I recently spent a few winter nights in Moraine Park (Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado) in my camper, and experimented with this Good To-Go meal. (Aside: My camper was winterized and had limited supplies in it. Seems the lighter went missing, so I had to rely on what I had in my backpacking gear (sparker) to light the camper stove. I needed three hands, because the gas valve needs to be depressed in order for the stove to light!)
I’m not a serious DIY connoisseur of backpacking foods. I own and use a terrific dehydrator, but it’s not a passionate hobby or anything. (That said, I would get pretty excited about owning a lyophilizer!) I used to be an ultralight backpacking foodie-type, but I’ve decided to give up that lifestyle for one that is simpler, easier, and faster.
However, I do care about food quality, so backpacking nutrition is something that I study a lot and it intrigues me. I’m not known to write too many packaged backpacking meal reviews. However, I recently tried Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto, which is a packaged backpacking meal worth writing a food review about.
Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto Review Video
Ingredients
Arborio rice
Cremini mushrooms
Onions
White wine
Extra virgin olive oil
Nutritional yeast
Garlic
Sweet rice flour
Walnuts
Basil
Kosher salt
Thyme
Black pepper
Interestingly: I can pronounce all of these ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
In the video, I reported the nutrition facts on a per-serving basis. There are two “servings” in one 6.6-oz package. I never found “serving sizes” very useful, so I’ll report nutrition facts as per package here:
Package weight: 6.6 oz
Calories: 820 (Calories from fat: 90)
Total fat: 20 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 840 mg
Total carbohydrates: 128 g (Dietary fiber: 8 g; Sugars: 6 g)
Protein: 26 g
In the video, I add a 4-oz filet of smoked sockeye salmon. This added an additional 180 Cal, 8 g of fat (2 g saturated), 75 mg of cholesterol, 1210 mg of sodium (!), and 26 g of protein.
Cooking Instructions
Boil two cups of water.
Add boiled water to package and let sit for 20 minutes.
Eat.
Twenty minutes is too long for me, especially on a cold winter night. By the time 20 minutes goes by, even in the Reflectix {link} insulating cozy that I made for my packaged meals, my food is no longer hot. I like hot food.
This isn’t necessary a recommendation for improvement, because high quality dehydrated ingredients require longer reconstitution times. But it does change the way I choose to cook.
Instead of boiling water and adding it to the bag, I prefer to add the package contents to my cook pot and simmer the meal. For the Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto, the meal was ready to eat after about 12 minutes of simmering on very low heat at an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Nutritional Observations
Gluten-free
Vegetarian
Low in sugar
Moderate sodium levels (high if you add salted meats like I did in the video)
High caloric density (124 Cal / oz)
High protein
Cooking & Tasting Notes
The rice and mushroom base gives the Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto a hearty body that makes for a filling meal.
Spice mix is very satisfying – garlic, onions, basil, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Some unique ingredients add nutrition and boost calories without overwhelming the palate – olive oil, walnuts, and nutritional yeast.
Recommendations for Improvement
Reduce the salt – it’s not needed. There are so many other good flavors in this meal that salt could easily be cut in half.
TL;DR
The Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto is one of the best packaged backpacking foods I’ve ever eaten.
This meal has high protein (26 g), high caloric density (124 Cal / oz).
Gluten-free, vegetarian, low sugar.
My favorite way to make Good To-Go Mushroom Risotto is to add a handful of fresh sauteed mushrooms and a filet of sockeye salmon.
This product was purchased by the author and has no affiliation with Good To-Go. This review may contain affiliate links to a retailer that carries this product. If you follow one of those links and end up making a purchase, we make a small commission on the sale, which helps us maintain the site for our community – and we appreciate that a lot!
The Backpacking Light Staff Picks Gear Guide offers what we consider to be our personal recommendations for high-quality, high-performance, lightweight backpacking gear that we’ve actually used this year.
The Backpacking Light Staff Picks Gear Guide offers what we consider to be our personal recommendations for high-quality, high-performance, lightweight backpacking gear that we’ve actually used this year. When I invite our staff to participate in this exercise, I simply ask for “recommendations for three pieces of gear that you have used, and loved over the past year of outdoor activity.”
Participating this year:
Ryan & Stephanie Jordan – BPL Owners & Publishers
Kevin Fletcher – Wilderness Adventures Director, Guide, and Contributing Author
Chase Jordan – Production Editor, Contributing Author, Wilderness Adventures Guide
Roger Caffin – Forum Moderator and Contributing Author
Matthew King – Forum Moderator
Luke Schmidt – Contributing Author
Emylene VanderVelden – Contributing Author
Max Neale – Contributing Author
Doug Johnson – Contributing Author
Dave Chenault – Contributing Author
Mike Martin – Contributing Author
Join us below in the forums, we’d like to hear about your top three picks for this year as well!
18oz After lots of gear churn I have accepted that the lightest possible tarp is not necessarily the best one for me. I’ve been enjoying a bright orange silnylon Duomid since last spring. It stays in my pack most nights because I prefer the simplicity of sleeping in a bivy, but this tarp provides 360° coverage from the wind and rain for myself and a guest (either my son or my dog). I have an MLD Innernet that seems like a good addition to the setup but I’ve yet to sleep in it.
5.5ozUsing solid fabric liners in a few of Seek Outside’s larger tents this past winter made me wonder why they’re not standard equipment in all mids. Condensation is one of the most frequent complaints with pyramids, and a problem which is to a large degree inherent to the design itself. Turning at least half of your mid into a true double wall tent manages this issue very well, and adds little weight. The half liner pictured here, for a Seek Outside Little Bug Out, weighs 5.5 ounces in basic 1.1 ounce nylon ripstop, and has been in my mid all year.
30ozI used this bag guiding this fall in the Montana Beartooth Range in wet, cold, and snowy conditions. It kept me warm even when temperatures dipped down into the low teens. It stuffs small and at 1 lb 14 oz it was not a burden to carry!
6.4oz There are plenty of hammocks on the market these days, but the Weight Weenie is something special. It weighs just 6.4 ounces and fits my 6’1″ just fine in the 52″ width and 11′ length. I prefer a wider hammock for overnight use, but this size is perfect for relaxing in camp and my son slept 14 nights in this hammock last summer! It has a fixed ridgeline which makes it easy to have perfect sag every time, and the camo fabric is soft, durable, and comfortable against the skin. These hamocks are handmade by Shane Waits in Tennessee, and you can choose a variety of options, suspensions, and accessories to make it exactly what you want. Besides that, the base price is only $49.95 which is amazing considering the excellent quality. I have two BIAS hammocks and they are my absolute favorites; if I had some advice it would be to get your Butt in a Sling too!
– Doug Johnson
Nemo Astro Insulated Air Lite Pad MSRP $149.95 at REI
23oz Many people feel they have truly arrived when they sleep on a NeoAir pad. Sure, I love mine too, but I’m starting to think that maybe it was just a gateway drug for the real deal- the Nemo Astro Insulated Lite. This pad blows the NeoAir away; it is 3.5 inches thick (40% thicker than a NeoAir), has a built-in pillow baffle for extra head support, it’s warm in sub-freezing conditions, and the 25″ x 76″ size means you can spread out and roll around without ever hitting the ground. Sure, 1 lb 7 oz is not ultralight, but it’s only 7 ounces more than a long/wide NeoAir and it is WAY more comfortable. These days I want a good night’s sleep, even when sleeping under a tarp, and the Nemo pad gives some luxury that helps me sleep well all night and wake up refreshed. The Nemo Astro is in my pack more often than not lately and I’d have a hard time going back.
11.0oz A lightweight shoe with exceptional performance in technical terrain, this has been a dream come true for me. I use it on hiking and mountain running day trips and with light overnight packs (< 40 lb).
Unique features: on-the-fly lacing system to change fit quickly to suit terrain, Vibram soles, technical (low-volume) fit, 9mm drop, narrow last.
10.4oz This shoe ticks a lot of boxes for the lightweight backpacker. It’s light weight but not too minimalist, provides enough cushioning from terrain, has a simple but effective gaiter interface, has good drainage, and the tread gives decent traction. But, it’s the fit that sets it apart from its competitors for me with its snug heel pocket and very roomy toe box. – Mike Martin
I’ve been hiking in Version 1.0 Altra Lone Peaks since I completed my first 50-mile trek across the Beartooths when I was 12. The new 3.5s are the best rendition of the shoes that I have ever owned, solving both structural problems (sloppy fit) and durability issues (toecap and upper fabric). These are my shoes of choice for just about everything, including the trails, tundra, talus, and granite slabs of the places I hike the most: the Rockies of CO, WY, and MT, and the High Sierra. – Chase Jordan
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Neoshell Low (Women’s) MSRP $150 at REI
10.0oz I’ve worn Altra shoes for several years. This upgrade from the (non-Neoshell) Superior 3.0 gives me a significant cushioning boost for backpacking, and warmer feet for winter hiking. We hike almost every day during the winter, and my feet have remained warm and dry in Wyoming’s snowy conditions. The toe box remains comfortable even as I add thicker wool socks for more winter warmth.
I’m loving how my Dirty Girl Gaiters attach perfectly to the front eye hook and velcro on the back heels of the Lone Peaks. My Kahtoola Micro spikes easily slip on and off and I finally feel like I have the optimal winter footwear system. Not having to worry about cold, wet feet while winter hiking and snowshoeing keeps me doing what I love throughout the winter season, which is to walk outside in the mountains.
– Stephanie Jordan
Insulated Jackets
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody MSRP $299 at Patagonia.com
9.3ozI’ve worn the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody almost every day since the beginning of September. It’s cozy enough for a three-season insulating layer while being light enough to wear on the move while day hiking in the extremely cold temperatures of my Wyoming winter.
I’m a fan of its fit, durability, giant handwarmer and inside stash pockets, hood, hem length, and of course at just a shade over 9 oz, its weight. While there are lighter synthetic garments available, they probably can’t match the performance and features of the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody at this weight. (I discussed it in more depth in my recent Holiday Gear Guide.)
– Ryan Jordan
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hoody MSRP $249 at Patagonia.com
10.9ozThe Patagonia Nano Air Light Hoody doesn’t pencil out well, and before I wore it on a rainy September trip I wouldn’t have believed how versatile and functional it is. This hoody is 50% midlayer, 30% soft shell, and 20% windshirt, and outperforms all three of those things shockingly often. Most significantly, as a midlayer under a rain jacket it outperforms fleece in every respect in multiday rain storms, something I would not have thought possible.
10.0oz I used this for mountaineering, ski mountaineering, and hiking expeditions this year. Few other synthetic insulated jackets can match its warmth-to-weight ratio.
The Nunatak Skaha Apex can be customized with respect to fabrics, insulation weights, and features. Weights for the lightest and simplest versions start at about 10 oz for a typical “M/L” size and go up from there.
– Max Neale
Montbell EX Light Down Anorak MSRP $269 at Montbell
6.2oz Despite advances in “water resistant” goose down, and various synthetic insulations, I’m still pretty old-school when when it comes to insulation. Yes, you have to keep it dry, but I still like the loft, warmth per weight, drape, and durability of high fill-power down. The EX Light Down Anorak has exactly the feature set I want for 3-season hiking: nothing extraneous, integrated hood, quality down, lightweight notions, and the pièce de résistance: a handwarmer tunnel pocket that is worth the entire weight of the garment by itself.
– Mike Martin
Rain and Wind Apparel
Patagonia Wind Shield Hybrid Soft Shell Pants (Women’s) MSRP $159 at REI
10.3ozI love this soft shell fabric – it protects me from wind and cooler temperatures (our family just returned from winter hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park where we experienced wind gusts up to 60 mph in exposed alpine terrain and I remained comfortable and warm!). A wide waist band and stretchy fabric makes them among the more comfortable outdoor pants I’ve worn, when I’m climbing over deadfall, scrambling in rock, or just stair-climbing up steep trails. The seat is protected by the more water repellent fabric, which means I can sit briefly on snow to adjust my snowshoes or trail crampons and not get a wet behind. More breathable side, back, and mid panels maintain comfort when exertion levels are high.
I was apprehensive to buy these because of the price, but they have found a regular home in my fringe- and winter-season outdoor kit. Why? Fit, quality, and performance / versatility of the hybrid construction in a wide range of conditions.
– Stephanie Jordan
OR Helium II Rain Jacket (Women’s) MSRP $159 at REI
5.5oz I picked the Outdoor Research Womens Helium II Jacket up to replace an old Pertex jacket which was delaminating. I had decided against getting a jacket using older versions of Pertex Shield – I was tired of “wetting out.”
