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Tuesday, June 9, 2026
The OGLS Newsletter
From the homestead to the backcountry — today's off-grid briefing.
SunForge 12kW Off-Grid Kit (Sponsored)
Power your entire homestead off the grid with the SunForge 12kW system. High-efficiency panels, a 20kWh LiFePO4 battery bank, and a hybrid inverter keep the lights on through any outage. Pre-wired, expandable, and backed by a 12-year warranty. This week only: 30 percent off the complete kit plus free shipping.Solar
New World Record Set For Solar Module With Perovskite (4 minute read)
Despite the sharp U-turn in US energy policy, global innovators like China's Trinasolar are continuing to set new records for solar conversion efficiency. The post New World Record Set For Solar Module With Perovskite appeared first on CleanTechnica.Floating Solar PV on Foam with Air Bubblers (6 minute read)
Floating solar PV power has been one of the most interesting and fun segments of the global solar power industry in the past decade. When it started popping onto the scene, it was catchy, but one wondered, was it really practical and cost effective? As it turns out, the benefits ... [continued] The post Floating Solar PV on Foam with Air Bubblers appeared first on CleanTechnica.Trump tried to kill solar’s 5% safe harbor, a federal court brought it back (4 minute read)
With less than a month left before the key, July 4th Federal Clean Energy tax-credit deadline, a federal judge has handed the solar industry an unexpected win, restoring the 5% safe harbor that Trump’s IRS tried to kill.Camping & Hiking
An Ophthalmologist’s Personal Approach to Contact Lens Use in the Backcountry (9 minute read)
Disclaimer: This is simply my personal strategy for managing contact lenses in the backcountry based on my own experience; it should not be considered individualized medical advice or a substitute for guidance from your eye care professional. I have been wearing soft contact lenses almost every day since sixth grade. I hate how glasses rub the bridge of my nose while sweating, and I’ve never been bothered enough by contact lens use to pursue refractive eye surgery. ... The post An Ophthalmologist’s Personal Approach to Contact Lens Use in the Backcountry appeared first on The Trek.Trail Update: Shenandoah (8 minute read)
By the time I reached Shenandoah, I had heard plenty of opinions about the park. Some hikers loved it, others said it was one of the more forgettable sections of the AT. After six days and just over 100 miles, I definitely understand both perspectives. Between long, hot days, wayside food, and miles of monotonous forest, I found Shenandoah to be a mixed bag. Days 1 & 2: Entering the Park It was hard to leave Waynesboro after an excellent town stay. ... The post Trail Update: Shenandoah appeared first on The Trek.RainKeeper Gravity Filter (Sponsored)
Clean, safe drinking water anywhere with no power, no plumbing, and no chemicals. The RainKeeper gravity filter removes 99.999 percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from rain, creek, or well water at up to 12 gallons a day. Built for homesteads, cabins, and bug-out kits.Nuclear Lake – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 83 (9 minute read)
I woke up this morning with no pain in my shin. My right hand has also healed enough to hold a hiking pole. My right hand has not fully healed, but it is at least usable again. Having talked with the foxes last night I planned, if pain free this AM, to get to Morgan Stewart shelter and reassess my shin. I thoroughly taped my ankle as a preventative and set out hiking. Once I was out of the vicinity of Canopus Beach, ... The post Nuclear Lake – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 83 appeared first on The Trek.Hangout Hostel in Lake City (8 minute read)
What does Hulk do after hiking from Pogosa Springs, CO to Lake City? He rewards himself with two zeros, three nights at The Hangout Hostel! Tough climbs, the sketchy Knife’s Edge traverse with microspikes, but no ice axe, highway walking, and multiple hitches! The Incredible Shrinking Hulk has lost 30lbs already. Hulk holding his 30L Nashville Pack Lake City, CO at mile 983 on the CDT is a wonderful trail town. You can walk everywhere, there is a hiker center at church, ... The post Hangout Hostel in Lake City appeared first on The Trek.The Section of the Hayduke Trail Everyone Talks About (9 minute read)
South Rim to Thunder River, Grand Canyon “The desert will take care of you. At first, it’s all big and beautiful, but you’re afraid of it. Then you begin to see its dangers, and you hate it. Then you learn how to overcome its dangers. And the desert is home.” John Wetherill I feel like this quote perfectly describes the journey my mind has taken through the Grand Canyon. As we prepare to enter the second half of the route, ... The post The Section of the Hayduke Trail Everyone Talks About appeared first on The Trek.Wo-oh I’m Halfway There (8 minute read)
I hiked 1,099 miles on the Appalachian Trail and I am halfway done. Below are some stats from the first half of the trip. Days since starting the AT: 90 Average daily mileage (zeros and nearos included): 12.2 Average daily mileage I need to finish by August 31st: 14.1 States completed: 6 States left to complete: 8 Most miles hiked in one day: 19.9 (on 6/13) Weight: lost about 30 pounds Shoe size: sized up from Women’s 8.5 to Men’s 8.5 Pairs of shoes used: 3 Falls: 8 Critters spotted on trail: deer, ... The post Wo-oh I’m Halfway There appeared first on The Trek.RV & Overland
