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 Stout 45, a new pack for 2015 from Gregory, is aimed at weekend warriors and light weight backpackers who are working towards going lighter and faster. Gregory has been producing packs since 1977, but does their experience still translate into great backpacks? Let’s have a look. About the Stout 45 The Stout 45 is … More Gregory Stout 45 Backpack Review
The Insulated Double Z from Big Agnes is an update to one of my all time favorite sleeping pads, the Double Z. Sadly, the Double Z was not insulated, and rendered it pretty much useless in temperatures under about 40 degrees. How does this warmer, fuzzier version hold up? About the pad The Insulated Double … More Big Agnes Insulated Double Z Review
It’s not often that we see dramatic changes in sleeping pad design, but when it happens I get really excited. That’s exactly why the Evolite from Thermarest caught my attention. A hybrid of a self inflating and air chambered mattress, the Evolite hopes to obtain the best of both worlds. Light weight, convenience, and comfort. … More Thermarest Evolite Review
The Catalyst 65 from Kelty brings forth a simple innovation that produces impressive results. At the base of the design is the Perfect-FIT system, an instantly adjustable torso length that provides nearly 16″ of expansion. This simple system combined with solid design results in a supremely comfortable backpack for a surprisingly low price. The Catalyst 65 … More Kelty Catalyst 65 Backpack Review
A good knife is the one and only tool that I suggest everyone carry with them into the backcountry, and for good reason. When you need one, nothing else will do. Made in Mora Sweden, the Morakniv Pro S is a light weight, yet supremely usable blade that’s usable on the trail and off. It’s … More Morakniv Pro S Review
The Coburn boots from Ahnu are lightweight hiking and backpacking boots, complete with waterproof eVent fabrics and a tough full-grain leather body. I’ve been putting these boots through every test I can find, and this is what I found. The boots are built with a light weight, almost minimalist approach. The boots itself is mostly full-grain … More Ahnu Coburn Boots Review
Gaiters, when they come in handy, they come in real handy. Some conditions simply demand them, and having a solid pair can make the difference between soggy, cold, blistery feet, and an enjoyable backcountry scamper. The Super Armadillo Nano Gaiters from Hillsound attempt to be a single pair of gaiters for every occasion, but can it … More Hillsound Super Armadillo Nano Gaiter Review
Never before have I tested a product that seemed to bestow super human abilities upon the user, but the Freesteps6 Crampons from Hillsound did just that. Walking up ice walls, I couldn’t help but feel like I was breaking some law of nature. They allowed me to excel in conditions that otherwise I would never … More Hillsound Freesteps6 Crampons 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
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