The Pertex Shield+ is a marked improvement to the original Pertex fabric. The Outdoor Research Womens Helium II is a minimalist design which is compact to pack, lightweight and relatively stylish. Aside from how small it packs up, my favourite feature is the stiffened hood brim, which keeps the rain out of the neck of the jacket.
1.9oz I’ve used the ZPacks Ventum Wind Shell Jacket backpacking in the desert Southwest and the Montana Beartooths, and backcountry skiing in Utah’s Wasatch. I know there are lots of sub-5 oz wind shirts on the market, but at 1.9 oz for the Ventum, it just seems like a no-brainer to bring along.
9.2oz Most lightweight rain pants get shredded by brush or have fragile coatings or membranes that aren’t durably waterproof. I used these for eight weeks of off-trail backpacking and mountaineering trips. They are both waterproof and durable!
– Max Neale
Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket MSRP $99 at Patagonia.com
3.6ozThe Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket is my favorite piece of clothing for spring, summer, and fall hiking and backpacking; it is also my most used piece of “auxiliary” clothing (i.e., clothing that is added to my trekking clothes for stormy or cold conditions).
The Houdini is lightweight and breathable and provides uncompromised comfort when battered by the incessant gales that rip through the high alpine here in Wyoming. There are a lot of wind shirts on the market, but the Houdini has proven its construction quality and durability over the course of hundreds of days’ worth of expeditions that involved rock scrambling and bushwhacking. My Houdini has no holes, and no unraveling stitches – not bad for a garment that has been used hard for several years.
4.2oz I have been using Outdoor Research Womens Verglas Gaiters for over a decade. Usually, I favour a full leg gaiter, but this past spring I switched to the Outdoor Research Womens Wrapid Gaitor.
They are smaller, lighter, and cooler relative to the Verglas. The Wrapids have stood up well against mud and snow during the shoulder season. The Outdoor Research Wrapid Gaitor packed smaller than full leg gaiters when I didn’t need them and are a breeze to take on and off thanks to the convenient velcro closure.
0.7-2.9ozI’ve worn Buffs off and on for many years, but now I take one on every trip. I can’t say this about any other piece of equipment I own – the Buff is that versatile and valuable. During the winter my Buff is a facemask and neck gaiter under my fleece hat for cold temps and brisk winds. During the summer, it provides sun protection for my neck and face and I use it packrafting, fly fishing, glacier mountaineering – i.e., my snow-and-water-sports.
Buff weights vary a bit, depending on fabrics and model. My UV Half Buff ($14.95 from Backcountry.com) weighs less than 0.7 oz and makes a great bandana or headband for summer use.
– Ryan Jordan
MYOG Heavy Lycra Gaiters
MYOG Heavy Lycra Gaiters
2.5oz My gaiters were made using a fairly heavy-weight Lycra (stretch nylon) fabric. The heavier weights are more durable. A benefit to Lycra is that it’s very breathable. The photo shows an early morning in an alpine region, wearing the gaiters over wet socks, with condensation droplets appearing on the outside of the gaiter fabric.
3.2ozI hate wearing hoods on my raincoats. This waterproof-breathable hat solves that problem. In lighter rain I wear the hat and get better ventilation and better visibility. If it really starts to pour I put the Sombrero on top of my hood. That really seals things up to keep me dry. As a side benefit the Sombrero is great if you have a decent raincoat with a poorly fitting hood (a fairly common problem).
25oz I have used both versions of the Superior Wilderness Designs 35L packs – with and without the suspension. I love both of them – they are simple, lightweight designs that carry weight well. I am now experimenting with them for backcountry skiing, which places special demands on a pack’s ability to stabilize a load with a user’s center of gravity moving around so much. It’s early in the ski season, but so far, so good!
– Kevin Fletcher
Osprey Rev 18 Pack * Discontinued! *
Osprey Rev 18 Pack
19ozSadly discontinued, this trail running pack from Osprey is the closest thing I’ve seen to a genuinely functional and ultralight daypack. With plenty of pockets, all easily accessible on the go, and intelligently light materials throughout (a double bottom, for instance), it is hard to find fat to trim, and harder still to find something it doesn’t do well. Day hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are all things it does equally well.
– Dave Chenault
Osprey Rev 24 Pack * Discontinued! *
Osprey Rev 24 Pack
20ozThis backpack has become my primary option for day hiking and 24-hour excursions during the summer and pre-snow shoulder seasons. I can fit my essentials in the pack and not have to feel like I am sacrificing safety or comfort while on the trail. Angled side pockets allow easy access to snacks, water, and more while on the move.
As Dave noted above, the Rev line has been discontinued by Osprey. #SAD!
– Chase Jordan
Seek Outside Unaweep 6300 Pack MSRP $429 at Seek Outside
3.5lb This is hands down the best pack I’ve used for packrafting. The shape of the pack allows me to carry a lot of the weight and bulk of a big load low down. This is very nice when I have to bushwhack and duck under trees. When I’m looking at carrying two weeks of food, packrafting gear, and mountaineering gear this is the pack I grab. Seek Outside now makes smaller and lighter versions of the same pack like the Gila and the Divide.
0.9oz Over the years, I’ve cultivated an embarrassingly large collection of stoves of different types. They all now sit in storage bins. The light weight and simplicity of the BRS 3000t Stove, coupled with a protocol to refill fuel canisters, and a set of techniques to use it in very cold weather has made my various solid fuel, alcohol, inverted canister, “integrated” canister, and white gas stoves obsolete. Whether for a quick summertime overnight hike, or a sub-zero winter expedition, I use this stove. (Disclaimer: Refilling canisters and sub-freezing upright stove use require special techniques. Failures can be dangerous.)
4.0ozI impulsively picked up the Fozzils Solo Pack dishware out of curiosity. The cup, plate and bowl together weigh about four ounces (113g) and pack completely flat. I have not packed much more than a cup and a spork for dishware in years, but these seemed like a neat idea.
When I tested them, they are a great idea. The Fozzils Cup and Bowl feature measuring lines, the plate features a generous lip which keeps food in it. When I was finished eating, I undid the snaps and poured some water over the dish at the grey water disposal site and every bit of food residue rinsed off with no effort. I wish the cup and bowl had built-in handles, and I’m not sure how long the snaps will stand up, those will need further testing, but so far I’m impressed.
2.8ozI’ve gone no-cook on every trip this year but I still bring a small cookset (for incidental tea and coffee) that I’ve assembled using parts from various suppliers. Zelph rolls a sweet bead onto a Toaks 550 titanium cookpot so that you don’t have to use stakes or a silicone band to suspend the pot over the Sidewinder Cone.
Mine has no handle, a Four Dog lid, a DIY Ti foil stove sized for 4 gram Esbit tablets and weighs 102 grams in the stuffsack including a lighter. This is a luxury item I don’t mind carrying.
3.2oz Inverted canister operation delivers liquid fuel feed (more power / sustained burn for cold temperatures). Remote canister design allows for the use of a tight-fitting windscreen for maximum efficiency. Photo: Alpine region, very early morning, -7 C, warm milk and tea/coffee for breakfast.
2.3ozI first reviewed the BeFree here back in July. Since then, I’ve taken it on every trip since and it’s been my primary water treatment strategy.
The BeFree filter delivers potable water faster than any device I’ve ever used, is very light, and is compatible with my favorite water bottles (HydraPak).
48lb This summer, my family completed an 11 day canoe/backpacking adventure in Yellowstone National Park. It was a perfect opportunity for us to try out our new Northstar Canoe, and the boat was incredible! Our Blacklite version has an exterior carbon fiber layer for stiffness and an Aramid (kevlar) inner layer for tensile strength. This makes a 48 pound canoe that swallows our family of four and gear for an extended adventure. It paddled extremely well in significant waves, was surprisingly maneuverable on the river, and it glides SO well. It is a thing of beauty and a pleasure to portage, such as when I one-trip carried it and my gear on a tough trail to Ross Lake in North Cascades National Park. These boats are handmade in Minnesota by the legendary Ted Bell himself and I cant wait to get it back to its home state when we visit the Boundary Waters this summer!
– Doug Johnson
Petzl Leopard FL Crampons MSRP $169.95 at Backcountry
12ozWhen I wanted to do some light mountaineering I needed crampons that would be light and pack small. These held up well to a traverse across Mt. Edziza in British Columbia. – Luke Schmidt
These are the lightest, and best, general mountaineering (snow) crampons on the market today. I verified the weight of mine at 6.1 oz apiece – which makes them nearly as light as my Kahtoola Microspikes, and far more effective for steep snow and glacier travel. – Ryan Jordan
1.6oz This was an “upgrade gift” for a backpacking trip in the Idaho Sawtooths I took with Ryan this summer (it’s replacing an old Spot that Chase gave me for Mother’s Day years ago). Ryan wrote more details about the new Ion in our Holiday Gear Guide.
This new (2017) model Ion was a huge step up in comfort for me. I hardly know it’s on my head and sometimes walk around wearing it while looking for it. I love to night hike and the Ion burns for several hours even in chilly weather (use Li batteries to get the weight down to 1.6 oz and increase cold weather performance). I use it at home for a reading light when I can’t sleep – sometimes, when I know I have to face real life and responsibilities in the morning, it’s nice to pretend I’m in my tent at a remote spot!
0.3ozThis $10 LED keychain flashlight is all I use on most trips. My “backup” light is a larger AAA flashlight with a reversible clip that I can put on my hat but I rarely feel the need for more light than the Nitecore Tube.
It’s rechargeable so I always head out with a full battery and I’ve got it tied to a small loop of shockcord which allows me to attach it to whatever is convenient. Mine is bright pink which makes it hard to lose.
1.3ozThis watch originally came with a ridiculously heavy wrist strap that was uncomfortable and binding, so I cut it off and added a string loop to hang it around my neck. Its “digital compass”, which I tested extensively, was utterly useless and unreliable (as 2-axis compasses tend to be). So the most redeeming quality of this instrument is its altimeter – which is very useful when ascending or descending mountains with a topo map. (Note: when I got this it was just a Silva product, but they have since split the Tech4o range of watches off into a separate brand/product line – refer to Tech4o.com for more info.)
The Canadian Rockies are full of backpacking opportunities which are well-traveled but secluded. One scenic route is the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. I have had the benefit of backpacking many of the trails in the Canadian Rockies. However, I have never managed to make it out to the Skyline Trail. Also, the limited number of backpackers permitted on the trail at one time ensures a relatively private trip, and the elevation of the trail provides unparalleled views.
The BlackYak Emergency Jacket is a waterproof shell that weighs 71 g (2.5 oz), is made with DSM, and probably costs a fortune.
Photo: BlackYak
The outdoor brand BlackYak isn’t well known (yet) outside the international high-altitude mountaineering community. However, BlackYak has a long history dating back to its humble beginnings in South Korea in the early 1970s.
The brand has gained widespread attention in Europe over the past few years. It’s known for garment design aesthetics that focus on attention to design detail, state-of-the-art textile construction techniques, and use of premium materials.
The BlackYak Emergency Jacket has been in their line for the past two years and represents the lightest end of the spectrum for waterproof jackets.
Although BlackYak touts the garment’s capabilities for “emergency use,” SUL fastpackers and gram-counting ultralighters who spend their time in drier environments may appreciate a rain shell that will spend most of its time at the bottom of their pack.
Features and Specifications
Fabric: DSM (Dyneema)
Weight: 71 g (2.5 oz)
Style: Hooded Pullover
Pockets: None
Hem: Elastic
Cost: If you have to ask…
BlackYak is distributed in the USA by Backcountry. Otherwise, its US distribution is limited to a small number of specialty outdoor retailers. Finding the BlackYak Emergency Jacket may be a bit tricky. BlackYak Global is based in Germany, so your best bet is to find a German specialty outdoor retailer who stocks the BlackYak brand.
So when Ben texted me that he and two other guys had lined up a brand new “epic” trip in Monkman Provincial Park, British Columbia, I probably should have thought about what I was getting into. But I was up for some excitement so I joined the trip.
Packrafting down Monkman Creek in front of mountains we had explored the day before.
Introduction
My friend Ben Brochu and I have had some “interesting” trips together. Most notably our “5-day” Wood River Expedition turned into an 11-day survival trek. After that experience, we went home and spent the winter scheming on Facebook for the 2016 summer. Usually Ben, the optimist, would suggest a route. As the realist (or pessimist if you ask Ben) I would look at Google Earth and raise concerns about miles of Devil’s Club or killer rapids. So when Ben texted me that he and two other guys had lined up a brand new “epic” trip in Monkman Provincial Park, British Columbia, I probably should have thought about what I was getting into. But I was up for some excitement so I joined the trip.
