“Love your feet” is Spenco’s slogan, and it’s clear that they do. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I visited their booth at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, but it didn’t take long to figure out they are serious when it comes to your dogs. And why shouldn’t they be? After all, whether you…
Author: Ryan Malavolta
High Sierra is ready to go packing at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2012
There’s just something about a brand new pack that makes my eyes light up. High Sierra knows how outdoor brains operate, and they had plenty of eye candy on display in their booth at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer. Whether it’s hitting the dusty trail, taking an off-piste hike or slogging through the line at the…
Adidas kicks it new school at Outdoor Retailer 2012 Summer Market
It’s still the brand that Run-D.M.C. rocked in the 80’s, but man has Adidas come a long way. Sure, you can still grab a pair of shell toes, but if you’re a runner, water sports enthusiast or mountain lover, they now have you covered in style…and tech. At the 2012 Outdoor Retailers Summer Market, the…
Cascade Designs unveils new sleeping, cooking and hydration solutions at Outdoor Retailer 2012 Summer Market
Cascade Designs isn’t just a company that makes kick-ass outdoor gear, it’s seven brands in one! Therm-A-Rest, Platypus, SeaLine, MSR, Hummingbird, PackTowel and ECase all fall under the Cascade Designs umbrella. There was plenty to see at their booth, but the main thrust this year was sleeping, eating and filtering water. The most exciting addition…
Backpacking 101: Getting Started
Backpacking is awesome. There might be no finer way to truly experience the great outdoors: exploring remote areas, observing wildlife, and the unmatched solitude of a far away campsite are just some of the rewards awaiting you in the backcountry. There is also something to be said for the feeling of self reliance that comes…
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite mattress and Jembe Seat review
Therm-a-Rest has long been associated with comfy backcountry camping. With an array of sleep systems and seating in their lineup, the question is “what’s next?” The answer is obvious: smaller and lighter. Backpackers are always seeking to reduce weight, and Therm-a-Rest has answered that demand by releasing the NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. This pad is…
Kelty Rally 45 Backpack review
I had a chance to visit the Kelty booth at last summer’s Outdoor Retailer convention here in Salt Lake City. They were showcasing a wide array of products, but the ones that excited me the most were the brand-new “Agile Series” backpacks. Needless to say I was very happy when the Kelty Rally 45 arrived…
Hike to Red Castle in the High Uintas Wilderness
The North Slope of the High Uintas Wilderness is a region of exquisite alpine splendor. The highest peaks in Utah rise up jaggedly against a wide open sky. Miles of well maintained trails allow hikers to wind their way through meadows, spruce and pine forests, and hundreds of scenic lakes filled with fresh water and…
Platypus Gravityworks Water System review
Staying hydrated is paramount in the backcountry. Carrying extra water for drinking and cooking is a fool’s errand (except when there is no other choice). Boiling your water works, but I prefer mine cold, thank you. Purifying pills do the job, keep the water cold and require no effort, but man do they taste bad….
Backpacking to Duck Lake in the Uinta Mountains
One of the the great natural treasures of Utah is the Uinta Mountains. Hundreds of miles of trails deliver unmatched high alpine scenery; towering peaks, picturesque lakes and thriving forests are just a few examples of what awaits hikers in the Uintas. Backpacking is a very popular activity in these mountains, and if you’re looking…