Ryan Jordan
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Notes from the Field: The Wintry Fringe Season in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness
Gear notes and more from a trek in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in late October and early November, 2012.
Yellowstone River Packrafting
An Introduction to Packrafting in the Yellowstone River Corridor between its headwaters and Big Timber, MT.
Boys in the Wild (Short Film)
A short film about the challenges we face when trying to expose young men to backcountry experiences.
Photo Essay: Spanish Peaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana
Photos from a Scout trek across the Spanish Peaks in Southwest Montana, with some insight into how we incorporate an ultralight ethic into groups.
Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Review
Superb fit and finish, high breathability, and nice mix of features, but durability insurance doesn't come with the $280 price tag - and at 9 oz, is it light enough?
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400 Backpack Review
Durable lightweight packs that can carry a larger volume (and higher weight) expedition kit.
Alpacka Stowaway Dry Suit Review
A 22-ounce waterproof dry suit designed for packrafters with an eye towards saving weight and bulk on longer expeditions.
Depression and Wilderness, Part 2: Wilderness May Not Be Enough
Is wilderness really a cure for depression, or just a temporary escape?
24 Hours: Packrafting the Grande Ronde River
A new installment of the "24" series - stories about "24 hour" overnight trips.
Considering Minimalist Footwear for Backpacking
While it sounds romantic to be able to trek in hemp-strapped huaraches or five-toed skins, the reality of wild places and the limitations of your body’s biomechanics may necessitate a different type of minimalist footwear.
Tarp Camping Techniques for Inclement Conditions
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Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness: Photo Essay
Photos and a Gear List from the 2012 Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp.
Lamar
Ryan and a group of Scouts search for solitude in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar River Valley
Storm Resistance of Ultralight Shelters
Evaluating the wind and snow loading of shelters for ultralight backpacking in inclement conditions.
Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar Shelter Review
Simplicity and strength in an all-season shelter.
Prospects for 2012: New and Noteworthy Gear
News from the cottage industry is conspicuously absent from Outdoor Retailer, where even modest booths can be more costly than a serious gear-buying habit. So, here are a few new and noteworthy pieces of gear from smaller manufacturers that were either released late in 2011 or are coming in 2012. Keep these items on your radar as you prepare for the coming season!
Sony NEX-7 Digital Camera Review
Large sensor. High resolution. Small package. Interchangeable lenses. Is the DSLR finally dead for the backpacking photographer?
Cottage Stagnation and Recent Gems
Commentary on the (lack of) gear you can love from the cottage industry.
Backpacking Checklist (Gear List): 3-Season, 3-Day
An example of what a lightweight backpacker might take on a 3-day outing.
Canovaccio: Natural, Sustainable Pack Fabrics
New developments in durable and water-resistant backpack fabrics.
