The Marked Tree

Backpacking, Wilderness Survival, and Martial Arts

Running Hot — Plodding through the Dogless Days

JTHats | August 16, 2010

Cultures adapted to hot desert conditions often favor loose robes. We may eventually see the official rulings on proper athletic gear change in that direction — someone would need to try it first, and win an important race, but it might happen. Cotton running kilts may be all the rage next year. Today it certainly seemed like a good idea.

Carbon Fiber Walking Sticks — Self Defense Canes

JTHats | August 5, 2010

Cold Steel now offers a Slim Stick self defense walking cane with unusual combative potential. Considering the weight difference between the carbon fiber Slim Stick and Cold Steel’s heavy fiberglass City Stick urban self defense cane, this one should even appeal to runners.

Hiking Sandals for Rough Country: Chaco Sandals Uniweep

JTHats | July 7, 2010

Purists might not approve of this much technology, but purists sometimes come back from difficult barefoot runs with feet like hamburger. If you need to be able to walk when you go home, the Chaco Z/2 is a compromise you’ll love.

Free Fitness Training: Strongman Books

JTHats | March 8, 2010

Today there’s considerable argument about what’s healthy and what’s not. A hundred years from now a new set of expert opinions will rule, but what really is important — the training — survives the centuries untouched.