David Chenault
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How Packs Work
The evolution of the frameless backpack and an analysis of current technology and features of four lightweight packs: the Golite Jam, Mountain Hardwear Thruway, Black Diamond Demon, and the authors MYOG Black and White pack.
Commentary: The Packraft in 2013
Ten years ago, packrafters had few options. Today, the choices are many, and the future looks very promising.
Tools for Human Powered Oversnow Travel – State of the Market Report
Fat bike, skis, or snowshoes? A discussion of the most efficient tools for oversnow travel.
The Future of Baselayers
A glimpse into the future and a mini-review of the Mammut All-Year long sleeve crew.
5 Beginning Concepts for Winter Backpacking
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The 2012 Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic
Is this the longest, toughest, roughest or hardest? The beauty of it is that at the finish no one knew or cared. Every competitor was left with indelible experiences, challenges accepted and honestly won or lost. Each had started with a clean slate and had accomplished every step in the wilderness through their own efforts. -Adrian Crane, writing about the Classic in Ultrarunning (1986)
A Lightweight Guide to the Crown of the Continent
Backpacking and Packrafting Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness
Windshirts: 2012 State of the Market Report – Part 1: What is a Windshirt?
Weatherproof, lightweight, breathable. Might the windshirt be the ultimate tool in the lighwieght backpacker's arsenal?
Backpacking on the Moon: A Trip Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument
A look at one of Idaho's little known backpacking jems.
Timberland LiteTrace Boot Review
Review of Timberland's new waterproof lightweight hiking boot. Do they belong in the lightweight backpacker's quiver?
Rackless Carry Systems for Lightweight Bikepacking
Reviews of the Revelate Designs Viscacha and Porcelain Rocket Booster Rocket
Light and Fast Packs for Bikepacking
In Part 2 of our exploration of Lightweight Bikepacking, Dave reviews some notable packs and examines their utility for bikepacking.
Lightweight Bikepacking: An Introduction
"This kind of cycling actually brings you closer to the land than hiking... because you must read the landscape so closely in order to ride across it." -Drew Walker, “The Talkeetna Traverse” Adventure Cyclist (Jan/Feb 2001)
On-Trail Route Finding: When the Trail is Hard to Follow
"I've never been lost, but I was once a mite bewildered for a few days." - Daniel Boone
Ultralight Waterproof Breathable Jackets: 2012 State of the Market Report
Part 2: Details on the ten jackets in the report.
Ultralight Waterproof-Breathable Jackets: 2012 State of the Market Report
Part 1: Why should you buy a WPB rain jacket? And why would you buy one that weighs more than 8 ounces (227 g)?
Fast and Light Shoulder Season Footwear Tips
Avoiding wet feet in the shoulders seasons can be impossible. Follow a few simple principles to ensure your feet are happy, no matter the conditions!
Clikstand T-2 Alcohol Stove System Review
Can 100% titanium justify the price tag?
Altai Skis: The Hok Ski and X-Trace Universal Binding Review
For fast, easy over-snow travel, combine the traits of a snowshoe and those of a ski. A short, fat ski would keep the maneuverability, packability and hopefully light weight of a snowshoe as well as the glide and easy trail breaking of a ski. How well does this theory play out in reality?
Lightweight Alternative Rainwear: State of the Market Report – Part 2: Overview of Individual Products
Further discussion on the four individual categories, a review of the products tested within the context of each category, and a brief conclusion of ways in which various alternative rainwear products can be combined, both with each other and with WPB garments, to suit various hiking environments and conditions.