Summary
While scaling Paxton Peak I nearly fell off a cliff on two different occasions.
Ben Scholten discovered two caves
We packrafted down Monkman Creek and portaged around a dozen waterfalls
Ben Scholten ran a Class III+ to Class IV rapid on his first try.
I took a nasty swim
The rough plan for our trip was to hike into the mountains and climb Paxton Peak. After that, we would use packrafts to go back out on Monkman Creek.
Narrative
Day 1: The Hike In
Day 1 was more of an evening hike. Ben and I carpooled and met Ben Scholten and Tim Siemens in the town of Tumbler Ridge. We threw our gear into Ben Scholten’s truck and began the drive to the trailhead.
We took advantage of the long summer days to hike late into the evening. Ben B. reminded me that he brought me on the trip he could blame me for everything that went wrong. I threatened to make a GoPro video of nothing but Ben mistakes as revenge.
Day 2: The Hike to Hugh Lake
The plan for Day 2 was to get up to Monkman Lake and leave our rafts there. After that, we hoped to get as close to the base of Paxton Peak as possible before we camped.
We got a lazy camp from Trot Camp in the morning. Left to right Ben B., Ben S., and Tim. After teasing me about being late Ben B. discovered that his new gators were on wrong. Needless to say, I gave him a hard time about that.
We hid our rafting gear at Monkman Lake then headed for the high country. After slogging through some of the nastiest mosquitoes I’ve ever seen we reached the alpine zone and a breeze kept most of the bugs off. Ben was trying out his new Seek Outside Unaweep pack. I was using another MYOG pack based on a Seek Outside frame and hipbelt.
The trail more or less ended at treeline. From there we followed an off-trail route along a ridge. Our objective was to traverse across a couple ridges then camp at Hugh Lake. That would be a scenic location and a good basecamp to summit Paxton Peak.
We passed several scenic lakes along the way. I looked at the snowfields and seriously wondered whether we’d find a route up Paxton Peak through that.
We camped in a thick sub-alpine forest above Huge Lake. There was talk of swimming in the lake but a cold thunderstorm blew in and put a stop to that. This trip was a chance to try out my new Six Moons Designs Deschutes Tarp. With the rain pouring down it turned out to more cramped than my old DuoMid but much better than my old cat tarp. Not bad for a 7oz shelter.
While Ben S. was researching this trip he’d stumbled across a Paxton Peak outdoor store in the US. They’d sponsored us with T-shirts, some snacks, and s’mores. When it began to rain we huddled under Ben’s hammock tarp and ate the s’mores cold.
Day 3: Paxton Peak
Our goal for Day 3 was to summit Paxton Peak. We weren’t sure if there was an ideal route to the summit or how we’d deal with the unmelted snow. Adding to the complication was the fact that clouds were covering Paxton Peak so we couldn’t visually plan a route. We planned to just wing it using Ben Scholten’s route finding skills and Ben Brochu’s GPS topo maps. Tim woke up feeling bad, so he decided to backtrack down to Monkman Lake and wait for us there. About halfway up Paxton Peak, I wondered if I should have gone with him. The climb would end up being the most difficult part of the trip.
It was here that I decided I did not like my Altra Lone Peak 2.5s at all. After traversing a steep snow slope my foot slipped and I began sliding towards Ben B. who was standing on the edge of a rock ledge about 2 feet wide. Ben reached for me and my first instinct was to grab his hand. My next thought was that I might just pull him down with me. I managed to land on the ledge on all fours. It hurt smacking my knees on the rock but I stopped and was able to get around the ledge safely. It was not a confidence booster, to say the least.
After some hiking, we arrived at the base of Paxton Peak in a cold drizzle. Clouds covered the top of the mountain so we couldn’t really see where we were headed. The GPS said we were only 500 meters from the summit. It would be a very long 500 meters.
The first part of the climb was up a steep talus field. Here again, I hated my shoes. They seemed to slip and slider around in places that were not really that steep.
After the talus field, the mountain rose up in steep cliffs.
When we came to some cliffs that we couldn’t safely climb we began working our way sideways on small ledges. We fell into a routine with Ben B. using his GPS to set an overall “macro route” and Ben S. using his excellent climbing skills to pick the “micro-route” around individual obstacles. Not having a mountaineering background I tried not to fall off anything.
A lot of the climbing was at the edge of my comfort zone and I finally got into trouble. Ben B. climbed up a rock crack with no problem. I followed without really planning a route and suddenly a handhold broke off in my hand. I couldn’t reach any more solid holds with my hands and my feet couldn’t find a good place to step up on. After trying to talk me up Ben S. asked if I could stay where I was for a bit. He then climbed up another route and tossed his river rescue rope down to me. After he hauled up my pack I used the rope to get over the bad part and we were on our way again.
The summit was covered in fog so there wasn’t much of a view. We quickly pulled off our raincoats for a summit shot in our Paxton Peak shirts and headed back down into the clouds.
The route down was slightly better than going up. We managed to avoid the spot where I got stuck so there was no need to rappel down using our throw ropes. At one point the clouds cleared just enough that we could see our route ahead.
The final climb down was complicated by a couple steep snowfields that we had to work our way around. Eventually, we reached the base of Paxton Peak and began following a series of ridges back toward Monkman Lake.
Near a high pass, we found grizzly tracks in the snow. Ben B. joked about tracking it down and wrestling it with my knife. He was carrying a tiny keychain knife on the trip. After struggling to start a fire on the Wood River I had started to carry a medium sized sheath knife in my pack in case I needed to split soggy wood for a fire.
Ben S. has a hobby of exploring caves and on the way down he gave us a crash course in how to located caves by looking at the geology of an area. He discovered two small caves on the way. Ben B. named the first one Hungry Man Cave and I suggested we keep the theme going and call the next one Thirsty Man Cave.
The sun set as we hiked down the trail to Monman Lake. There were no good campsites along the way so we finished the hike out to Monkman Lake with headlamps. We woke Tim up when we got there and finally crawled into bed sometime after midnight.
Day 4: Exploring the Monkman Cascades
The plan for Day 4 and 5 was to packraft down Monkman Creek to a spot close to where we’d left Ben Scholten’s truck. Ben B. thought it looked fairly beginner friendly with the exception of some waterfalls. Tim and Ben S. had experience in canoes but neither had used a packraft so we were hoping there wasn’t a ton of whitewater on the way out. I was hoping there would be at least some water to try my new Kokopelli raft out in.
Monkman Lake gave Ben S. and Tim a chance to get familiar with their borrowed packrafts before the real fun began. We knew there were 24 marked “drops” along the way. Some were waterfalls some might be falls or rapids. This meant we’d have to be extra careful about where we paddled.
As we neared a “drop” marked on Ben’s GPS we heard a roar and pulled over to scout. Sure enough it was a beautiful but un-runnable waterfall. We packed up for the first of many portages. As first the portages were fairly simple bushwhacks.
As we went farther downstream the falls got bigger and the portages got more complicated. Sometimes we formed human chains to pass our rafts down cliffs. Everyone except Tim had a packraft with a cargo zipper. This turned out to be a big help for portaging. We could simply pick up our rafts and carry them around things without having to take our packs off the bow.
The reward after portaging was being able to paddle right up to amazing waterfalls and get views that a hiker would never get.
As the sun went down we decided to make camp while there was still some sun to dry our gear out. Ben grabbed an especially scenic spot for his hammock.
In the morning we packed our rafts up and portaged them down a boulder field past a huge waterfall. The spray soaked us even this far away from the falls. Ben B. got in close to the falls and was almost flipped by a strong current.
After the first couple waterfalls, Monkman Creek dropped into a gorge and things got steeper. One portage involved going down this giant set of “stairs” formed by rock layers.
I thought this was an especially cool waterfall because water had made a hole through a large boulder in the center of the falls.
In the gorge, the river was a bit faster and there were a few actual rapids to run.
Towards then end, some of the drops were actually rapids. Some were too big to run but one looked doable but it was tricky looking. After some scouting Ben S. decided to run it. There was a tricky maneuver to get around a rock wall and the turn for a ledge drop. He nailed it perfectly; not bad for a guy who had only been in a packraft for two days.
I followed Ben and got through the worst of the rapid fine, but I didn’t turn fast enough for the ledge at the end. I hit it sideways and flipped over. The swim wasn’t too bad but I tore the skin off my knuckles swimming after my raft. Fortunately, there was a calm lake before the next set of drops. Of course Ben could now accuse me of holding everyone up (again).
As it was getting late we saw another rapid coming up. Ben S. and I ran ahead to scout it out. No one part of the rapid was especially bad but it was complicated enough to be a bit concerning. On the other hand, I didn’t want to portage it. After scouting it really carefully we went back and reported to the others. After running it successfully I felt a bit “redeemed” after my swim. Soon we were hiking back to the truck. I teased Ben about being the last one ready. The joke was on me because I suddenly discovered some stuff I’d left on the ground so in the end, I was last.
I was a scuffed up and a dirty mess when we got back to the truck but I was happy to celebrate another great trip with a cold s’more.
Video
Gear Notes
Packing
Ben S. and Tim used old MEC Packs. Ben B. used a Seek Outside Unaweep 6300. My pack was a MYOG design that used the Unaweep frame and hipbelt. I liked it okay, but I liked the look of Ben’s Unaweep even better. The Unaweep was a few inches wider at the bottom. All other things being equal that allowed Ben to have more of his weight and bulk a bit lower down. After this trip, I ordered a Unaweep 6300 pack bag to go on my frame.
We all used a variety of dry bags. Since I was putting my stuff in the packraft’s tubes I didn’t need to worry as much about totally waterproofing my stuff. I used two large dry bags to organize my stuff into roughly equal loads so it would be balanced on either side of the raft.
Sleeping Gear
I tried out an Enlightened Equipment quilt with water-resistant down for the first time. It seemed to work a lot better than my old quilt. The sizing was a bit more generous so I was able to go without a bivy.
I also tried out my Six Moons Designs Deschutes Tarp for the first time on this trip. On that rainy night at Hugh Lake I would have preferred a bit more space but other than that I was happy with it.
Ben S. used a hammock and a really long tarp he’d picked up at a garage sale. The extra length made it a nice place for us to eat dinner when it rained. Ben B. used a hammock and an Arrowhead Silnylon Tarp. If I recall he told me the hammock and tarp combo weighed about 20 oz. (not counting the underquilt), so it was heavier than my 7oz tarp plus 8oz pad but he said it was very comfortable. Tim used an old Gore-Tex bivy and no sleeping pad. He figured his -20 sleeping bag put enough insulation between him and the ground.
Shoes
I decided I really, really did not like my Altra Lone Peak 2.5s on this trip. I liked them even less when the began to fall apart on another short trip in Wyoming. The issue was that the sole didn’t grip rocks well and the shoes had such a sloppy fit my feet would twist around in them at bad times. I had much better luck later on with the Lone Peak 3.0s, but they were not available on this trip. On my next trip with Ben B., I used a pair of Asolo Plasmic hiking shoes with a sticky Vibram sole and a more secure fit. The difference was huge. I felt way more confident on slippery scree slopes and rocks.
Clothing
Normally I wear a thin button up long sleeve shirt for buggy places like the northern Rockies. On this trip, I experimented with a Patagonia Midweight baselayer and was pretty happy with it. Bugs could bite through it so a few times I wore a wind shirt. That was hot however so I often just sprayed my shoulders with a bit of 100% DEET and that solved the problem.
I also used a fleece instead of a puffy jacket with a synthetic puffy vest in case I needed additional warmth. I don’t recall ever needing the vest on this trip. With the sun up till around 10 PM, I was usually in my sleeping bag before it cooled down. On the other hand, the fleece was nice and warm to put on over my damp clothes after a day of paddling.
Rafting
Ben S. and I used decked Kokepelli Nirvana rafts. They are bit heavier than other rafts but the whitewater performance is excellent. I’m also a fan of the double chamber design. Ben B. used a prototype self-bailing Nirvana. Tim used a Feathercraft BayLee. Everyone except Tim was using a raft with a cargo zipper. This improved performance in whitewater and it also made portaging easier. We could just throw the rafts over our shoulders and go. With no cargo zipper, it is typically necessary to take your pack off the front for a long portage. The downside is putting all that weight inside a raft makes it easier to puncture it if you drop your raft something sharp.
With the exception of the one rapid where I swam the rafts didn’t get a real whitewater work out. It would have been possible to do this trip with lighter, less capable rafts. But I prefer “too much” raft to “not enough” raft in situations like that. As far as we knew Monkman Creek had not been run so there was plenty of uncertainty even with detailed maps and Google Earth images.
