[image] Alert! as a backpacker you are not well served by mainstream camera reviews like DPReview. That is, the 5 Most Important Features for a Backpacking Camera are quite different than those for a general use camera in mainstream reviews. Here are the major differences. CAMERA WEIGHT – In mainstream reviews, the weight of the camera with a sharp zoom lens is not factored into their ratings. In fact, they routinely think that hefty cameras are better! ZOOM LENSES – Many zoom lenses commonly sold with good cameras can only resolve 6 to 9 perceptual megapixels (https://goo.gl/t2mY90) of the camera’s 24 MP sensor! Something not highlighted in mainstream reviews. Bottom line: a great camera with a mediocre lens will give you mediocre results. IMAGE QUALITY HANDHELD – Mainstream review image quality assessment is done with the camera on a tripod using the highest quality (expensive and heavy) non-zoom lenses in the controlled environment of a test facility. While lightweight...

[image] Just a short post here on the top ten or so lightest upright canister stoves. Yes, I know, there are 11 on the list. The MSR Micro Rocket has actually been discontinued, but I kept it on the list just because there may be some close out deals on it. So, without further ado, here is the list: [image] I might be missing something; I don't have every stove in the known universe (yet), but this should be a pretty good list of the lightest upright canister stoves. No, I didn't include any remote canister or integrated canister stoves on this list. That's the subject for another post another day. I like compiling information (I guess that's why I have a blog, Adventures in Stoving). Sometimes seeing all the info laid out side-by-side can be helpful if one is trying to decide between different pieces of gear. Now, each to his or her own, and hike your own hike. Some value pot stability. Others focus solely on weight. Still others want convenience and then there are...

[image] What is a splitboard? Why would you want to use one? How do you go about gearing up for doing it? Is it safe? I get these questions often, so I am going to do my best to write about what splitboarding is to me, how to get started and what tools, education and gear is needed to make the most of the backcountry experience. [image] Just hanging out on a sunny day here in Colorado, scoping some lines to hit :) (pic credit - Aaron . Rose) What is a splitboard? A splitboard is a snowboard that is converted into a backcountry tool to ascend mountains then snowboard down them. Basically, it is a snowboard cut down the middle to form two backcountry skis. Much like an alpine touring or telemark ski set up, skins then attach to the bottom of the split “skis”, this allows traction on the snow and therefore allows getting up the mountain. Also, like a backcountry ski set up, the bindings will hinge at the toes, allowing for ankle articulation. The rider skins up the mountain...

[image] It is fairly easy to cut a sleeping pad to your desired length. Shortening your pad gives you a lighter, more packable item that will be faster to inflate and take up less space in your shelter (especially useful in tents that taper towards the foot area). I know a substantial number of members are going to do this to their Long Massdrop x Klymit Utralight V, so they can have a wide short pad.  Here are the super simple instructions for shortening your sleeping pad 1) Decide and mark the desired length of pad 2) Cut with scissors 3) Clear insulation inside away from the edge 4) Seal the edge with a hot iron I've checked with the experts and as far as I could find, this method works with all sleeping pads - Thermarest, Exped, Nemo, Big Agnes, Sea to Summit and so on. Warning: cutting down your pad most likely voids your warranty from any manufacturer.  Now with greater details and a few basic photos, here is how you can cut down your insulated sleeping pad. 1) MEASURE...

We designed the Pine Down Blanket to stand alone as an amazingly useful, versatile blanket. Additionally, I had a secondary goal of making it incredibly desirable for our members who love to customize their gear. The value of the raw goods is more than we're selling it for. I've already been working with Aaron Sorensen on ideas (he's known for modding Costco Down Throws), and I'll post our ideas here too. [image] With a little cutting or sewing, you could make: A lighter backpacking quilt with tapered legs and more snaps, straps or a zipper. Maybe add a #3 zipper and turn it into a sleeping bag. A California King size blanket by sewing two togetherl A 10F blanket or quilt by layering one quilt on the other, offsetting by 2.12" so that the peak channel of one blanket falls into the baffle of the other, thereby forming a solid 3" thick layer. Snap two together to create a hammock overquilt and underquilt. Cut it in half and make it into two underquilts for hammock camping. Turn...

[image] Sunny days are here again and the summer backpacking weather is just about ready to kick off. Whether you’re a weekend warrior out for an overnight, or marching down the miles of a thru-hike, I’ve gathered together the essentials you’ll need to safely and enjoyably hit the trails this season. First Aid Safety first, a good first aid kit is a must all year round and that doesn’t change just because the weather is warmer. A solid kit should be able to handle the bumps, scrapes, and pains that can happen on the trail. Bandages, sterile gauze, blister treatment, personal medications, and small tools like tweezers are a must. Sunscreen is often overlooked, but critical to happy hiking in the summer. A small tube in a ziploc bag will make a big difference, especially for faces. Aloe offers refreshing relief if you do get burned, and small packets are an easy add to your kit. Sunscreen Speaking of sunscreen, the best defense against the sun is actually your clothing...