Down comes from many different places, by many companies, and is obtained in several different ways. Some of these methods are better than others, and some are quite inhumane. It’s time to learn where your down comes from. The real issue comes from one form of down collection, called live plucking. I’m not going to … More Do you know where your down comes from? New standards in down.
The Phaser Peak boot from Merrell is designed to be a backpacking grade boot; built to withstand the rigors and demands of climbing and descending miles of mountains with a heavy pack and changing conditions. Does Merrell have it in them to build a boot that can handle it? The boot is built from a … More Merrell Phaser Peak Boot Review
When you’re out in the mountains for days, the only thing standing between you and the elements is your clothing. For this reason, a solid, durable, reliable rain jacket can be the difference between adventure and misery. Here we have the Odin Traverse Jacket from Helly Hansen, designed for just such a situation. The jacket … More Odin Traverse Jacket Review
Navitas naturals has been around since 2003, providing healthy, organic nutrition to the active or health conscious. Their foods are all freeze-dried or processed at low temperatures to preserve nutrition without loss of flavor, and come in handy resealable packages. I was lucky enough to put some of their flavors to the test .These are … More Navitas Naturals. Healthy, delicious snacks.
Ultralight doesn’t always have to result in the sacrifice of comfort. Sometimes, ultralight equipment can both improve comfort and reduce pack weight. The Auriga from Thermarest is one such example. How does it make it happen? The magic here is in the simplicity of it’s design, paired with the elimination of unnecessary materials (material and insulation … More Thermarest Auriga Down Blanket Review
Rocks are hard, grass is lumpy, and sometimes you just don’t want to be on the ground anymore. ENO has you covered. The SingleNest is a one man hammock designed to spare your tush from the unrelenting assault on comfort we call gravity. Just how well can a little wad of fabric perform when strung … More Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) SingleNest Hammock Review
The Elite Cagoule and Chaps from Sierra Designs ditches the concepts of traditional gear, and instead reaches deep inside their pocket of ideas for something lighter, breezier, and completely zipper free. Tradition is a strong force in backpacking, but sometimes different truly is better. The Cagoule and Chaps are sold separately, but are designed to … More Sierra Designs Elite Cagoule and Chaps Rainwear
Dpower is a little known company with a lot to prove. Their ambitious backpacking stove sets out to provide a remote canister stove at under 5 ounces for under 30 bucks. Stoves are expensive, so the idea of an affordable alternative is very tempting. But, can a budget stove perform? **update** The manufacturer seems to … More DPower backpacking stove review
We just recently happened upon Sporkables at the Trail Days celebration in Demascus Virginia. Sporkables is a small company located in New York, committed to producing unique, delicious dehydrated meals using locally sourced foods. I was lucky enough to take some on the trail to put them to the ultimate test, the hungry backpacker. I’ve … More Sporkables Dehydrated Meals
The Sierra Designs Lightning 2 FL is an update to one of my favorite tents, the Lightning 2 UL. Lighter and more storage space is the main attraction, but what else has changed with the 2015 update and is it worth an upgrade or first time buy? What’s changed? Aside from the weight difference and … More Sierra Designs Lightning 2 FL Review
