Monthly Archives: January 2014
Kelty TraiLogic PK 50 Backpack First Impression
January 29, 2014
I recently got a chance to see the Kelty TraiLogic PK 50 backpack in person. Ever since this pack was first shown at the Outdoor Retailer show I’ve been dying to get my hands on one to see what its like. The PK 50 is a backpack made to work in conjunction with the other […]
What do you carry on your person vs leave in your pack?
January 23, 2014
If you plan where you put your gear correctly you can maximize your trail time, eliminate slow transitions and keep your hiking partners from being irritated with you for stopping every 5 minutes to get something out of your pack. When I’m hiking I have a small set of gear that I carry in my pockets – […]
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’s the best way to purify water in freezing conditions?
January 22, 2014
I’ve been spending a lot more time in freezing conditions lately than I have in the past. This has caused me to re-evaluate the way I purify water when its below freezing out. The problem you face when temperatures drop below freezing is the risk of your water purification system freezing and becoming ruined – […]
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 […]
Olicamp Xcelerator Titanium Stove Review
January 14, 2014
The Olicamp Xcelerator Titanium Stove is a really interesting offering and one I’d recommend to anyone searching for a 3+ season, lightweight yet stable, backcountry canister stove. It’s weight (just 3.5 oz.) coupled with it being a remote canister stove is what sets it apart from other canister stoves on the market. A big reason this stove […]
Big Agnes Q-Core SL Sleeping Pad Review
January 11, 2014
I’ve been using the Big Agnes Q-Core SL sleeping pad for several months now and I’m very happy with it. While not the lightest sleeping pad on the market I really value a couple different features that are specific to this pad. The first is the “quilted” baffles used in this sleeping pad. I don’t […]
REI Snow and Sand Tent Anchors Review
January 8, 2014
When you are anchoring a tent or hammock in the snow or sand traditional tent stakes don’t work very well. Enter the REI Snow and Sand Tent Anchor system. Essentially they are small parachutes that you attach to your guy lines and then burry in the snow/sand. By providing a ton more surface area than […]
Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle Review
January 5, 2014
The Vapur Eclipse water bottle is my new favorite water bottle. Until recently I’d never used a collapsible water bottle – I would either use a traditional hard plastic water bottle (a 32 oz. Gatorade bottle is my hard plastic bottle of choice) or, more often than not, a water bladder. I love using water […]