Paul Mags
@pmagsco.bsky.social
Getting out as much as I can..which is never enough!
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Web - PMags.com | bio.link/paulmagn
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Web - PMags.com | bio.link/paulmagn
Recovering from the flu, Joan and I kept things local this weekend and revisited a place I had not seen since shortly after moving to Moab.
We walked ground where over a millennium of history meets, including the path of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Moab Museum has an exhibit on this starting in June.
We walked ground where over a millennium of history meets, including the path of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Moab Museum has an exhibit on this starting in June.
February 2, 2026 at 6:14 AM
Recovering from the flu, Joan and I kept things local this weekend and revisited a place I had not seen since shortly after moving to Moab.
We walked ground where over a millennium of history meets, including the path of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Moab Museum has an exhibit on this starting in June.
We walked ground where over a millennium of history meets, including the path of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Moab Museum has an exhibit on this starting in June.
Curious to see what happens to rec dot gov. Beyinf that, BAH has their hands in much of the federal security pie. (Remember Eric Snowden?)
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
Treasury Department ends Booz Allen Hamilton contracts after leak of Trump's tax returns
The Treasury Department has cut contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton after a former contractor leaked tax information about wealthy individuals, including Donald Trump.
www.pbs.org
January 26, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Curious to see what happens to rec dot gov. Beyinf that, BAH has their hands in much of the federal security pie. (Remember Eric Snowden?)
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
Cold weather, a bit of snow (finally!), and our truck still not quite ready made it a good weekend to hike locally. We revisited a few places we had not seen in a while and enjoyed our local public lands, with canyons and rock images close to home. #hiking #mob #utah #pictrographs #petroglyphs
January 12, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Cold weather, a bit of snow (finally!), and our truck still not quite ready made it a good weekend to hike locally. We revisited a few places we had not seen in a while and enjoyed our local public lands, with canyons and rock images close to home. #hiking #mob #utah #pictrographs #petroglyphs
A practical addition to our cold-weather kit.
pmags.com/gear-review-...
pmags.com/gear-review-...
Gear Review – Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Bottle
A look at the Nalgene UL widemouthed bottle that has a place in our cold weather kit.
pmags.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:40 AM
A practical addition to our cold-weather kit.
pmags.com/gear-review-...
pmags.com/gear-review-...
The annual navel-gazing I call the “Year in Review.”
But there are pretty photos. So, there's that.
Change, continuity, and a lot of time outside. Onward!
pmags.com/2025-in-review
But there are pretty photos. So, there's that.
Change, continuity, and a lot of time outside. Onward!
pmags.com/2025-in-review
2025 in review
The annual navel gazing I call the “Year in Review.” But, hey, there are pretty photos!
pmags.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:59 PM
The annual navel-gazing I call the “Year in Review.”
But there are pretty photos. So, there's that.
Change, continuity, and a lot of time outside. Onward!
pmags.com/2025-in-review
But there are pretty photos. So, there's that.
Change, continuity, and a lot of time outside. Onward!
pmags.com/2025-in-review
If you have a new 2026 "America the Beautiful" pass and prefer natural scenery over photos of presidents, here’s a compliant way to feature a cute pika, a majestic lake, or an NPS-appropriate bison. Save your fee collectors some potential grief based on recent news! 🙂
pmags.com/quick-tip-cu...
pmags.com/quick-tip-cu...
Quick Tip – Customize your “America the Beautiful” Pass
Have a new 2026 “America the Beautiful Pass?” Want a different set of photos on said pass? Some easy tips!
pmags.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:21 PM
If you have a new 2026 "America the Beautiful" pass and prefer natural scenery over photos of presidents, here’s a compliant way to feature a cute pika, a majestic lake, or an NPS-appropriate bison. Save your fee collectors some potential grief based on recent news! 🙂
pmags.com/quick-tip-cu...
pmags.com/quick-tip-cu...
We wrapped up Joan’s New Year’s time off with two more nights in the backcountry.
Sunrise, sunset, an intensely bright full moon, and quiet canyon walking. A mellow way to ease into the New Year, with a few places already calling us back. #hiking #backpacking #utah #pictographs #camping
Sunrise, sunset, an intensely bright full moon, and quiet canyon walking. A mellow way to ease into the New Year, with a few places already calling us back. #hiking #backpacking #utah #pictographs #camping
January 5, 2026 at 1:14 AM
We wrapped up Joan’s New Year’s time off with two more nights in the backcountry.
