Capitol Reef National Park in central Utah affords hikers a huge variety of adventures. Slot canyons, slickrock trails, and ancient rock art are just a few of the highlights awaiting those who seek them. There is also the amazing Sulphur Creek hike, and while not officially a park trail, this one is a must-see. Sulphur…
Author: Ryan Malavolta
Hiking Cottonwood Wash Slot Canyon
Slot canyons are some of the most intriguing places to enjoy in the Colorado Plateau. There’s just something special about exploring these narrow ditches whose walls sometimes rise hundreds of feet above your head. Capitol Reef National Park isn’t the place that might come to mind when searching out new slots to hike, but along…
Helly Hansen Odin Lifa Knit Sweater review
If you spend much time outdoors, chances are you have a favorite fleece or sweater that has made more than its share of excursions with you. Knits and the outdoors seem to go hand in hand. Warmth, breathability and overall comfort are probably the main reasons yours has been with you so long. But I’m…
Helly Hansen Odin Light Softshell review
Springtime weather in the West can be summed up in one word: unpredictable. If it’s a new softshell jacket you’re shopping for, you want something that can stand up to snow, rain, and wind all in the same day. The Helly Hansen Odin Light Softshell jacket arrived at my door just in time for a…
How to tune and hot wax a snowboard
Ready or not, here we go: the snow is flying and it’s time to shred! Just like you, your snowboard has been on summer vacation. It’s tempting to simply pull it out of the closet and strap in, but with just a little maintenance your ride will be exponentially better. Resist the urge to simply…
Video: Brighton Powderfest
No matter how you got down the hill or who you did it with, the 2011 season was epic. Greatest season ever? That one is up for debate, but one thing is certain: as far as the Utah record books go, it was the deepest season ever. Record breaking snowfall? Bluebird days with two feet…
Flashlight Shootout: Primus PrimeTorch 1010 vs Icon Link
As Old Man Winter creeps in, the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. That means one thing for campers and hikers: more darkness to deal with. Chances are you already have a trusted light source in your pack, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. Icon and Primus both…
Brunton Restore Portable Power Device review
The backcountry is usually thought of as a place to disconnect and enjoy nature; a way to forget everything going on in our busy lives. However, some of us just can’t be without our gadgets. Phones, cameras, GPS units and all the other technological creature comforts we bring into the outdoors have one thing in…
Hiking A1 Peak in the Uinta Mountains
Summer may be drawing to a close, but there is still time to collect one last snow-free summit. A1 Peak in the Uinta Mountains checks in at 12,377′; certainly a worthy elevation to top off your season with. The easiest summit route is from Hell Hole Basin, an oft-forgotten area that is usually devoid of…
TrekSta Kobra II GTX trail shoe review
If you’re going to name a shoe after the most feared of all snakes, it better be bad ass. TrekSta dared to invoke the name with their Kobra II GTX light hiking shoes. Packed with technology aimed to keep you dry and comfortable, the Kobras claim to be the “envy of light hikers everywhere.” We…