Ray-Way Products

Make Your Own
Hiking and Camping Gear

ORDER YOUR RAY-WAY KITS HERE

Customer Comments

Powered by Ray's "raptor_engine, ver 5" written and scripted by R. Jardine

ORDER FORM


Ray-Way Products

We Make Kits for Sewing Your Own
Lightweight Outdoor Gear

Contrary to common belief, you do not need to equip yourself with store-bought gear. You can make your own. And when you do, you gain a tremendous sense of freedom from today's consumer mentality - where the products are heavily advertised, expensive, and yet cheaply mass-produced. Making it yourself is about saving money, making it right - without using any cheap materials or manufacturing short-cuts - and using outdoor gear that you can be truly proud of.

Our kits contain only the finest and lightest synthetic materials.

We design our kits for ease of sewing
and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions with many illustrations

Many people believe they lack the ability to use a sewing machine.
This is nonsense.
Please read Why Sew?

Literally thousands of people have completed our kits without problems, most with no sewing experience. All that is required is a bit of patience, and the determination to follow our instructions carefully.

Why Sew? * Sewing Tips * The Integrity Paradigm

See our Order Form for additional info.

My home-made Ray-Way gear is A+ professional in function, looks, design, and strength! Not to mention lasting over 9 years of all year around heavy use!" - James G., CA

Customer Comments

Friday, 29th of March, 2024 We are well stocked on materials and kits for everything listed on our Order Form. We have loads of materials, and the insulation is factory-fresh, as always.

“I suspect what keeps most - if not all - of us coming back to the "Ray-Way" is a simple thing called TRUST! We know that what Ray & Jenny offer actually works, and does so most efficiently. They've been there, done that and the rest of us benefit from those years of amassed wisdom.” -Chris A.

Trail Life


"The best backpacking book ever written"
-Robert K.

Ray Jardine's Lightweight Backpacking

Ray's book covers the essentials of Lightweight hiking, including packweight and equipment, clothing and footwear, nourishment and physical conditioning, and the myriad topics that contribute to these basics. There are chapters on the safety of lightweight hiking and on pack-weight evolution. There are several gear chapters, including the Backpack, Tarp, and Quilt.

There are chapters on wilderness skills such as Stealth Camping, Campfire and Cook-fire, Knots for the Hiker. Jenny has written a chapter for women hikers, from a woman's perspective. There are chapters on foot care, creek fording, snow travel, snakes and bears, to name just a few.

"Once every two or three decades a book comes along that fundamentally reshapes how we think. Jardine's is such a work. Page after page, Jardine brilliantly flips the sacred cows of backpacking on their heads. Every suggestion comes from experience: Jardine has hiked the PCT three times, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Get a copy. It could change your trail life." -Backpacker magazine

"Trail Life could be the most important book about backpacking that you will ever read.

"There are a few names that have revolutionized the sport of backpacking, Ed Garvey, Colin Fletcher, Harvey Manning and of course the Master of lightweight backpacking Ray Jardine. Ray's book 'Beyond Backpacking' revolutionized long distance backpacking by showing hikers how to cut the weight out and exploding myths about heavy equipment. Much of the lightweight backpacking equipment and styles today were inspired by Ray and his groundbreaking book. Now Ray and his hiking partner and wife Jenny have revised and updated that classic book with Trail Life. Trail Life is chock full of lightweight hiking ideas that will further revolutionize the sport.

"This is the most comprehensive long distance hiking guide ever written.
"The author and his wife have hiked well over 25,000 miles and all the well known trails as well as a myriad of other trails. Their experiences will prove to be an invaluable guide for those who love to hike and those who seek the solitude of the woods."
-Roger Williamson

Quilt-Kit

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

Used at camp or home for sleeping at night. It works like a sleeping bag, but is open underneath you. You lie on your foam pad and drape the quilt over you like a blanket. But unlike a blanket, the quilt is contoured, so that it molds to the shape of your body.

Our quilt design is much more efficient in terms of its reduced weight and bulk, because it eliminates the useless part of the sleeping bag flattened beneath you. It is just as warm as the most expensive sleeping bag of comparable thickness, yet can be made at reasonable cost - even by those with little sewing experience.

Our Quilt Kit comes in one-person and two-person models, and contains the finest and lightest synthetic materials, and complete, step by step illustrated sewing instructions. The sewing is not difficult. See Why Sew? and Sewing Tips

"When people are worried about the feasibility of going ultralight, the Ray-Way Quilts are exhibit number one in convincing them that ultralight is not about skimping on safety and comfort. Not only are the quilts lighter than conventional equipment, but they are better: every bit as warm, easier to adjust to comfort, less constricting, and more adaptable to multiple uses (e.g., as a blanket around camp). The kits were straightforward to put together with clear instructions taking you through the process step-by-step. I am an ultra-satisfied customer." -Scott  G.

"I have been using a quilt with the alpine upgrade for around two years now. It is my only quilt and performs far better than any sleeping bag I have ever used. The kit was easy to assemble and has greatly improved the way I sleep in the wilds. I find I can regulate my temperature in my sleep and I don't have to wake up to zip and unzip like I do with a sleeping bag. I highly recommend a quilt to anyone serious about backpacking." -Josh E.

Our Quilt Kits also make wonderful "blankets" for beds. You can make them full width and length, and with no leg taper or foot pocket. For use at home, or as gifts to loved ones. Due to its light weight, you might be amazed how comfortable a quilt "blanket" is to sleep under. Fabulous!

Quilt-Stowbag-Kit

For carrying the quilt in a Ray-Way backpack while hiking. This stowbag is ultralight, waterproof, economical, and easy to sew. All our kits include detailed and illustrated sewing instructions.


Storage Bag Kit

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

For storing the quilt at home. This simple bag is made with a synthetic and lightweight, and highly breathable fabric - just the thing for storing your quilt between adventures. The storage bag will keep your quilt clean and bug-free, and will help retard mildew and odors. And best of all, the storage bag is large enough that it will not crush the insulation. Makes excellent gifts, or a "starter" project for someone learning to sew.


Sleeping-Pad Kit

(kit) This Kit will allow you to modify a foam pad so that it fits folded snugly inside your Ray-Way Backpack. The kit comes with detailed instructions. Not included in the kit, you will need to buy a foam pad from your local sporting goods or department store for modification with this kit.


Tarp-Kit

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

For anyone who would like to sleep warmer and more comfortably in the wilds. The Ray-Way Tarp is simple in appearance, yet will outperform even the most sophisticated tents in a wide variety of weather and terrain, when used according to the instructions in the Ray-Way Tarp Book Essential. This tarp is about a fourth the weight of even the lighter tents, and it offers at least twice the living space. And even though this tarp is open all around, it is probably warmer than the tent you are using. Why? Because of the tarp's superior ventilation. A tent traps moisture - even one with extra-large vents) - and on a cold night that moisture saps your body heat (conducts your body warmth away from you).

The Ray-Way Tarp comes in "Sew-it-Yourself" Kit form. The Kit includes all the materials, and detailed and illustrated sewing instructions. Sewing this kit is not difficult. Please see Why Sew?.

"I just finished my Ray-Way Tarp Kit. It was my first sewing project, the first time I've used a sewing machine, and the first time I stepped out of my, "Oh, I can't do that..." comfort level. The tarp rocks! I cannot believe how easy it really is. For any readers wondering if it'll be too much work please, please go for it! Take it one stitch at a time. The instructions are simply amazing. And the best part: Holding something in your hands that, 1) you made, 2) that you now know you can customize and change, 3) and that you can repair if or when needed. Take it from someone who'd never threaded a sewing machine before... you can do it!" -Zane D.

"This weekend my wife and I took our newly constructed Ray-Way tarp to the desert for its inaugural voyage. We particularly enjoyed sleeping under the tarp which allowed us to enjoy the night without sweltering inside our old claustrophobic tent. Not to mention leaving four unnecessary pounds at home and the deeper connection to the landscape of stars and sounds of the night." -Ben T.

"After a tremendous rainstorm one night, we were totally dry using our Ray-Way tarp. Some friends who had camped in their 3-season tent were soaked. Thanks for a new frame of reference." -Jim H.

"Using the Ray-Way tarp in the high Wasatch Mountains, we experienced the first winter storm. 1.57 inches of moisture in the form of rain, sleet, hail and eight inches of snow. I pitched the tarp using the two pole Ray-Way method. My tarp was one of three structures out of eight that did not sustain any damage and collapse from the wet snow. In the morning I had 18 inches of snow piled on each side of the tarp, but not a drop of water inside! If I had any questions about the design of the tarp, they were answered last Friday night." -John M. Venture Crew 9112 Advisor, US.Army.Mil


Net-Tent

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

The Ray-Way Net-Tent is a lightweight enclosure made of netting that clips very simply under a Ray-Way Tarp Kit for keeping the insects at bay.

