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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Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
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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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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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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Mammut Smart Alpine Belay/Rappel Device
Mammut Smart Alpine Belay/Rappel Device 4.4 ounces I've been using the Mammut Smart Alpine device for several months now. It has become my favorite belay/rappel device. Its…
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ice Pack
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ice Pack is a lightweight alpine pack that I have been using lately for big days and light overnights in the mountains. The…
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Phone, GPS, and Emergency Beacon
Casio Commando Android Phone with Backcountry Navigator Software (5.4 ounces) Delorme inReach Satellite Communicator (8.6 ounces) For many years, I didn't even own a cell phone or a…
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Sleeping Pads
This blog entry focuses on various sleeping pads I've used over the years. Left hand column, top to bottom: Prolite Plus; Prolite3; Ortik; Karrimat Evazote; MEC Winter…
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