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Recent Developments in Canister Stoves
Recent developments in canister stoves have the potential to upset a lot of the industry, as the leadership seems to have passed out of the hands of Western brands and into Asia. Stoves that were trumpeted as the state of the art by well-known Western brands now look a little old, tired, heavy and, well, clunky. We look at a few of the leading edge stoves from 2012 to see where things are going.
Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2 Review
Mainstream manufacturers are catching on, and competition in the ~2lb tent range is fierce. The SuperMegaUL2 is a brilliant addition to this growing field.
Thermal Feedback in Upright Canister Stoves
Different upright canister stoves seem to work with differing levels of success in very cold weather, and one wonders why. Claims for pressure regulator stoves are especially problematic, with marketing spin being extreme in some cases. We examine just what is going on here, with an in-depth analysis of some aspects of both upright and remote canister stoves, to unravel some critical factors.
Impact of Wind on Insulation Loft
During a winter storm, strong winds can render your lightweight puffy useless. This article examines the effect that compression can have on various types of insulation, and presents recommendations for staying warm and alive.
Mountain Hardwear Speed 32 Sleeping Bag Review
A predominantly well engineered sleeping bag that suffers from a small, yet serious design flaw.
Winter Firebuilding Techniques (Video)
Ryan Jordan presents some tools and techniques for dealing with wet wood for firebuilding in winter conditions.
Deuter ACTLite 40+10 Spotlite Review
SpotLite Review of Deuter's new clean, yet multi-featured pack - perfect for thru-hiking in the Alps.
Notes from the Field: The Wintry Fringe Season in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness
Gear notes and more from a trek in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in late October and early November, 2012.
Easton UL Carbon 3 Trekking Poles Spotlite Review
How do these 3-section poles hold up to the rigors of thru-hiking?
Ibex Clothing Review
A merino wool layering system to keep you dry and comfortable on cool summer nights.
Yellowstone River Packrafting
An Introduction to Packrafting in the Yellowstone River Corridor between its headwaters and Big Timber, MT.
Boys in the Wild (Short Film)
A short film about the challenges we face when trying to expose young men to backcountry experiences.
Photo Essay: Spanish Peaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana
Photos from a Scout trek across the Spanish Peaks in Southwest Montana, with some insight into how we incorporate an ultralight ethic into groups.
Sierra Designs Cloud 15 Review
A 29 oz sleeping bag featuring vertical baffles and Insotect technology... is it worth the weight?
Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Review
Superb fit and finish, high breathability, and nice mix of features, but durability insurance doesn't come with the $280 price tag - and at 9 oz, is it light enough?
Salvation in Skykomish
Trail Angels to the rescue on the PCT and AT. Chapter 11 from Lawton Grinter's new book I Hike: Mostly True Stories from 10,000 Miles of Hiking.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400 Backpack Review
Durable lightweight packs that can carry a larger volume (and higher weight) expedition kit.
Close Encounters with Hypothermia
An unexpected rainstorm and inadequate gear threaten to end one hiker's PCT dreams, and potentially his life. Chapter 3 from Lawton Grinter's new book I Hike: Mostly True Stories from 10,000 Miles of Hiking.
Midlayer Technology: Patagonia Capilene 4 v. Mountain Hardwear Desna Hoody
This winter, increase the versatility of your other layers by adding a midlayer. An overview of two notable options, and discussion of current fabric tech.
2012 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
An eclectic assortment of the staff's favorite gear for 2012.
An Introduction to Nordic and Backcountry Ski Gear: Part 2 – Advanced Nordic Ski Mountaineering on UL Tele Gear
It is natural for skiers, as their skills improve, to seek more challenging terrain. And, with access to mountainous landscapes, it is inevitable for a skier to enter the realm of ski mountaineering. An overview of UL backcountry ski mountaineering gear and discussion of proper gear choice.