Our Ray-Way Net-Tent comes in several designs and sizes: please see our Order Form:


Quadratic Sewing Video


(Video) Jenny demonstrates the complete construction of the Quadratic Net-Tent kit.

Run time 45 minutes.


BatWing

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

A door that closes-off one end of the Ray-Way tarp, used on those stormy nights when the wind would slant rain a ways into the interior. Our BatWing is lightweight and is quick and easy to set up. It works with or without a Net-Tent or Spitfire, and is adjustable depending on the geometry of the tarp pitch - whether you pitch your tarp higher or lower.


Tarp Book Essential


This book explains how to camp with a Ray-Way Tarp - safely and enjoyably when backpacking or hiking, sea-kayaking, canoeing, bicycle or motorcycle touring, scouting and so forth.

312 information-packed pages, a few hundred B/W photos, and lavishly illustrated

The book includes the history of the Ray-Way Tarp design, and explains why Ray and Jenny enjoy tarp camping so much. The book describes campsite selection and tarp pitching methods, and includes several photo sequences of knot tying for tarp pitching. There are chapters on bugs and critters and rain and wind - all the questions and perhaps reservations that a person might have in regards to camping with a Ray-Way Tarp.


AT Gear-Video


(DVD Video) Enjoy an evening with Ray in the Maine woods, as he explains the use of the gear that he carried on his 2010 Thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Filmed the day after he completed his thru-hike. Topics covered include:

  • Site selection
  • Preening of a stealth-site
  • Pitching the tarp
  • Hanging the Spitfire under the tarp
  • Crawling in to the Spitfire (putting it on like a garment)
  • Making a comfortable bed
  • Packing the backpack the following morning
  • Taking down the Spitfire and stowing
  • Taking down the tarp and stowing.

Run time: 93 minutes


Backpack-Kit

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

The majority of highly-touted features on most backpacks actually work against the hiker. For one thing, they add weight - and of course expense. They also tend to waste one's time spent fiddling with them. Contrary to the hype, most of those features are designed for marketing rather than hiking.

We designed our Ray-Way backpack for thru-hiking, and have used it during all of our many multi-thousand mile backpack trips since 1993. Our backpack is extremely light-weight, and yet very durable when taken well care of.

Our kit Includes all the needed materials as well as detailed, step-by-step sewing instructions with many illustrations.

The last Ray-Way backpack I made has done over 10,000 miles, so I'm ordering a new one. Still the best pack out there! -Scott Williamson

I was so impressed at how detailed and clear the sewing instructions for the Ray Way Backpack were. Having zero sewing experience, I really thought I would have to sew the backpack twice. But since the instructions were so great, the pack is by far my favorite pack I've ever hiked with. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge. -Troy A.

I have sewn nine backpack kits. Two for myself, and others as gifts. Still planning on the AT with ALL Ray-Way gear. -Craig H.

Also be sure to check out our Backpack Pocket Kit:

Sixteen home-made Ray-Way backpacks at one of Ray and Jenny's outdoor classes

"Your designs underwent a very rigorous six day field trial with sixteen sets of Ray-Way gear (backpacks, tarps, and quilts). To my knowledge there was not one failure and this was by mostly novice seamsters. WOW!" -David d.


Backpack-Sewing-Video

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

This DVD Video shows the full sewing construction of the Ray-Way Backpack Kit.

Jenny demonstrates the sewing while Ray narrates. And during the one hour run time, we detail the backpack's complete construction, start to finish.

The video shows how easily the backpack kit goes together, and it also provides an understanding of the assembly methods, for those who prefer to learn in a visual and audio context.

For someone who prefers, instead, to read and study printed instructions, those that come with the kit describe the process fully, step by step. The video is not meant to replace those printed instructions.


Insulated-Hat-Kit

Ray-Way "Sew It Yourself" Kit

A kit that you sew together yourself. The hat is warm and yet very lightweight. The size medium weighs only 1.1 ounces. And the hat is very packable, occupying very little space in a backpack or clothing bag.

The Hat consists of one layer of Alpine synthetic insulation, which is about 0.9" thick. This insulation is sandwiched between two layers of lightweight nylon fabric. So the hat is fully reversible.

Intended for use with a quilt or sleeping bag, as well as outdoor activities such as camping and hiking in cool to cold weather. The hat is highly breathable, allowing normal insensible perspiration to evaporate - so it offers maximum warmth.

"I think the Insulated Hat Kit is your most under-stated item. It seems so mundane on the web page whereas the backpack, tarp, and quilt kits etc. all shout for themselves. But the times I've used the Insulated hat in a challenging cold/wet/windy situation and it's turned the whole thing around in a matter of minutes. Both night and day, it offers amazing utility for a 1 oz weight. I never go camping without one." -Mike G.

Just finished my Insulated Hat. I love it! I have used a windstopper fleece hat that velcroed under the chin for years. It weighed 2.3 oz and was pretty thin. The Ray-Way Insulated Hat weighs only 1oz.(!!!), is several times thicker (much warmer), and is totally windproof!! The insulated hat is so superior, there is absolutely no reason to ever take the fleece hat again! Fantastic!!!! This was my third Ray-Way Kit. It is so great to see the quality in the finished gear go up as I get better on the machine. Thanks again! -Matt L.


Knife-Kit


Our knife kit is intended as a beginner's project, and can be assembled with minimal tools and no prior woodworking experience. The four-inch blade is stainless steel, has a very sharp and exceptionally durable edge. Its made of world-class steel, and will last a lifetime - and will run circles around any cheap knife.

The wooden handle comes in pre-drilled pieces that you epoxy together and shape to suit. The finished Knife is considerably lighter in weight than almost all expensive knives with good quality steel in them. This means you can take your Ray-Way knife hiking, backpacking, or whatever, with minimal extra weight.

This is a beautiful knife, and because you made it yourself it has much more meaning than a store bought one.

"I loved the kit and the instructions and the way everything went together just as the instructions said. The wood handle is much more beautiful than the pictures can show--it has fiddle and the colors change from a glowing golden yellow to a light brown as it is tipped in the light. I hated to use the sealer on it because now I can not enjoy its smell which was wonderful." -Dick M.

Sheath Kit

(kit) The sheath is the open pouch type, protecting the blade while securing the knife by friction alone. It is meant to be carried in the backpack rather than worn on a belt. This is for reasons of simplicity and safety. Our Sheath Kit contains a full set of illustrated instructions, and a set of patterns for cutting out the leather sheath, the welt, and an optional Lightning Bolt pattern for tooling the leather. After cutting out the leather, you punch holes for the stitching, following our template, then hand-stitch the sheath closed. Very simple!

"The leather sheath kits are superb! The instructions and materials are flawless. Thank you for the continued inspiration and integrity you bestow to this wonderful life. This art is highly rewarding. With gratitude," -Will Lady

Atlantic Caper Video


(DVD Video)

A 23-foot ocean rowboat.
No sails, no motor,
just two pairs of oars.
Solar panels to power the watermaker.
A 90-day supply of food.
A husband and wife team
with a desire for adventure
and an intense determination to succeed.

Ray & Jenny's Atlantic Crossing
3,000 miles in 53 days
Video Run time: 48 min.

"I have to say that Atlantic Caper is one of the best documentaries that we've seen!" -R. S.

"Atlantic Caper is a fantastic show! Thank you so much for investing the time and effort to produce this gem of a movie. The production values are surprisingly good, the editing and narration are first rate, and the on-ocean footage is breathtaking." -Brett T.

"Caper Across the Atlantic is awesome! Last Friday night, we sat in awe of the adventure, the sunsets and sunrises, the Ocean. Congratulations, and the professionalism is impressive." -Ben A.

"I've watched your video three times now and I think it's super!!! I must admit I cried when you left La Gomera and I cheered and cried when you arrived at Barbados. Sure was glad you included the Skydiving also! Great!!" - D. J.


Siku Kayak


Paddling the Coast of Arctic Alaska

(Book)

Join Ray and Jenny as they paddle their home-built kayak 1,400 miles to the top of Alaska and beyond. You'll discover more about the Arctic coastline than any tourist ever dreamed of. But get ready to test your mettle: you'll find whales and caribou, tundra and grizzlies, permafrost and puffins, and a beauty and vastness that tugs at your heart.

256 Adventure-Packed Pages
272 b&w Photos, 13 Maps

"I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to read about your adventures in your Siku Kayak book. What will and determination it must have taken to continue on at times, and also to make the decision to not continue further. The pictures were well worth a million words, as realizing that the ice may not let you back to shore: AMAZING...I also watched the Atlantic Caper DVD and loved it as well. The skydiving at the end was quite a finish to the whole adventure, nice landing... Thank you so much for sharing with us." -Steven S.

