John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged tents · everything

This Is Why You Should Try Ultralight Backpacking (2025)

A personal, practical case for ultralight backpacking that traces the movement's roots to Mark Jenkins' 1994 "Less is More," then lays out a working definition (10-pound base weight or less), the "Big Three" gear priorities (pack, sleep system, shelter), and a needs-versus-wants framework for cutting stuff. It argues ultralight is less about gear obsession than a mindset shift—eating separately from camp, cowboy camping, trying quilts—that ultimately makes the whole backcountry experience less burdensome and more enjoyable.

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Air-beam canopy completes all-inflatable amphibious day camp

Bote, an inflatable watercraft company, has launched the Hangout Shade series—lightweight, packable inflatable canopies with UPF 50 protection that set up in under five minutes and work either standalone on land or attached to Bote's floating Hangout Dock platforms. The two sizes (Shade 7 at $669 and Shade 10 at $799) represent the company's expansion beyond paddleboards and kayaks into a broader Hangout Suite of inflatable lounging and gathering gear designed for recreational use on and off the water.

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How to Prepare for Camping Season: GearJunkie’s Essential Guide

This GearJunkie piece is a practical spring-prep checklist for campers coming out of the off-season, walking through gear organization, tent and sleeping bag care (drying, patching, waterproofing), checking outerwear and footwear DWR, cleaning the camp kitchen and stove, backwashing water filters, tossing expired food, and restocking first aid. It closes with an FAQ on rain readiness, cleaning camp chairs, stove teardown/cleaning, and general gear storage, plus a nudge to start planning actual trips once gear is squared away. Worth keeping as a seasonal reference checklist rather than for any single deep-dive tip.

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