Measuring the affects of radiant heat loss to help you better prepare for the backcountry.
Testing & Research
Reports of standardized tests in (somewhat) controlled environments (bench, kitchen, garage, or field) that present real data, and the analysis of that data in a way that educates the user, dispels myths, or otherwise validates/invalidates hypotheses or claims.
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How Safe Is Your Food? Investigating the effectiveness of odor-proof bags
How do supposedly “odor proof” plastic bags for backpacking hold up to the keen nose of a Police K9?
Thermal Feedback in Upright Canister Stoves
Different upright canister stoves seem to work with differing levels of success in very cold weather, and one wonders why. Claims for pressure regulator stoves are especially problematic, with marketing spin being extreme in some cases. We examine just what is going on here, with an in-depth analysis of some aspects of both upright and remote canister stoves, to unravel some critical factors.
Impact of Wind on Insulation Loft
During a winter storm, strong winds can render your lightweight puffy useless. This article examines the effect that compression can have on various types of insulation, and presents recommendations for staying warm and alive.
Midlayer Technology: Patagonia Capilene 4 v. Mountain Hardwear Desna Hoody
This winter, increase the versatility of your other layers by adding a midlayer. An overview of two notable options, and discussion of current fabric tech.
The Future of Baselayers
A glimpse into the future and a mini-review of the Mammut All-Year long sleeve crew.
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?