"I was quite impressed with Siku Kayak. I love the way you kept printing costs down, yet managed to include tons of inspiring photos though your website. Outstanding adventure!" -Ben T.


To everyone who has placed orders for our kits, our sincere appreciation. We hope you are envisioning good thoughts for the successful completion of your projects, and for the enjoyable time you will have using your home-made gear in the wilds. Make sure you tell your friends about our kits so they can discover for themselves the joys of making and using their own home-made Ray-Way gear.

Hey guys. I've long thought about writing and finally merely decided to say "thanks". Simply - thanks. Thanks for always being there, for your forward thinking, for your inspiration, for proving it can be done, for being bulletproof to the non-believers, for never quitting, for doing it right, for doing it first, for doing it best. With great appreciation, respect, and sincerity - simply - thanks. - J.G.G., VA

"Jenny and Ray, Just to let you know that 'Trail Life' was our number-one book for the year. Congratulations and thank you." - [One of the world's foremost retailers of outdoor gear]

"This morning there came a knock on the door. It was our mailman with a package. I immediately ripped it open to reveal Trail Life. OMG it blew me away. The pictures, the style, the information... You totally understated the book... Wow!!!" -Curtis W.

"Trail Life is of EXCELLENT quality. It appears to a novice hiker that it covers MANY, MANY aspects of thru-hiking. It discusses areas that someone without the years and miles of experience that Ray has would never even imagine come into play for their future adventures in the wild. The quality of the book and the photographs almost make it a fancy "coffee table" book, yet it contains very useful information." -Del S.

"It's been said that the mark of real genius is the ability to reduce something to its purest and simplest form. For example, Einstein with e = mc2 or Michelangelo, who, when asked to demonstrate his skill as an artist drew an absolutely perfect circle freehand in one stroke. Well, there's no question in my mind that Ray has done the same thing with backpacking. -Mike W.

I suspect what keeps most--if not all--of us coming back to the "Ray-Way" is a simple thing called TRUST! We know that what Ray & Jenny offer actually works, and does so most efficiently. Without reference to age, they are truly "elder statesmen" -- they've been there, done that and the rest of us benefit from those years of amassed wisdom. In a world of hyper consumerism, it isn't always easy to know who to trust." -Chris A.



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News Click this link to find out what's happening.

New Product: BC-500
Blood Cleaner
We have reprinted "Trail Life"
Now Shipping!
More info
- Customer Comments -

"Your tips and experiences in your books "Tarp Book Essentials" and "Trail Life" allowed me - 6 years after having replaced my natural hips by artificial joints - to start again hiking with a minimum of package and an optimum of joy." Michael S., Germany

"Thanks for the incredibly lovely package. I needed to learn how to sew, and I am so totally thrilled to get started! Jenny, I have enjoyed reading and hearing about your adventures so much. You are a hero of mine. I have done just a bit of "the way out there" myself, and find that taking weight off is essential." -Alexandra T.

"Thank you so much for offering your variety wonderful kits. Thus far, I have sewn a tarp, net-tent, quilt and stowbags using your kits. I have also recently completed the knife kit and am about to start on the leather sheath. All of the kits produce a great looking final project and more importantly function extremely well while on the trail." James S.

"I just completed my shell pants and shorts kits. They both fit very well, and I enjoyed making them. Both fit comfortably loose, but not too loose, with adequate material for movement and sitting/squatting/kneeling in various positions on the ground. I REALLY like the fit and feel. I really enjoyed not having to cut the fabric to a pattern. Thanks for putting these kits out there. I really enjoyed them! I'll probably be making a set for my wife, too, and I'm actually pretty excited about the Sleeping Hat Kits. I like the idea of keeping my face cozy by breathing through the fabric. Thanks for all your work. My backpacking experience would be far less fulfilling without your books and kits. They've been very formative for me, on a lot of levels." - Kerry R., MI

"I received the shipments, and this weekend began on the tarp! This is my first sewing project, and I'm excited to dive in. Thank you so much, this is a lot of fun already!" -Isaac S.

"I am so excited to be ordering your kits! Thank you :)" -Mark G.

"Just want to let you know your customer service is Johnny on the spot. Do y’all have a patch that I can put on my pack? Reading some of your books, I know you don’t like to advertise for other companies, but this is your company that we’re talking about. I’d be happy to help promote your products on the AT 2023" -Leo W.

"Our 2 person quilt was a joy to construct. The wife was skeptical on how it would work, now she won't use anything else." - Kevin N.

"I made the shell pants just before a trip to the Sierras where the mosquitoes were horrendous, even at 11,000 feet in elevation. I did not get any bites through the shell pants, though -- unbelievable. And they are so light. The pants will be an essential piece of gear on all spring/summer trips from now on!" -Carol R.

"I truly believe your Blood Cleaner has helped me." -Cheri Y., Panama

"I recently finished a quilt kit--thank you so much--it works great! Now that I've made one quilt, the next one will be a piece of cake. Thanks!" -Steven B.

"I ordered my first quilt kit with much trepidation, due to the fact that my only prior sewing experience was watching my wife make throw pillows! I did the whole thing in about 7 hours!!! Wow. Though there are definite signs this quilt was done by a first-timer, it looks really good. This was a most exciting project and I cannot wait to use it. Thank you Ray and Jenny for a most inspirational project." -Will A.

"I love this quilt! I have used it on several trips this year on the AT and will not go back to a sleeping bag. I have slept very warm in temperatures down to the high 30's. It is built with two layers of woodland." - William D.

"Since I started using your product (Blood Cleaner and Nano-Silver maker), over 2 years now, I have had zero cold/flu incidents." -Dave H.

"Thanks for designing these wonderful kits. I've finished two quilts in addition to the tarp and net-tent. What a great feeling of accomplishment, and empowerment!" David S.

"Hey guys! Just wanted to say I am a huge fan! I am looking to order some stuff to Ottawa, Ontario. I would love to use some of your products as I hike the West Coast trail and other things during the summer." -Frank H., Ontario

"I've enjoyed making your kits from quilt to backpack to knife to storage bagk and now I've purchased the hiking shorts and Shell pants." -Anthony J.

"Having completed the wind pants kits (S, M, L, and XL) I can tell you they all fit their wearers without modifications. Thank you very much for having the kits available at such a reasonable cost. Having spent the cold months sewing, I am quite anticipating the pleasure of being out-and-about in the new gear." -Steve P.

"Thanks for the excellent kits. My older daughter outgrew her quilt so it is time to make a new one." -Peter J.

"My fiance and I are devouring 'Trail Life', which is changing almost every thought we had about our PCT attempt which we are planning for next year. Thanks for a fantastic book!!" -Martyn H., Paris

"Thanks a lot for your effort! You really offer the finest materials, we both LOVE the Quilts, the lightweight nylon fabrics in their beautiful colours, they have real mood improving qualities! And it's relaxing to follow your instructions, they're so well thought out! Thanks for your good work by which you also improve our lives." Kirsten G., Germany

I'm buying some more Blood Cleaner units for friends. Blessings." -Diana, Panama

"I placed another order today, after deciding to make all new gear this winter. My last Ray-Way pack (made 5 years ago) is still going, but torn. My tarp was made from your kit 9 years ago and is still serviceable, but is finally showing signs of sun damage. This is on gear that receives a lot of use each summer. Not bad for the price! I still feel your kits are the best thing going in backpacking equipment. I see so much cuben fiber now on the PCT and have seen a lot of fabric failures due to its use. Glad to see you are not caught up in the hype on that. Anyway, I want to thank you for offering these kits. I can't see how you are making any money on them, but your ideas and techniques have had a huge influence on not only my hiking but also my life." - Scott Williamson

"Your gear and ideas are priceless and have afforded me much greater comfort, adventure, and accomplishments than you could ever imagine. I sing your praises to this day!!" - Geoff S.

"I've made many of your products and was very happy with them during my month on the AT." -Ruth M.

"I just ordered one of your two person quilt kits after enjoying your tarp kit so much!" -Scott M., WA

"This weekend my wife and I took our newly constructed Ray-Way tarp to Anza Borrego Desert SP for its inaugural voyage. We particularly enjoyed sleeping under the tarp which allowed for us to enjoy the perfectly still and balmy desert night without sweltering inside our old claustrophobic backpacking tent. Not to mention the other perks in leaving 4 unnecessary pounds at home and the deeper connection to the landscape of stars and sounds of the night." -Ben T.

"Hey guys, I sewed all your gear and love it!" -Casey A.

"Just placed an order and can't wait to get sewing!" -Michael C.

"Just a note of appreciation for all you two do. I've been an avid follower of your hiking techniques since reading Beyond Backpacking in 2004, and while we have never met, your insight and knowledge has played such an important role in my life I felt compelled to write you both a "fan letter". I hope you start teaching classes again, because I'd be there for certain. See you on the trails!" -Clint B.

