once in a life time adventure, but a mountain top experience that touched me spiritually, physically, and mentally. I got to see the very best in Scouts and Scouting while watching our crew grow and develop and have a lot of fun. Philmont was the Scouting high light of the year for me.
Our grew again this year, and we lost some boys along the way. But in the end, the program got stronger and the Scouts got better. Youth leadership met many challenges this year and came out better for it. With a great plan going into 2013 I look forward to the many adventures that lay ahead.
Personally I grew this year. My relationships and my friendships are stronger.
And then there is the obsession with my backpack.
I have set a goal to reduce volume and weight from my pack. This is going to be a lengthy project and one that I will have fun doing. Playing with gear, testing new items and ideas and developing a lighter philosophy when it comes to hitting the trail. I look forward to that and sharing that with you here on the blog.
2012 was a good year. 2013 is going to be better.
Resolve to make changes in your life. Resolve to make your world better, your self better, and those around you better.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
More Scouting Blogs that I failed to add to the post:
Scouter Mom’s Blog
Scoutmaster Shawn’s Blog
Phil Pecks blog
Nick from across the pond
Bryan Spellman’s blog
John Scout
Arlen Ward.com
Kevin Devin’s Blog of his interest!
And there are a bunch more.. make sure you visit them. Hit the like button and share them!
Sunday Mornin’ Coffee 12-30
Hey everyone, this week we try out the Taster’s Choice instant (singles). It turned out to be a good cup of coffee and the price can not be beat.
We are introducing a new segment to the video and blog this week also.. 52 ways I’m shaving weight in my pack. I need to come up with a better name for that… but I will be sharing the ways in which I am lightening the weight and volume of my pack in an effort to get to my target base weight of 16 lbs. I think that is doable and if I get shave more.. well all the better.
This weeks weight saving came from ordering new stuff sacks from zpacks.com. I found it amazing how heavy my old stuff sacks are. And now that I see how every ounce adds up, this order will make a big difference in my pack weight.
Enjoy the video, leave your comments, suggestions, and questions either here on the blog, at the YouTube Channel, or send me an email.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
My First Aid Kit
A few weeks ago I showed my First Aid Kit while drinking coffee from the hammock. I have since received multiple emails asking for a break down of what is in my First Aid kit. Well.. here you go.
Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment here on the blog.
If you click on the video and open it up in YouTube, please subscribe to the channel and show us some YouTube love!
FYI… for those of you counting the ounces… The First Aid kit weighs 8.7 oz.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Packit Gourmet
Hey folks.. THIS IS AN UNSOLICITED Blog post about perhaps my favorite of the packaged “Just add water” meals.
Packitgourmet.com makes some fantastic food for backpacking or for those of you that are getting ready for a zombie attack.. I suppose you can add this to your preper stock.
But seriously, I order from Packit Gourmet frequently and enjoy their meals. They are hearty, great tasting, and pretty inexpensive compared to some of the name brands that you may find at your local outfitter.
The customer service at Packit gourmet is fantastic and they are great at answering questions, getting your order to you on time and following up with any issue you may have… I promise it won’t be with the food.
For Scout units, the pot is even sweeter… Sign your unit up and you can let your Scouts reap the benefits of great meals and financial savings.. on the food that is.
When you sign your unit up for the Scout Discount, you and your Scouts can save 15% on every purchase.. and that’s not a one time thing. Every Purchase! You don’t have to order as a unit, you don’t have to order a specific amount and no you are limited to a few of the meal selections. The store is open to you and you get the discount every time you order.
Look for a video review of my favorite meal from Packit Gourmet coming real soon here to the blog!
This is from the Packit gourmet website… I encourage you to head over there and check it out.
All About Scouts!
Recently read about Packit Gourmet in Scouting Magazine? Looking for more information?
Check out our Scouting Resources area for information on our Scout Partnerships (15% off for all scout troops!), articles, helpful links and more.
Plus, be sure to request some of our free Packit Postcards for your next meeting which include a coupon code for a free Austintacious Tortilla Soup – yum!
Again.. I get nothing for this.. I wish I did, I mean.. heck, I’d love for Packit Gourmet to throw some meals my way.. but nope.. I am just passing on this great deal for all of my Scouter friends. If you are not a Scouter get on over to Packit Gourmet anyway and see why Packit Gourmet wins Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Choice awards!
Enjoy the great food on the trail!
Have a Great Scouting Day
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Sunday Mornin’ Coffee 12-23
Well it’s another Sunday and we made it past yet another Apocalypse.. So that means it’s time for Coffee with Scoutmaster Jerry.
This week we take a little trip to a local State Park and brew up a cup of coffee and chat about gear.
This weeks gear review is the SPOT communicator.
I also talk a bit about the future of the SMMPodcast and where I want to take the videos in the next year.
