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Rex Sanders
Freelance science writer, editor, photographer, and videographer Frequent contributor to Backpacking Light magazine About Rex rex.sanders@usa.net |
Featured Work
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Standards Watch: Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings, Backpacking Light, September 2020
You’ve probably seen sleeping bags advertised as good to “32 degrees” (Fahrenheit) or “0 degrees” (Celsius) and wondered how they came up with that number. Thanks to measurements using the ISO 23537 standard, commonly known as the EN rating, we have a consistent but imperfect way to measure and report those values. In this column, I’ll review the standard in detail and cover its pros and cons. |
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Improving R-values for Consumers, Backpacking Light, September 2020
Sleeping pad R-values are not that useful for many consumers, and the guidance from pad makers, retailers, and gear reviewers is inconsistent and prone to misinterpretation. This is a proposal for improved labeling and marketing that requires further development. |
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First, Buy A Smaller Pack, Backpacking Light, May 2020
The first purchase for transitioning trekkers should be a backpack that fits well and holds 50 liters (3,000 cubic inches) or less. Then they should buy and carry only as much gear, food, and water as fits inside, because they’ll always fill the space available. It took me three tries to figure this out the hard way. |
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Backpacking Scissors, Backpacking Light, February 2018
Backpackers use many kinds of cutting gadgets, including survival knives, multi-tools, and razor blades. For many years, I’ve carried the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Classic, but most of the time, I just use the scissors on that little multi-tool. So why carry the rest of the knife? After asking on BPL, I found several others using “backpacking scissors.” I’ll compare ten pairs of scissors to the Classic, using a baker’s dozen of backpacking-based scenarios and tests. The Classic was tough to beat. But you can save half an ounce (15 grams) by switching to a very familiar pair of scissors with a couple of tradeoffs. |
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USGS Science in Point Reyes National Seashore, USGS, December 2016, video
The park also uses USGS science to manage this iconic but complex setting. For example, local ranchers lease 28,000 acres of National Park land for dairy and beef cattle. To monitor ranch lands, the park uses maps, air photos and other databases from USGS. |
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Condors in Purgatory, Science Notes, August 2015, multimedia
Swooping low across a canyon inside Pinnacles National Park, California condor #444 appeared to be in fine health. “Ventana” hatched in 2007 from a nest in Big Sur, and she paired five years later with #340. The next year they fed their first chick regurgitated food scavenged from miles away. That food came from a dead animal—rotting, stinking and crawling with maggots. But one of the condor’s favorite meals, the gut pile left behind after a hunter kills a deer or wild pig, threatens the survival of this critically endangered species. |
Backpacking Light stories
Standards Watch: Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings, Backpacking Light, September 2020
Improving R-values for Consumers, Backpacking Light, September 2020
Standards Watch: Introduction, Backpacking Light, September 2020
First, Buy a Smaller Pack, Backpacking Light, May 2020
More Reasons to Modify Gear, Backpacking Light, April 2020
Buy Less, Do More with Good Enough Gear, Backpacking Light, February 2020
Turn-by-Turn Directions for Simple Backpacking Navigation, Backpacking Light, January 2020
2019 Staff Picks (contributor), Backpacking Light, December 2019
Sleeping Pad R-values: Not That Useful, Backpacking Light, November 2019
Backpacking Scissors, Backpacking Light, February 2018
Rescue Insurance for Backpackers, Backpacking Light, January 2014
Backpacking With A Thermometer, Backpacking Light, October 2013
Backpacking With A Voice Recorder, Backpacking Light, October 2013
Satellite Texting, Backpacking Light, March 2013
Satellite Phones, Backpacking Light, March 2013
Two-way Satellite Communications for Backpacking, Backpacking Light, March 2013
Improving R-values for Consumers, Backpacking Light, September 2020
Standards Watch: Introduction, Backpacking Light, September 2020
First, Buy a Smaller Pack, Backpacking Light, May 2020
More Reasons to Modify Gear, Backpacking Light, April 2020
Buy Less, Do More with Good Enough Gear, Backpacking Light, February 2020
Turn-by-Turn Directions for Simple Backpacking Navigation, Backpacking Light, January 2020
2019 Staff Picks (contributor), Backpacking Light, December 2019
Sleeping Pad R-values: Not That Useful, Backpacking Light, November 2019
Backpacking Scissors, Backpacking Light, February 2018
Rescue Insurance for Backpackers, Backpacking Light, January 2014
Backpacking With A Thermometer, Backpacking Light, October 2013
Backpacking With A Voice Recorder, Backpacking Light, October 2013
Satellite Texting, Backpacking Light, March 2013
Satellite Phones, Backpacking Light, March 2013
Two-way Satellite Communications for Backpacking, Backpacking Light, March 2013
rexsanders.com
2020 September 23
2020 September 23