"Finished my 2200 Ray-Way pack and used it on the Finger Lakes Trail. My only regret is that I didn't discover your website or the Ray-Way sooner. Such light weight packing would have made backpacking so much more enjoyable when I was in my 20's! I love this pack. Thank you Ray and Jenny." -David D.

"I am very happy with the pack, quilt, new tarp, and spitfire that I made last winter, used them all this past summer. As it turned out the north cascades had a somewhat heavy bug season this past July and I was very happy to have the spitfire. I was really impressed with the functionality of it, as well as the ease of going in and out of the door. Once again a top notch product that just works and works well." -Scott Williamson

"It really never occurred to me that it could be comfortable and better for the body to hike without a hip belt. Thanks for all the inspiration to dare sew our backpacks ourselves!" -Rebecca B.

"Enjoying my R-W projects. Knife glued, shaping is fun. Yikes, will be pretty primitive but functional. The Quilt Kit next." Dave J.

"Thanks for the great products. I've really come to trust your equipment." Thomas C.

"I was given a deluxe quilt kit by my wife for Christmas. It was my first time in front of a sewing machine - my wife showed me the basics then left with the kids for the weekend. I finished the foot box as she pulled back in the driveway. It turned out awesome and her pride in my work was a real boost. Thanks for the great kit - As you imply in your writing, learning to make your own gear is empowering, and I have an attachment to the quilt beyond what my expensive down bag ever meant to me. On top of that, my kids love it and want to sleep under it too, so I'm ordering two more quilts and a tarp." Michael M.

"I really enjoyed making my tarp, net tent, and sleeping quilt. I've been rereading Trail Life and the Tarp Book Essential as well. Thank you for making sewing so easy and fun. I'll be working next on my backpack next! I plan to be on the High Sierra Trail this July." - Aika M. CA

"My new Quilt is beautiful and I thank you for your amazing clear directions. Even if I got stumped I just kept reading it over and I could almost hear you slowly telling me clearly. And it always worked. Thank you so much!" - Lynnie W.

"I LOVE my Ray-Way quilt and have ordered another quilt kit for my sis for Christmas." -Deborah H.

"I have been wanting to order one of your Backpack Kits for a while now, I am super excited!" -Nick B.

"I sewed a Ray-Way backpack and have used it on multiple section hikes (2,215 miles) on the PCT and other trails. It has worked very well, and has been integral in getting my base weight down to 12 pounds." -Dave P.

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world!" -Jason B

"I'm super excited to get started sewing this 2-Person XL Quadratic Net-Tent together!" -Jeremy H.

"Ray and Jenny, Thank you for your tarp design and kits. You've brought the openness of sleeping under the stars together with even greater protection and comfort than a tent. And this at a lighter weight than other gear with the satisfaction of making it oneself. Your Tarp Book Essential is very thorough in explaining how to make the most effective use of the design. Thanks again." Mike W., CA

"I had zero experience with a sewing machine, but making your backpack was a thoroughly enjoyable journey. It was time consuming, but worth it. Can't wait to try it out! Thank you so much!" -Kayla E.

"Big fan of your books and the Ray-Way hiking products. Ive completed two of the Ray-Way tarp kits and just ordered the stow bags and shell pants kit. You guys are the best!" - Dan D.

"Can't wait to receive the Ray-Way kits!!!" -Kathy S.

"Our first Quilt (and also first ever sewing project) only took a weekend to complete--GREAT INSTRUCTIONS, thanks." -Blue & Nika M.

"Hi Ray and Jenny: I have made your backpack, tarp and net tent, 2 sleeping quilts, several stowbags, sleeping hat, 2 insulated hats, trail life, the tarp book; I love them all. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. You have really helped me." -Frank A.

"I made a order back in August and have been slowly working through all the kits. The instructions are great and very clear! I am placing another order for more Ray-Way kits. Thank you!" -David T

"I just finished reading your story of sailing around the world. What an amazing adventure! Thank you for sharing. I also just finished sewing my first Ray-Way quilt. I am excited to try it out this season." -Dylan G.

"I just finished up a thru-hike on the A.T. using your philosophy and sewing kits extensively. 2183.7 miles (includes the approach trail) in 88 days. Thank you two so much for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and sewing instructions with a backpacking novice like me." Paul W.

"I am a big fan of your wisdom, and hope to put it into practice soon, with this order! Thank you so much." -Michael S.

"I just ordered a Backpack Kit. This will be my first time time making gear and I'm excited to start sewing!" -Sara J.

"Ray and Jenny, thanks for your dedication to innovating Lightweight adventuring! I have been a fan of yours since the '90s. I have been using your Blood Cleaner for about 2+ weeks now, and everything has been doing well! Thanks for making this available to the rest of us!" - Mark T.

"Ray, I Just found a picture of you and me, taken not far from Telluride. We traversed an ice field where you fell through. I was fortunate enough to help pull you out, and I got close enough to see all that darkness beneath. I think of you often, Ray. You changed my life. I hope we’ll get a chance to meet up before too long. All my very best to you and Jenny." -Chard D.

"I have bought a lifetime supply of Blood Cleaners because I have always thought that you will be overwhelmed at some point with orders or supply shortage." -Crag C.

"I gave away the last four Trail Life's I ordered a few weeks ago, now I'm ordering four more. Everyone appreciates the book." Mark F., WA

"I just returned from a trip along the JMT and my Ray-Way tarp worked fantastic! There was quite a bit of rain, thunder, lightning and hail but the tarp took it all in stride. My Ray-Way quilt also worked great!" Darren O., CA

"We have placed two orders for a trip to north Sweden, laponia. We have heard and read enough about your kits to be absolutely unconcerned about the high quality. Thank you so much for the opportunity to order such great stuff. We are completely amazed by your business." - Eddie and Helene P., Germany

"I ordered a tarp kit, net-tent kit, Tarp Book, and thread, along with a delux 2-person quilt kit with the alpine upgrade, and two stowbag kits. The box and materials combined weigh less than the tent I use now!! And it's considered an ultralight product." -Jason L.

"I just finished making the backpack and was really amazed with the end result. I am a crummy seamstress but my backpack looks amazing! Seriously, I am so happy with it and excited to try it out on the trail. Now I am ordering the net tent and tarp." - Elizabeth H., OR

"I just want to thank you for all the knowledge you've imparted for a great cause. Not only innovative and inspiring but also well written. You have changed my life. I sewed a Ray-way tarp and I'm hoping to use it on the AT this summer." Paul E., MN

I just ordered two quilt kits for my kiddos. I'm being bombarded with excited "when are we going to make them?" questions." -Joe C.

"Thank you very much for these sewing kits--they're awesome!!!" Trent H.

"Thank you Ray and Jenny for all of your wonderful gear kits! I love everything I've made, including the tarp and quilt, and my size small 2600 volume pack which I LOVE. I used them last year for my PCT thru hike. I loved the book Trail Life, too." - Aika M.

"I've bought a few quilts and tarp kits from you over the years and they changed the way I hike and camp." -Kane L., Montreal QC

"I'm in the process of assembling my backpack kit that arrived last week, and I'm having a blast working on this project." -Isaac B.

"Hi Ray-Way! I am finishing up the backpack and I love it so far! Thank you...I may make another for fun ;-) now that I know how to sew ;-) But next I'm going to move to the quilt." -Steph C.

"We just completed the PCT using your tarp, quilt and backpack. This was the first time we had really camped with a tarp and found it to be so versatile and simple. We used it in all kinds of weather and situations and every time it was put to the test, it passed with flying colours. The aspects of its simplicity, effectiveness, versatility and weight have halted any desires I have to search for the perfect shelter, as I think it is pretty close. We were so happy with it. This was also the first time we had used the quilts. Like the tarp, it did not cease to impress. At one camp, near Forrester Pass, we endured a significant dumping of snow and temperatures into the single digits (Fahrenheit). Aside from our solidly frozen shoes, we remained quite comfortably warm. The well thought-out design for the backpack was excellent. The pockets were great, directions on packing it from the AT video were excellent. You would probably be disgusted by how much food weight your poor little bags had to endure but they definitely stood up to whatever challenge we could throw at them, although there were a few patched and unpatched holes by the end. We would both like to send you guys are heart felt thanks as the gear was amazing." Ben D. and Kate M., Australia

"Greetings Ray/Jenny, Got out for another AT trip. Hiked Damascus to Bland VA with a friend. We Tarp camped each of the 7 nights on the trail. Backpack, quilt, net-tent all helped make for a terrific trip, as I knew they would." Craig H.

"My 1st quilt was finished last weekend - 5 more to go for family, 2 kits arrived today. Slept in mine for 2 nights @ 36'F - lovely! Perfect instructions." -Cassi Y.

