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Field notes · 11 published

The field index.

Every published guide, on one shelf. Filter by terrain, or start with the note reviewed most recently. Each card shows its terrain, reading time, and the date of its last review.

hiking7 min read
Are Hiking Poles Worth Carrying for Your Kind of Trail?Poles are worth carrying when your trail includes stream crossings, steep or loose ascents and descents, snow or slush, or a heavy pack over long distances. On short, flat, well-maintained trails many hikers skip them, and a packable pair stowed until needed is a reasonable middle ground.
Reviewed Oct 6, 2026Field note 01 →
hiking7 min read
How to Choose a Hiking Midlayer When the Forecast Changes Every HourChoosing a hiking midlayer comes down to two variables that shift all day: how hard you are moving and how wet or windy it is when you stop. Fleece breathes best during sustained effort but compresses under pack straps and offers limited wind resistance. Active insulation stretches and regulates temperature during high-output movement. A light synthetic jacket retains warmth even when damp, making it the stronger choice at cold, exposed stops or in persistently wet conditions. No single midlayer handles every phase of a mountain day, so understanding when to wear each type—and when to carry a second layer instead—is the core skill this guide develops.
Reviewed Oct 5, 2026Field note 02 →
hiking7 min read
How to Choose a Day-Hiking Pack by the Water, Layers, and Food You Actually CarryA 20–30 litre day pack fits most day hikers who carry water, food, layers, and the ten essentials. The right volume depends on trip length, season, and how much gear you actually bring — not on what looks good on a shelf. Torso length, not overall height, governs harness sizing, and that measurement should be taken before you shop.
Reviewed Oct 2, 2026Field note 03 →
hiking7 min read
Navimow vs Mammotion vs Husqvarna: Which Robot Mower to Buy?At €749 on 4 October 2026, the Navimow i205 AWD is the cheapest wire-free robot mower in this comparison, with three driven wheels and Network RTK positioning that means you don’t have to install an antenna. We compare it with Mammotion and Husqvarna, and show which Navimow to choose for a bigger or steeper garden.
Reviewed Oct 4, 2026Field note 04 →
hiking · Français7 min read
Navimow vs Mammotion vs Husqvarna : quel robot tondeuse choisir ?À 749 € le 4 octobre 2026, le Navimow i205 AWD est le robot tondeuse sans fil périphérique le moins cher de ce comparatif, avec trois roues motrices et un positionnement Network RTK qui évite d’installer une antenne. Nous le comparons à Mammotion et Husqvarna, et indiquons quel Navimow choisir pour un jardin plus grand ou plus pentu.
Reviewed Oct 4, 2026Field note 05 →
trail-running8 min read
How Should a Running Vest Fit? Sizing & Fit TestsA running vest should fit snug enough that it doesn’t shift while you run, but not so tight that it restricts a deep breath.
Reviewed Oct 3, 2026Field note 06 →
hiking7 min read
Rain Shell vs Wind Shell: Which Do You Need?Choose a wind shell for wind and short, light showers, and a seam-taped waterproof rain shell when rain is likely to last or blow sideways.
Reviewed Oct 3, 2026Field note 07 →
hiking10 min read
How Should Hiking Boots Fit? Toe Room, Heel & WidthHiking boots should fit snug everywhere but tight nowhere: the heel stays put, the foot doesn’t slide side to side, and your toes have room to wiggle.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026Field note 08 →
hiking1 min read
How to layer for a day hike without carrying your whole closetUse base, insulating, and shell layers, adjusting them as activity and weather change.
Reviewed Jul 20, 2026Field note 09 →
camping1 min read
A first camping sleep system that works as one unitChoose shelter and bedding for the trip, matching the sleeping bag to your comfort needs, temperature, and weather.
Reviewed Jul 13, 2026Field note 10 →
camping1 min read
Camping stove basics: choose the meal, then the stoveCheck local rules before a trip because parks may allow some stove and fuel types while prohibiting others.
Reviewed Jun 15, 2026Field note 11 →