Khem Time

08/23/2026

Latest YouTube video is up.

In Alaska the line between what is backcountry and backyard is thin...

08/23/2026

Latest video is up.

In Alaska the line between what is backcountry and backyard is thin...

08/22/2026

06/06/2026

At the end of the day for me there’s not any real practical difference between using a lighter vs a ferro rod. Apart from one giving me an actual flame and one needing fuel to burn to do the same, I think people are really reaching to justify one over the other for no reason. That being said that’s only true if you can actually effectively start a fire with a ferro rod.

06/01/2026

During winter I often see people wearing only normal trail runners or hiking boots and prepared with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, hiking on trails packed down by skiers and snowshoers which can give them a false impression of how fast and far they can travel if they didn’t have the trail prepared for them. If they step even just slightly off the narrow path made by the skiers they immediately sink up to their knees or deeper. Not being properly equipped to travel on ice and snow is bad enough in and of itself and it only increases your risk for injuries which could slow you down even more. A day hike that should only take a few hours could quickly become much longer. The situation can get much worse very quickly if you’re not prepared to be out longer than initially planned. Do not dismiss the importance of being able to travel effectively. Be prepared for all stages of your route. Just because you didn’t need snowshoes today, doesn’t mean that you won’t need them tomorrow when it’s warmer and the snow is melting and doesn’t support your weight anymore. You might not need microspikes at the trailhead, but you might need them further down the trail where the elevation is higher and you’ll be moving across ice. Skis might be unnecessary moving through the woods where the trees keep the snow from getting too deep, but maybe you’ll need to put them on once you exit the woodline into an open field where the snow has piled up. Things to think about.

05/26/2026

I always carry water but I think it’s worth knowing how to take advantage of it being almost everywhere around here. Digging for water is usually unnecessary but as guy who grew up in dry Texas prairie lands it blows my mind that water is just a couple inches beneath my feet.
Personally I’m fine with drinking almost any water as long as I know it’s safe to consume. Clear water does not mean safe, and dirty water does not mean it’s unsafe. Dirty water can affect how effective chemical treatments are, and filters will clog if the water isn’t clean. Boiling doesn’t have these limitations but takes time and fuel. Know the pros and cons of each method. Have multiple was to stay hydrated.

05/21/2026

When it comes to convenience, effectiveness of keeping water from freezing, and volume of water you’re able to carry, this method is hard to beat. The downsides are the risk of having the bladder break, and while it’s not too uncomfortable it can be annoying at times.
I modified my hose by cutting off the bite valve it came with (a twist cap) to a tap valve with a button so it’s easier to use with gloves or mittens on.
I’m still experimenting with different combinations of components from various brands. As of now my setup is comprised of all Hydrapak parts. I use a 2L Seeker bladder because it has attachment points on it that make it easy to put a strap on it. Eventually I plan to make a dedicated carrier to wear it in.

05/19/2026

Having a small collapsible bottle helps me stay hydrated without having to drink from my Nalgene, which I try to keep full as long as I can. Most of the big names in the hydration game (Katadyn, Sawyer, Hydrapak, Life Straw, etc) have some sort of collapsible canteen or bottle option, and compatible filters. I’ve experimented with a few different options. As of now I use a Hydrapak Stow 500ml bottle and a Sawyer Micro squeeze.
Have at least one base layer between your skin and the bottle. Do not keep your bottle directly against your skin, do not fill it up completely, and drink in small sips to avoid cooling yourself down.

05/19/2026

The great paradox of staying hydrated in an environment like this is that there is “water” everywhere, it’s just not ready for consumption. At only the cost of bringing the fuel needed to melt and boil snow, it’s nice to not have to carry all the water I’ll need.
That being said boiling takes time. Depending on how much water you need to boil that could be A LOT of time. If I’m on my own schedule I get started filling my containers first thing in the morning. It’s counterintuitive, but speaking from experience, it’s actually more difficult staying hydrated in -20f than 120f. Your stomach is your best container so I drink first and try to get a jump on my hydration. Dehydrated meals will need water, and then I like to carry at a minimum 1L of water on me for whatever activity I’m doing. That’s at least 3L worth of snow I have to melt to start the day. That is why I carry multiple fire-safe containers.

05/17/2026

I’ll be the first to say there are significant downsides to using a metal container and that for most people it’s probably not going to be what you want to do. Besides the extra weight, metal conducts heat so actually water in a metal Nalgene will freeze faster than a plastic one. That being said for me and what I do I still choose to carry a metal bottle because during extended outings, where either option could end up freezing solid (which happened to me several times) I’d rather have the more durable option. Even if I can’t melt the ice out I can beat the container to break it out.