Lessons Learned
My little swim was more embarrassing than dangerous because there was a nice lake below the rapid where I could catch all my stuff and get organized again. As a general rule though Ben and I both recommend caution in such situations. It only takes one mistake to turn a fun rapid into a dangerous situation.
A summary of gear that I’ve used in 2017, and enthusiastically recommend for lightweight backpackers this holiday season.
What is this article about?
It’s the offspring borne from the marriage of a holiday gift guide to some practical, real-world experience. Here is some of the gear featured in this article: Don’t worry, it’s not one of those holiday gift guides where the author writes words like “best” and “indispensable” and “must-have” and recites bullet points from press releases and specifications tables. My hope is that if you’re reading this, you get something a little more than that out of what you’re about to read. Hopefully, you’ll find some valuable product info, some education, and some tidbits on how to shop for and select gear. I’ve actually used every item we recommend in this article extensively in 2017, and I’m going to share my own perspectives on why I selected this gear and why I think it’s good stuff. It’s as much a consolidation of a bunch of summary product reviews as it is my list of recommendations for backpacking gear gifts for this holiday season.
As a guide up in Montana, I am grateful for the opportunity to (a) test a lot of gear, (b) enjoy the high altitude hostility of the fringe seasons, and (c) show others the incredible majesty of the mountains. Photo: Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in September, 2017.
Who should read this article?
This holiday backpacking gear gift guide might be of interest to you if:
You are passionate about lightweight backpacking and need some gift ideas to send to those friends and family who might want to give you a gift this holiday season;
You have a friend or family member who is passionate about backpacking and you don’t really know what to give them;
You’re a gear geek and just want to see what’s going on here;
This review specifically identifies gear that meets all of the following criteria:
The gear is light (or at least, has a high performance-to-weight ratio);
The gear is useful (nobody needs to waste money on gear that doesn’t actually have a meaningful amount of utility);
The gear performs well (nothing I recommend here includes anything I haven’t personally used on multiple trips);
The gear is (probably) appealing to a wide(ish) range of backpacking skills, styles and comfort levels – it’s as appropriate for (some!) beginners as it is for (some!) experts, and (some!) of those in between.
Context: For many years, I’ve used a variety of headlamps from Petzl, Fenix, Zebra, Princeton Tec, and Black Diamond. As LED technology improves, manufacturers continue to push the limits by packing more features and performance into smaller and lighter packages. However, so many headlamps I’ve used are either one-trick ponies (e.g., extremely bright but with poor battery life) or fail to sufficiently “tick” the performance boxes that I want.
Why you should consider the Black Diamond Ion Headlamp: After reviewing this year’s headlamp market to purchase one as a gift for my wife, I finally settled on the new model* Black Diamond Ion Headlamp for its weight (1.9 oz durability (including a rubberized housing), waterproof housing design (IPX8), comfortable headband, power (100 lumens), efficiency (up to 180 hours of battery life), dual LED (white and red), dimmability, a weather-sealed / glove-friendly switch, easy-to-change battery compartment, easy-to-find batteries (2xAAA), and compact form factor.
*Important – don’t buy the wrong model of the Ion! Before 2017, the Black Diamond Ion Headlamp had only one lens, wasn’t as water-resistant as claimed, had a less durable housing, a finicky switch, and boxy lines. I can’t recommend the old ones – don’t even buy them if they’re on clearance. The new (2017-) model is a much better performer.
You’re an SUL hiker counting grams – there are lighter options.
You expect to navigate in the dark (especially mountaineering or off-trail, packrafting, or trail running) – the Ion just doesn’t have the power to illuminate enough area for that kind of travel challenge. This one’s my pick for that kind of stuff.
Context: I used to wear “sports-fashion” wrap-style sunglasses with plastic lenses where polarization, lens clarity, and hinge durability seemed like afterthoughts. Inevitably, I would lament the expense of dropping a bunch of cash on sunglasses that would be all but worn out after a season of fishing, hiking, backpacking, packrafting, snowshoeing, skiing, and Sierra-walking. Having spent the better part of my adult life analyzing backpacking and mountaineering gear performance, I figured it was time to allocate some of my analytical energy to the sunglasses market. My criteria were simple: find a well-built frame that housed a lens that made few compromises in performance. This search led me to the Smith Challis Techlite Polarchromic Sunglasses.
Why you should consider the Smith Challis Techlite Polarchromic Sunglasses:
Ultralight glass lens:Glass is more durable than plastic (more scratch resistant). I’ve worn these glasses all year, shoved them in pockets and bags without a protective case, and they still show no scratches. However, conventional lens glass is heavy, and Techlite glass solves that problem – it retains strength and durability with less glass (thinner lenses) by tweaking the chemical composition of the glass and the structural shape of the lens.
Visual acuity and polarization performance: having tried on many dozen sunglasses in my search, and testing their low light performance and glare resistance, the Smith Challis Techlite Polarchromic Sunglasses seemed to be in a league of their own. For me, the ultimate field test is spotting trout feeding at the bottom of a stream in low-light (e.g., cloudy or early morning/late evening hours). With that context as my litmus test, I can say that the Smith Techlites are the most effective polarized lens I’ve ever used in terms of cutting glare in low light.
Polarchromic: UV-sensitive dyes are embedded into the lens glass that darkens (thus reducing light transmission levels) in very bright conditions. For outdoor sports in general, and snow- and water-travel in particular, I believe this is one of the most valuable attributes of a high-performance lens. A photo-sensitive transition lens like the Smith Polarchromic increases the versatility of polarized sunglasses and provides a factor of safety in sports like skiing or packrafting where a too-dark or too-light lens reduces your ability to read terrain or water features.
Some shopping tips: The sunglass market changes rapidly, and on a dime’s notice, a sunglass brand may discontinue one model only to “re-invent it” next year under a different name. Be prepared to save loads of money and get closeouts for 50% off or more. Also, what I’m really reviewing here is the Smith Techlite glass lens combined with its Polarchromic (polarized, photochromic) treatment. The Challis is just the frame model I like personally and fits my face. YMMV, so be sure to check out other frame styles, and if you find one you really like that doesn’t offer both Techlite glass and Polarchromic treatment, opt for the Polarchromic – that’s really where the performance of Smith optics shines. REI offers a good selection of Smith Polarchromic sunglass styles.
MSRP: $239
How to Buy It:REI or shop for deals in the GearFinder
Don’t Buy These Sunglasses If:
You can’t keep track of your stuff. It would suck for you to lose a pair of sunglasses that cost more than most people spend on supplies and gas for a week-long backpacking trip. Instead, get these.
You try on a pair of Smith Techlite Polarchromics, look outside, and “feel like the world is a prettier place.” These are technical machines, and that’s what you’re paying for. Respect the tech. Consider these instead.
Context: I broke my back in 2005. Since then, sitting on a low rock, log, or bare ground after a long day on the trail instills emotions that range from “uncomfortable” to “abusive”. A camp chair that provides some lower back support is critical for my comfort. I’ve tried Crazy Creek Chairs, Therma-Rest Chairs, Big Agnes Chairs, Sling Chairs, little tiny collapsible stools, and even my backpack filled with an inflated, rolled-up Neo-Air pad. None of these worked well for me.
Then I discovered Helinox Chairs and I fell in love. I’ve owned the Helinox Ground Chair (read the review), the Chair One, and the new Chair Zero model. The new Helinox Chair Zero raises the distance off the ground and shaves five ounces of the Ground Chair. While I personally prefer the reclining position of the Ground Chair, the Chair Zero is going to be a more comfortable and popular (lighter!) option for most hikers.
Context: Having lived in the northern US Rocky Mountains (Montana, and now Wyoming) for the past 23 years, snowshoeing is a staple of my winter outdoor activity. I’m really only interested in snowshoes that are lightweight, small, and have a binding nimble enough to work with trail running shoes. For extreme cold, I add a pair of ultralight neoprene overboots. My snowshoes of choice through the years have included Atlas Race, Northern Lights, MSR Lightning Ascent, and most recently, Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes. I recently wrote a review of the Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes and revealed the benefits of their foam deck and fixed binding. Read the review for more details.
Why You Should Consider the Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes:
EVA foam deck is insulating and keeps feet warmer;
Rockered deck design, combined with fixed binding, makes running easier;
Fixed binding, combined with excellent cleat traction system, makes the snowshoes good climbers on steep terrain in low- and medium-density snowpacks;
Fixed binding makes these exceptionally maneuverable and controllable in any direction;
Minimal (read: none) ice/snowballing or buildup when snowshoeing in warm temperatures.
You don’t live in a snowy place, but just want to have them just in case. Just in Case leads to unnecessary consumer spending and is a tax on the environment (it is good for the storage bin industry, however).
You predominantly wear boots in the winter. Boots are stiffer, and combined with the non-hinged binding, will make for an uncomfortable pairing with these snowshoes. Instead, try Northern Lites.
You are going to use snowshoes for mountaineering that includes steep and icy terrain. Instead, have a look at MSR Lightning Ascents.
I’ve spent the past two years testing the Hillsound Trail Crampons (left) side-by-side with the Kahtoola Microspikes (right).
Context: I came to ultralight backpacking from a Pacific Northwest mountaineering background. Coming of age in Seattle, I spent my summers in the Olympic Range and my weekends on the glaciated peaks and volcanos of Washington State. I owned an ice ax and crampons and a headlamp long before I purchased my first sleeping bag and tent. I still own “at least” (no, I’m not going to divulge the exact number) four pair of crampons – one pair for water ice climbing, one pair for alpine ice climbing, one pair for steep glacier trekking, and one pair for terrain where the others are overkill. For the past decade, this fourth pair has been (primarily) Kahtoola Microspikes, which have served this purpose well enough. But they aren’t without their limitations, and that’s where the Hillsound Trail Crampons come in.
Why You Should Consider Hillsound Trail Crampons Over Kahtoola Microspikes:
Hillsound Trail Crampons have slightly longer, sharper spikes (1.5 cm vs. 1.0 cm for Kahtoola Microspikes) and are better for icy surfaces (I’ve proven this every time I use them), and are “theoretically” better in deeper snow (but the differences here are imperceptible).
Hillsound Trail Crampons have a hook-and-loop instep strap that keeps them secured to your shoe on steeper terrain, when side hilling, and when trail running on rough terrain. The harder terrain you’re on, the more noticeable this benefit is.
How to Buy It:REI or shop for deals in the GearFinder
Don’t Buy These Crampons If:
You want the absolute lightest trail crampon. Kahtoola Microspikes are about 5 oz lighter, or you can take a look at these titanium crampons for extreme lightness.
You’re traveling on steep, glaciated ice (e.g., slopes steeper than 20 degrees) with a heavy pack. For that kind of terrain, you’re going to want more security, so consider something like this.
Context: I’ve long been a proponent of ultralight down jackets. For the past several years, my go-to down jacket for summertime ultralight backpacking in dry climates has been the Goosefeet Down Jacket. Here’s how I incorporate that down jacket in a bad weather clothing system. However, I spend a lot of time hiking in conditions where a down jacket isn’t a great option, and after my last Cocoon UL 60 Hoody bit the dust, I’ve been experimenting again with synthetic insulation from other manufacturers, including most recently, the Patagonia Airshed (link to review) and Micro Puff Jackets. I’ve been wearing the new Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody since September as an insulation layer and can say without reservation that it’s warmer than my old Cocoon UL 60 Hoody, which at the time (2007-2009) had a higher warmth:weight ratio than any synthetic on the market. My most positive experience so far with the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody came while guiding in blizzard conditions up in Montana. I wore it under a shell while hiking down from an 11,000-foot pass, late in the day as temperatures were dropping into the teens. I also wore it during the frigid mornings and evenings in our snowy camps. To my surprise, when integrated with the rest of my clothing system, it performed much better than I expected, and I stayed warm and comfortable.
Why You Should Consider the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody:
It’s very light – 9.3 oz. This makes it one of the lightest synthetic insulated hooded jackets available.
The synthetic insulation has a higher warmth:weight ratio than traditional continuous filament (e.g., Apex) or short-staple (e.g., PrimaLoft) synthetic insulation because the increased surface area of the insulation (on a per gram basis) is higher than other types due to the branched filament design. This means it looks more like a down cluster than a single fiber. Also – the insulation requires no scrim, which also adds weight.
Huge front hand warmer pockets (they easily fit a sizable water bottle) and inside stash pockets (I stow my gloves/mitts in here to dry them out) are surprising additions, considering the jacket is this light.
You can’t afford it. At $299, it’s not cheap. Don’t go into debt or give up the opportunity to spend money on a trip just so you can own what you think might be the “latest and greatest” piece of gear on the planet.
You hike mostly in warmer, drier climates. Take a look at ultralight down jackets instead.