The video this week is a tad bit long, but I hope you bare with me. Get a cup a joe and sit back and relax and enjoy the video.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Sunday Mornin’ Coffee – Starbucks
This morning took a little walk in a local park on the Sandy River and had a great cup of coffee..
Enjoy this weeks Sunday Morning Coffee as we try our Starbucks Medium Breakfast Blend brewed up using a French Press.
As always, keep your comments and suggestions coming. I’m still looking for the perfect cup of joe.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Winter Camping Leadership Tool box
*** EDIT NOTE: This post was scheduled for today (12-14-12). I contemplated ”pulling it” in light of the tragic events that have shaken us in Connecticut. Our hearts go out to those families. The reason I did not ”pull” this post is simply this.. We must go on. I am sorry about the devastating events of today, but as our thoughts and prayers flow to those victims, we can not live in fear and can not let the actions of a few dictate how we live our lives.
I am sorry if this is ‘too soon’.. but this coming Monday our Troop will still meet and we will be getting ready for not only Winter Camping, but Troop Junior Leader Training and we will go on.
God Bless. ***
Winter camping is like no other camping. It requires skills, smarts, and the right attitude. It also requires strong leadership. Leaders that accept responsibility and leaders that understand that the group comes before the individual. In my Troop Training for winter camping is a significant part of the process. We make certain rules on participation in winter camping events such as; You must participate in the 4 meetings that lead up to the camp out. This way you get all the necessary training. This is important as your buddy is counting on you to be there, understand what he is looking for, and is a part of the team when it comes to the in camp routines that are unique to winter camping.
A lack of discipline will also get a Scout “Uninvited” to a winter outing. There is no room for a lack of discipline when it comes to camping in cold weather and high risk activities.
Part of the training that our Scouts receive are from the older Scouts. They are given the training and the tools to ensure that proper training is being conducted. I have given them the following to add to their Leadership Tool box. The following is directed at the Leader and speaks directly to them so they can properly set the example, train their Patrol’s and have a great winter camping experience.
You are welcome to all of this information, feel free to copy and paste. If you have questions, please feel free to ask. You can always send an email or drop a note in the comments section.
Here are some items for a leader to have in his tool box for camping in the winter.
1. The right attitude. You must demonstrate a positive attitude in the winter. The people following you depend on it. As you go with you attitude, those that follow you will go.
2. Be an example of right. The leader must possess the skills and attitudes that make winter camping successful. The leader must demonstrate those skills and teach others to use them. The leader can not take short cuts and look the other way. The leader must set an example by doing the right thing.
3. Skills. There is a list of skills that make up a good winter camper. Here are some that the leader must use and teach.
Gear- use the right gear and use it properly. More importantly taking the right gear with you and packing it right. Every item in the pack or SECURED to the outside and covered with a pack cover.
Staying dry. – Wet kills in the winter.
In camp routines. Camp set up.
Getting in and out the tent without dragging snow in.
Storing gear. Everything stays packed unless needed.
Gathering and “Making” water.
Gathering fire wood and making the fire.
Setting up camp. Looking for best placement of tents/shelters. No widow makers. Building up snow walls. Cooking areas. Designated BIO area.
Anchoring of tents/shelters.
Morning routines. Get up and cook right away. Get things cleaned and stored. Pack un used gear. Hang anything that is damp to dry.
Cooking. Have a plan.
Store food in bags in order they will be eaten.
Repackage meals to reduce trash.
Hot meals always
3 good hot meals and lots of snacks.
Hot beverages
Clean up as you go and never leave dirty dishes lying around.
Pack it all out. Do not dump uneaten food in the snow.
Just because you can bury it does not mean it is right.
Monitor water use and stay ahead.
Watch fuel consumption. No flame without a pot on it. NO empty pots.
Don’t be lazy. Cook and eat well.
Sleeping. Dry equals warm. Stay out of wind and wet and you will stay dry and warm. Open your sleeping bag as soon as your tent is set up. Get the loft going. Make sure to have insulation under you. Closed cell pads work great in the winter. An extra blanket works too when used with a pad. If nothing else your jacket should go between you and the pad or under your feet.
Your boots go in the tent and under your sleeping bag (foot end). Do not wear anything wet to bed. Change your socks and clothing before you go to bed if you are wet. ALWAYS change your socks before you get in your sleeping bag.
Avoid condensation in your sleeping bag. Wear a hat and keep your face out of the bag. Short guys. Fold unused portion of sleeping bag under you.
Take a trip to the pee tree before you go to bed. Relieve yourself and then get comfortable. You do not want to hold it till morning. You won’t sleep and you won’t stay warm.
4. Be a Good example. Yes, we say it twice. This will get you farther as a leader than anything else in the cold weather. If you do things right and maintain a positive attitude, those that follow you will to.