"I watched the backpack making DVD. WOW!, great job, it is really clear, easy to follow and professionally done. I also finished my knife and sheath and am very pleased with how it came out. The steel in these blades seems to be particularly good" -Richard M.

"I have purchased many of your kits and have been exceptionally pleased with them." -Scot F.

"My son and I took our Ray-Way tarps to Philmont this year and they were awesome. The head ranger was not happy with our tarps. Said they did not meet the Philmont Standard ... a tent. Anyway, since we were already on the trail, we were able to complete the trek with them. It was awesome, rain, hail, wind, always dry and what views the entire trek. We use the tarps all year here in MN and wherever we go. It is amazing to see how much better they work than tents, especially for eliminating condensation and we love the open views. The tarps have been a big success so tonight, I'm ordering a quilt for myself and a tarp kit for one of my Assistant Scoutmasters! Ray & Jenny - thanks for the awesome design, complete kits and quality materials!" Ken D., MN

"I'm not a hiker, but a biker. But also for me the information given in Trail Life Lightweight Backpacking is very, very, very helpful. Worth its weight in gold. After all, it doesn't just help you to reduce gear's weight, but also seems to help reducing your mind's weight. Ray and Jenny, I thank you so much! Keep it up!" -Hans A. Germany

"Dan and I had an epic summer hiking the PCT, and our Ray-way gear all worked so well for us. We found ourselves explaining it quite often to other hikers, many of them young people sporting commercial backpacks of a design based on yours. We directed a lot of people to your website! I've just sent in an order for another (smaller) backpack and a few other things. Can't wait to get out the sewing machine again." -Catherine O.

"We had a wonderful two weeks cycling trip across the alps from Germany to Italy. I finished the tarp just before we left and it did a great job. Thank you for the ideas and the materials. Accomplishing the sewing project has been a deeply satisfying experience!" - Dominik, Germany

"Thank you very much for your help, Jenny. I appreciate the follow up and really look forward to sharing these projects and outdoor time with my family." -Jan M.

"I ordered your tarp kit and everything went great. You provide very detailed, yet easy to follow instructions. I also ordered your Atlantic Caper video, which I enjoyed very much. I'm glad you added the skydiving footage at the end...very cool." Calvin H., Ohio

"I have been a admirer and customer of yours for nearly 20 years. Ray and Jenny, you have been a huge impact on my life." - Eric C.

"Your sewing kits are the best! Plus, it is so much fun to make my own gear - I'm up late every night at the sewing machine, listening to books on tape and stitching away. The instructions are very good, obviously carefully written and reviewed, so they are quite clear and complete. Everything about these products is first class. The backpack and extra thick sleeping quilt passed their first test this month on a 24 mile winter backpacking hike. The Trail Life book is a treasure of experience and information. Thank you so much for everything." Stephen K., KY

"I just wanted to let you know how impressed my wife and I continue to be with the versatility and functionality of our single layer Alpine 2-person quilt. We easily cover temps to 45 without adding more than a thin hat to our shorts and hiking shirts, impressive for a single layer of 3/4" insulation. Yet we don't get too hot at 75. Sharing body heat is a massive plus; it's amazing how much less insulation this allows us to get away with. The Gorget ensures a lovely warmth-snaring drape. It's amazing how much warmth is felt the second the Draft Stopper is tucked under our bodies and between our necks. The split zip makes it feel nearly weightless in our pack. We love all our Ray Way gear, but the quilt is really my favorite! Thanks for taking the time to refine this lovely piece of gear and make it so accessible through your kits." Kerry, MI

"Dear Ray, I am writing to thank you. My copies of all of your books are dog-eared from being referenced again and again. I have great respect for the manner in which you share your experience, knowledge, suggestions and opinions. From the beginning I recognized that you were interested in attraction rather than promotion, and this principle seems to be pervasive throughout your writing. You write with respect for the intelligence of your readers; rather than try to "prove" that your way is best, you simply explain what works for you and invite readers to experiment for themselves if they wish. Mostly, I am thankful because your influence has allowed me to enjoy nature far more than I would have otherwise. I feel the purpose of gear is just to work so that it stays out of the way and allows the natural flow of being outdoors to emerge. The Ray-Way has taught me about being present, mindful, and happy in the outdoors, rather than "protecting" me from nature. Finally, I would like to thank you for sharing your life of adventure so thoroughly and enjoyably in your books and on your website. Every trip report makes the world of possibility a bit larger for me. Thank you." John G., Shenzhen, China

"I am very grateful for the insight you provide in your writings, your encouragement that you provide in the kits, and guidance for folks like me who have never sewn in their life - as well as the incredible support you have provided when we go astray. It is obvious you take great pride in your products and truly care about your customers. Thanks again" Michael B., MD

"We love all our Ray-Way gear!" -Brian K.

"I enjoyed making your tarp, batwing, net-tent, stowbag, sleeping quilt and backpack very much! My fabulus 260 gram light backpack was pretty easy after making all the other stuff :-) I love it!!" Bianca H., Germany

My wife used one of your backpacks (as well as a Ray-Way tarp and quilt) when she hiked the entire AT. She no longer has the pack but I want to buy her a new kit." -Travis M.

"We are just back from cycling the north sea cycle way - 2768 miles in 61 days - used the quilt I made and it kept us snuggly warm in the cold weather we experienced. My husband was very skeptical but is now converted to the quilt idea. it saved on space and weight. THANKS." -Brenda C., UK

"I love your products. I made a quilt kit years ago and loved it, and I'm working on the backpack. Looking forward to ordering more items from your kits in the future! Thank you so much!!" -Frank D.

"I really enjoyed making my tarp, net tent, and sleeping quilt. I've been rereading Trail Life and the Tarp Book Essential as well. Thank you for making sewing so easy and fun. I'll be working next on my warm hat kit, and then the backpack! I plan to be on the High Sierra Trail this July. Thank you!" - Aika M., CA

"Thank you very much for the great communication and fast shipping! Unfortunately, now I must repackage everything and wrap each item in Christmas paper/ribbons as this is my gift to myself this year!" - doug s.

Given Ray's engineering background, the Blood Cleaner is more credible than units from fly by night operators." - Frank V., ID

"I found 'Trail Life' so fascinating. Just as relevant now as when Ray wrote it. Even more so, if the reader scratches beneath the surface." -Guy S., Dubai

"I used your tarp during a month this summer, in Scotland, and it was amazing! It is so much better than a tent. I was more connected with the nature (well, I had no Net, so I slept with spiders, snails and slugs!), it was a great experience. But now I want to order a net-tent, cause I'm going to explore the world during the next 2 years" - Elsa C., France

"Just wanted to say thank you for your great kits. I was a bit skeptic about the Quilt's temperature rating, and i didn't want to freeze, so i ordered the extra layer. I have never used a quilt before (or a high performance lightweight bag either....) so when I finished sewing it I decided to test it. The weather was perfect - cold and clear with just a breeze blowing from the north. There was a thick layer of snow covering everything and reflecting the clear moonlight. I had a wonderful nights sleep there in my backyard on the snow with my sleeping pad and my new warm quilt and nothing but stars above me. I checked the temperature and was very impressed when i saw it was -10C (14F) !!! I felt that the Draftstopper and Gorget really helped me in keeping warm." -Jonas N., Sweden

"THANK YOU!!!! i love my pack- this one is for my husband (he said he'd even sew it!)" Elleyne B.

"Just finished my second Ray-Way backpack. Great kit. Thank you!" -David P.

"Thank you so much for all you do. This will be my third tarp kit along with a bomber hat, knife kit, double quilt and double net tent I have made. For someone previously scared of a sewing machine it's quite something and would not have been impossible without your encouragement and kits." -Edward W., UK

"Thank you for all your hard work over these many years." -Katie G

"Ray-Way gear is hands-down the best gear a wilderness traveler can carry." - James G.

"I bought your tarp and backpack kits a few years ago, and am so happy with both." -Noah, ME

"My shipment arrived very promptly and the instructions are very clear and well-written." Don H.

"My husband and I have used the Blood Cleaner for over a year now and have testimonies to its effectiveness. I keep referring people to get their own." -Jill H.

"I love the kits, especially the tarp. I use mine as my main shelter up here in Northern BC. My family doesn't all fit under one tarp anymore! I would like to order another." Dale B.

"Big fan of your books and the Ray-Way hiking products. Ive completed two of your tarp kits and just ordered the stow bags and shell pants kit. Thanks for all the info and help you have provided me." -Daniel D.

"Trail Life is the most read-over book I've ever owned!" -Michael M., BC.

"I finally thru hiked the AT with my son. I was a student of Ray's in a 1975 Outward Bound course. He has been a life long guru to me. Thank you Ray!" - Rob S., NH

"This will be my nineth quilt." -Don R.

