Updated for 2015, the Lost Ranger from Big Agnes is a classic sleeping bag that has been redesigned with the hopes of improving on the already highly regarded original. With roomier contours, and a tighter sleeping pad sleeve, the LR 15 manages to achieve this goal. Further improvements come in the form of a more … More Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 Sleeping Bag 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
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
Staying warm is an art form when it comes to winter hiking and backpacking. Staying dry is often a huge part in that struggle. The Dry Charger from Helly Hansen is designed to keep you warm, while keeping you dry as well. About the base layer The Charger is a fully synthetic base, composed of … More Helly Hansen Dry Charger 12 Zip Base Layer
The L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway jacket is a light weight, highly compressible mid layer garment that challenges fleece for year round usability and comfort, but can it replace it? Let’s see how it holds up. About the jacket The Packaway is built from light weight rip-stop nylon, with a thin layer of PrimaLoft One synthetic insulation. The … More L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
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
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
The Coldpruf classic is a traditionally style, single layer, 100 % merino wool base layer designed to add skin tight warmth for the cold weather adventurer without adding bulk. About the base layer The classic base layer is simply constructed, with only the essentials. It has an extended tail to block breezes while trapping heat, … More Coldpruf Classic Base Layers Review
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
So so warm. That’s the thought that kept rolling through my head as I drifted off to sleep on a brisk 20 degree night under high winds on an exposed peak. About the Mobile Mummy The Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy is designed to be more of a garment than a body sack. A full frontal … More Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy Review
