PhD

Lightweight Winter Down Parka Reviews and State of the Market Report

Gear Guides December 5, 2018

This article features lightweight down parkas (usually, full-zip jackets with hoods, a longer hem, and box-baffled construction) appropriate for winter backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, and other cold-temperature activities.

Design Notes: Towards the Limits of Ultralight

News March 8, 2017

This post from the Publisher’s Blog (available to Unlimited Members only) offers some comments on the nature of ultralight design and the opportunities that await designers and manufacturers of ultralight gear.

Summer Alpine Ice Climbing in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains

Expedition & Trip Reports June 26, 2003 This trip report describes a four day backpacking and alpine climbing trip to Whitetail Peak in Montana’s Beartooth Range, July 9-11, 2002. See end of document for gear notes &...

Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002)

Gear Guides August 4, 2002

Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002)

Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Nunatak, and PhD Lightweight Down Jackets (Comparison Review)

Gear Reviews December 16, 2001 Introduction A lightweight down jacket is a wonderful thing. A down jacket can have up to three to five times more loft than its synthetic counterpart (e.g. a Patagonia Puffball,...