The Original Bugshirt Company is a Canadian-based cottage industry company that makes insect proof clothing, including their unique stirrup style bug gaiters, for people who live where the bugs are as big as baseballs, like Northern Ontario and Alaska. Given the Lyme …
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Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet
I have a small head and buying hats and helmets that fit is always a complete nightmare for me. Which is ultimately the reason why I bought the Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet, a few years back. Not only does it …
Read More »Compact Folding Camping Stove Screen
I rarely carry a stove wind screen except in the winter when I really need one to conserve fuel for melting water. Other times of year, I either have plenty of fuel (wood/canister fuel) or can more easily situate my stove behind …
Read More »Down Fill Power Ratings: The Low Down on Goose Down
If you are on the market to purchase a new sleeping bag, quilt, or a down filled parka, it’s helpful to understand why high fill goose down is better than lower quality goose down. But first, it’s helpful to understand why goose …
Read More »How to Prevent Heel Lift in Mountaineering Boots
If you’re renting mountaineering boots for the first time or you’ve just bought a pair, here are a few tips for avoiding blisters at the back of your foot on top of your Achilles tendon. These blisters are incredibly painful and will …
Read More »Winter Hydration Systems and Water Bottles
While there will always be a heated debate about what the best water bottles or hydration system required for winter hiking is, I think we’d all agree that the minimum requirements for winter use are as follows: The water you bring on …
Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear Factory Tour
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is an ultralight backpacking gear manufacturer in Biddeford, Maine, a short drive from my favorite hiking and backpacking haunts in New Hampshire. I paid them a visit last month to check out their operation and to talk to Mike St. …
Read More »The BearPaw Luna 2 Pyramid Tarp Shelter by Bryan Hansel
In late September I was planning a 17-day, 240-mile canoe trip across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) that would take place in October. While most of the trip would be paddling, we would also need to portage all our gear …
Read More »Stephenson’s Warmlite Vapor Barrier Gloves
This white glove is a Vapor Barrier Glove from Stephenson’s Warmlite ($22/pair) and can be worn under regular winter gloves to prevent them from wetting out with sweat during exertion. I wear them under lightweight fleece glove liners or heavier fleece gloves when …
Read More »What is a 4 Season Tent?
“What is the difference between a four-season tent and a three-season tent?” It’s a good question because the distinction is blurry. Moreover the phrase “four-season tent” is a misnomer since it refers to winter tents, which you might not use the …
Read More »Twelve Ultralight Tents and Shelters: Part 2
This is a continuation of Monday’s post about the dozen ultralight tents and shelters I’ve owned over the past six years that explains why I bought them and why I eventually sold most of them. Here’s the entire list. I cover shelters …
Read More »ENO Vulcan Under Quilt Review
The ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) Vulcan Under Quilt is a full length quilt filled with synthetic Primaloft Synergy insulation and has an integrated perimeter suspension system that is compatible with any gathered end hammock. Rated for 35-45 degree weather, it’s priced at $174.95, …
Read More »The Essential Wilderness Navigator
I have been reading a lot of books about compass navigation this year to improve my skills as an off-trail navigator and to figure out if there is a better way to teach compass navigation to hikers who want to learn it. …
Read More »Salomon XA Comp 7 Trail Runners
I’ve been testing a pair of Salomon XA Comp 7 Trail Runners for the past month as a potential replacement for the Inov-8 Terroc 330’s that I’ve hiked with since 2010. Inov-8 totally redesigned those old trail runners (see Has Inov-8 Wrecked …
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