Minimalism in backpacking has become a growing trend, but all too often leaving the user lacking performance and comfort in pursuit of a minimal pack weight. The Siren Quilt from Nemo has the weight savings and simplicity associated with minimalism, but without sacrificing performance or comfort. The quilt is built from a feathery 10 denier … More Nemo Siren Ultralight Quilt Review
The Ursack Minor is a Kevlar and stainless steel bag designed to protect your ever so priceless Oreo cookies, and other junk food like veggies and stuff. The idea is to produce a bag that’s so tough that, even if the animal finds a way to get to it, it can’t chew through it to … More Ursack Minor critter bag Review
I happened across this impressive little nugget not long ago. The NeoAir MiniPump is basically a little fan, a flexible connection point for your mattress, and a set of two AAA batteries (not included) that’s designed to save you some lung work when it comes to setting up camp. MSRP is $39.99, and it weighs … More Thermarest NeoAir Mini Pump Review
The Nallo 2 is the lightest all season tent produced by the Hilleberg, the tent maker. Hilleberg has a bit of reputation for building some of the best engineered tents on the market, but curiously absent here on the east coast. I wanted to put them to the test. Let’s see what I found. About … More Hilleberg Nallo 2 Review
Balancing weight and comfort is a never ending struggle when it comes to backpacking. All too often we have to sacrifice one or the other to make things manageable. The Neoair Xtherm aims to solve that problem by providing plush warmth, at low weights. Can it really happen? We put the pad to the test, and here is … More Thermarest Neoair Xtherm Review
Curious to see some of what 2015 will offer? I have a few teasers, but there is even more to come. **Update. Foidel Cayon 2 review, Battle Mountain 2, MtnGLO, Insulated Double Z, Reviews are up.*** Some interesting concepts are the new Mountain Glo series of tents, with built-in lighting for a tiny weight penalty. … More Big Agnes 2015 tents preview
The Battle Mountain is a 4 season, mountaineering tent from Big Agnes. Designed with durability, livability, and light weight in mind, it strikes an exceptional balance of comfort on the trail, and at camp. The battle mountain is comprised of a light weight, yet rugged Cordura rip-stop nylon with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating. The … More Big Agnes Battle Mountain 2 Review
Winter doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. When you’re prepared, winter can be just as warm and enjoyable as the spring, but with far less crowding on the trails. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy yourself this winter. Dress well Most of the people I talk to who say they … More 3 Tips for Enjoying the Winter
Sometimes you need something a little bit more rugged for those long backcountry explorations. The Traverse soft-shell pants from L.L.Bean is designed to be that something. Aimed at high mountain pursuits where wind, snow, and extreme sun are an issue, these pants can handle it all. About the pants The Traverse are full featured pants, … More l.l.bean Traverse Soft-Shell Pants
When old man winter rolls in, keeping my core warm and comfortable becomes my top priority when backpacking. A solid, lightweight mid layer is vital to staying warm. The Hooded Jacket from L.L.Bean provides a good balance of warmth, weight, comfort, and looks. About the jacket The Ultralight 850 is a fairly straight forward designed … More L.L.Bean Ultralight 850 Down Jacket
