Backpacking in the Uintas brings to mind an exploration of the mountain range’s most postcard-esque landscapes, requiring heavily-laden packs chock full of enough supplies to last a month outdoors. But sometimes you just want a quick getaway for the weekend, yet demand an escape from the crowds at established campsites. There are many small, remote lakes in…
Tag: Backpacking
Klymit goes even lighter at 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Sleeping pads have come a long way since the closed cell foam monsters of yesteryear. Sleep systems are a common starting point for backpackers who want to drop pounds, and Klymit has solutions. The brand was born right here in Utah (Nate Alder formed the company while studying at BYU in ’08) and wowed the…
Easton impresses with Kilo Tents at 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Easton Mountain Products has been in the game since 1922, but it’s their recent offerings in lightweight tents that have garnered the most attention. Their booth was crowded with folks looking for a glimpse of the new lineup, and Easton didn’t disappoint. Two new lightweight tents and a redesign of an old favorite ensure there…
Jetboil simmers up new cook systems at 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Jetboil is as common in the backcountry these days as packs and tents. It seems the company has become the de-facto cook system for backpackers and even car campers because of the amazingly short amount of time it takes to boil water. But there has always been a nagging problem: Jetboil is a cook system…
Backpacking Naturalist Basin in the Uinta Mountains
Hike, hike, hike. Damn my pack is heavy. Hike, hike, hike. Take a picture. Hike some more. That about describes a backpacking trip to Naturalist Basin in Utah’s Uinta Mountains. Oh, and the scenery is ‘effin’ spectacular. So much so, that Naturalist Basin is one of the most popular backpacking areas in the entire range….
Hike to the Palisades Lakes in Idaho’s Snake River Range
Shhh… don’t say it out loud, but every now and then it’s nice to get out of Utah. The Snake River Mountain Range in southeastern Idaho is largely below 9,000′, so if the Uintas are still melting out and the desert is just too stinking hot, a road trip could be in order. Make the…
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Ultralight Shelter review
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…
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…
Joby GorillaTorch Switchback review
As an outdoor enthusiast, I love good innovation and design when it comes to the gear I carry. Often, I get used to the way things are with the gear I own and simply make due. But sometimes, a new item comes along that just blows everything else out of the water. The Joby GorillaTorch…