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Stephensons Warmlite Down Air Mat
Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report
Vaude Norrsken Insulated Mat
Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report
POE Ether Elite 2/3 and POE Peak Oyl Elite Mats
Mini-review for the Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Mats State of the Market Report 2011
MontBell UL 90 and MontBell UL 120 Mats
Mini-review for the Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Mats State of the Market Report 2011
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, Therm-a-Rest ProLite, and Therm-a-Rest Deluxe LE Mats
Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report
Mammut Light Pump Mat
Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 1: Lightweight Shelters and Sleep Gear
We found lots of new lightweight shelters and sleep gear this time. We present them together in this article so you can compare them more easily. Doing so brings out some realizations regarding weight, roominess, and cost.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 2: Lightweight Backpacks, Stoves, and Accessories
OR delivers a fresh crop of lightweight, innovative, and useful gear.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 3: Lightweight Apparel and Hiking Footwear
We sorted through tons of apparel and footwear to find the lightweight standouts suitable for hiking and backpacking.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 4: Technical Watches, Minimalist Footwear, and Family Gear
For those who like less on their feet, OR didn't disappoint. For those who like more on their wrist, OR didn't disappoint in that area either. And for those who venture in the outdoors as a family, there were a few nuggets worth noting.
Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Airmats – State of the Market 2011
Part 1: Important Factors When Choosing an Airmat
Why use an airmat instead of a closed-cell foam pad? Lightweight airmats that rival a closed-cell foam pad in weight now exist, so you don't need to carry extra weight to get good comfort anymore. This survey is restricted to airmats weighing less than 400 g (14 oz) for summer use and 800 g (28 oz) for winter use.
Minimalist Footwear for Fall/Spring Backpacking
The second in a series exploring the use of minimalist footwear for backpacking, Damien explores what works when summer is gone. Keeping your feet warm in barely-there shoes is no mean - ahem - feat.
Smartphone Navigation
Use the ubiquitous smartphone to get where you're going, with details on four apps that support maps for more places (not just the States). All you need do is supply the adventure.
Equinox ARAS Eagle Backpack Review
The Eagle is the Platypus of frameless backpacks: it has some unique design features, loads of comfort and convenience features, and it's a great value, but is it the right pack for you?
Lightweight Frameless Backpacks State of the Market Report 2011
Part 2B – Technical Evaluation – Measurement of Pack Load Carrying Capacity
We “lab” test thirteen frameless backpacks to compare their performance in terms of load carrying capability. We also address the debate of whether a coiled or folded sleeping pad is better for creating a “virtual frame” for weight transfer to the hips. And we compare frameless backpacks with stays inserted to lightweight internal frame backpacks. Our data reveal some distinct differences among the packs and a few surprises.
Lightweight Frameless Backpacks State of the Market Report 2011
Part 2A – Technical Evaluation – Measurement of Pack Volume and Volume Reduction Capability
We “lab’ test thirteen frameless backpacks to measure their actual volume and compare their volume reduction capability, which are important factors when choosing a frameless pack. Our data reveal a few surprises!
GoLite Tumalo Storm Jacket & Pants Review
The Tumalo line is GoLite's most affordable WPB rain gear, yet only gives up a little weight on their top-of-the-line offerings. How does it perform?
Across Iceland by Packraft
Encountering waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, rivers, volcanoes, and boiling hot springs during a difficult but delightful Icelandic summer.
The Global Test III: Trekking in Russia
From the Gulag Archipelago to the Pearl of Siberia: between gear choice mistakes, gear failure, corrupt officials, and aggressive cows, at what point does backpacking cease to be fun?
Big Sky International Evolution 2P Tent Review
Creation vs Evolution: one of the thorniest questions ever and one I prefer to stay away from most of the time. But Bob Molen’s latest creation is the ever-evolving Evolution 2P, and one I feel comfortable tackling. It is almost divine...