Sunrise, sunset, an intensely bright full moon, and quiet canyon walking. A mellow way to ease into the New Year, with a few places already calling us back. #hiking #backpacking #utah #pictographs #camping
Sunrise, sunset, an intensely bright full moon, and quiet canyon walking. A mellow way to ease into the New Year, with a few places already calling us back. #hiking #backpacking #utah #pictographs #camping
We closed out 2025 with four days on the Colorado Plateau. We revisited familiar places, found new ones together, and this land again brought Whitman to mind: “much unseen is also here.” December light, cold nights, chocolate, and cider. #utah #hiking #backpacking #petroglyphs #pictographs
January 1, 2026 at 3:28 AM
We closed out 2025 with four days on the Colorado Plateau. We revisited familiar places, found new ones together, and this land again brought Whitman to mind: “much unseen is also here.” December light, cold nights, chocolate, and cider. #utah #hiking #backpacking #petroglyphs #pictographs
Happy Solstice! A quick Honda-friendly trip while our truck is in the body shop. We followed an old stock trail, wandered a mesa, and caught an incredible sunset over canyon country. Not a bad way to welcome winter, even if it feels more like October. 😔
#utah #hiking #backpacking #camping
#utah #hiking #backpacking #camping
December 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Happy Solstice! A quick Honda-friendly trip while our truck is in the body shop. We followed an old stock trail, wandered a mesa, and caught an incredible sunset over canyon country. Not a bad way to welcome winter, even if it feels more like October. 😔
#utah #hiking #backpacking #camping
#utah #hiking #backpacking #camping
"National parks may ban foreign-made products under a new bill." Beyond souvenirs,could affect nonprofit partners that fund park programs like staffing, housing, and education. One local group alone has raised $27M since 1967. This goes well beyond tourist tchotchkes. www.sfgate.com/national-par...
A new bill would ban the sale of foreign-made products inside national parks
Products sold in national parks would need to be primarily produced in the U.S.
www.sfgate.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
"National parks may ban foreign-made products under a new bill." Beyond souvenirs,could affect nonprofit partners that fund park programs like staffing, housing, and education. One local group alone has raised $27M since 1967. This goes well beyond tourist tchotchkes. www.sfgate.com/national-par...
Unexpected "adulting" before we go see family next week.
pmags.com/december-bac...
#hiking #backpacking #camping #utah #pictographs #petroglyphs
pmags.com/december-bac...
#hiking #backpacking #camping #utah #pictographs #petroglyphs
December backpacking on the plateau, oh deer!
Joan and I spent part of the weekend scouting a route for a future trip, visiting a few places that were new to us and returning to others we had not seen in some time. There is something about Dec…
pmags.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Unexpected "adulting" before we go see family next week.
pmags.com/december-bac...
#hiking #backpacking #camping #utah #pictographs #petroglyphs
pmags.com/december-bac...
#hiking #backpacking #camping #utah #pictographs #petroglyphs
We scouted a route for a future trip, visiting a few places that were new to us and returning to others we hadn’t seen in some time. There’s something about December light that makes canyon country feel sublime. #hiking #backpacking #utah #camping #pictographs #petroglyphs
December 15, 2025 at 4:28 AM
We scouted a route for a future trip, visiting a few places that were new to us and returning to others we hadn’t seen in some time. There’s something about December light that makes canyon country feel sublime. #hiking #backpacking #utah #camping #pictographs #petroglyphs
A no BS, non-gear-focused take on how to have a more minimalist UL backpacking kit. Revised for 2025.
pmags.com/how-to-get-u...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
pmags.com/how-to-get-u...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
How to get ultralight?
Going ultralight with your gear is a Holy Grail of sorts for many new to backpacking. Here are some thoughts on achieving that goal.
pmags.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:30 PM
A no BS, non-gear-focused take on how to have a more minimalist UL backpacking kit. Revised for 2025.
pmags.com/how-to-get-u...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
pmags.com/how-to-get-u...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
We had to do some “adulting” this past week with a new roof, and the contractors wrapped up late yesterday afternoon. We squeezed in a short hike yesterday and a longer one today. Both hikes were local and perfect for this time of year.
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#hiking #petroglyphs #utah #moab #moabutah
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#hiking #petroglyphs #utah #moab #moabutah
December 8, 2025 at 1:18 AM
We had to do some “adulting” this past week with a new roof, and the contractors wrapped up late yesterday afternoon. We squeezed in a short hike yesterday and a longer one today. Both hikes were local and perfect for this time of year.
...
#hiking #petroglyphs #utah #moab #moabutah
...
#hiking #petroglyphs #utah #moab #moabutah
After a long hike, I pause, catch my breath, and reflect a bit. This one’s prompted by some of the louder voices that push UL dogma and consumerism over using the methods as tools for learning, nuance, and the experience itself.
pmags.com/ultralight-c...
pmags.com/ultralight-c...
Ultralight Catechism: When a Toolkit Becomes Dogma
Ultralight works best as a toolkit, not a creed. A case for skills over spreadsheets and context over catechism.
pmags.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
After a long hike, I pause, catch my breath, and reflect a bit. This one’s prompted by some of the louder voices that push UL dogma and consumerism over using the methods as tools for learning, nuance, and the experience itself.
pmags.com/ultralight-c...
pmags.com/ultralight-c...