You want the absolute lightest synthetic insulated jacket available. That honor belongs to Climashield Apex-insulated jackets made by Enlightened Equipment and Nunatak – these jackets are generally shorter in length, less fitted, have more rudimentary hoods, fewer pockets, and synthetic insulation that is no longer pushing the performance edge of what’s state of the art today (yet!). That said, I highly recommend the even heavier Skaha Apex (12-13 oz) for its exceptional warmth:weight ratio.
Riding out an early season blizzard in Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the REI Magma 10 Down Sleeping Bag.
Context: I’m a quilt user, even during the fringe seasons. I’m so enamored with quilts that I even like experimenting with them as it gets chilly, and have slept in a winter-weight quilt down to minus 25 F during the winter. However, my experiences have led me to believe that at some point, the warmth:weight ratio of a high end (ultralight shell, high FP down) hooded mummy sleeping bag starts to outweigh the benefits of a quilt. This happens somewhere in between “fall” and “winter” for me, when low temperatures start dropping into the teens. My favorite down sleeping bags have always been made by Western Mountaineering, Nunatak, and Feathered Friends, with a particular nod to the FF Lark Nano ($479), which is my recommendation for a fringe-season sleeping bag for its construction quality, warmth:weight ratio, ease of use, and fabric performance (balance of DWR with breathability). The WM VersaLite 10 ($560) is a close second but suffers from heavily calendered fabrics that retain a lot of condensation. Did you notice the price of these bags? Quality doesn’t come cheap, and that’s where the REI Magma 10 should be considered. I’ve been using the bag this year since September, camping, and hiking in temperatures down to the single digits. I don’t believe it’s quite as warm as either the Lark Nano or the VersaLite 10, but it is a little lighter, a lot cheaper, and a pretty incredible value.
You Should Consider the REI Magma 10 Down Sleeping Bag If:
You want a very high performing sleeping bag (i.e., high warmth:weight ratio) at a price that is $100-$200+ cheaper than bags from specialty manufacturers.
You want a mummy bag that has a little more kicking room, appreciate a very-well designed and easily adjustable hood closure, and is made with high quality down and fabrics.
You want something that top-tier craftsmanship, materials, and performance. Check out the Feathered Friends Lark Nano in that case.
You’re going to use it predominantly in temperatures near its low safety rating, which is 10 deg F. Most people will start to get a little chilly in the Magma 10 as temperatures drop into the mid-teens and lower.
Stocking Stuffers: My Recommendations
Here’s a list of little things that I recommend. In order to make the cut, these items had to meet a few key criteria:
They have been and still are, in my backpacking kit for several years. Nothing on this list is going to be today’s “hot new trend” (and likely, tomorrow’s forgotten trinket).
They have to be something that is appealing to a wide variety of people. This is a gift guide, after all, and if you are shopping for a backpacker, I at least want you to have a high level of confidence that these items are things they would appreciate.
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Disclosure
No manufacturer paid for any type of “product placement” in this gear guide. These selections are my own, based on my own personal experience with them. I’ve used all of these products extensively and have enjoyed generally positive experiences with this gear. YMMV. Some links are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, Backpacking Light gets a small commission on the sale. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support Backpacking Light’s efforts to publish authoritative and valuable information about lightweight backpacking gear and techniques, inspiring stories and film festivals, and remain an active member of the outdoor industry to promote and protect opportunities for public outdoor recreation.
In this Backnife Review, we focus on the comprehensive (sic) blade technology in this detailed analysis of a cutting tool ;)
Introduction
Not all ultralight backpackers carry a knife on a routine basis (myself included). Carrying a knife seems extraneous to me. I seldom need one unless I’m cutting guylines, cleaning fish, repairing gear, striking a fire-starting flint, shaping first aid tape, opening a food package, slicing cheese, or whittling up a pile of dry wood shavings.
Oh, wait. That actually seems like quite a bit of utility, actually (sic).
OK, so I may actually find a knife to be useful after all.
But I’m not a knife guy.
Which is code for I have zero interest in spending exorbitant amounts of money on a knife I’ll probably lose.
My criteria for a good knife are simple:
Sharp « so it cuts stuff;
Light « duh;
Small « so I can tuck it anywhere;
Cheap « so I can spend more money on gas to the TH’s;
Orange « so I don’t lose it!
Guess what, y’all – I found the perfect knife for me!
The Backnife Micro Utility Knife
Imagine a cutting tool that slices through Spectra cord like an as-seen-on-TV-tomato knife plowing through a pop can.
This is the idealized micro-Utopian vision of every ultralight backpacking enthusiast, and it’s the promise made by the Backnife Micro-Utility Knife.
Features & Specifications
Stanley-style carpenter knife dimensions and a trapezoidal shape. Old school. #MAGA!
Sharp! Blade made from zirconium dioxide ceramic. A material that sounds like a sound bite – it’s tweetable!
Injection-molded plastic housing (2 pieces) assembled with electrosonic welding. Made in Canada!
Adjustable blade length
Light! Weight: 0.23 oz (6.5 g) (verified on a NIST*-certified scale; *NIST is an agency overseen by the POTUS – this weight is not Fake News!)
Small! Dimensions: 2.5 in (64 mm) x 0.875 in (22 mm) x 0.14 in (3.5 mm). Will fit well in even the smallest hands!
Cheap! Cost: ~USD$12 (includes shipping & handling). Affordable for all tax brackets!
Orange! Color: Orange. A nice shade of orange, at that!
Commentary
This is the extent of my performance review:
I cut up a bunch of stuff.
First, paper #FTW!
Then, tape, cardboard, aluminum cans, and on to fabrics (silnylon, then spinnaker, then DCF pack fabric, then pure Spectra). By the time I reached the fabrics, the Backnife was still making clean cuts.
But then the real test: pure Spectra cord, which isn’t handled well by most steel knives. Plus, Spectra dulls steel like you wouldn’t believe. After about one hundred cuts of Spectra cord between 2 and 4 mm in diameter, the knife was still making clean cuts.
Maybe there’s something to this white blade and its ceramic nature.
I didn’t ask for this knife. I didn’t even realize I wanted it until I got it.
It wasn’t on my Christmas list, nobody bought it for me, and I’m not making (much) of a fortune by writing a good or bad review for it! In fact, if you end up buying a knife as a result of reading this review, Phil’s gonna get all the money. That’s pretty awesome for Phil.
I received the knife as an unsolicited package from knife-maker Phil Cressman, a Canadian. It was in a Tyvek envelope, which I thought was cool because it was Tyvek.
In a way, you could say it was a donation I suppose. But I had no obligation to review it.
I did think it was a really cool product because it weighs a quarter of an ounce and was designed with a lot of thought.
So there. Go buy one. Support Phil. He seems like a decent guy with a great beard. Also, he’s Canadian, and that has to count for a lot! Go Phil!
*Phil is not a family member, and he does not have any tight, loose, medium, or undisclosed financial interest in Backpackinglight.com, or Russia. (As far as we / Jeff / Robert can tell.)
Chris and Muzzy go to Rae Lakes (film!) during the High Sierra’s most biggest snow season on record! Arg! What about their marriage?
Introduction
[Muzzy] My husband is an avid backpacker. For years, he has been asking me to go with him to see the breathtaking views of Kings Canyon he could never quite capture in a picture. I don’t consider myself a backpacker, or even outdoorsy. I’m not sure if I agreed so much as I finally gave in.
The plan was to hike to Rae Lakes in July 2017. Several years into a drought in California, a record-setting wet winter rolled through. We were thankful for the much-needed rain and filled with anticipation as to what this would mean for our upcoming trip.
What this meant was record snowfall in the Sierra, ice-axes, micro-spikes, and a new route.
Watch the film:
The Itinerary:
[Chris] I had intended on a documentary about the Rae Lakes loop starting from the western Sierra. However, the heavy snow took out a vital bridge at Upper Paradise Valley earlier that season, making that loop impossible. Instead, we started from the eastern Sierra at the Onion Valley trailhead, which honestly, was more exciting.Day 0: The Westin Hotel in Mammoth. (A rugged acclimation camp where only the toughest of the tough can survive.)
Day 1: Onion Valley Trailhead to Kearsarge Lakes via Kearsarge Pass. Camp 1 at Kearsarge Lakes.
Day 2: Kearsarge Lakes to the John Muir Trail junction. Then north over Glen Pass To Rae Lakes. Camp 2 at Rae Lakes.
Day 3: Day hike to Arrowhead Lake. Camp 3 at Rae Lakes.
Day 4: Hike back over Glen Pass, back to Kearsarge Lakes. Camp 4 at Kearsarge Lakes.
Day 5: Back over Kearsarge pass to the Onion Valley Trailhead.
The Gear
[Chris] Making this documentary required 11 lbs of camera and audio gear. Conditions also required us to carry ice axes, microspikes, and Goretex socks which added another 23oz for each of us. This forced us to go as light as possible everywhere else. Luckily, through the miracles of UL philosophy and technique, we were able to keep our packs reasonable. My Zpacks Arc haul peaked at 32lbs, and my wife’s Zimmerbuilt pack was 27lbs.
For a complete list of camera gear Chris used on this project:
[Muzzy] The hike was beautiful from the start. A few miles in we escaped the heat and started to encounter snow. New to me, I was nervous but excited. We marched on to Kearsarge Pass and down into the gorgeous lakes below. We saw a California Black Bear: our welcoming ambassador to the wilderness. It was a perfect first day.
Day 2, we hiked along Bullfrog Lake toward the JMT. I got a little nervous when we had to grab our ice-axes, and again when we were on our hands and knees scaling over snowy boulders. But then I saw the south side of Glen Pass. There were snow covered mountainsides and scree to my left, and icy lakes and rocks to my right down below. I’m not confident or competitive. This didn’t motivate me. It terrified me. I was imagining a wrong step and tumbling.
[Chris] I planned out the shots pretty well for this project and had my camera ready when she got to the top of Glen. Her elated facial expression with the Rae Lakes basin visible below was supposed to serve as the opener for the documentary. Her reaction was quite different. The conditions didn’t seem that bad to me, but I forgot how new she was to snow travel. She was… eh….not displaying elation. I thought she was going to punch me in the face, but eventually, she pulled it together.
[Muzzy] At the top of Glen Pass, I looked ahead to the descent before us. A steep, snow blanketed mountainside, and a small path stomped down by hikers who passed before us. The sun was setting. The temperature was dropping. And there was nowhere to go but forward.
As if to make sure I received the full experience, we had to complete a waist deep, cold water crossing, in the dark, just before getting to our campsite. I was so thankful when the day was done. Thankful for our tent and dry socks. Thankful for our sat phone and hearing our kiddos on the other end.
We spent two nights in the Rae Lakes area enjoying the beauty of it all. Chris showed me his favorite spots. We enjoyed views of Painted Lady and Fin Dome, beautiful flowers, sun, hail, and an hour-long thunderstorm: a smorgasbord of Sierra Nevada experiences.
The Messages
[Chris] In addition to the fairly lighthearted storyline, there’s obviously some serious messages about backcountry safety. These were influenced by the NPS during the film permit process, but I honestly agree with them. I think the most dangerous backpacker demographic is the 10-20 trip backpackers. That’s the range where I thought I knew everything. After ~60 trips I’ve been humbled so many times that I’ve learned to treat wilderness safety with more respect. I think overconfidence is a killer out there. So yeah, if I have to interrupt my little video project and put in a safety message, sure, why not. Maybe it’ll save someone’s life someday. I’d say that’s more important than the “flow” of an amateur film.
The Way Back:
[Muzzy] By day 4, the snow had melted some over the last few days, and my familiarity with the path was reassuring. I may have even enjoyed my view from the top of Glen Pass this time.
Back at beautiful Kearsarge Lakes, it was our last night in the Sierras. We were stinky and sore and missed our kids.
Heading Home:
[Muzzy] In the car, we headed up highway 395 reminiscing about the trip we had just taken on the other side of the mountains we were driving so quickly past. I was reminded that it’s good to get outside of your comfort zone every now and again, to share an experience, and to push yourself.
I was happy to be headed home, but also happy I’d finally experienced Rae Lakes. A different experience than my husband had had so many times before. But this time we’d created new memories, together.
Keep feet warm and dry by using a carefully designed system that involves different types of socks, shoes, and gaiters.
Introduction
As winter approaches we face new and unique challenges with ultralight gear. In particular, cold and wet conditions reveals the limitations of ultralight footwear in acute ways. Flitting through the forest wearing 8 oz mesh sneakers and thin wool socks while carrying a light pack is one of the joys of ultralight backpacking. However, this joy can turn to discomfort as temperatures approach the freezing point and precipitation begins to fall. Avoiding wet, cold feet when backpacking requires skill in implementing a process, as well as carefully selecting gear. Both process and equipment are addressed in this article.
