Features Archive

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M Spring Snow Trekking Gear List

15 Comments
By Ryan Jordan on March 12, 2013 in Techniques » Techniques & Best Practices
Ryan shares his ideal gear list for late-winter, early-spring trekking. By utilizing a snow shelter and making a few adjustments to your kit, you can push the limits of your conventional 3-season gear.

M Recent Developments in Canister Stoves

104 Comments
By Roger Caffin on March 12, 2013 in Trends » Trend Reports
Recent developments in canister stoves have the potential to upset a lot of the industry, as the leadership seems to have passed out of the hands of Western brands and into Asia. Stoves that were trumpeted as the state of the art by well-known Western brands now look a little old, tired, heavy and, well, clunky. We look at a few of the leading edge stoves from 2012 to see where things are going.

M Thermal Feedback in Upright Canister Stoves

57 Comments
By Roger Caffin on March 05, 2013 in Technology » Test Reports
Different upright canister stoves seem to work with differing levels of success in very cold weather, and one wonders why. Claims for pressure regulator stoves are especially problematic, with marketing spin being extreme in some cases. We examine just what is going on here, with an in-depth analysis of some aspects of both upright and remote canister stoves, to unravel some critical factors.

M Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2 Review

24 Comments
By Brad Groves on March 05, 2013 in Gear » Reviews
Mainstream manufacturers are catching on, and competition in the ~2lb tent range is fierce. The SuperMegaUL2 is a brilliant addition to this growing field.

M Impact of Wind on Insulation Loft

37 Comments
By Tim Hawthorne on February 26, 2013 in Technology » Test Reports
During a winter storm, strong winds can render your lightweight puffy useless. This article examines the effect that compression can have on various types of insulation, and presents recommendations for staying warm and alive.

M Mountain Hardwear Speed 32 Sleeping Bag Review

12 Comments
By Brad Groves on February 26, 2013 in Gear » Reviews
A predominantly well engineered sleeping bag that suffers from a small, yet serious design flaw.

M Winter Firebuilding Techniques (Video)

47 Comments
By Ryan Jordan on February 20, 2013 in Techniques » Techniques
Ryan Jordan presents some tools and techniques for dealing with wet wood for firebuilding in winter conditions.

M Deuter ACTLite 40+10 Spotlite Review

23 Comments
By Roger Caffin on February 19, 2013 in Gear » SpotLite Reviews
SpotLite Review of Deuter's new clean, yet multi-featured pack - perfect for thru-hiking in the Alps.

M Notes from the Field: The Wintry Fringe Season in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness

34 Comments
By Ryan Jordan on February 12, 2013 in Places » Notes from the Field
Gear notes and more from a trek in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in late October and early November, 2012.

M Easton UL Carbon 3 Trekking Poles Spotlite Review

21 Comments
By Roger Caffin on February 12, 2013 in Gear » SpotLite Reviews
How do these 3-section poles hold up to the rigors of thru-hiking?

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