Category Archive: Black Diamond
5 Days in Glacier National Park Packing List
September 18, 2015
Recently I spent a week in Glacier National Park doing the 55 mile northern high loop. This is a full gear list including both packed and worn items for the trip. Since this trip took place in late summer/early fall we had to be prepared for showers and sun (both of which we encountered).
Cheap Spring Gear Upgrades
April 6, 2015
Its that time of year when you pull out the gear you haven’t used in a while and start to get excited about spring and summer activities. Washing, re-waterproofing, cleaning, and repairing are all top of mind. One small upgrade many people forget about is their trekking pole tips.
Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Pole Review
July 30, 2014
The Ultra Distance trekking pole from Black Diamond Equipment is (as with all Black Diamond gear) an excellent piece of hardware. The lightweight design of these specific trekking poles is what makes them stand out from the pack and what peaked my interest around them. Through a combination of carbon fiber construction and Black Diamond’s Z-Pole […]
Black Diamond Icon Headlamp Review
February 20, 2014
When you need to see what’s lurking in the darkness there isn’t a better headlamp than the Black Diamond Icon. This headlamp stands out from the crowd due to several features – its regulated, super bright (200 lumens), has a long battery life and is fully waterproof. These things provide you the security necessary to depend […]
MIllet Axpel 42 Mountineering Backpack Review
January 23, 2014
Recently I picked up the Millet Axpel 42 L mountaineering backpack with high hopes for its active suspension, the MBS back system with swiveling hip belt pin. For larger overnight packs I gravitate towards the lighter weight variety so I was interested to see what a fully featured pack with beefy suspension would be like. I […]
What does “regulated” power mean for headlamps?
January 21, 2014
Recently I’ve posted a number of headlamp reviews and during my research I learned something about headlamps that I never even though about – regulated power. Headlamps with regulated power have additional circuitry that provides a consistent flow of electricity to the LED.
Black Diamond Bolt Backpack Review
January 15, 2014
The Black Diamond Bolt is one of my all time favorite backpacks. I use it on any winter/fall/spring day hike I go on and it is my primary overnight pack for the summer season. What makes this pack uniquely awesome is the internal aluminum frame that it sports along with a legitimate hipbelt. This is […]
Mont-Bell Crushable Lantern Shade Review
December 31, 2013
I recently stumbled across the Mont-Bell Crushable Lantern Shade at a small boutique outdoor store and I had to buy it. Every time I head into the woods I try and strip down my gear set to the bear essentials, but, I always try and bring 1 or two luxury items that make the trip […]
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp Review
December 1, 2013
The Black Diamond Storm headlamp is my go to light source for every activity I take part in. It is super bright (100 lumens), takes 4 AAA batteries, fairly light weight (3.9 oz with batteries), easy single button mode switching, battery meter, fully waterproof to 1 meter, and has a lock mode so it won’t […]
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 […]