"Ray and Jenny, I've been a long time fan of yours and have embraced the Ray-Way style." -Dave B.

"I have made your 2P tarp. I'm now ordering a net-tent. I think you and Jenny are amazing. Thanks you so much for sharing your enormous amount of knowledge. It keeps me sane when shopping for hiking gear." -Wendy W.

"I am 14 years old and have recently finished a tarp kit from you. The tarp works great and I plan to use it during my scout troop's 50 miler on the Appalachian Trail. I am going to make a backpack kit next. Thank you for your great products." Ben B.

"People have commented that your thread lasts forever." -Julius D., FL

"I love Trail Life! I couldn't stop reading it. It is like reading candy." -Pamela A.

"I received my Trail Life book just as the snow in Arkansas put me next to my fireplace for a week. Thus the large order. I did self-impose a 48 hour cooling off period before I placed the order just in case I had cabin fever. But I share much of the Ray Way philosophy. And as the daughter of an engineer, I love the logic of your designs. Wish I had found you sooner!" -Lori G.

"Thank you so much for your wonderful kits and products! I have completed an alpine quilt, a tarp, a Spitfire, a batwing, four stowbags, and a single layer alpine quilt. I still have a couple of other kits to complete, but I consider my basic needs met...and grandly! I just took them one step at a time, and the projects kept on rolling out." - Ruth M

"I did the Blood Cleaner for two months, and I feel great." -Jeff C.

"Thanks for all your shared knowledge." -Laurence C., Montreal

"I've been using the Blood Cleaner, and USED to get a cold every fall and spring during seasonal changes; but not last year. I don't think it's a coincidence." -Jeff D.

"I made a Ray-Way backpack kit in 2011 and after perhaps 6,000 miles of backpacking it is being retired, and I'm ordering another one. I absolutely love it and it is nice having a backpack that weighs less than my friends tiny day packs! Many thanks for the kits, they are brilliant." -Robin A., UK

"I just finished the tarp project and am excited by the results. It was my first sewing project ever, and I can't wait to try it out." Noah B.

"I finished my pack yesterday morning! I think it came out very well, I am quite proud of it. For me the combination of the book and the video were superb, and you did a wonderful job with the instructional materials and the plans!" David d.

"Thanks for all you have done for ultra-light backpacking. I look forward to building your backpack design!" -Dave M.

"I ordered and received some products of yours recently. I haven't begun sewing, but can't wait. Also, I'm currently looking to buy other kits." -Eric B.

"Reporting that the Ray-Way quilt worked great, car camping in northern New York, night temps down to 34. This 58yo woman, a cold cold sleeper, finally slept well -really well -camping on the chilly nights. No more wrestling with a mummy bag. All my positioning pillows for achy joints accommodated by the quilt. Husband delighted, no more cursing and snarling all night from me cause now I can sleep. Maybe I'll make him one too." -Terry S.

"Ray and Jenny, you produced the best book I have ever read. I'm giving a copy of Trail Life to a friend, and think it is the best advice out there." -Charles K.

"I ordered your Tarp Book Essential, Trail Life, and a Tarp recently and have read the books cover to cover. They have been very thought provoking and have helped me look at things in a new way. One afternoon I slept in the tarp during a hard rain. I was nervous because I was in a bit of depression between two trees. I stayed completely dry without a drop of water inside the tarp. The water run-off just soaked into the ground. The next morning I made my breakfast inside the tarp on my alcohol stove. There was so much room and ventilation. I am having a paradigm shift and want to sew more gear." Ron S., VA

"Now,I'm starting to try sewing Ray-Way Backpack! It's sooo fun!!" -Toshimichi K., Japan

"I truly love my tarp and spitfire. It's so cozy to climb in for the night, and so fulfilling to still being connected with the outdoors. Thank you for all your experimenting, designing, sewing, testing, and sharing. So many people's lives have been enriched." - Ruth M.

"I ordered another Blood Cleaner for mum and Dad. They seem pretty excited by the idea." - Ben D.

34,647,042 visitors

Profile
Profile of Ray Jardine

Profile

Profile of Ray Jardine, author: Trail Life, The Ray-Way Tarp Book Essential, Beyond Backpacking, Siku Kayak, The PCT Hiker's Handbook. inventor: "Friends" rock climbing gear. Long-distance hiker, designer and builder of aerospace composite kayaks, Baja and Arctic Alaska sea kayaker, Canadian Barrenlands canoeist, cross-country hang glider pilot, round-the-world sailor, free-fly skydiver, and more.

Skiing to South Pole
Fierce Winds, Ultra-Cold Temperatures
58 days, 700 mi

Extreme Fun
Adventures in Antarctica
After a year and a half of training and preparations, we went to Antarctica. Starting from near the coast, we skied 57 days to the South Pole. Along the way encountered fierce winds, ultra cold temperatures, and rough ice. We dragged our gear behind us in sleds containing enough food for a month. At the half-way point we resupplied with a food drop. Reaching the South Pole in another month, we flew back to the starting point.

Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean
No Motor, No Sails
54.5 days, 3,000 miles

Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean

Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean in the 23-foot Rowboat "Atlantic Caper" - No sails, No Motor, just Two Pairs of Oars. "A Husband and Wife Team with a Desire for Adventure and an Intense Determination to Succeed."

Global Voyage
A Story About Sailing Around the World
3 years, 35,000 miles

Global Voyage
Aboard the Ketch Suka
Three years Sailing Around the World aboard the ketch SUKA (Seeking UnKnown Adventures). From San Diego we spent a year and a half sailing through the South Pacific to Australia. After sailing north behind the Great Barrier Reef, we crossed the Indian Ocean to South Africa. Then navigating across to South America and through the Caribbean, we passed through the Panama Canal and then followed the coast back to home port.

Pearl Four
Hiking the Appalachian Trail #1
89 days, 2,100 miles

Pearl Four

Our fourth long-distance thru-hiking adventure: the Appalachian Trail in 1993, Springer Mountain to Katahdin. 2,100 miles in 2 months & 28 days. This was where we developed our home-made lightweight backpacks and camping quilt.

Saga of the Sea Tub
A 100-Day, 3,400-mile Kayak Voyage
100 days, 3,392 miles

Saga of the Sea Tub
Northern Paddling Adventure #1
A 100-Day, 3,300-mile Kayak Voyage from Anacortes, Washington Through the Inside Passage Along Coasts of British Columbia and Southwest Alaska - 1,100 miles to Skagway; then Portage the Chilkoot Trail to the First Ice-Free Lake, 100 miles total; then Paddle the Yukon River 2,000 miles to the Bering Sea, and 7 miles Back to Village of Emmonak.

Sea-kayaking the Coast of Arctic Alaska
Shishmaref to Herschel Island
78 days, 1,440 miles

Sea-kayaking the Coast of Arctic Alaska
Northern Paddling Trip #3
We returned to Shishmaref the summer of 1996. The ensuing kayaking journey proved to be more interesting and rewarding than we possibly could imagined. It was also the most difficult and dangerous, but by then we felt we had developed the appropriate skills, and were better equipped to handle the conditions. The weather had turned genuinely cold, with icy gales and considerable snowfall. Some days, while paddling among the floes, frozen sea spray glistened on the kayak's deck; some days snow. Yet even this part of the trip was enchanting. The expanse of virgin coastline, the beauty of the sparkling sea and its ice floes, the wildlife and the tundra adorned in its fall colors, and the jagged mountains glistening with fresh snow - all were beyond description.

Canoeing Coppermine River & Pikes Portage
Yellowknife to Arctic Ocean
39 days, 960 miles

Canoeing Coppermine River & Pikes Portage
Northern Paddling Adventure #8
Story of Ray and Jenny Jardine's Coppermine canoe trip, summer 2005, Yellowknife to Kugluktuk, paddling 960 miles in 39 days. Started in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada, paddled the Great Slave Lake, carried the outfit over Pike's Portage, worked up to Clinton-Colden and Aylmer lakes, then paddled down the Coppermine River and finished at the native village of Kugluktuk on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. 44 portages totaling 15 mi. It was an unforgettable experience across an amazingly vast wilderness area.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #2
Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin
103 days, 2,100 miles

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #2
Thru-hike #6
A Solo Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2009, Mid Season.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #3
Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin
100 days, 2,100 miles

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #3
Thru-hike #7
A Third Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT), Solo and Early Season. This hike was characterized by deep snow in the Smokies, lots of blow-downs along the full length of trail, and a great deal of solitude but also very enjoyable hiking in beautiful surroundings.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 1/3)
Springer Mountain to Harpers Ferry
49 days, 1,022 miles

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 1/3)
AT Section Hiking
Hiking Adventure #8, the Appalachian Trail (#4) early-season.

