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Insulation Measurement
A method for measuring insulation in quilts, sleeping bags, and other gear.
Field Testing Air Permeable Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies Part 3: Discussion, Conclusions, and Performance of Individual Jackets
In this final part of the series we assemble the information gleaned from our field testing into an informative discussion with down to earth conclusions. We also present field test data for each individual jacket, comment on its utility, and identify standouts.
Field Testing Air Permeable Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies – Part 2: Are There Detectable Differences Under Real World Backpacking Conditions?
Manufacturers make lofty claims for the enhanced breathability of the new fabrics. I tested ten jackets under challenging and forgiving backpacking-type conditions, while recording temperature and humidity inside and outside the jackets, and reported my findings. Perhaps I didn’t experience “air and water vapor permeability so shocking you’ll swear it's magic,” but I did identify some standouts and some promising trends of interest to backpackers.
SteriPEN vs H2O Amigo: A Long Distance Hiker’s Comparison
Cutting-edge solar-powered UV water purification or simple gravity filter? I took both on the CDT to compare/contrast their performance, durability, and usage.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not?
Supplement 6: Primus Eta PackLite System
We cover yet another Primus heat-exchanger stove system in this Review: the Primus Eta PackLite. This is basically modelled on the Eta Power system, but smaller and lighter.
Heat Exchange Stove Shootout: Part 3
Heat Exchanger Stoves
When do these stoves offer a weight reduction when compared to the baseline of Part 2 of the series?
Heat Exchanger Stove Shootout: Part 2
Upright and Remote Canister Stoves
Setting a baseline: we survey a good range of conventional canister stoves for performance, setting us up for the comparison in Part 3.
Heat Exchanger Stove Shootout: Part 1
Introduction and Test Method
The performance and efficiency of canister stoves, put to the test. When the dust (and CO2) settle, which one will be left standing?
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not?
Supplement 5: Snow Peak GST-120 Lite Max
The Snow Peak GST-100 GigaPower stove is widely regarded as the 'Gold Standard' for upright canister stoves. It weighs about 74 grams. Snow Peak has released a new stove in this series: the GST-120, or Lite Max, weighing only 56 grams, reviewed here. Does the Lite Max live up to the reputation of its precursor, the GST-100 (which is still available)?
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Supplement 4: Jetboil Helios
Jetboil releases its first remote canister stove. Does this work well enough to be a good winter stove?
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Supplement 3: Brunton Vapor AF
Measurements of carbon monoxide levels produced by the Brunton Vapor AF Stove.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Supplement 2: Primus Express and EtaExpress
Measurements of carbon monoxide levels produced by the Primus Express stove and EtaExpress cooking system.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 5: Laboratory Measurements for Solid Fuels
Several solid fuels are surveyed at different power levels to assess their carbon monoxide emissions. The results are not good.
Condensation in Single-walled Shelters: Contributing Factors and Tips for Reduction
Condensation in single-walled shelters is a fact of life, but there are many ways to greatly reduce its effects.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Part 4: Measurements on Alcohol Stoves
Actual alcohol stoves are surveyed to see which ones are clean and which ones emit too much carbon monoxide. The results are not good.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 3: Laboratory Measurements for Canister Stoves
Actual canister stoves are surveyed to see which ones are clean and which ones emit too much carbon monoxide.
Exploding Gas Canisters: The Hazard of Overheating
Most canister stoves come with extreme warnings to not use a windshield around them for fear of causing an explosion. Many experienced users ignore these warnings. What is the risk? Can a gas canister explode?
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 2: Testing the Theory
Can you run your backpacking stove inside your tent, or do you risk death by Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not?
Part 1: Theory
You've read the warnings and heard the horror stories about cooking in your tent. How dangerous is it really? Part 1 of this series describes: how CO is formed, a warning sign of production, and a simple change you can make to your stove setup to reduce CO.
Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers
An in-depth comparison of the properties of wool and synthetic fabric for base layers yielded some surprising results.
