E Climb Klau Aluminum Ice Screws
The E-Climb "Klau" ice screw is not widely available in the United States. As of this date, I couldn't find a single U.S. seller. I ended up…
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Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Highlights
The 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market presents an overwhelming array of products to assess and be dazzled by. After a couple of days wandering the…
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Patagonia Ascensionist 25L Pack
15.8 ounces (with add-on shock cord compression straps.) The Patagonia Ascensionist pack line is Patagonia's new foray into making backpacks. The 25 liter pack is the…
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Rab Boreas Pull-On
The Rab Boreas Pull-On is a strange soft shell. It's not very wind resistant. It's not very water resistant. Currently, outdoor clothing companies all seem to be…
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Backcountry Skiing in the Sierras (Mammoth to Tioga Pass)
The last week in March, me and 3 friends skied from Mammoth Lakes to Tioga Pass. We started skiing Tuesday morning, and reached the car Saturday, early…
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter
1 pound, 12.5 ounces (tarp, inner tent, beak, and stuff sack.) 5.5 ounces (12 aluminum stakes and small stuff sack.) Total packed weight of full tent with…
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Backcountry Fishing Kit
I love backcountry fly fishing. When I'm fishing the backcountry, I typically have to do a fair amount of hiking to get to the waters I'm going…
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Knives and other cutting tools
A knife has got to be one of the first tools that early man created. When you're in the wilderness, you often have the need to…
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Overloaded on the Uinta Highline Trail
I just got back from the Uinta Highline Trail. This trail follows the spine of Utah's Uinta Wilderness Area. It traverses about 70 miles, and requires a…
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Patagonia River Crampons
It's been a while since I have reviewed any fly fishing gear. This isn't because I haven't been fishing (I fish a couple times a week…
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“Overlanding” (Car Camping) in Utah’s Canyon Country and Deserts
I used to be a backpacking snob. I felt that backpackers that explore the wilderness walking around on their own two feet, carrying everything on their back…
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Lightweight Backpacking with Boy Scouts
I have been a scoutmaster or assistant scoutmaster for 23 of the last 25 years. I have been involved with boy scout troops in New York, Colorado,…
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