Author Archive

SealLine Storm Sack review

May 3, 2013
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SealLine Storm Sacks come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect bag for your gear (photo SealLine/Cascade Designs)

No matter what your adventure, chances are you have a few precious pieces of gear or food that need to be protected from the elements. Backpackers especially know the value of a good storage bag, as wet snacks and dinner equal a rough time in the backcountry. SealLine is a company that specializes in...
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Backpacking Coyote Gulch

May 1, 2013
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Hiker Skip Whitman beats the heat by walking through the stream in Coyote Gulch (Ryan Malavolta)

If you want life list hikes, Utah has them in spades. High on the list for me and a few friends had been Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This riparian canyon boasts a natural bridge, huge alcoves, numerous arches and a stream that flows year round. Well, after many years of...
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Easton showcases 2013/14 snowshoes

April 3, 2013
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The Easton Backcountry snowshoes (photo Easton Mountain Products)

Easton Mountain Products showcased their 2013/14 snowshoes and trekking poles at a media event this past weekend, and I was lucky enough to be there. The day started with a meet-up in the parking area near Grizzly Gulch at Alta, where the EMS reps greeted us with fresh bagels slathered in cream cheese; a...
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Take a snowcat ride at Powder Mountain

March 18, 2013
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Getting ready to rip with James Peak in the background (Photo: Ryan Malavolta)

Powder Mountain is one of the hidden gems of Utah. While the Cottonwoods get all the hype and Park City shines with star power, PowMow quietly dazzles skiers and boarders with over 7,000 acres of varied and impressive terrain. It also happens to be a hiker’s playground: some of the best terrain is only...
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Sierra Designs DriDown Tov Jacket review

March 12, 2013
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Sierra Designs DriDown Tov jacket features a fixed hood and a heap of style (photo Sierra Designs)

Selecting the perfect down jacket for all of your outdoor adventures can be a daunting task. Considerations like down rating, loft, warmth, packability and, of course, style must all be factored in. You can surely find a coat that meets all of those qualifications, but why not take it a step further and also...
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MSR Surelock TR-3 Trekking Pole review

March 6, 2013
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The MSR TR-3 poles feature a trigger for easy adjustments on the trail (photo Ryan Malavolta)

Whether you are breaking trail in fresh snow, negotiating nasty talus fields, or simply plodding along the trail with your backpack, balance is critical. Trekking poles are a no-brainer if you are looking to stay balanced on the trail while relieving pressure from your knees and lower back. MSR makes a full line of...
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Backpacking 101: Your Sleep System

February 26, 2013
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Choose a pad with insulation and a warm sleeping bag for mountain camping (photo: Ryan Malavolta)

Sleeping well in the backcountry is crucial; you don’t want to wake up sore and tired after a restless night. Of course, this is often easier said than done. Unfamiliar surroundings, chilly temperatures, creepy noises and your own imagination may team up to keep you from getting your beauty rest. One thing you can...
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MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe review

February 19, 2013
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The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes feature aggressive treads and a lightweight frame (photo Cascade Designs)

No matter how you do it, getting outdoors during winter is a Utah staple. Snowshoeing ranks among the most popular ways to enjoy the Wasatch winter wonderland, and when steep trails and deep snow come into play, you’ll certainly need equipment you can count on. MSR makes a full range of snowshoes for everyone...
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Shoe-In Overshoes review

February 6, 2013
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The Shoe In Overshoes Ice Ts may look funky, but they get the job done (photo: Shoe In)

Old Man Winter has dumped plenty of snow on Utah communities this season, and that means lots of shoveling. Oh, it also means trudging to work through ice and slush, walking the dog in it, cleaning off the car…you get the idea. A good pair of winter footwear is essential in these conditions, but...
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Snowshoeing to Bear Claw Yurt in the Uinta Mountains

January 28, 2013
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Bear Claw is the largest of five yurts in the area. (Photo: Ryan Malavolta - UtahOutside.com)

It seems everyone at UtahOutside is getting in on the yurt action this season. Jared Hargrave has already laid out some great skinning/skiing adventures, so it’s high time we showcased something for all the snowshoers out there. Thanks to some pre-season planning by a good friend, I had a chance to shoe to the...
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