I'm an avid backpacker who wants to share his viewpoints, and experiences of the trials on the trails with the world. It's the experiences that make it all worth while, and I'm hoping my blog can help others enhance and find their own.
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX utilizes welded I-Beams to create a lofty, quilted sleep surface that aims to provide more cushion, added lift, and in the end, a better night’s sleep. It’s big, fluffy, and insulated, but does it perform in the field? This is my review. Starting with the numbers, the SLX brings an impressive … More Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Review
REI attempts to bridge the gap between grounders and treelings with their REI Quarter Dome Hanging Tent. It sleeps flat like a tent, but strings up between two trees like a hammock. It’s a promising premise, but how does it actually perform? My review. The biggest distinguishing feature that separates this “hanging tent” from other traditional … More REI Quarter Dome Hanging Tent Review
I recently had an interesting talk with a reader about which speaker to bring backpacking. This chat just happened to be in a public forum, and a heated debate rapidly erupted. Long story short, this sounded like an excellent topic for an article, so let’s talk about music in the backcountry. First, it’s fair to say … More Should You Play Music in the Backcountry?
Made in the USA from Grand Trunk’s own proprietary Trunk Tech Ripstop, the ONEMADE hammock promises a lighter, stronger, more compact hammock, all with a lifetime warranty. Can a hammock make those claims and still perform in such a competitive field? My review. The Double Hammock tested is a fairly standard design. It’s slightly longer … More Grand Trunk’s ONEMADE Double Hammock Reviewed, Made in the USA
I wanted to take a moment to highlight some new reading material that I’ve recently been working my way through, and provide a quick review for each. Highlights include a true story of a journey through a melting world, some science fiction, the newest backpacking gear, and an overview of backpacking gear in general with selection … More Recommended Readings In Gear, Adventure, and Science Fiction
The Black Diamond Sprinter is a lightweight USB rechargeable Headlamp designed for high intensity use on and off the trail. Housing a powerful front lantern, back red strobe lights and a removable top band, it’s usable in practically any condition. My review: The Sprinter divides it’s electronics between the front and back of the unit. The … More Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp Review
The Camelbak Chute is a large double walled thermos designed to keep 40 oz of goodness cold for a full 24 hours or hot for 6. This is my review. The Chute is primarily constructed from two layers of 18/8 stainless steel with a gap between them, forming a vacuumed, double walled barrier of insulation. … More Camelbak Chute Insulated Thermos Review
Big Agnes has a long history of making high quality sleeping bags. Now, they’re producing high quality jackets as well. I’ve been using the Big Agnes ShovelHead jacket for quite some time now, and I’m a big fan. The Shovelhead is a lightweight insulating jacket filled with 700 fill DownTek down: a waterproof goose down that … More Big Agnes ShovelHead Jacket Review
The LR 24 from Camelbak is a spacious lumbar pack designed to comfortably carry heavier loads of food, water and gear for an all day outing on the trail. It packs lots of storage, the new Cruz LR reservoir and an air suspension back panel designed for maximum ventilation, but does it hold up under … More Cambelbak Franconia LR 24 Backpack Review
I’m a big fan of meat in general. It’s tasty, provides excellent nutrition, and does a great job of keeping me full while providing essential building blocks for an active body. Imagine my excitement then when I came home to discover a massive six pound box of jerky resting on the stoop of my apartment. … More Country Archer Makes Amazing Jerky
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