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Coleman Pack-Away Lantern Spotlite Review
A compact LED lantern, lighter than canister lanterns and fairly bright, but not yet perfect.
Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld Color Mapping GPS – REVIEW
Garmin's latest mapping GPS has a large, high-resolution display, streamlined controls (including the new "Rock 'n Roller" input wheel), and topographic maps for the entire United States at 1:100K scale. In many ways, it represents an advance in handheld GPS for the general consumer...but it appears to have missed the mark for lightweight backpacking.
Professional Perspectives on Backcountry Photography
Perspectives from Tom Murphy, Rainbow Weinstock, and Rick Dreher on how professional photography fits with lightweight principles.
GSI Outdoors Cascadian Bowl SPOTLITE REVIEW
Strong polypropylene, almost twenty-four fluid ounces capacity, 1.55 ounces weight and $1.50 USD: it can't be too bad!
GSI Outdoors Cascadian Cup SPOTLITE REVIEW
Strong polypropylene, will not burn your lips, twelve fluid ounces capacity, 1.7 ounces weight and $1.75 USD: it can't be too bad!
MYOG Titanium/Carbon Fiber Ice Axe
Following the Review of the ULA Helix Potty Trowel, there was considerable discussion on the Backpacking Light Forum (MYOG, DIY walking axe) regarding the use of a light "ice axe" in areas where one's life or ultimate safety would not be an issue. The author, Steven Evans, asked specific questions regarding the required length of such an ice axe, the general use of such an ice axe, and what people used in situations where a UIAA-certified ice axe would be overkill, but where a tool of some sort would be nice to have. Such a tool could be used to assist in small steep sections of snow and ice and general up-hill travel in less then desirable conditions, but it would have a weight which would be negligible on one's back when not in use. This project was born from that discussion.
Podcast: NOLS and the 40 Pound Initiative
NOLS Rocky Mountain discusses the process and progress of the 40-Pound Initiative, a branch effort to reduce student pack weights to 40 pounds or less for all Wind River courses.
Outdoor Research Endeavor Mitt SPOTLITE REVIEW
Lightweight durable shell mitt especially suited for snow sports or any situation where a more durable waterproof-breathable mitt is needed.
Komperdell Touring Glove Spotlite Review
Gloves made with Komperdell's new seamless bonding construction get a mixed review.
MYOG – A Winter Canister Stove using your Summer Upright Stove and the Brunton Stove Stand
The Brunton Stove Stand is a nice bit of engineering, but is it really of any use? Oh yes: it can be turned into a neat winter stove with just a little DIY effort.
Hypothermia
Avoiding and treating hypothermia in the backcountry with ultralight equipment.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Supplement 1: The MSR Reactor
Roger Caffin revisits the carbon monoxide emissions performance of a production model MSR Reactor stove.
Podcast: Journey on the Wild Coast – When the Weather Outside is Frightful and There is No Inside, What Gear Works?
Carol Crooker exposes the insanity of Bretwood Higman and Erin McKittrick. Three pounds of shared sleeping quilt for minus 30 degree weather?!
Master Index to ‘Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?’ Series
This page is the Master Index to the series on ‘Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide - Deadly or not?’. It lists all the files in the series and all the stoves tested, with links to the appropriate files.
Yellowstone in Winter: An Igloo Traverse in America’s Oldest National Park
Chris Townsend explores Yellowstone during the winter in a group igloo expedition with skis, snowshoes, and pulks.
Fire and Ultralight, a US Forest Service Recon
Ultralight Backpackers Scouting Post-Disaster Trail Conditions for the US Forest Service.
Trekking Techniques for Early-Season Conditions
Andrew Skurka's insights and techniques for early season trekking can dramatically increase the length of your normal hiking season.
Granite Gear Vapor Day Pack Review
Lightweight, full-featured, very comfortable internal frame day pack.
Podcast: Making Unconventional Choices for a Better Life
John Coffer is out of step with modern life - and that is just the way he likes it. Carol Crooker talks with John about his journey to contentment.
Rab Latok eVENT Glove SPOTLITE REVIEW
These eVENT-lined gloves performed so well they left me wondering why eVENT gloves are not more common.
Kamik Viper Insulated Boots SPOTLITE REVIEW
Good lightweight insulated boots for travel in dry snow, but they have some major drawbacks for wet snow travel and for normal hiking and backpacking.
