Bad night of sleep in the backcountry? The reason I hear more often than not is warmth. Numerous are the times in camp when I’ve been brewing coffee and heard a friend say “I just couldn’t get warm.” A good sleeping bag is a start, but all too often campers overlook the value of a…
Tag: Backpacking
Climbing Tokewanna Peak
There are nineteen “13’ers” in Utah, and every one of these beasts can be found somewhere in the Uinta Mountain Range. One of the things that make Utah’s 13,000′ mountains unique is their distance from roads. Climbing these summits often means a multi-day backpacking trip, or at least a 15+ mile single day epic hike….
Hi-Tec Bergamo Waterproof Boot review
When you think of Italian designs and footwear, hiking boots might not come to mind. However, the Italians have a proud history of mountaineering and trekking, and a good old fashioned pair of full grain leather boots is something my brothers from across the Pond do very well. Hi-Tec is a company that specializes in…
Granite Gear Packs for Adventure at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013
Since 1986, Granite Gear has been offering hikers and packers a wide array of storage and travel bag solutions. Creativity and innovation are the cornerstones of the company’s products, and at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer trade show, they continued to push the industry with some inventive new offerings. Many new packs and daysacks will be…
Vasque Ready to Hit the Trail at 2013 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
The Vasque booth at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was a shoe fiend’s dream come true. Walls of snappy leather boots, fancy trail shoes and freaky looking running gear hung in neatly prepared rows. With so much to ogle, I was a bit overwhelmed. Luckily for me, the Vasque rep was happy to showcase four of…
Sierra Designs at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013
When I sauntered up to the Sierra Designs booth at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer, I noticed a few changes. Okay, I noticed a lot of changes. Instead of asking “what’s new?” for SD in 2013-14, it might be easier to ask “what isn’t new?” The iconic brand has undergone a major redesign, ranging from the…
Utah outdoor ideas for Great Outdoors Month
Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month? It is, by Presidential proclamation no less. So if you need any excuse to go enjoy the outdoors, then I’d say that’s reason enough. As part of Great Outdoors Month, June 1st is National Trails Day, the 1st through 9th is National Fishing and Boating Week,…
Backpacking Coyote Gulch
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 dreaming…
Keen Verdi Mid WP review
I’ve owned a lot of Keens in my day, from the original closed-toe sandals to hiking shoes. But one thing that always bothered me about them is the weight. Sure, Keens were beefy and had that huge toe bumper, but that came at a heavy cost in the weight division. Well, I’m happy to say…
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…