When hiking boots and trail runners merge, you have a cross-breed of rugged soles and stability combined with feather weights and comfort. A plethora of these Frankenstein hikers have been unleased onto the feet of mountain denizens, such as the new Merrell Verterra. I’ve been testing the Sport Verterra version (not waterproof) in the Central…
Tag: Hiking
Sierra Designs Silicon Trail Pant review
I haven’t had much luck with outdoor pants. Seems like no matter which brand or style I try, I can’t find the combination of rugged, stylish and good fit that I want. Too loose but plenty durable; super-stylee but worthless on a wet day…I’m sure I am not alone in my desire to find a…
Hiking Sunset Peak at Alta
Sunset Peak is one of several high points that surround Alta at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Sunset is unique, however, in that it is tucked away in the back, so to speak, making it less visible to the hordes at the ski area. It’s not until you crest Catherine Pass that the mountain…
Explore White Pocket in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
An ancient Chinese proverb states that “the journey is the destination.” If you’re the sort of adventurer that likes to combine a rugged off road ride with a big payoff at the end, then read on and keep that proverb in mind. White Pocket in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is neither easy to get…
Mountain Khakis Camber 105 pant review
When you think you Mountain Khakis, do you picture stiff, burly, canvas pants? Sure, MK has those, but they also offer uber-comfortable, stretchy, outdoor pants as well. Their latest offering is the Camber 105 and 107 pants. I’ve been wearing the 105 version a lot lately, both indoors and out. So how do they function…
Hiking the Marshall Ridgeline near Idaho’s Redfish Lake
Aspen trees are ablaze with fall color. Below, a forested valley leads up to one of the most dramatic mountain views I’ve ever seen. My wife, Callista, and I hike atop Marshall Ridge in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, and the ease-of-hike-to-payoff-in-scenery is unparalleled. The Sawtooth National Forest around Redfish Lake and the tiny burg of…
Dublin Dog Nomad Travel Bowl review
When you bring your best friend along on outdoor adventures, you gotta let ’em eat and drink. The Nomad Travel Bowls from Dublin Dog are pretty much essential for any backpacking, hiking, trail running or travel excursion with your dog. I’ve been bringing the Nomad along for my dogs since last winter, and tested it…
Winter backpacking (in August) at Kamas Lake
Months before planning a backpacking trip to Kamas Lake in the Uinta Mountains, it seemed August would the the ideal time of year. Temperatures should be just right, an afternoon thunderstorm would be likely but not a concern, and the fishing should be hot. But as I exit my tent in the dawn hours and…
Vasque St. Elias GTX Hiking Boot review
It’s not exactly breaking news that Vasque makes killer outdoor footwear. The real news came at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, where I was informed that one of their more popular hiking boots, the Wasatch, was to be discontinued. I was crestfallen; no, I never owned a pair, but I wanted to. Numerous friends…
Granite Gear’s new packs at Outdoor Retailer 2014 Summer Market
Granite Gear has been keeping busy designing new packs, as they introduced the Virga 26L and updated the Nimbus Trace with 60L and 85L versions. Virga 26L Granite Gear’s Virga 26 L pack is a fast-and-light hiker that the company says will carry the essentials comfortably and securely for mile after mile. Since it does…