Earlier this year we reviewed the Windrider, an ultralight backpack made by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. The good review was music to the company’s ears, but there was a sour note. In the review I mentioned that I insisted on carrying my dome tent, while true ultralighters go with only a tarp or bivy sack. “Not…
Author: Ryan Malavolta
Primus Express Stove Ti review
Gone are the days of cumbersome tents and sleeping bags, and your backcountry cooking gear shouldn’t be any different. Primus has been a trusted name in outdoor gear for a long time, and their stoves are a highlight of the product line. They sent along the Express Stove Ti for testing and I put it…
Kelty Salida 2 Tent review
Backpacking season is in full swing, and for many of us that means the chance to upgrade our gear. If it’s a tent you seek then you are likely hoping find something lightweight, durable and easy on the wallet. Too tall of an order? Not a chance, thanks to the folks at Kelty. The Salida…
Hiking to the Bells Canyon Waterfalls
As summer arrives in the west the high mountain snowpack begins to melt off. Utah residents are always concerned with flooding at this time of year. It’s not all bad news though; the summer melt means it’s prime time for waterfall viewing. Sure, the Wasatch Mountains aren’t exactly known for waterfalls, but there are a…
Hike the Devil’s Garden Loop Trail in Arches National Park
Arches National Park houses over 2,000 sandstone arches, far and away the largest collection of these rock wonders in the world. Visitors from across the globe flock to the park and viewpoints are always jam-packed during tourist season. Despite its popularity it is possible to beat the crowds in Arches and see some amazing sights….
Helly Hansen Barrier 3L Stretch Jacket review
There’s a saying here in Utah: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” Shoulder season hikers can expect snow, rain, wind and cold temperatures, or a lovely mix of all four in the same outing. You need gear that can handle the mixed bag of elements, and Helly Hansen makes it. The Barrier…
Hiking Ding and Dang Canyons
Hikers from all over Utah are drawn to the San Rafael Swell during shoulder season. Spring and fall are the ideal times to explore this huge expanse of canyon country. Adventures range from classic hikes like Little Wild Horse slot canyon to more extreme forays like the Upper and Lower Black Box canyons. If you…
Kelty LumaTech Lantern review
Night in the backcountry is a special time. Whether car camping or backpacking, star gazing can be the highlight of an entire trip. Don’t spoil the moment by being unprepared; a good light source is the key to enjoying the dark hours. Kelty is a company known for their tents and backpacks, but they also…
Eureka! Kaycee 0 Degree Sleeping Bag review
Cold weather camping demands serious gear. Your three season sleeping bag may be able to keep you comfortable when the nights get cold, but can it really do the job when it’s freezing cold outside? If you are planning on snow camping or another cold-as-ice adventure you will need a zero degree bag to keep…
Hiking the Escalante River to Neon and Ringtail Canyons
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a vast region within the Colorado Plateau that contains some of the best canyon country in the world. It’s quite a haul to get there from northern Utah, but well worth the trip. Hikers and backpackers flock to the region in springtime but there’s so much ground to cover…