NEWS: 25 1830 FEB 2001

I decided to go ahead and post "The $300 Challenge". It is a re-production of a thread from Trail Talk, the message board of TheBackpacker.com. The subject is building a 15 pound (not 10 like I thought) packing list for under $300. I thought it would be good information for someone trying to put together gear for their first time and don't want to break their bank or their back. It's also a good source for experienced hikers wanting to drop some pack weight for a little cash.

SGT Rock!

NEWS: 25 1230 FEB 2001

I've been cranking hard on my platoon SOP, but I decided to take some time off this weekend and put some work into the site. I have been working on updates to the compass page, my packing lists, etc. I ordered some new gear last week, so Look forward to a couple of reviews. Specifically the 180 Extreme Krill light, Safewater Anywhere in-line filter, and the Nunatak Backcountry Blanket.

I also did some remodeling work to my Lodestone Mountaineering Overlode. I didn't like the way the pack straps attached to the lid, so I ripped the seams and sewed them to the back where they should be. I've almost got this pack the way I want it.

The only update I've uploaded is my Bio. I resisted putting one up, not wanting to appear self centered. But after being asked, I put up a rambling account of my life. I tried to keep it short.

I still get lots of e-mail about the site. One person form South Carolina has informed me that the compass info will be recommended for future students going to their National Guard OCS program, and there have been many about hammocks and cat stoves. My hit counter went over 5000 this week, and last weeks total hits were 852! I hope to keep the site fresh, so if you have input, please send it. Remember - I will check out stuff myself. Only first hand info is posted here.

Oh, one last thing. I saw a cool thread on a web board about building a 10 pound base packing list for less than $300. I checked out a lot of the info, and it was correct. So I may add this to the getting started page. I really liked the information presented.

SGT Rock!

NEWS: 18 1230 FEB 2001

Just got out of the field Friday (again), and I get a 3 day weekend. I used my alcohol stove every day for the last two weeks with great success. I did partially destroy a wind screen  - I accidentally sat on it! I straightened it out to finish the week, but I'll need a new one soon. Luckily I have lots of left over oven liners.

Other good news is my version of the Cat Stove is now listed on Wings! If you don't know what Wings is, go check it out.

No new site updates updates yet. I have lots of work to do on my Platoon SOP for work. I'm also working on my AT section hike plan for June. I'll post more about that trip plan later.

Thanks for the support of the site, I just started it in October, and I'm already over 4,000 hits! Last three weeks I averaged 500 a week.

SGT Rock!

NEWS: 11 1830 FEB 2001

Just got out of the field Friday, and go back Monday. Used my Hennessy Ultralight hammock every night - very comfy! I also used the silk mummy liner my wife made - go get one or make one, they are great!

Only site update is to fix some errors on the night hiking page. thanks to Hog On Ice for pointing them out.

SGT Rock!

NEWS: 03 2130 FEB 2001

Starting a new month with a new page. It is the instructions on how to build my version of the Cat Stove. I want to say for the record, I DID NOT INVENT THIS STOVE! I don't try to claim credit for coming up with this idea. I have just modified the original design a little based on my experiences. The original model is Here, and the original credit goes to Roy L. "TrailDad" Robinson who originally made the one I copied. I put the instructions up because people kept asking me how to build it, wanting tips, etc. I made one and took lots of pictures which will hopefully make building one easy and pain free.

SGT Rock!

All dates are done in military day/time group. Example:

20 1945 OCT 2000

This means 20 (20th day) 1945 (7:45 PM) OCT (October) 2000 (year 2000). Hope this clears up any confusion.

Back to News.