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Wilderness Cred for the Packrafting Noobs
I was perfectly content to let others do all the lightweight lifting, but at the first chance of a packrafting class (learning to play without buying the gear!), I jumped... and pulled my husband, Rob, with me.
Alpacka Ultralight Paddle Review
A packrafting paddle is not a particularly special thing. It’s simply a kayak paddle, capable of being broken down into two or four pieces for easy stowage while inside or attached to a pack.
Made in China – A State of the Market Report
If almost everyone is taking manufacturing to China, what are the short- and long-term consequences for both the developed and developing worlds?
Turbo Bear Bag Hanging
Learn the tips and techniques to ensure that YOU, not bears, are eating your food at the end of the day.
Heat Exchange Stove Shootout: Part 3
Heat Exchanger Stoves
When do these stoves offer a weight reduction when compared to the baseline of Part 2 of the series?
New Wilderness! Dolly Sods North & Roaring Plains West
There were 37,000 new wilderness acres in my home state... how could I not go walking?
GoPro Wide Helmet Cam Review
Practical application review on using the helmet cam in the backcountry... essentially, how does it do?
Ultralight Economies of Scale: Budgeting for Your Pack & Wallet
How can lightweight backpacking translate and relate to financial management? Doesn't all that lightweight loot cost money?
Heat Exchanger Stove Shootout: Part 2
Upright and Remote Canister Stoves
Setting a baseline: we survey a good range of conventional canister stoves for performance, setting us up for the comparison in Part 3.
Backcountry Fly Fishing with Tenkara: Ultralight Style and Simplicity
The literal translation of the Japanese word 'Tenkara' is 'from Heaven.' Fitting for a lightweight fly rod characterized by elegance, grace, and simplicity.
Race Report: 2009 Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic
"We all know better than to do this race."
Western Mountaineering Hooded Flash Jacket Review
Perfect balance of warmth, light weight, and performance for less extreme conditions.
Garmin Oregon 550t Handheld Color Mapping GPS Review
Garmin trumpets the addition of a camera to this gadget, but are the improvement they DON'T mention even more impressive?
Panasonic Lumix LX3 Digital Camera
A compact digicam with a professional pedigree, the LX3 tempts outdoor photographers with a fast wide angle (f:2.0/24 mm equivalent) zoom lens, RAW file capability, high-definition video and solid performance.
Heat Exchanger Stove Shootout: Part 1
Introduction and Test Method
The performance and efficiency of canister stoves, put to the test. When the dust (and CO2) settle, which one will be left standing?
Two in One Boat: A Photo and Video Essay from Montana’s Jefferson River
Father and son float trip in the lowlands. Experience Ryan Jordan's wild ride through skeeters and heat exhaustion, including running low on key supplies. Or... not.
Two in One Boat: Sharing a Packraft on a River Trip
With 40 lbs from skin out for both father and son, would our contingency plan of "snuggling for warmth" come into play?
Lightweight Pertex Shield Rainwear Hitting the Market (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
Pertex Shield rainwear is more breathable than polyurethane laminates and similar in weight and price.
Sugar Coma: Days 4 & 5 (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
After five glorious days of all the sweet new stuff retailers can offer, we're home and recovering from the high. Our last blog blizzard of some standouts.
Trail Designs Caldera Keg-H (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
Heineken beer can based Caldera system capable of cooking for two people.
Ultralight Multi-Fuel (Alcohol/Esbit/Wood) Cooking Systems from Evernew and Trail Designs (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
New cooking systems allow a hiker to use wood fuel when conditions are right and use alcohol or Esbit fuels as a backup.