Fall is coming! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are dropping. I’m always amazed at how unprepared newcomers are when the accompany me on a hike, especially in cold or cool weather. Always plan for the worst, because that’s the only time you’ll need anything. I’ve comprised a list of the basics that I … More Cool Weather Dayhike Pack List
No one ever plans to get lost in the woods. How hard can it be, just walk on the trail, don’t go off of it, and you’ll be fine. Not true. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get lost. You can take a wrong turn, miss a turn, or not realize there was … More What to do when you’re lost
Big Agnes decided to try something completely new on this one; Build a tent with no zippers. This makes a lot of sense considering the zipper is usually the first point of failure on a tent. They get constant wear, and most people don’t clean them at all properly. Also, zippers are noisy, bulky, get … More Big Agnes Fishhook UL 2 Review
Today, we would assault the first “pass” of the Four pass loop. The goal was to summit West Maroon Pass, descend in the valley and rest up for tomorrows’ summit, Frigid Air Pass. Shortly after leaving camp, we were devoured in the most beautiful meadow I have ever seen. The valley opened up, with the … More Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Colorado (part 2)
The Big Agnes Lost Ranger is a 15 degree, down, sleeping bag. While the bag falls into the “classic” series that Big Agnes offers, there’s really nothing traditional about. First, it includes the fancy new DownTek technology, which adds a water repellent compound to the down feathers. Secondly, the sleeping bag has no insulation on … More Big Agnes Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag Review
It was a long, long drive, with seven people and seven backpacks piled into the chambers of a rented Dodge Caravan. 24 hours of road time, plus stops and rest breaks makes for a lot of time to think. It was the thoughts, the wonder, the curiosity, the fantasy of my boots on the dirt … More Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Colorado (part 1)
If there is one thing you really need to keep dry when backpacking, it’s your sleeping bag and your clothing. Here comes the Sea to Summit Dry sack to help you out, or crush your dreams. About the dry sack: The Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry sack has simple intentions. The idea is to … More Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack review
The Sawyer Squeeze has decided to be something different. Instead of the traditional pump style water filter, Sawyer has implemented a plastic bag that can be squeezed (hence the name) which pushes water through a filter. The idea is simplicity, light weight, efficient filtering. It filters bacteria and protozoa. There is also a variation that … More Sawyer Squeeze Review
It’s no secret that the temperatures high up in the mountains will be lower than that in the valleys. Have you ever set off on a warm summer hike to find the temps at the peak in the 50’s or worse? Avoid these surprises by knowing how to calculate the temperature loss as you climb. … More Calculate temperature change with elevation
Backpacking has one thing over all others, the need to be prepared. It’s very easy to forget something small (A spoon) or even something important (sleeping pad). It’s happened to us all regardless of experience. Always have a pack list to consult before packing, and after you’re packed to be sure you’re ready to go. Once you’re … More Backpacking Pack List (3 season)
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