The brand Patagonia is synonymous with hardcore rock climbing and mountaineering, but whenever I get a catalog in the mail, my attention is usually drawn to the relaxed, leisure side of Patagonia. They make hanging out riverside, on the beach, or drinking a beer on the back porch look like an outdoor sport in itself….
Tag: Camping
Alite Designs Mayfly Chair review
When you’re outdoors, camp chairs are a luxury. I’m not talking about car camping where you can take everything from grills to tables and chairs to six-person tents. No, I’m talking about true outdoor adventure when you are trekking into the great wild, far from any parking area, miles from civilization. On those adventures, you…
Boards, bikes and beer in the Henry Mountains
Spring in Southern Utah is the best time of year for outdoor adventure. Sure, winter is better for skiing, fall is arguably best for mountain biking and climbing, but spring is the only time you can do it all at once. We had one such trip of variety when we went backcountry skiing, mountain biking,…
Backpacking 101: Your Sleep System
Sleeping well in the backcountry is crucial; you don’t want to wake up sore and tired after a restless night. Of course, this is often easier said than done. Unfamiliar surroundings, chilly temperatures, creepy noises and your own imagination may team up to keep you from getting your beauty rest. One thing you can control…
Alpinizmo by High Peak USA Latitude -5 sleeping bag review
With record-breaking cold temperatures putting Utah in a deep freeze this winter, camping is about the last thing anyone wants to do. But if you are an outdoor adventurer who laughs in the face of winter’s chill, then you’re going to need a warm sleeping bag. High Peak USA has a line of high quality,…
Win an Alite Designs Clover Cook Set
Alite Designs, a small company based in San Francisco, makes all kinds of unique and cool goodies. You may remember the Mayfly and Mantis camp chairs and Twig Pod Kits that we featured at the last Summer Outdoor Retailer (refresh your memory here.) So we’re pleased to be able to give their Clover Cook Set…
Backpacking 101: Choose Your Bag
It’s a perfect day on the trail: blue skies with warm temperatures, and not a cloud in the sky. You’re hammering out the miles; only three more until you hit camp for the night. Your shoulders feel good, your feet don’t ache and your back is not a sweaty, uncomfortable mess. Everything you need is…
Alite makes going outside simple at Outdoor Retailer
Alite has been on our radar ever since we got their funky-looking Monarch camp chair. This chair is small, packable and light weight, while also featuring only two legs (!) that surprisingly work very well after a bit of practice sitting on. New for Spring 2013 are new versions, including the Mayfly and Mantis Chairs….
BioLite Campstove amazes at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Can you charge your iPhone with a pine cone? If you’re BioLite, the answer is yes! One of the coolest things I saw at the Outdoor Retailer 2012 Summer Market was the BioLite Campstove. The BioLite is a stove that uses natural stuff you find on the ground like sticks or pinecones instead of gas…
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….