Backpacking Skills

Kahtoola Nanospikes Traction Device Review

Kahtoola-Nanospikes-Review

Kahtoola Nanospikes are a lightweight winter traction device compatible with trail runners, most street shoes, and winter boots. They weigh about half as Kahtoola Microspikes and have much smaller traction points, resembling tire studs, that are designed to provide traction on trails …

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How to use an Ice Axe

Ice axe self-arrest

An ice axe is an essential safety tool for winter hiking and climbing. With proper instruction, it is easy to learn the basics and serves as a foundation for all subsequent winter hiking and mountaineering skills. If you’re new to winter hiking …

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MSR Revo Explore Snowshoe Review

MSR Revo Explore Snowshoes The new hyperlink binding only has two straps which close with a snowboard-style ratchet binding-1

The MSR Revo Explore Snowshoe is a recreational snowshoe that features the new Hyperlink ratchet binding system (also available on the MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoe) which is much easier and faster to put on than the plastic strap binding used on MSR’s backcountry snowshoes, …

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Winter Hiking Skills: Crampon Walking Technique

There’s no doubt that Kahtoola Microspikes revolutionized winter traction and opened up winter hiking to a much wider audience. Before microspikes came along, most hikers had to purchase mountaineering boots and crampons if they wanted to hike on icy trails, which required …

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Ice Climbing Gear 101

Ice Climbing at Frankenstein Cliffs, White Mountains

If you’re a Gear Junkie, then Ice Climbing and high-angle mountaineering may just be your kind of sport. The sheer amount of new gear you need to get started is dazzling and confusing. It’s one thing to take an ice climbing class …

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The Benefits Of Hammock Camping

Baffles on the UGQ Zeppelin Under Quilt

Sleeping in a hammock has some real advantages over sleeping in a tent once you get used to it. Chief among them is mobility: you can pitch camp just about anywhere below treeline. This is handy if you want to beat the …

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How to Use Crampons

How to Use Crampons

If you’re not familiar with crampons, here is an excellent introductory video that will help you to understand how to attach them to your boots and the basic techniques required to use them on ice. If you think that using crampons for …

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Snowshoeing for Beginners Guide

Snowshoeing for Beginner's Guide

When winter arrives and we start to get snow, I like to get outdoors and go snowshoeing on the local trails near my house. In just a few hours, I can get a great workout and enjoy the solitude of the winter …

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Toenail Fungus: Treatment and Prevention

Toe Nail Fungus (Wikipedia)

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is surprisingly common and an estimated 10% of the US population suffers from this condition (source: Johns Hopkins Health Information Library.) If your toenails are yellow, brittle, or unusually thick, you may have a case of …

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Big Three Ultralight Backpacking Makeovers

Big Three Ultralight Backpacking Makeovers

When it comes to gear list weight reduction for lightweight and ultralight backpacking, the biggest gains come from lightening the big three, including your backpack, tent, and your sleep system which includes a sleeping pad and sleeping bag or quilt. These are …

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