I’ve been using the Lakota 65 to haul my climbing gear and have caught myself marveling at how I ever managed without features like easy side access and the built-in rain cover. Not having to pack around a black garbage bag to throw over my pack just incase it rains, which here in the Pacific Northwest is more likely than not, of course has its perks but it is the bag’s overall comfort and efficient design that impressed me most.
I crammed the Zissou 15 into a container and poured three liters of water over it the night before my trip. I let it soak overnight – about seven hours. In the morning I pulled the bag out of the container and poured about a liter of water out of it, shook off the excess and crammed it into the stuff sack.
It was little quieter at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2013 yesterday as vendors started packing up their tents and the PR teams boarded planes back to their respective corners of the country. But there were still friends to be found walking the floor and ready to share their passions, and still plenty of cool stuff to see.
The weather has to be your primary concern. With winter weather come hazards such as avalanches, deadly temperatures and whiteouts. Poor visibility can make getting lost much easier and harsh temperatures mean that losing your way can have extremely serious consequences. Be sure to check and then double-check the weather, storm systems, and avalanche danger alerts in the area your planning to explore.
I miss the external frame packs of yesteryear; the kind I humped up the trail back when I was in the Girl Scouts. So naturally, when the opportunity arose to try out the High Sierra Bobcat 65 external frame pack I couldn’t pass it up.
This is exactly what I take for anything from an overnight to a week long backpacking trip.
Rather than list a bunch or general rules (we don’t like beating dead horses), we’ thought we’d suggest some specifics that maybe you wouldn’t consider without a nudge. We like to look at our time outdoors as an opportunity to pay it forward to the outdoor community and hope that this list reflects that.
By Cameron Ownbey It is often challenging for new backpackers to decide which gear in that giant pile is important to take, and which to[Read More…]
Staying hydrated on the trail is paramount to a great hiking experience. Comfortable, accessible water containers make that an effortless experience.
Whether you are sitting around camp in the cool evening, fending off mosquitoes or actually using them as rain pants I always have a pair with me. They even seem to make bushwhacking a little more pleasant allowing you to slip by devils club or blackberry bushes with minimal damage to your legs. While during the summer months it might seem a little silly to have a pair I always bring them. They usually end up being more stuffing for my makeshift stuff sack pillow but are nice to have just in case.
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