How to Choose Backpacking Gear for Inclement Weather: Clothing, Sleep, and Shelter Systems

The purpose of this article is simple: I want to teach you how to choose backpacking equipment for inclement weather by documenting my thought processes as I select clothing, sleep, and shelter systems for a summer trek. The process will be illustrated as a case study: my equipment selection for a 12-day summer trek in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Southwest Montana.

Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt Review

The Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt is a lightweight nylon-polyester blend shirt. I use it as a trekking base layer or insect-protection layer in camp. This review reflects my long term experience with this shirt - more than two years and hundreds of miles of use.

DIY Backpacking Stove: An Ultralight Vortex Burner (Part 3: Mechanical Design)

In part 3, Roger Caffin discusses the mechanical design for the vortex burner as a solution for an ultralight winter DIY backpacking stove system.

How to Choose and Use Ultralight Base Layers

Jorgen Johansson makes the case for one base layer and the best ways to choose and use ultralight long underwear (base layers).

DIY Backpacking Stove: An Ultralight Vortex Burner (Part 2: Research and Development)

In part 2, Roger Caffin explains the research and development behind the vortex burner as a solution for an ultralight winter DIY backpacking stove system.

Hiking with my Dad

Hiking with your father - or if you're a dad, hiking with your kids - is restorative, healing, and builds strength in your relationship.

DIY Ultralight Backpack: My Search for a Perfect Pack

After trying several commercial backpacks, I made my own DIY ultralight backpack so I could have the features I like.

DIY Backpacking Stove: An Ultralight Vortex Burner (Part 1- Background and Theory)

In Part 1, Roger Caffin explores the theory behind using a vortex burner as a solution for an ultralight winter DIY backpacking stove system.

How to Make a Lightweight Fuel Bottle for Alcohol Stoves (the Snuffle Flask)

The Snuffle Flask is a lightweight fuel dispenser that works with any alcohol stove. Learn how to make one from items in your home.

Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail in October

Jorgen Johansson thru-hiking the John Muir Trail in autumn - a time when snow begins to fall and sunny days still abound.

MEC Uplink Vest Review

The author tests out the water resistance and warmth of the MEC Uplink Vest with a friendly price point from a Canadian company.

Backpacking Wood Stove for Alpine/Snow Camping, Part 4: Dream Becomes Reality

This series explores the use of a Backpacking Wood Stove for warmth in the winter. Part 4 covers using the Micro Snow Stove in the field.

Kokopelli Nirvana Packraft Review

The Kokopelli Nirvana packraft performs well in whitewater, it is durable, well made, and competitively priced.

MSR WindBurner Review (Stove System)

This MSR WindBurner Review determines if this canister stove is a good choice for backpacking trips as well as if it is "windproof."

Backpacking Wood Stove for Alpine/Snow Camping, Part 3: Using Micro Stove

This series explores the use of a Backpacking Wood Stove for warmth in the winter. Part 3 covers using the Micro Snow Stove.

Winter Hiking Arrastra Creek Montana: Snowcaves and Sleds in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

The Absaroka range is known for rugged terrain, and we decided to test our winter backpacking skills there by hiking Arrastra Creek Montana.

Home-Dried: How to Prepare Your Own Lightweight Backpacking Meals

Some backpackers require specialized trail food. Others simply want to target a specific dietary preference. Learning how to make your own lightweight backpacking food is a valuable skill, and perhaps, easier than you think.

Rudow & Atwood Complete Grand Canyon Rim Traverse

Traversing the Grand Canyon's Rim is one of the hardest outdoor feats. Read how some friends turned this dream into a reality.

Bowron Lakes Canoe Trek: Family Paddling with Kids in Lightweight Style

A Bowron Lakes Canoe trek with my wife and kids - family wilderness paddling, lightweight style. Our trip report, gear notes, and more.

Enlightened Equipment Booties Review

Community review / giveaway results for the Enlightened Equipment Apex-insulation-filled booties.

Brooks Range Backpacking: Practical Lessons Learned From the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

On his Brooks Range Backpacking trip, Jorgen Johansson learns the best ways to cross streams and that paradise is not as far as you think.

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