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 add…
Author: Ryan Malavolta
MSR Surelock TR-3 Trekking Pole review
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 poles…
Backpacking 101: Your Sleep System
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 control…
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe review
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 from…
Shoe-In Overshoes review
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 if…
Snowshoeing to Bear Claw Yurt in the Uinta Mountains
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 Bear…
Hi-Tec Sierra Lite Boot review
Utah is a big place, and it’s chock full of fun stuff to do. If you want to adventure on every square foot of Beehive soil, you’ll need a good pair of boots to do it in. Grippy, supportive, waterproof, and comfortable are all key words when it comes to finding the perfect pair. As…
iPhone Case Shootout: Lifeproof vs. DriCAT
Tis the season…to drop your phone off the lift, get it buried in snow, or soak it while trying to take a mountain pic. Whether you’re playing in the snow, or just out for a hike, chances are your phone is coming with you. The outdoors aren’t nice to electronics, so you better protect your…
Sierra Designs Rohn 15 Backpack review
The perfect backpack is much like Sasquatch…we all know it could be out there, but will anyone ever track it down? Instead of trying to find that one perfect bag, most outdoorsy folks assemble a quiver of packs. Having a few choices based on the particular adventure makes carrying the ideal bag a much less…
Eton Raptor review
Compasses, altimeters, barometers, solar chargers, flashlights, radios: we bring a lot of tech-toys into the backcountry with us. Most of these are necessary, some, like radios and solar chargers, are luxuries. Enter the Eton Raptor, a device that combines all of these gadgets into one unit. I brought the Raptor with me to the Wasatch…