Crossing a high pass in a September blizzard, Montana.
You know the routine.
You’ve been hiking all day, perhaps fording streams, and your feet, shoes, and socks are wet. Stormy conditions unfold, with the prospect of cold temperatures and freezing rain or snow for the next few days, and you realize that the prospect of drying out gear anytime soon has vaporized.
Things go OK as long as your moving along the trail, but as soon as you get into camp, your body’s internal combustion engine starts idling. The first place you feel the uncomfortable cold: your feet.
You may find it very hard to recover from cold feet. It’s not uncommon for ultralight backpackers to experience cold feet during their entire time in camp, with no hope of warming up until after they’ve been on the trail for an hour or two the next day…
Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
I can assure you that it’s not.
Add snow to the mix, and low temperatures below freezing, and you not only have a recipe for cold feet, you get to enjoy some meaningful pain as well.
On our Wilderness Adventures Trek in Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness a few weeks ago, we experienced the full gamut of nature’s emotions: warm and sunny at our starting trailhead, and then four days of sustained cold, rain, and snow. We crossed the mountain passes. By the time we crested the last one at 11,000 feet, we were trudging through two feet of snow. That night, the low temperatures dipped into the teens.
A mid-September storm brought snow to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness during a Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventures Trek in 2017.
These are extremely challenging conditions for ultralight footwear.
Here’s how I mitigate these challenges with a carefully selected footwear “system” for inclement, cold conditions:
1. Keep moisture out of the inside of your shoes by using a calf-high gaiter in combination with a mid-height waterproof-breathable shoe.
Waterproof shoe, or no?
Normally I’m not a fan of waterproof-breathable membranes in my shoes because they create a hot, humid environment while trekking in mild weather that leads to maceration and blisters. However, if I know my feet are going to be exposed to perpetually wet, cold conditions, a shoe with a waterproof-breathable membrane helps keep feet warm(er) and dry(er) than meshy shoes that leak at every pore.
Shoe cuff height: low, mid, or high?
For snowy weather, a “mid” height shoe (with a cuff rising to just below the ankle) helps keep a gaiter seal intact without compromising the mobility of the foot-and-ankle joint.
Shoes: what I use
I’ve mostly been wearing the Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP for most of my inclement-conditions treks for the past 12 months. It’s a solid shoe, and I value (primarily) its cushioning when carrying a heavy(ish) backpack. It lacks an aggressive outsole, and its durability isn’t great (I’ve worn holes in the toebox mesh as a result of some rowdy bushwhacking), so while it remains my favorite for on trail use, its stack height and trail sole limit its sidehilling comfort off-trail.
A more technical option that I like very much that seems to offer a good balance between cushioning for packed trails and a technical-enough sole for bushwhacking and snow is the Altra Lone Peak NeoShell Mid. I’ve had the chance to test them briefly and they seem to tick all the right boxes for an inclement conditions off-trail shoe.
My other recommendation is the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX, a shoe that I have many years of experience with. This is a more durable option than the other two, and in my experience, maintains the integrity of the waterproof membrane better over time due to a more durable sandwich protecting the membrane. Caveat: if you have wide feet, you may struggle fitting this shoe once you add heavy and/or waterproof socks in it.
I used the Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP on this trek across the Montana Beartooth Range last October, a trip that saw little sunshine and a lot of cold, wet weather. The morning after this shot was taken, we woke up to a foot of new snow at our camp.
Gaiters: high or low, ultralight fabrics or more durability?
One important part of this system is the gaiter. I prefer calf-height gaiters to ankle gaiters – especially when snow is in the forecast and I know I may be trudging through six or eight or twelve inches of the fluffy stuff here and there.
There are a few cottage companies that make ultralight calf-high gaiters, including Mountain Laurel Designs and ZPacks, but after having gone through several pair of them (they are delicate, and easily suffer tears if you are spending any amount of time off trail in the bush), I prefer something more durable. In addition, these ultralight gaiters are fine for a rainy trail, but they fail to create a good seal at the gaiter-foot interface that effectively keeps snow out of your shoe.
My recommendation for a light-enough, very durable, calf-height gaiter that mates well with ultralight shoes:
Gaiters: what I use
For trail use and non-snowy conditions, I like the ZPacks Challenger gaiters.
For everything else (which seems like most of the time for me), I opt for the more durable and better-sealing ORRMH’s.
Rethinking the stream crossing
During the summer or otherwise mild weather, I don’t think twice about getting my feet wet at a stream crossing. It’s faster, easier, and safer simply to wade through a stream rather than try to find (often slick) rocks or logs to walk across. And I know my shoes and socks will dry rapidly in warm temperatures, and I know my feet won’t get painfully cold at night if they are a bit wet.
But in the near-freezing temperatures associated with many spring and fall trips I take, this isn’t always a great strategy.
So the final recommendation I have for keeping moisture out of the inside of your shoes is to avoid submerging them in stream crossings.
Take the time to scout for a dry place to cross.
Of course, sometimes this isn’t possible, and you’re going to get wet feet. Shoes with a waterproof membrane won’t drain, so consider spending some time on the other side of the creek taking off your shoes to pour the water out, and ringing out your socks. It’s worth it!
Waterproof socks for shallow stream crossings?
Another option for shallow(ish) stream crossings that I’ve found works well is to integrate a waterproof sock (durable plastic bags work great, I like these: ) between your warm socks and shoes. More on waterproof socks later.
After a long day spent hiking in high winds, rain, and temperatures in the 30s, we finally made our way below treeline. Less than 100 yards from camp, we had a final stream crossing, with lots of rocks to hop. Not everyone made it across without getting wet!
2. Wear a highly insulative, crew height, merino wool/poly blend sock for additional insulation.
Thin, ultralight socks are fine for summer, but their limitations become painfully clear as soon as the temperature drops.
For cold, wet weather, consider upgrading to a mid- or even heavy-weight sock for more insulation. The primary disadvantage is that heavier socks dry more slowly. However, we’re not really counting on things to dry out, we’re instead trying to design a system that keeps you warm when it does get wet (and it will get wet).
Pure merino, pure synthetic, or a blend?
Pure merino sock fabrics are warm but hold a lot of water and dry slowly. Pure synthetic sock fabrics dry fast(er) and are more durable (socks are expensive) but are clammy. Strike a balance and look for a sock with a merino content of at least 65% for warmth, and a synthetic content (usually polyester) of at least 25% for some durability and faster dry time.
Ankle sock, or crew height?
Arteries that deliver warm blood to your feet run alongside both the inside and outside of your ankles. Keeping this region warm helps maintain warm feet in cold temperatures. I use a higher sock while hiking in cold weather than I do while hiking in the summer.
While I like the durablity of Darn Tough socks, I’ve also used a similarly spec’d model from Smartwool which seems to have a softer feel and better fit (less sagging when wet).
In spite of their differences, I’ve been happy with both and find them to be durable, warm, and comfortable.
3. When you arrive in camp, substitute your wet trail socks with a dry sock / waterproof sock combo to mitigate cold feet as temperatures drop.
I usually arrive in camp in the evening – an hour before dusk or right at dusk is a common arrival time. That means I’m getting to camp when I’m pretty tired, cold, wet, and right when temperatures are starting to plummet for the night.
My camp setup routine usually involves setting up my shelter and then finding a dry(ish) place to cook. By the time I settle down to make dinner, my feet start getting pretty cold.
So before I do that, I take an important precaution – I change my footwear system a bit.
Now, I’m not enthused about putting dry socks into wet shoes. That’s where a waterproof sock comes in handy. So, I take off my wet shoes, take off my wet socks, put on dry socks, put on waterproof socks, and then put my wet shoes back on.
This has a dramatic impact on my foot comfort for the rest of the evening, and I can’t recommend enough the need to incorporate this into your evening routine.
1–2 mil plastic bags (small garbage can liners are ideal) and seam-sealed silnylon stuff sacks are my favorite waterproof sock options. I’ve also used Gore-Tex socks with great success – just be sure to size them up so they can be pulled over your heavy wool socks – and don’t buy the kind that are “heavy” or “insulated” or have “fuzzy or wicking fabric linings” – they absorb too much water. Examples of socks to avoid are made by companies like SealSkinz, Showers Pass, and Stryde (it’s not that these types of socks are bad products, they just may not be the most appropriate for this context). Note that there’s some merit to neoprene socks, but they’re thick and heavy, and you may not be able to get your feet in your shoes with them on!
Waterproof socks: what I use
A calf-height waterproof sock allows for deeper stream crossings and additional warmth in camp. Learn more here and here.
My favorite waterproof socks are Rocky Gore-Tex Socks. Size up at least 2 sizes larger than your normal foot size so they layer easily. Rocky Socks are difficult to find, so you may have to search for them at more obscure retailers. I buy mine online here.
I’m also a big fan of so-called “launch socks”, which are used by kayakers to launch their boats in shallow water. Kokatat makes a pair (they are available at OutdoorPlay or direct from Kokatat via Amazon), and they are excellent. They are only a little a bit heavier than the shorter Rocky Socks, but because they are calf-height, provide a very warm microenvironment for your lower legs, and can be used for deeper stream crossings.
Heavier still, but warmer, and more difficult to dry out, would be a pair of seam-sealed neoprene “dry socks”. These ones are tall (18″) and would be a good choice if you were facing lots of stream crossings.
Waterproof socks while trekking?
In addition to in-camp use, waterproof socks offer some on-trail advantages as well. They can prevent soaking your hiking socks at shallow stream crossings, and they provide some much-needed warmth during the first hour or two of trekking on a cold, wet morning.
No, it’s not Scotland – that’s Montana – and l’me tell you, mate, thick warm socks are pure barry in conditions like this: 36 degrees and raining at 10,000 feet.
4. Before you get into your sleeping bag, swap out your camp sock combo with a thin wool liner and a pair of ultralight high loft insulated socks.
Shelter is pitched, dinner cooked, bear bag hung – now it’s bedtime.
Remove your wet shoes, damp waterproof socks, and (probably a little damp) “camp socks” and swap out for cozy, puffy warmth with some ultralight insulated booties.
Sleep socks: what I use
My pick for an ultralight bootie is made by a friend and former employee of mine who runs a little cottage company. Wearing a very thin merino liner inside of the bootie adds a lot of comfort (better next-to-skin feel) and some warmth as well.
Warm feet are one ingredient of a good night’s sleep. Even when everything else is working, cold feet can make for a miserable overnight, so consider a high-loft insulated bootie when the temperatures dip below freezing.
5. Stow wet footwear (shoes / socks/ gaiters) in a plastic bag and keep it close to your body so it doesn’t freeze at night.
You’re going to have some “wet stuff” (shoes, socks) and if the temperatures fall to much below freezing at night, you’re going to run the risk of having that wet stuff freeze. That’s going to make for a very uncomfortable routine in the morning when you try to put it all on, leading to cold feet and cold fingers as you try to manipulate frozen gear onto your warm feet.
The traditional “winter mountaineering” method for preventing this is to store wet gear (boots, socks, gaiters, etc.) in a plastic garbage bag and stow that inside your sleeping bag. This may be necessary for mid-winter conditions, when temperatures drop to the single digits or lower, but for fringe season backpacking, it’s probably not necessary. Temperatures may only drop to 15 or 20 degrees (F), and usually, it’s enough to keep your wet gear stowed “near you”. I stow mine in a plastic garbage bag or extra waterproof stow sack, and usually keep it right next to my sleeping bag and pad, where body heat has warmed that space to temperatures above freezing. Even on nights when I have frost in my shelter, sleeping in “close enough” proximity to my wet gear keeps it thawed well enough.
Final Thoughts: Shoe Sizing and Sock Rotation
Shoe Sizing – With thick socks and perhaps a waterproof sock layer, conventionally-sized shoes are not likely to be large enough to accomodate the extra bulk without compromising circulation in your feet. So be sure to size up your trail shoes to accomodate the added bulk. I usually size up one to one and a half full sizes (or more, depending on the brand).
Sock Rotation – Trail socks, camp socks, sleep socks? My goodness, how many pair of socks do I need?! I’ve accepted the idea that it’s OK to hike in wet socks. They’re going to get wet within minutes anyways, if the weather is pretty bad. So on a typical weekend outing, one pair of hiking socks is plenty. I’ll then keep one dry(ish) camp sock in reserve (also a hiking sock) and reserve completely dry merino sock liners for sleeping inside my down booties. For longer trips in sustained wet conditions, I may add an additional trail sock, but more likely, I’ll stick with one pair and wash them clean every few days.
