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Photo Essay: A Traverse of the Bob Marshall Wilderness by Foot and Packraft

We entered at Benchmark (on the South Fork Sun), exited at Silvertip (on the Spotted Bear), and had the time of our lives over a few relaxing days while making long miles in a packraft on the South Fork.

The North Face Thunder Jacket Review

Not the lightest down jacket to be found, but it's an excellent balance of warmth and durability, and versatile the year around as an outer layer or midlayer.

New Balance MT875OR Joggers Review

Totally synthetic, luggy soles, and a breathable draining upper, plus a range of width fittings including really wide (4E). (Updated 9/22/09)

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.

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