Welcome to my outdoor blog

Welcome to Backcountry Bitts.  This content is about my passion for outdoor activities that get me outside for extended periods (or short periods) of time.  I’m excited to share my knowledge and experiences with you in hopes that it will inspire you to “get outside!”

Photo of the week

Half Dome in winter, Yosemite National Park - photo by NPS

Website information

Blog posts will appear on to the home page.  You can view by category using the menu below.

Interesting articles written by Bacon Bitts or others about outdoor topics will be posted on the appropriate page.

The Quintessential Guide Revered By Mountaineers Around The World

Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills, The Mountaineers, 9th ed., 2017

90% or more of the information that I’ll provide on this blog comes from my own outdoor experience and training gained over many years. However, Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills is my go-to book when brushing up on my outdoor, climbing, and mountaineering skills. It is the climbing bible of mountaineers around the world.

The beauty of this publication is that it is not just for mountaineers. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn the basics which are fundamental to all outdoor adventure activities. These foundational skills are covered in Part I: Outdoor Fundamentals.

  1. First Steps
  2. Clothing and Equipment
  3. Camping, Food, and Water
  4. Physical Conditioning
  5. Navigation
  6. Wilderness Travel
  7. Leave No Trace
  8. Access and Stewardship

Over time, I will cover all of these topics both broadly, and in-depth in my own words, drawn from my personal experiences.

Mountaineering is a fantastic resource. I encourage you to grab your own copy and start learning today!