Fat Dad On the Trail: No idea...until...

I've no idea what to write first. My original idea for this page was to publish some quick step by step directions for day-hikes in the area. Then I got the newest issue of Backpacker. The gear issue. Don't get me wrong- I look forward to Backpacker coming in the mail every month. Must be nice to test stuff in Spain, or Denali, or India, or Turkey, blahblahblah… I however cannot go to those places- I think that most other can't either. I'd rather talk a bout the places nearer to me and my family- Monongahela, Buchanan, Green Ridge, Allegheny. We camp at places Backpacker never speaks of- smaller (usually) state run places taking a huge family tent and the contents of my storage bin. It's like a college dorm without the togas.(Is that still a thing?)

Then there's the gear...

Oh God, the gear...

Here's an example- for someone on a budget no less- backpack- $160, tent for two-$150, sleeping bag $109, sleep pad $70, shoes (not boots)$120, One set of clothes (layer, shell, pants, puffy) $330- trekking pole-$40, camp stove $23, pot to cook in $20, filter $20, sunglasses really- $58,

that $1100 in gear, not including food

I get that gear is essential, and should last awhile, but dude- My trekking poles are six years old, cost $12 and came from friggin Wallyworld. My go-to hiking pants were $20 max (and I got then buy two get one free) so forty bucks for three pairs of breathable, comfortable, and best of all- fitting my fat ass- hiking pants. I have nearly a dozen wicking shirts that together cost less than $50. Thanks Ollies and Goodwill. My boots cost less than this dudes sleeping pad, and as of this writing, have 300+miles on them.

I'm sure these new pieces of gear are great for those who can afford them...but look at the title of this page. I have six kids of varying ages, an awesome wife and two great mutts. I am Dad Bod shaped. I love to eat and it shows. I also love the pursuit of a good beer- and that also shows. I work 30-50 hours weekly at a job I've worked for 20+ years. There are play practices, dance practices, food, doctors, vets. If I paid that much for hiking gear, my wife might hurt me... not a fan of that idea.

I involve the wife and kids in as much of the outdoors as possible. This also costs. Though it's a cost I'm more than willing to supply.

So Not a fan of spending money on shit I can get for less than half the cost, I hike with family in tow, I can't afford international (or even intercontinental) trips, and … meh... I can post the other stuff later...