I hadn't seen these kettles. Very reasonable for how nice they look. Thanks, Kortoso.

Great advice, Taurinor. That sounds like it'll come in handy no matter what boots I decide on.

Whoops! I said "almost entirely lead" when I meant tin. Sorry.

A very valuable resource for this sort of thing is the safety data sheet, or SDS, for each product. For example, if I search "plumbing solder" one of the first results is Oatey lead-free solder. I search for "Oatey Lead-free solder SDS" and I get a document that says more or less...

Thanks for the welcome, Peter. I'll be ranging between about 12,000 feet at the highest and ending down around 4,000. Pretty rarified, but I'm pretty good at altitude. I'll be using a Light of Earendil to ward off evil, though with what kind of water vessel I'm still not sure. I like waterskins for ...

Looking around online, cookpots that fit the Ranger aesthetic are either absurdly heavy (cast iron) or absurdly expensive (copper). I didn't like either option, so I decided to make my own copper pot. Copper vessels can be found relatively cheaply online. Apparently there's a cocktail called a Mosco...

I could probably hook you up with icons. Anything more specific you're looking for than the criteria you already mentioned? Stylistic preferences or examples?

Those of you whom I've met over in the Prancing Pony are aware of my intended quest to recreate the run of the three hunters by hiking 45 leagues in less than 4 days. Well, with a tentative route picked out, I figured I'd need a suitable map--So I whipped this up this morning: http://i.imgur.com/wij...

I know my way around the rules and regulations of camping out here well enough. I might choose a different trail as I get closer, but I don't anticipate NP regulations causing a problem. To cut bedding weight I may well end up hiking by the light of a full moon and getting what little sleep the pace...

Yeah, I'm definitely trying to parse the line between authenticity and safety. It's especially hard because I can't try any of these boots on before purchasing. I worry about a lot of these rubbing in the heel or toes and raising blisters--and the smooth leather soles on most seem perilous on trail-...

Thanks a ton, Kortoso. Those look like a fantastic option. The canoe sole walking boots seem like the best option I've yet seen for replicating the functionality of period boots, lacking rubber soles. Not sure I'd want to risk wrecking a pair of gorgeous $180+ leather soles on 135 miles of sharp gra...

I'm always delighted when I run into a non-venomous snake. They're such cool animals! As for venomous ones...around here we mostly get rattlers. I've run into a few out on the trail, and haven't ever interacted beyond the initial heart-thumping when you hear that rattle, after which they pretty much...

Looks like a solid option, Mirimaran. On a slightly different note, one of the biggest issues I see with this undertaking is boots. I'll need a pair that I can hike like a demon in. Right now these ( https://armstreet.com/store/footwear/medieval-fantasy-high-boots-forest ) look like the most promisi...

Well, as Manveruon points out, Aragorn had Andúril but no other weapon So it's a moot point. No bow required for accuracy, so no reason to risk the obstinacy of the authorities. As for the sword...it'd be a bit cheeky, but I could attach a hilt to a moderately-sized utility knife, then weight a ful...

I had pondered the legalities, Kortoso. I'm planning to carry an essentially decorative sword (read: modified flea-market slag) which is blunter than a butter knife and no more a weapon than a trekking pole would be. Besides, I don't think there's an upper end on the size of 'knife' you can take cam...