Canoeing the Back River
Sussex Lake to Baker Lake
40 days, 673 miles

Canoeing the Back River
Northern Paddling Adventure #6
Ray and Jenny paddled a canoe across the Barrenlands of Sub-arctic Canada, From Sussex Lake, padding down the Back River, up the Meadowbank River, over the Divide and down to the hamlet of Baker Lake. From the book Canoeing Canada's Northwest Territories, "many experienced paddlers consider the Back to be the most challenging river in the NWT.

Hello America Bicycle Tour
Twice Across the US, Coast to Coast
92 days, 6,700 miles

Hello America Bicycle Tour
Bicycling Adventure #2
Hello America: Ray & Jenny Jardine peddled a tandem bicycle twice across the US, sea to sea, round-trip from Arizona.

Cruising The Cardon Coast
San Felipe to La Paz
33 days with Jenny, 680 miles

Cruising The Cardon Coast
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #9
Jenny and I Paddled and Sailed our "Sea Tub" (a highly-modified collapsible double kayak) from San Felipe to La Paz, in 34 days along the coast of Baja. This trip took place the Year Following our 3,300 mile kayak trip to the Arctic, and immediately following our 10-day hike of the John Muir Trail and 12 days float trip on the Yellowstone River.

Bicycling the TransAmerica Trail
Cycling Across the US, Coast to Coast
54 days, 3,783 miles

Bicycling the TransAmerica Trail
Bicycling Adventure #3
After completing two thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Ray cycled across the country, coast to coast, generally following the "TransAmerica Trail" Cycling Route. Peddling thorough 11 states, the many and often-steep hills were challenging, but the scenery along this route was very beautiful. Near the end of the trip Jenny joined Ray on a borrowed bike, and they finished the journey at saltwater's edge on Chesapeake Bay.

Climbing Huascaran
Climbing Nevado Huascaran in the Peruvian Andes
22 days, 22,205'

Climbing Huascaran

Climbing Nevado Climbing Huascaran, Peru's highest at 22,205' in 1969. I took a month's leave from my job as an aerospace engineer to join a mountain climbing expedition to the Peruvian Andes. I was super active in the outdoors before, as a proficient climber and mountaineer, but this was the trip that started my lifestyle as a full time adventurer. With Gene and Betsy White, Mark Bostwick, and John Larson.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #1
Campo to Manning Provencial Park
139 days, 2,700 miles

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #1
Thru-hike #1
The Pacific Crest Trail: Campo to Manning Provencial Park through California, Oregon and Washington. After sailing around the world, we wanted to get back in touch with the land, so we hiked the PCT. This was our first thru-hike, of many.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #2
Campo to Manning Park
125 days, 2,700 miles

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #2
Thru-hike #2
Long-Distance Hiking Adventure #2, - the Pacific Crest Trail, Campo to Manning Provencial Park. 2,700 Miles in 125 Days. Route goes from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #3
Manning Park to Campo
96 days, 2,700 miles

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail #3
Thru-hike #5
Our fifth long-distance hiking adventure, 1994: the Pacific Crest Trail, PCT: Manning Provencial Park to Campo. 2,700 miles in 96 days. Route goes from Canada to Mexico, through Washington, Oregon and California. This was a south-bound hike, starting with much snow slogging through the North Cascades and finishing in the hot and thirsty deserts. It was our second light-weight hike, and our the first thru-hike to use a tarp rather than a tent.

Sea Kayaking the Western Coast of Alaska
St Marys to Shishmaref
48 days, 600 miles

Sea Kayaking the Western Coast of Alaska
Northern Paddling Adventure #2
A 48 day journey in our home-made sea-kayak "Headwind Magnet" (aka Tempest) Along the West Coast of Alaska. We started at St Marys Near the Terminus of the Yukon River, and paddled 100 miles down the Yukon River to Norton Sound. We then continued across the Bering Sea along the west coast of Arctic Alaska all the way around the sound to Nome, and farther to the Inuit village of Shishmaref.

Himalayan Adventures
Climbing to 22,000 ft. on Mount Everest
2 months

Himalayan Adventures
Climbing the Khumbu Icefall
A Month of Acclimatizing to the High Altitudes, Trekking to Everest Base Camp, and Climbing to 22,000 ft. on Mount Everest via the famous Khumbu Icefall and up to Camp 2 below the Lhotse face.

Paddling on the Brink
San Felipe to Bahia Animas
24 days, the Sea of Cortez with Linda

Paddling on the Brink
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #3
Ready to begin, we feel suddenly alone. Immensely alone, to say nothing about committed and vulnerable. A wave of misgiving floods over me, and for the first time in months of planning and preparation the prospects of a successful outcome seem absurd. I utter those classic words aloud: "What have we gotten ourselves into this time?" Having heard this many times before, Linda breaks into a grin. And with that we shove our kayak into the sea and begin our paddling adventures.

Canoeing Fulton Chain of Lakes
In the Adarondacks of Up-State New York
12 days, 125 miles

Canoeing Fulton Chain of Lakes
Canoe Trip #1
On a Break Between Standard and B2B Classes, Ray and Jenny Rode a Bus to Upstate New York and Rented a Canoe. Spent 12 Days Canoeing the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks of upstate New York, Along the Historic Fulton Chain of Lakes. In past times this route was plied by fur traders, at a time when the principle means of wilderness transportation was by canoe. Having recently sea-kayaked 1,440 miles of Arctic Alaskan coastline, we were in fairly good physical condition. However, neither of us knew how to paddle a canoe. However, by trip's end we had figured out how to handle the canoe fairly well.

Canoeing the Kazan River
Kasba Lake to Baker Lake
25 days, 560 miles

Canoeing the Kazan River
Northern paddling Adventure #7
The Story of Ray and Jenny Jardines' canoe trip down the Kazan River, summer 2001, paddling 560 miles in 25 days Across the Barrenlands of sub-arctic Canada. A key feature with these trips is the urge to explore and discover, traveling day after day without seeing another person. The beauty of the Barrenlands, its lakes and rivers are incomparable. We love the feeling of openness that goes on and on for hundreds of miles. The feeling that we have practically the whole river - all 560-miles of it - to ourselves. Every stopping place is new, different and fresh. What a privilege to have so much land to explore and enjoy.

IUA Hiking & Biking Adventure
Canada to Mexico thru Idaho, Utah, Arizona
63 days, 2,000 miles

IUA Hiking & Biking Adventure
Bicycling Trip #1
IUA Hike & Bike, Canada to Mexico Through Idaho, Utah and Arizona. After Hiking for a Month Through Idaho, Generally Along the Rugged Idaho/Montana Border, we came down of the mountains to the plains of northern Utah only to meet our nemesis - a lack of drinkable water caused by cattle pollution. After a gruling 24 hours without water, we turned back and managed to reach a town. Rather than abandon the journey, we bought mountain bikes at a x-mart for $149 each and switched to riding. What we did not expect was how much fun riding these bikes was! And even though the bikes were less than optimal, we averaged around 75 miles a day, with a high of 95 miles.

Greenland Adventures
On the Ice Cap
16 days

Greenland Adventures
Sledging and SnowKiting
Greenland Adventures: 17 days of Sledging and Kite Skiing, Pulling Sleds on the Ice Cap of Greenland, training for the upcoming trip to the South Pole.

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Canada to Mexico
117 days, 2,500 miles

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Thru-hike #3
Our third long-distance thru-hike, the Continental Divide Trail, CDT: Waterton Lakes Canada to Las Palmas Mexico. 2,500+ miles in 118 days. Route goes through the central Rockies from Canada to Mexico, through Montana Idaho Wyoming Colorado and New Mexico.

Climbing Vinson Massif
The highest peak in Antarctica
16,050 ft. (4,897 m)

Climbing Vinson Massif

Vinson Massif is the Highest Mountain in Antarctica. In the Wake of our South Pole Trip, I Didn't Want to Leave Antarctica Quite Yet, and Climbing the Highest Mountain Appealed to me Greatly. Never mind that I didn't have climbing boots and gear. I bought or borrowed them, and joined an incoming climbing group. The climb was a success, and in retrospect I might have been the first person to ski to the South Pole and Climb Antarctica's Highest Mountain in a Single Trip. Never mind that, it was a lot of fun!

2014-07 GDRx2 Alberta
The Great Divide Route (there and back)
28 days, 6,323 miles

2014-07 GDRx2 Alberta
Motorcycling Adventure #14
Ray's 28-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) (Continental Divide) from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Banff, AB Canada, and Return along much the Same Route.

Moto-America
Motorcycling Coast to Coast - Twice
22 days, 7,300 miles

Moto-America
Motorcycling Adventure #1
Motorcycling Twice Across the US, from Arizona to Georgia, then North to Ride the Tail of the Dragon and Blue Ridge Parkway, then West to California and back to Arizona.

