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Spring Raftpacking (and Packrafting)
In the high country, runoff doesn’t always coincide with what we all consider to be backpacking season, where trails are dry and the days are sunny. That being the case, here are some tips for trekking, packrafting, and camping in the spring snow and muck.
SOTMR: Two-way Satellite Communications for Backpacking: Part 2 – Satellite Phones
Part 2 in our 3 part series on satellite communications focuses on the currently available sat phones suitable for lightweight backpacking.
Packing for Adventure Travel: Ultralight Tips to Integrate Wilderness and Urban Kit
Packing to combine adventure travel and wilderness recreation.
SOTMR: Two-way Satellite Communications for Backpacking: Part 1 – Introduction
Part 1 in our 3 part series on two-way satellite communications for lightweight backpacking.
Spring Snow Trekking Gear List
Ryan shares his ideal gear list for late-winter, early-spring trekking. By utilizing a snow shelter and making a few adjustments to your kit, you can push the limits of your conventional 3-season gear.
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.
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Breathable Sun HoodieUPF 50+ sun hoodie with breathable fabric.