IMPORTANT. Leaders are responsible. You are the last ones in the sleeping bag after everyone is checked. You are the last ones to eat or eat before the rest. This way you can check, assist, monitor the rest as they prepare and eat.
Leaders. You are the key to success. You have been given the responsibility to teach and coach. Use it.
Build your tool box. Fill it with those things that make you a great leader and you will be. Collective knowledge and a willingness to learn, practice, and share is the success of all leaders.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Sunday Coffee – Folgers Breakfast Blend
Well, it’s Sunday, so I’m sharing another reader suggested coffee. This week it’s the Folders Fresh Breaks Breakfast Blend.
I found this coffee to be tasty and easy. It comes in the little single serving packets that do not take up space in the pack and the price is pretty good. About $4 for 8 servings.
We also talk a bit about my first aid kit.
Teresa joins me out in the yard for a cup of coco.
Send me more of your suggestions, either leave a comment here or shoot me an email. tbirdironchef@gmail.com
Enjoy the video.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
More tips of shaving weight
In our last post we talked about getting weight down by looking at the pack you are carrying. That is an important part of the process of getting your base weight down.. so now lets talk about ways that you can shave weight on the stuff you put in side.
1. Make lists. Make a spreadsheet or list of everything that you have. Weigh every piece of gear. Now, I am no gram weenie and the thought of looking that close at gear at first was just plain wrong, but then I noticed how quickly ounces add up.
2. Prioritize your list of needs and wants. What do you need and what do you just want to have out there. Some folks think that they need something, but then learn that it really was just a want. Look closely at your gear. One thing that I do is after each outing I dump my pack, clean and dry everything and then lay it all out. If I did not use a piece of gear I assess whether I want it in my pack or I need it my pack. A first aid kit is a need even though it may never get used (hopefully). I have found that in most cases if I did not use a piece of gear on one outing, I probably won’t use it on the next.
3. Look at your seasonal gear. I store my winter gear in a separate tub. I pull it out when needed and put it back when the weather turns. Don’t get in the habit of just keeping seasonal items in your pack. Winter tent stakes or anchors are heavier than your regular stakes. Gloves and other cold weather gear just adds un needed weight in the summer.
4. Food. Plan, Plan, Plan.. You can shave lots of weight in food. The best part of food packing is that meal after meal your pack gets lighter. Repackage your meals. Do not take any boxes, cans, or heavy wrapping. Zip lock bags work great and can reduce the size and weight of your meals. Even if you use Mountain House of other Freeze dried meals. Take them out of the original packaging. Cook it in your pot instead of the bag. Mountain House (and other brands) bags are heavy and bulky.
Plan your meals. Just because you are in Scouts does not mean that you need to cook a 3 course meal every meal of the day. Trail foods, Gorp, energy bars, breakfast bars, jerky, and peanut butter packets make a great trail lunch and will fit in 1 ziplock sandwich bag. Eat hot meals in the morning and night, but repackage them and take out the stuff you are not going to eat anyway.
5. Water. Purification tablets like the Aquamira tablets or the Katadyn tablets work great and take up little or no space in your pack. You don’t get the instant drink of water, but you do shave some significant weight. Also, ditch the Nalgene bottle. Go with a bladder or even an old Gatoraid bottle. They both are lighter and now a days.. just as durable.
Just like everything when it comes to backpacking.. planning and preparation are the key to success. You can shave weight instantly by being a better planner. Have a critical eye and accept that you can live without that one piece of gear that was bright and shiny and just would not let you run out of REI without it.
Yep.. These are lessons that I learned the hard way. I used to carry the kitchen sink because that is how I was taught. But as gear gets lighter and my body gets older, its time for the old dogs to learn new tricks and lighten up the load.
Last thought on this. After the last post, I received emails about shaving weight and some folks left comments. I really appreciate the comments and tips and tricks you all use to shave weight and have a great time out in the woods. What I do want to say, and I have said it before, that you need to hike your own hike.. you need to find what works for you and tinker with your set up.
When teaching the Scouts we give them the tips and tricks and then see what they come up with. Some of them really take that critical eye and get their weight and volume down. And those that do find they have a better time on the trail. Their pack is not constantly kicking their butts and they are fresher when they get to camp. Those that choose not to take a look at their gear..well, they do one of two things. Struggle or suck it up.
Last tip.
Upgrade. I know gear gets spendy. Try to upgrade one item a year. Your sleep system, your shelter, your pack, whatever. If it’s not every year, set a goal and look at the one piece of gear that will give you the highest pay off in weight savings and volume reduction and get it when you can. Then set a new goal for the next piece. Spend a few hours at your favorite outfitter and test it all out. Get in the sleeping bag, set up the tent, feel the weight and look it the item packed and set up. See what will work for you and get what you like and what will best fit your kit.
Hike your own Hike and Have a Great Scouting Day!
