New Boots: Part One

My old boots have served me well. We’ve been all over the place including two peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation and nice and easy 42.5 mile one day hike. I’ve had my current boots, a pair of Lowa Renegades, for approximately four years now. While they’ve been great, They’re nearing their way out and I don’t think I’ll replace them with another pair of the same. I think I’m going to try something new.

At this point in time, my bet is on a pair of Danner Bull Run boots but I’ve yet to even try them on. I hope to find a pair and get a feel for them as soon as possible. I hate new shoes or boots; I want them good and well broken in.

My next boot will ideally be something that can be worn nearly 100% of the time and be both a quality work boot but not shy away from some duty on the trails as well. I have high hopes for Danner and think I’ll order a pair to test out.

In the end, I'm looking for well made boot that will last for years.

Side Note: I know the Bull Run boots are meant to be a warm weather work boot but I don't have a problem with cold feet and the price is right. I'd also like to stay away from GORE-TEX on my next boots if that's possible.

Dispatch 119

• Our Van View » Huckberry via @ourvanview
• Mount Ida » Makers Workshop
• This Giant Searchlight Once Scanned L.A. From the Mountains Above » Southland
• Manvotional: 4 Rules on How to Make the Most of Life » The Art of Manliness
• why should i carry on living? » Writings for Winter

CAF AirPower History Tour 2014 - KRBD

The Commemorative Air Force AirPower History Tour recently came through town and I spent the day checking out a lot of great aircraft and other WWII era displays. Here's just a few of the photos I took and you can check out more on my Flickr page. If you can, take the time to see these old warbirds in person before they're no longer around as many are the very last ones still flying. 

Dispatch 118

• J.R.R. Tolkien’s Little-Known Art » Imgur via Reddit
• I Am Happy Now » Sean McCabe
• Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary » GNmovie.com
• Why We Still Need True Dive Bars » A Continuous Lean
• A Fire Remembered » Best Made Projects

Items of Want 022

Rite in the Rain Nº YE99 Mechanical Pencil

"Do you like pencils but fear they will break when it matters most? You're not alone. A Rite in the Rain Mechanical Pencil may well be the last pencil you'll ever need to buy. True to the Rite in the Rain brand, this pencil is tough, reliable, made in the USA, and writes no matter what."

Bush Smarts Pack Lighter

"Your survival in the backcountry is dependent on your ability to make fire. You should always carry redundant fire starters and spread them around in your pack, emergency kit and pockets in case things break or get left behind. These small, dependable lighters are perfect."

Fältovn Portable Camp Stove

"The Fältovn by Dutch company Leenders definitely does have some practical applications as a heater in canvas, army style tents popular with hunters and large group camps. It would certainly make a nice addition to a backyard gathering area, farmstead or campsite and has the added bonus of being a functional cooking surface."

I have no use for this right now but it looks awesome. My ideal situation? A winter camping trip with this wood stove in the corner while I enjoy the snow falling through the open door of an old canvas tent.

Photo by The Gear Junkie

[Acquired] Brooks Cambium Bike Saddle

I've heard so many good things about Brooks Saddles and this new one looks to be the perfect "buy it for life" bike saddle. The original leather version of this saddle needs to be broken in properly and cared for but the new Cambium is ready to go right out of the box.

[Acquired] Olympus OM-D E-M5

Even though I just got a new camera a little less than a year ago, I'm seriously considering this Micro Four Thirds from Olympus. I've been getting more and more into photography and I'd love to step up my game from a high quality point and shoot to something with some lens options but still be smaller than a traditional DSLR. One of the coolest things about this particular camera is that it's weather sealed so you can use it in the rain or snow. That may not be a big feature to some but I see it as a nice little bonus.

Photo by The Phoblographer

— Check out past Items of Want —

Back from Muster 3

I recently got back from the third annual ITS Muster. It’s nearly a week long and sleep is often a luxury so it’s taken me a little longer than usual to get back up to speed.

Since I was the “official” photographer for the week, I’m not in any of the photos but I like it that way. There is one photo I’m in that a friend of mine shot but you may not know it’s me.

I’m on the far right.

Overall it was a great event because I got to get away from the desk and computer and spend time in the field with old friends and some new ones too. I always forget how good it feels to not know what’s going on in the world because I’m so engrossed in what I’m doing physically.

We usually spend the entire time camping from our tents but the new venue this year meant bunks and cabins which was totally welcomed in my book. I love sleeping on a ground pad but a mattress and electricity makes it easier to get going in the morning.

Even though I just got back in town and I'm barely settling into my normal routine again, I'm already looking forward to the next camping trip, wherever it may be.