Monthly Archives: November 2013
What emergency equipment do you bring into the backcountry?
November 28, 2013
Lately I’ve been taking a look at the emergency gear I bring with me during backcountry skiing day tours – something I try to do at the beginning of every season. Its important to continually evaluate what you bring along. As your survival skills, equipment, and mountaineering abilities evolve the gear you require to stay safe in […]
Sea to Summit Rapid 26L DryPack Review
November 24, 2013
During the later parts of the summer I was planning a rafting trip down the Deschutes river in Oregon and needed a pack that I could stow in the raft to store snacks, sunscreen, fishing equipment and lunch. Normally a standard dry bag would work but with Steelhead running I needed something I could toss […]
Outdoor Research Cathode Hooded Jacket Review
November 20, 2013
Lately I’ve been trying to find a better light insulation layer to keep me warm during high energy output activities and that will continue to insulate while wet. I looked at several different options and ended up choosing the Outdoor Research Cathode Hooded Jacket – after using the jacket a few times I know I […]
Outdoor Research Valhalla Pants Review
November 19, 2013
Outdoor Research’s Valhalla pants are made for backcountry skiers who want a comfortable, breathable, lightweight softshell. Made from Gore Windstopper, they are very thin but offer excellent weather protection. I love these pants because of their flexibility – primarily because they are great for layering. I would call these pants a true “soft” shell and I would […]
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp Review
November 19, 2013
The Black Diamond Spot headlamp is a pretty standard headlamp offering with the exception of its 130 lumen output. It runs on three AAA batteries and has a fairly solid run time. One thing I don’t like about this headlamp is that it is unregulated – resulting in a pretty considerable lumen drop after 1-2 […]
Midland Nautico 3 Marine Radio Review
November 15, 2013
The Midland Nautico 3 Marine radio is a great VHF radio that is easy on the wallet. It is easy to use, provides quick access to channel 16, has the weather channels built in, has a backlit screen and a bunch of other appreciated features. The reason I went with this radio over a number […]
Sea to Summit Spark SPI Sleeping Bag Review
November 13, 2013
I have been in the market for a new, lightweight, treated down sleeping bag for a while. When I saw the Sea to Summit Spark SPI sleeping bag earlier this year I knew I had to hold out for it. I’m glad I did because Sea to Summit delivered a fantastic sleeping bag that is […]
Primus Express Lander Stove Review
November 11, 2013
I recently picked up the Primus Express Lander stove from Rei’s outlet site. After some recent cold weather mountaineering I decided it was time to make the switch to a white gas stove. I’d been considering a white gas cook system for a while but I just couldn’t justify the trade off in weight. The Primus […]
Petzl Tikka RXP Headlamp Review
November 8, 2013
First off I must say I am blown away by the reactive lighting technology that Petzl has developed and included in the Petzl Tikka RXP headlamp. It is awesome. I look far away and the brightness almost instantly ramps up. I look back down at my map and the light is again reduced to the perfect […]
Banana Saver Review
November 3, 2013
It saves my banana from getting mushy. I literally bring it on every day hike I go on. Who doesn’t want a nice banana at lunch time?