Additional Resources
View our Guide’s Gear List – gear recommended by the Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventures Guides (includes footwear selections as well as other gear for inclement conditions trekking in mountainous regions)
Finally, find this gear on sale: consider using our Gear Finder Search Engine to find gear on sale. Try using these queries: waterproof trail shoes, smartwool phd socks, darn tough socks, or outdoor research gaiters.
TL;DR – Summary of a footwear system for inclement conditions
Keep feet warm(er) and dry(er) in wet (rain and snow) and cold (temperatures near and below freezing) conditions with the following system:
Waterproof-breathable, mid-height, ultralight trail running shoe – sized up 1+ full size (this one if you value maximum cushioning, this one for a more technical sole, this one if you have narrower feet).
Waterproof-breathable, calf-height, durable gaiter (this one for durability, this lighter one for light on-trail use).
Heavier-weight merino blend socks (this one for durability, this one for better fit when wet).
Waterproof socks or two seam-sealed silnylon stuff sacks or two plastic garbage can bag liners.
Read the full article if you want to learn how to use this equipment system while on the trail, in camp, and in your shelter.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are links to affiliate merchant partners – if you click one of these links and complete a purchase, we receive a small commission, which helps support our website – thank you very much for this support, we greatly appreciate it!
Advantages: light weight (usually less than two pounds), compact when stowed.
Disadvantages: light fabrics don’t offer much resistance against abrasion, punctures, or tearing; smaller tube diameters and non-rockered designs aren’t stable in anything but calm, flat water; minimal (if any) seat.
Whitewater packrafts – larger boats with more durable fabrics and more features for load hauling and/or whitewater river use.
Advantages: feature-rich for longer expeditions (tie-down points for packs, more comfortable seats), features for whitewater stability (longer, larger tube diameter, spray skirts, thigh straps, etc.), more durable materials (for rocky / brushy / woody rivers).
Disadvantages: more complicated use (proportional to the number of features), heavier (5-10 pounds).
This review features the Alpacka Scout Packraft – a “bridge” boat that perhaps spans the gap between these two categories.
The Alpacka Scout Packraft offers the simplicity of the typical ultralight flatwater packraft (fewer features), but adds weight back in its tube (stern) design and fabric durability, allowing it to be an attractive option to those of us interested in a lighter and simpler boat for trips where we don’t need a whitewater packraft.
Stock photos – courtesy of alpackaraft.com.
Features
Made in USA (Mancos, CO)
Double valves with a large-diameter dump-and-fill valve and an elbow mouth valve
Single stern grab loop
Optional inflatable seat
Included: inflation bag, stow bag, repair kit
Specifications
Recommended boater height: 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) to 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
External dimensions: length 72 in (183 cm) x width 34 in (88 cm)
Cockpit dimensions: length 41 in (104 cm) x width 16 in (41 cm)
Tube diameter: 10 in (25 cm) with enlarged stern tube
Tube fabric: 210-denier nylon with a double-sided polyurethane coating
Bottom fabric: 400-denier nylon with a double-sided heavy polyurethane film
Weight: 2 lb 8 oz (1.13 kg) – verified
Packed size: 5 in (13 cm) x 20 in (51 cm)
Review Context
I’m reviewing this boat in the following context:
For an additional 0.5 to 1.0 pounds of weight vs. ultralight flatwater packrafts (e.g., boats from Klymit and Supai), what does the Alpacka Scout offer that these boats do not in terms of gear-hauling ability, stability in moving water, and durability?
Likewise, although well outside the scope of the manufacturer’s intentions, I was, shall we say, curious about the Alpacka Scout Packraft’s performance in whitewater.
Description of Field Testing
During the course of this review, I used the Alpacka Scout on the following water types:
Stillwater (backcountry alpine lakes, various)
Small, brushy flatwater (Class 1) stream (Laramie River, Wyoming)
Large flatwater river (Class 1) (North Platte River, Wyoming)
Whitewater Class 2-3 (St. Vrain River, Lyons, CO)
In addition, I paddled the Scout with and without a backpack. When I used it with a pack, I simply stowed the pack in the bow of the boat (no tie-downs). Pack weight ranged from 15 to 30 pounds.
Performance Assessment (Video)
A complete performance assessment, including the strengths and limitations and a final commentary about the Alpacka Scout, are outlined in the following review video.
This Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow review features a waterproof stuff sack by day, and a pillow by night.
Introduction
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow (I reviewed the size large in DCF8 fabric) is a rectangular stuff sack with a zip closure that is reversible and has a fleece interior on one side. It is a waterproof stuff sack by day, and a pillow by night. It is among the lightest pillows on the market and a true dual-purpose item.
The author is clearly happy with this simple, ultralight, and reasonably priced pillow.
Features and Specifications
Features:
Waterproof stuff sack
Reversible with Polartec fleece interior
Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber)
Pillow loft and firmness adjustable by adding or removing clothing
Reversible with interior Polartec 100 weight fleece
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g) measured (manufacturer claim: 1.4 oz. (40g))
Measurements: 17 in x 12 in (43 cm x 30 cm)
Cost: $45
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is a 1.6 ounce, zippered, waterproof stuff sack that is reversible with a soft fleece interior on one side.
Review Context
A pillow is considered by many to be a luxury in the backcountry. I have certainly felt that way in the past, having used jackets, stuff sacks, packs, or even shoes as a substitute for a pillow. As I’ve grown older, however, I’ve increasingly seen a pillow as a necessity for a good night’s sleep. For me a backpacking pillow needs to meet the following criteria:
It has to be light. A pillow is a luxury item, but it has to be light enough to be carried for most trips. For me, that means less than 3 ounces.
It should be multi-purpose, if possible. Non-dedicated items make it into my pack more often.
It needs to be thick- I’m a side sleeper. Having adjustable loft is important for a pillow to be usable by a variety of users.
It needs to be comfy!
Description of Field Testing
I used this pillow on many, many trips over a one year period. I used it in many settings: an overnight volcano climb in Guatemala, multiple trips on the Washington Coast, in deep snow in the Cascades, and in the deserts of Arizona. The pillow was tested in a comprehensive variety of trip types and environments.
Performance Assessment
Over the course of this review, I spent many nights using the Hyperlite Mountain Gear pillow. I initially thought I would use it primarily for family backpacking or base camp trips, but it quickly became a piece of gear I don’t go without. That’s because it is a highly functional and waterproof stuff sack, and also a comfortable pillow with adjustable loft.
The pillow is a highly functional stuff sack that weighs just 1.6 ounces. It is constructed with seam-taped Dyneema Composite Fabrics DCF8 fabric, formerly known as Cuben Fiber. This fabric is known for being durable, highly waterproof, and very light. A dual-sided, waterproof YKK zipper is highly water resistant, making the stuff sack functionally waterproof, but not submersible like a dry bag. I left it out in the rain one afternoon, zipper side up, and experienced no leaking. I typically use the sack as a clothing stuff sack and have found that the rectangular shape is easy to pack, alongside round shapes, such as cooking pots, and stuff sacks. When used as a stuff sack, the fleece is protected, keeping it clean and dry.
I have found that excellent craftsmanship is typical of products from Hyperlite Mountain Gear, and this pillow is no exception. The sewing is excellent, the seam-taping is perfect, and the materials are all the highest quality. Knowing that your gear was hand-made in the USA only adds to the satisfaction.
By turning it inside-out and adding clothing, it turns into a comfortable pillow.
When using it as a pillow, the sack is turned inside out and filled with items to make a pillow. The Polartec fleece is warm and soft to the skin. I typically used an insulation jacket and a couple of smaller clothing items to make my pillow, which is pretty flat. Adding another jacket or pair of insulation pants fills it up for a higher loft pillow. I also experimented with other items such as freeze-dried food packages and found that this worked fine, especially if clothing is layered over the top. The DCF8 fabric becomes soft and quiet with repeated use and is also less slippery than Sil nylon fabrics, helping the pillow to stay in place through the night.
The downside of this pillow is that you need to have items to put inside, such as extra clothing. On trips where I’m really pushing the boundaries of my system, I sometimes wear all of my extra clothing to bed, potentially limiting the use of this pillow.
Cuben Fiber typically means high cost, due to the cost of the DCF fabric itself. At $45, though, this pillow is reasonably priced and similarly priced to other dedicated pillows on the market. I found the large pillow to be a great size for me, but a small size is also available for $35.
Product Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
I was very happy with the performance of this pillow. It is a luxury item that I now bring on many trips because of these reasons:
Dual-purpose and adds less than 1oz compared to similar-sized DCF stuff sacks.
It is adjustable: just add more padding to increase loft.
$45 is a reasonable price and the materials and craftsmanship are excellent.
Limitations
While this pillow is a great product, there are some potential drawbacks:
If you are a person who often doesn’t have extra clothing at night, this may not be the pillow for you. You can use other items, but clothing really works best. The small size would require less clothing if that is a concern.
A dedicated pillow is a bit more comfortable, depending on how you sleep. For example, I find the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium to be better for side sleeping. However, it’s also heavier and bulkier.
The pillow weighted 1.6 ounces on my scale, slightly more than the manufacturer’s claim of 1.4 ounces.
Compared to…
The other pillow I’ve used recently is the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium. Here is how it compares to the Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) pillow:
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium
Dedicated pillow (not dual-use)
2.8 oz (79 g) – 1.2 oz heavier than the HMG
13.4 in x 9.4 in (34 cm x 24 cm) – smaller than the HMG
4.3 in (11 cm) deep and contoured- deeper than the non-contoured HMG
When comparing the two, the Aeros Pillow is definitely more comfortable for a side sleeper. For back and stomach sleepers, I found the Hyperlite Mountain Gear pillow to be very comfortable, as well as lighter and dual-purpose.
Commentary
I love the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Large DCF8 Stuff Sack Pillow. The name is a mouthful, but this product is simple and highly effective. It will continue to go with me on all of my ultralight backpacking trips because it adds so little to my pack weight and makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep. The price is reasonable and it is a durable and well-constructed piece of gear. I have found that an air pillow can be more comfortable for side sleeping, but it’s also a bit heavier. If you’re used to sleeping on silnylon stuff sacks, the HMG pillow is a huge upgrade.
Where to Buy the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Disclosure
Product(s) discussed in this review were either acquired by Backpacking Light from a retailer or otherwise provided by the manufacturer at a discount/donation with no obligation to provide media coverage or a product review to the manufacturer(s). Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage without clearly denoting such coverage as an “ADVERTISEMENT” or “SPONSORED CONTENT.”
This Katadyn BeFree Review features a video discussing the highlights of this water bottle filter technology that’s both ultralight and fast.
Introduction
I spent many years as an engineering research scientist in a university environment. One of my favorite research programs that I managed included a number of multi-year portable water treatment technology and water quality studies, in the context of backcountry recreation, military deployment, and disaster relief.
It was during these years where I learned to despise portable water filters for their weight, slow treatment times, effort (arg, the pumps!), ease of clogging, and difficulty of cleaning.
It is because of these disadvantages that I’ve learned to love ultralight treatment technologies like tablets and chemical kits.
Filters of course have evolved through the years. We’ve seen lighter pump filters, gravity filters, inline filters, and filter bottles.
But not until the introduction of the new Katadyn BeFree Water Bottle Filter have I experienced a (truly) lightweight filter option that treats water as fast, in a package so compact. The 0.6L bottle is about a 2-oz package (2.5 oz is the approximate wet weight that I measured, which includes residual water from a treatment cycle), and it comes in a larger 1.0L size and a gravity filter model as well.
Watch the video to see my brief commentary about the filter and what I think about its throughput using clean water. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive review – I’m using this as my primary water treatment technology this summer and fall.
As I mentioned in the video, I’ve been partial to a chemical kit (Aquamira) for many years. Its “durable” (no mechanisms to fail), imparts minimal taste (and actually improves the taste of nasty water sources), is light, doesn’t fail when freezing (filters can crack), and is simple to use. There’s still a wait time with Aquamira (on the order of 15-30 minutes depending on the quality and temperature of your water source).
I’ve also used Steripens and gravity filters in various contexts. There are a lot of different ways to treat water in the backcountry!
This Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent review features a product comparison and photo spread of the sub two pound five ounce tent dome style.
Introduction
From the Rocky Mountains to Coastal Rainforest the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent has been my constant 2016 backcountry companion. Nemo has been making ultralight shelters for a while and I was somewhat surprised to find a single pole, double wall, dome style tent in the sub two and a half pound category. Depending on how you pack this tent, it sits at exactly two pounds. I was intrigued. I contacted Nemo for more information, and they offered to send me one out to try. Now, I was beyond intrigued and into excited.