What started years ago as a parody of “Top 10" lists turned into a look at how shelter choices have evolved across seasons, trips, & life changes. Solo, together, backpacking, winter trips, even car camping w the same core idea throughout: gear is a tool, not an identity.
pmags.com/top-ten-back...
pmags.com/top-ten-back...
The Quiver – Top Shelters of all time!
What began as a parody of “top ten” gear lists has grown into a reflection on how real shelter choices evolve with trips, partners, seasons, and the simple goal of sleeping well and walking on. Upd…
pmags.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:40 PM
What started years ago as a parody of “Top 10" lists turned into a look at how shelter choices have evolved across seasons, trips, & life changes. Solo, together, backpacking, winter trips, even car camping w the same core idea throughout: gear is a tool, not an identity.
pmags.com/top-ten-back...
pmags.com/top-ten-back...
New gear we liked for 2025: reliable tools that kept Joan and me warm, fed, and comfortable from the desert to the mountains. A mix of DIY, cottage, high-end, and budget picks — just the things that actually worked for two people who spend a lot of time outside.
pmags.com/gear-we-like...
pmags.com/gear-we-like...
Gear we liked for 2025
Our annual roundup of the simple, effective gear that served Joan and me well in 2025 — from shelters and stoves to daypacks, pans, and a few DIY touches.
pmags.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
New gear we liked for 2025: reliable tools that kept Joan and me warm, fed, and comfortable from the desert to the mountains. A mix of DIY, cottage, high-end, and budget picks — just the things that actually worked for two people who spend a lot of time outside.
pmags.com/gear-we-like...
pmags.com/gear-we-like...
Joan and I squeezed in a local hike before heading off to see family. Red rocks, ancient images, and the La Sals dusted with snow in the distance; a perfect send-off.
#hiking #Moab #Utah #moabutah #petroglyphs
#hiking #Moab #Utah #moabutah #petroglyphs
November 23, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Joan and I squeezed in a local hike before heading off to see family. Red rocks, ancient images, and the La Sals dusted with snow in the distance; a perfect send-off.
#hiking #Moab #Utah #moabutah #petroglyphs
#hiking #Moab #Utah #moabutah #petroglyphs
What you do regularly matters more than what you do spectacularly. Hiking after 50 isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living a life where movement is ordinary, not exceptional.
pmags.com/outdoors-aft...
pmags.com/outdoors-aft...
Outdoors after 50
What you do regularly matters more than what you do spectacularly. Hiking after 50 isn’t about slowing down, it’s about living a life where movement is ordinary, not exceptional.
pmags.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:09 PM
What you do regularly matters more than what you do spectacularly. Hiking after 50 isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living a life where movement is ordinary, not exceptional.
pmags.com/outdoors-aft...
pmags.com/outdoors-aft...
A 500-mile walk gave me time to think: thru-hike, long-distance hike, or something in between?
pmags.com/one-step-at-...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
pmags.com/one-step-at-...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
One step at a time, differently – Long Distance hiking vs. Thru-hiking
Not every long journey on foot is a thru-hike and not every long-distance hike needs to be one. Some musings on the difference.
pmags.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:25 AM
A 500-mile walk gave me time to think: thru-hike, long-distance hike, or something in between?
pmags.com/one-step-at-...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
pmags.com/one-step-at-...
#hiking #backpacking #thruhiking
Updated my no‑frills Colorado Trail End‑to‑End Guide—first written in 2005 and still handy if you like offline, practical info in one place. If it helps, consider donating to The Colorado Trail Foundation.
pmags.com/colorado-tra...
pmags.com/colorado-tra...
The Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide
A guide for planning long hikes on The Colorado Trail. Town info, resupply, alt routes, logistics, and general info. Revised regularly and updated Nov 2025.
pmags.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Updated my no‑frills Colorado Trail End‑to‑End Guide—first written in 2005 and still handy if you like offline, practical info in one place. If it helps, consider donating to The Colorado Trail Foundation.
pmags.com/colorado-tra...
pmags.com/colorado-tra...
After some time back East in Oct & plenty of backpacking in Utah this Nov, it felt like a good time to revisit an article I first wrote back in 2011.
You’ll often hear “shoulder season” thrown around in hiking and camping circles—but rarely with much context.
Here’s some.
pmags.com/shoulder-sea...
You’ll often hear “shoulder season” thrown around in hiking and camping circles—but rarely with much context.
Here’s some.
pmags.com/shoulder-sea...
Shoulder Season – The Time in Between
You’ll often see publications and experienced outdoors people talk about “shoulder season.” What is it? And what adjustments do you need to make?
pmags.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:04 PM
After some time back East in Oct & plenty of backpacking in Utah this Nov, it felt like a good time to revisit an article I first wrote back in 2011.
You’ll often hear “shoulder season” thrown around in hiking and camping circles—but rarely with much context.
Here’s some.
pmags.com/shoulder-sea...
You’ll often hear “shoulder season” thrown around in hiking and camping circles—but rarely with much context.
Here’s some.
pmags.com/shoulder-sea...