Moto-Prudhoe
Great Divide, ALCAN and Dalton, and Costal Highways
40 days, 10,700 miles

Moto-Prudhoe
Motorcycling Adventure #2
Motorcycling to New Mexico to Join the Great Divide Route (GDR) at Silver City. Then Following the GDR in General Terms North to Montana, then once in Canada visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks. Then on to Fairbanks Alaska and the Dalton Highway "Haul Road" to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay at the Arctic Ocean. The return trip took me south back through Canada and Vancouver Island, then followed the coast down to Southern CA, then back to Arizona.

Jennys First Moto Trip
AZ to CO
4 days, 750 miles

Jennys First Moto Trip
Motorcycling Adventure #3
Jenny's first motorcycling road trip, 750 miles in 4 days to Colorado and back to Arizona.

Moto-Baja
Motorcycling Mainland Mexico and Baja Peninsula
10 days, 1,800 miles

Moto-Baja
Motorcling Trip #4
A Ten-Day Motorcycle Trip Down into Mainland Mexico, Ferrying Across the Sea of Cortez to La Paz, then Return North along the Baja Peninsula to California.

Moto-Mexican-Dragon
Hermosillo, Mexico to Basaseachic
6 days

Moto-Mexican-Dragon
Motorcycling Adventure #5
A Six-Day Trip, Motorcycling through Mainland Mexico.

Motorcycling Canyonlands
Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Arches
7 days, 1,500 miles

Motorcycling Canyonlands
Motorcycling Adventure #6
A 7-Day Motorcycle Trip to Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

Motorcycling the Four Corners
Florida - Maine -Washington - California
20 days, 8,500 mi.

Motorcycling the Four Corners
Motorcycling Adventure #7
A 20-Day Solo Motorcycle Trip Around the Country, Touching the States of Florida, Maine, Washington and California.

Motorcycling CA Mountains & Coast
North through Sierras, South along the Pacific Coast.
11 days, 3,282 miles

Motorcycling CA Mountains & Coast
Motorcycling Adventure #9
An 11-Day Motorcycle Trip along the Length of California, North Through the Sierras then South along the Pacific Coast.

Motorcycling TAT-CO
Challenging Dirt Roads Through Colorado
8 days, 2,073 miles

Motorcycling TAT-CO
Motorcycling Adventure #10
A Solo Motorcycle Trip along the Colorado TAT.

Motorcycling the Western TAT
Through Utah, Nevada, and Oregon
15 days, 3,647 mi.

Motorcycling the Western TAT
Motorcycling Adventure #11
A 15-Day Solo Motorcycle Trip along the TAT Through Utah, Nevada, and Oregon.

2014-09 GDRx2 Columbus-Roosville
The Great Divide Route (there and back)
20 days, 5,222 mi.

2014-09 GDRx2 Columbus-Roosville
Motorcycling Adventure #15
Ray's 20-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) from Columbus at the Mexican border to Roosville at the Canadian Border, and Return along much the Same Route.

Flight of the Errant Torpedoes
Baja de los Angeles to La Paz
26 days, 480 miles

Flight of the Errant Torpedoes
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #4
Having learned much from my previous struggles in Baja, this trip proved to be one of my finest. John and Al were new to kayaking, but in the ensuing days and weeks they became highly proficient. South of Loreto John became inadvertently separated from Al and me, and spent the next five days paddling solo. We found each-other just ten miles from La Paz.

Dont Break Rule #1
San Felipe to La Paz
23 days, 680 miles

Dont Break Rule #1
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #8
Ed and I Paddled Single Kayaks Nearly the Full Length of Baja. Ed had never kayaked before, but he was a fast learner and had an experienced partner :) We made an excellent team and had a most enjoyable trip.

Sea Kayaking Mackenzie River & Arctic Coast
Down the Mackenzie River & Along the Arctic Coast
36 days, 1,175 miles

Sea Kayaking Mackenzie River & Arctic Coast
Northern Paddling Adventure #4
Ray and Jenny paddled their homemade sea-kayak "Nunaluk" down Canada's Mackenzie River, 975 miles in 24 days from Ft. Providence to Inuvik. Then they float-planed to their turn-around point of the previous summer on the coast, then paddled to Tuk - 200 miles in 12 days. East of Tuk the ice was solid and looked like it would stay that way. So they switched to plan B: paddling one of the inland rivers.

Canoeing Thelon River
Lynx lake to Baker Lake
24 days, 575 miles

Canoeing Thelon River
Northern paddling Adventure #5
Continuing Northern paddling trip #4: Thwarted by polar pack ice on the coast, Ray and Jenny switched to plan B, which was to paddle one of the inland rivers. We tried to air cargo the kayak to Yellowknife, but after waiting in Yellowknife a week for the yak to arrive (got in a ton of great hiking) we arranged to truck the yak home. Unfortunately most of our gear was in the kayak. We went to the Wal-Mart and bought a cheap canoe, paddles, life jackets and rubber boots. And at a grocery we bought a month's supply of food. The next morning (July 25) we float planed to Lynx lake, the headwaters of the Thelon River. Then we paddled 575 miles down the Thelon in 24 days to the Inuit hamlet of Baker Lake, near Hudson Bay.

Adventures on Mt. Aconcagua
Mountain Climbing
Three Weeks, 22,025 ft,

Adventures on Mt. Aconcagua

In the wake of my Antarctica trips (skiing to the South Pole and Climbing Vinson Massif) I wasn't quite ready to return home, so I stopped by Aconcagua to give it a try. I had a great time, but discovered that I wasn't acclimatizing to the high altitudes fast enough, no doubt due to the extreme energy drain of skiing to the pole. Nevertheless I climbed to 22,025 feet, (within 300 meters of the summit).

Argentina Adventures
Mountain Climbing in the Andes
Two Months, 21,000 ft.

Argentina Adventures

Jenny and I Spent Two Months Climbing in the Andes, out of Mendoza, Argentina. We started in the Cordón del Plata Region, and lived and climbed at high altitudes, up to 21,000 ft.

4,000 Miles of Dirt
Continental Divide to the Canadian Border
17.5 days, 4,853 miles

4,000 Miles of Dirt
Motorcycling Adventure #8
Ray's 18-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Continental Divide Route (CDR) from Colorado to the Canadian Border, and Return along the Same Route.

Father's Memorial Ride
Motorcycling Adventure #12

2013-07 GDRx2 tagalong
The Great Divide Route (x2)
20 days, 4,756 miles

2013-07 GDRx2 tagalong
Motorcycling Adventure #13
Ray's 20-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) (Continental Divide) from Arizona to the Canadian Border, and Return along the Same Route.

2015-09 GDRx2-FW
Great Divide Route and etc.
30 days, 6,287 mi.

2015-09 GDRx2-FW
Motorcycling Adventure #16
Ray's 30-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) and Forever W., to the Canadian Border and Return.

2015-11-Baja
Motorcycling Baja Peninsula
9 days, 2,034 miles

2015-11-Baja
Motorcycling Adventure #17
A Nine-Day Motorcycle Trip into Baja.

2018-10-GDR-Gravellies
Great Divide Route and etc.
17 days, 4,453 mi.

2018-10-GDR-Gravellies
Motorcycling Adventure #18
Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) and Forever W., and Return.

2019-09 GDR Nisus
Great Divide Route and etc.
19 days, 3,300 mi.

2019-09 GDR Nisus
Motorcycling Adventure #19
Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) and Forever W., and Return.

Trip to Kingman
Motorcycling Adventure #20
Motorcycle Trip to Kingman on the LT.

Iron Butt SS-1000
Ray's Winter Solstice Iron Butt Motorcycle Ride
A Thousand Miles in Under 24 Hours

Iron Butt SS-1000
Motorcycling Adventure #21
Iron Butt SS-1000 Motorcycle Ride on the LT.

Hiking the John Muir Trail
Through the Sierra Mountains of California
10 days

Hiking the John Muir Trail

Ten Days Hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT) Through the Sierra Mountains of California.

Snowkiting Adventures
Skis, Wind and Kites

Snowkiting Adventures

Wind, Kites and Skis: Ray and Jenny Jardine's Snowkiting Adventures.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 2/3)
Harpers Ferry WV to Lincoln NH
44 days, 777 miles

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 2/3)
AT Section Hiking
Hiking Adventure #9, the Appalachian Trail (#4b) early-season.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 3/3)
Lincoln NH to Katahdin
24 days, 389 miles

Hiking the Appalachian Trail #4 (part 3/3)
AT Section Hiking
Hiking Adventure #9, the Appalachian Trail (#4c).

Building a Shop

Building a Large Shop, Doing Most of the Work Ourselves.

Primitive Skills
Living in the Wilds

Primitive Skills

Primitive Skills, Living in the Wilds, Making a Debris Hut, Bow Drill Fire.

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