I used the original 2010 Nemo Equipment Meta 2P since I bought it almost seven years ago. I’ve been happy with my little Nemo Equipment Meta 2P. The online reviews were mixed (in my opinion, because single wall shelters were unfamiliar to most users) but aside from the over two and a half pound weight, I loved the tent, and it was a great introduction to single wall shelters.
For the 2016 season, a switch to a double wall shelter, with a single pole means much simpler gear splitting for the trips I have booked for the year. My only other complaint with my original shelter has always been the limited ability to divide it between two packs. Not needing my trek poles for set up also means I can leave one or both behind which on some trips is my preference. Even with the pole packed in, it is lighter than many trek pole tents.
Packed Size:17 x 5 in diameter / 43 x 12 cm diameter
Vestibule Fabric:7D PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
Fly Fabric:7D PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
Canopy Fabric:No-see-um mesh
Floor Fabric:20D PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
Color:Elite Yellow
Performance
Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent in the coastal rainforest of Canada’s West Coast Trail.
Field Testing
Stuffing
The Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P tent was shipped to my address. I opened the box and found a neatly packaged tent inside. The actual weight of the tent was 998g (2 lb 2 oz). The packed size was compact, and I found stuffing the tent back inside the sack easy. The tent stuff sack has the option of being two sizes. One where the tent is stuffed poles in and one where the ten is stuffed poles out. Two sets of drawstrings allow stuffing options. I didn’t pack using the stuff sack (I was load sharing most trips), but the sack is nicely made and relatively light.
Stock Photo – Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent StuffedStock Photo: stuffed with poles removed.The entire Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent compared to a 1-liter water bottle.Diameter comparison of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent with a 1-liter water bottle.Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent fly and body stuffed with pegs and poles removed compared with a 1-liter water bottle.
During a particularly wet rainforest trek on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada; I stuffed the rain fly in a large Ziplock freezer bag to keep it from dripping on any of my other gear. The main body of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent will also fit in a large Ziplock freezer bag. This method gave me the option of squeezing the air out of the bags and effectively ‘vacuum packing’ the tent to save space and keep other gear from getting soaked when packing the tent wet. The heavy plastic of the Ziplock bag also protects the tent’s delicate, ultralight fabric.
Floor and Footprint
The tent stitching is high quality and well taped. The fly fabric is airy light and almost transparent. The floor is slightly more solid but is delicate. Because of abrasive rocky ground conditions, I decided I would make a footprint.
I had a SOL Mylar Blanket kicking around my gear trunk, which is not exceptionally light ( 320g / 11.3oz) but was available and had a possibility to add warmth to my shelter. The tarp was almost the perfect size, and I only had to trim it a bit. I had to cut a couple of grommets off and replaced them with Coleman Replacement Grommets I’ve had in my major-at-home-gear-repair box for several years. The weight is comparable enough to a Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Footprint ( 208 g / 7.3 oz), I didn’t have to look for Tyvek, and the price was right (free: after depreciation of the tarp and grommets which were sitting around doing nothing anyway.). After my modifications, my footprint weighed 286g (10.1oz)
Assembly
Assembling the tent the first time around didn’t require a structural engineer, but almost. (I make this observation with tongue in cheek, I haven’t assembled a dome style tent in a decade. Single wall trek pole tents have some pitching advantages.) One diagonal pole suspends screen house’s clips and the fly anchors to the four corner pegs. The vestibules have two separate guy-out pegs.
Step One: The Air Pole design has a unique clip which takes a bit of maneuvering but works well and saves weight.Step Two: Insert the clip Screen house into the fly clip.Final step: snap the screen house to the air pole.
This tent is unconventional but user-friendly and intelligently designed. After pitching a couple more times, I discovered I could pitch the fly before pitching the interior mesh by stretching my MYOG footprint, placing my stakes, and resting the poles against the “Y” structure then anchoring my fly. Using this method I could pitch my mesh under cover if rain interfered.
The shape of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent is unconventional, to say the least. Skyline Trail, Jasper, Alberta.
After a couple of practice runs, I could set up the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent in a matter of minutes without any assistance. Stuffing the tent when packing up took very little time or skill. I slid the tent poles in and stuff the screen house, tent fly and pegs in the included stuff sack.
Overnight Use
The two door and two vestibule design of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent is invaluable. Once two sleeping pads and quilts are laid down on the floor, the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent is stable and barely needs pegs for anything but holding the vestibules tight.
I found I had plenty of toe and headroom and could even place some of my important equipment, like cameras, over my head. Thoughtful interior features in the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent improve the comfort and livability of the tent. Interior features could be clipped out to save ounces, but I kept them. First I found two side door pockets (one on each side), which were helpful for stashing some small items like ear plugs and eye masks. Second, the pole framework of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent has built in loops for making a small indoor clothes line. Third, at the very peak of the tent, there is a small pocket designed for stowing headlamps to use as interior lighting without blinding your tent mates.
The gossamer-like fabric of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent did not leave me feeling exposed while inside my tent at night or during the day.
Rain Use
Of all the features I tested while using the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent, I tested its capacity to resist rain the most. Not only did this tent resist the rain, it dried in twenty minutes or less when the sun came out. During particularly rainy treks through the Canadian Rockies, I often packed the fly in a large Ziplock freezer bag, stuffed it in the brain of my pack and would pull it out to dry whenever the rain gave me enough of a break.
Insect Resistance
Insects? What insects? I went all over Canada with the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent, there were mosquitos, horse flys, sand fleas and dozens of other biting nuisances, just not inside the tent. During my trip up Marvel Pass to the Mount Assiniboine Lake Valley, there were thousands of blood-thirsty mosquitos. At nightfall, I would dive into the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent and leave the little monsters outside. Occasionally insects would make a home between the fly and the tent body, but as long as they were outside and away from me I didn’t care.
The Canadian Rockies biting insects had no chance against the no-see-um mesh of the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent.
Performance Summary
The Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P exceeded my expectations of an ultralight tent. The tent is feature rich and well designed.
Product comparison
A fair product comparison requires similar main features. These products are fully enclosed, sleep two occupants and have all required features. Stakes, mesh, poles, floor, seam sealing and any other additional features required to make each product comparable, are added to the price and weight.
To view the entire table, hover over it and scroll right/left!
Manufacturer
Model
Body Fabric
Max Weight
Wall Style
Floor Type
Floor Space
Height
Poles
Packed Size
Dual Entry
Vestibles
Seasons
Price
TarpTent
Stratospire 2
1.1 oz Silnylon
2lbs 9 oz / 1.3 kg
Double
Bathtub
Tent: 31 sq ft / 2.9 sq m
Vestibule: Unspecified
50 in / 127 cm
2 Trek
16 in x 4 in / 41cm x 10 cm
Yes
2
4
349.00 USD
LightHeart Gear
Duo Tent
30D 1.1 oz Silnylon Ripstop
2 lbs 5 oz / 1.1 kg
Single
Bathtub
Tent: 38.2 sq ft / 3.6 sq m
Vestibule: Unspecified
45 in / 114 cm
2 Trek
Unspecified
Yes
2
3
400.00 USD
Nemo Equipment
Blaze 2p Ultralight Backpacking Tent
7D Silnylon Ripstop
2 lbs 5 oz / 1.1 kg
Double
Bathtub
Tent: 30 sq ft / 2.8 sq m
Vestibule: 13 sq ft / 1.2 sq m
40 in / 102 cm
1 Folding
17 x 5 in dia / 43 x 12 cm dia
Yes
2
3
449.95 USD
Zpacks
Duplex Tent
.51 oz Cuben Fiber
1 lbs 7.2 oz / 659 g
Single
Bathtub
Tent: 28.1 sq ft / 2.6 sq m
Vestibule: Unspecified
48 in / 121 cm
2 Trek
7 in x 13 in / 18 cm x 33 cm
Yes
2
Unspecified
609.00 USD
Mountain Laurel Designs
Duomid with innernet
1.35 oz Silnylon
1 lb 6.6 oz / 640.7 g
Double
Bathtub
Tent: 40+sq ft / 3.7 sq m
Vestibule: none
56 in / 142 cm
2 Trek
Unspecified
Yes
0
4
330.00 USD
Summary
Strengths
Sub two-pound weight double wall tent
Two doors
Two vestibules
Small, compressible packed size
Insect resistant
Storm worthy
Fast drying
Limitations
Short floor length
Delicate floor fabric
Recommendations
Taller users should put their head underneath the pole corner of the tent and feet under the peg only anchor.
Groundsheet or footprint is highly recommended.
Wrap large packs in a garbage bag when left in the vestibule in rainy conditions.
Review Rating
Review Rating Summary
After just over three-hundred miles (500 km) in two months sleeping in this tent, I haven’t found a single flaw in the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent design for my use. Simply, the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent is my favorite piece of equipment since, well, ever. A full tent system that rivals a tarp and bivy for weight is uncommonly good. Throw in the fact, the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent has two doors and two vestibules, and the comfort, convenience, and practicality of this tent is through the roof. I can’t think of a bad thing to say about it.
There are only three minor comments I would make in contrast to my glowing experience with this tent:
1) The clip fly and pole system take some practice to figure out.
Nemo Equipment would be wise to include assembly diagrams on the tags of the tent. I spent the first four or five setups assembling the fly incorrectly which in turn gave me a sagging pitch. This is why I included photos of how to assemble the clip system in this article. When the clip system is assembled correctly, the pitch is tight and well ventilated.
2) The vestibules are not huge, there is room for a pair of boots, trek pole handles and most of a 45 + liter pack.
I would not count on the vestibule to completely cover my pack and have room to stick my feet into the vestibule and put on my boots outside the tent. On the other hand, any vestibule beats not having one at all. In high precipitation conditions, I recommend wrapping packs in a plastic recycling bags anyway. The Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent has two vestibules and the overall size of the vestibule is a non-issue. Other users might like to know the actual vestibule size.
3) Some users may find the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent a bit short.
I’m five-foot-one, any tent I crawl into is long enough for me. I loaned the Nemo Equipment Blaze to a six-foot-tall friend for a weekend to get his impression. He found the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent had just enough length for his frame. For anyone taller than six-feet-tall, this would be a one man tent in his opinion. I would say, two people under five-foot-ten will be more than comfortable. Nemo Equipment Blaze Tent’s floor space and headroom will be satisfactory for anyone up to six-feet. I would love to see Nemo Equipment design an extra large version of this tent to cater to the tall ultralighters out there.
Concluding Statement
The Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent has proved to be a worthwhile investment. The unusual and technical design is intuitive and feature-rich for its sub-two-pound weight. If I were to select a tent for another season of adventure again, I would pick the Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent without a single reservation. The Nemo Equipment Blaze 2p Tent is storm worthy, light, insect proof and comfortable.
Keeping mice, sand fleas and rain out in a coastal rainforest is not an easy task. The well designed Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent exceeded the expectations I made on it. Pictured at Thrashers Cove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Where to Buy the Nemo Blaze 2P
Related Tents
The Nemo Blaze 2P is one of several tents that have recently been introduced to the ultralight market that focus on lighter fabrics, fewer (and thinner) poles, and perhaps a semi-freestanding (instead of a truly freestanding) design that requires a stake or two to maximize floor space. Like the Nemo Blaze 2P, the following tents offer interior space that isn’t occupied by vertical poles (as in pyramid-style tents). The NEMO Hornet 2P and MSR FreeLite 2 offer double doors and double vestibules, while the Fly Creek HV 2 Platinum is front-entry:
Disclosure
Product(s) discussed in this review were either acquired by Backpacking Light from a retailer or otherwise provided by the manufacturer at a discount/donation with no obligation to provide media coverage or a product review to the manufacturer(s). Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage without clearly denoting such coverage as an “ADVERTISEMENT” or “SPONSORED CONTENT.”
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In the video, I reported the nutrition facts on a per-serving basis. There are two “servings” in one 6.6-oz package. I never found “serving sizes” very useful, so I’ll report nutrition facts as per package here:
Don’t worry, it’s not one of those holiday gift guides where the author writes words like “best” and “indispensable” and “must-have” and recites bullet points from press releases and specifications tables. My hope is that if you’re reading this, you get something a little more than that out of what you’re about to read. Hopefully, you’ll find some valuable product info, some education, and some tidbits on how to shop for and select gear. I’ve actually used every item we recommend in this article extensively in 2017, and I’m going to share my own perspectives on why I selected this gear and why I think it’s good stuff. It’s as much a consolidation of a bunch of summary product reviews as it is my list of recommendations for backpacking gear gifts for this holiday season.
