Review: Katabatic Flex 15F

Backpacking in the snow takes a certain kind of crazy. You have to be willing to carry more and suffer more. The reward is being able to venture farther from the trailhead and waking up in a wilderness most people … Continue reading

Gear Review: Helios Hooded Jacket

Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Jacket in Arctic

Puffy is back … at least that’s what I decided as soon as I slid my arms through the feather-light sleeves of the Helios Hooded Jacket and zipped up a wall of fluff over my torso.

This jacket from Feathered Continue reading

MSR XGK EX Review: The Rugged Backcountry Stove

If you are thinking about doing any backcountry hiking or snowshoeing, a good stove is a must-have. Starting fires are always fun, but in snow, ice, or during a storm, a fire just won’t cut it. Also, there is a … Continue reading

Hydro Flasks for the Cold, the Hot, and the Snuggly

I have a history with the Hydro Flask lineup of double wall vacuum insulated reusable water bottles. They’ve been there for me through the thick and thin of every snowshoe outing, every summer hike, and every camping trip. My love … Continue reading

The BioLite Stove Proves that Innovation Changes Lives (and Saves Lives)

The cooking experience on the trail is always a fickle experience. Growing up in Colorado, I was always accustomed to cooking with a large Coleman stove while camping or a small MSR backpacking stove. Both required fuel, such as white … Continue reading

Gear Review: SteriPEN Adventurer Opti

I have the seen the light when it comes to water purification. The light from a SteriPEN Adventurer Opti, that is.

The Adventurer Opti is a highly portable ultraviolet water purification system from the big brains at SteriPEN. I was … Continue reading

Gear Review: GSI Kung Foon

When it comes to whipping up a gourmet meal in the outdoors, GSI has all you need for a backcountry barbecue and more. Since 1985, the company has invested years in developing compact camp cooking supplies and integrated systems that … Continue reading

I-Like Horny Toad’s I-Glove

Horny Toad I-Glove

‘Tis the season for spring weather and fewer layers of clothing, but winter hasn’t totally disappeared from our lives yet. Just this past weekend, I opted to ditch the snowy mountain town in favor of the first camping trip of … Continue reading

Sub-Zero Temps? No Problem for the High Peak Mt. Rainier Sleeping Bag

The majority of snowshoers in the world aren't taking overnight trips into the backcountry.  But it's always nice to have a cold-weather sleeping bag on hand for the right situation – especially on a hut-to-hut trip.  High Peak's Mt. Rainier Sleeping Bag offers a waterproof, windproof solution for the snowshoer requiring a minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit rating.  

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Wraith SL -20 Down Sleeping Bag

I recently put Mountain Hardwear's Wraith SL -20 sleeping bag to a hard test on a two-week trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Although an experienced tent-dweller, I run very cold, especially when sleeping. As such, I spent a great deal of time planning my cold weather strategies for the late fall conditions I would encounter in the Himalayas. I needn't have worried.

Gear Review: Jetboil Personal Cooking System

Nothing is better during a long day of snowshoeing on a cold day than taking a break and enjoying a hot drink or meal on the trail.