Backpacking Light Magazine

Backpacking Light Magazine http://www.backpackinglight.com/ Latest news, views, and reviews about lightweight hiking and backpacking from BackpackingLight.com, the website of Backpacking Light Magazine. en Copyright 2001-2006 Beartooth Media, Inc. BackpackingLight Magazine http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bplcomlogonew.gif http://www.backpackinglight.com BackpackingLight Magazine Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html <blockquote>An in-depth comparison of the properties of wool and synthetic fabric for base layers yielded some surprising results.</blockquote> by | <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/comfort-moisture-transport-wool-synthetic-clothing-thumbnail.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Technology/Test Reports/index.html'>Test Reports</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Technology/index.html'>Technology</a> (M) Rab Microlight Jacket Review http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/rab_microlight_jacket_review.html <blockquote>Trim-fitting ultralight three-season down jacket with a great shell and basic feature set, but its numerous horizontal seams allow down fragments to leak out.</blockquote> by Will Rietveld | 2009-11-03 An ultralight three-season down insulated jacket with high loft down, very light shell fabric, a minimal feature set, and weight under 14 ounces is an essential part of an ultralight or lightweight backpacking kit for summertime backpacking in the mountains or shoulder season camping most anywhere. Down insulation provides the most warmth for its weight, so it's the insulation preferred by backpackers and mountaineers in all but very wet conditions. An array of jackets is available - differing in fabrics, features, and amount of down insulation - so there's a jacket to fit most hiker's needs and preferences. Look for a Backpacking Light State of the Market article on ultralight three-season down insulated jackets in Spring 2010 that will present the options and assist with the selection process. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> <li> Introduction</li> <li> Description</li> <li> Performance</li> <li> Comparisons and Assessment</li> <li> Specifications</li> </ul> # WORDS: 1310 # PHOTOS: 7 # TABLES: 1 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/rab-microlight-jacket-review-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/rab_microlight_jacket_review.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Gear/Reviews/index.html'>Reviews</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Gear/index.html'>Gear</a> 03 Nov 2009 00:05:00 MST (M) Le Parcour de Wild Race Report http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/parcour.html <blockquote>With temperatures that ranged from -5 F to 40 F, the Bob Marshall Wilderness threw some formidable weather our way and reminded us: this stuff ain't for the faint of heart!</blockquote> by Kevin Sawchuk and Dave Chenault | 2009-11-03 On October 11, 2009, we left Rogers Pass at the southern end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness for a traverse of what is arguably the wildest and most complex wilderness in the Lower 48. Our goal was to be the first team to arrive at Marias Pass and to get there via an elegant route. Rogers Pass and Marias Pass are separated by 100 miles if you draw a straight line from one pass to the other. However, that route didn't look very promising! ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> </ul> # WORDS: 2160 # PHOTOS: 23 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/parcour-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/parcour.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Techniques/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST (M) Olympus E-620 Digital SLR Camera Review http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/olympus_e620.html <blockquote>The E-620 is the lightest mid-sized or "crop sensor" format DSLR with all the functionality and image quality for serious backcountry still photography - even in difficult situations like handheld shots in low morning and evening light.</blockquote> by Alan Dixon | 2009-10-27 I found the E-620 quick and easy to use. Almost every function/adjustment is one or two button presses away. Many direct access external controls (buttons, control knob, and Super Control Panel) give speedy access to all commonly used functions. There is little need to get buried deep in the complex menus that sometime plague sophisticated DSLRs, though the camera is also extremely customizable if you want. The camera controls are so intuitive that my wife, who rarely uses a DSLR, came rapidly up to speed using the E-620. She mastered its basic adjustments and was taking good pictures after just a few hours in the field. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul> <li> Introduction:</li> <li> In Comparison</li> <li> Field Performance <li> Controls and Operation</li> <li> Optical Viewfinder</li> <li> Dynamic Range</li> <li> Shadow Adjustment Technology</li> <li> High Quality JPEG Images</li> <li> Low Light, High ISO performance / Image Stabilization</li> <li> Available (High Quality) Lightweight Lenses</li> <li> Small IR Remote</li> <li> Carrying the E-620 in the Backcountry</li> <li> What's Good</li> <li> What's Not So Good</li> <li> Conclusion</li> <li>Specifications</li> </ul> # WORDS: 4190 # PHOTOS: 17 # TABLES: 1 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/olympus-e620-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/olympus_e620.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Gear/Reviews/index.html'>Reviews</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Gear/index.html'>Gear</a> 27 Oct 2009 00:05:00 MST Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing for Leather http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/snoseal_review.html <blockquote>Treat your leather nicely, THEN abuse the ever-loving daylights out of it.</blockquote> by Roger Caffin | 2009-10-27 If you have leather trim on your shoes, you need to look after it when wet, and Atsko Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing is the stuff of choice for experienced walkers. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul> <li>Manufacturer</li> <li>Year/Model</li> <li>Manufacture</li> <li>Material</li> <li>Capacity</li> <li>MSRP</li> </ul> # WORDS: 810 # PHOTOS: 3 # TABLES: 1 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/snoseal-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/snoseal_review.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Techniques/Techniques & Best Practices/index.html'>Techniques & Best Practices</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST (M) 24: Garnet Mountain Forest Service Lookout, Montana http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/garnetmountain.html <blockquote>Episode 2: we focused on fast food preparation and the elimination of a whole lotta gear by hiking into a U.S. Forest Service lookout cabin.</blockquote> by Ryan Jordan | 2009-10-20 In this installment of "24", we focused on fast food preparation and the elimination of a whole lotta gear by hiking into a U.S. Forest Service lookout cabin. About twenty miles southwest of Bozeman, Montana lies the summit of Garnet Mountain. On top sits a beautiful fire lookout - the most popular cabin rental in the Gallatin National Forest's inventory. The two-story cabin was built in the 1960s to replace a worn-down original built in the 1930s. Panoramic views of the Gallatin, Bridger, Tobacco Root, and Spanish Peak mountain ranges reward the 2,000- to 3,000-foot hill climb. On September 25, 2009, after the school bell rang, my friend Steve and our kids piled into the Jeep and drove to Rat Lake to start our hike and another 24-hour adventure. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> <li> Introduction</li> <li> Photo Essay</li> <li> Video</li> <li> Gear Strategy</li> <li> Rationalizing My Gear Choices</li> <li> Gear List <ul compact> <li> Trekking Clothes Worn</li> <li> Camping Gear and Extra Clothes</li> <li> Consumables</li> </ul> </ul> # WORDS: 870 # PHOTOS: 9 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/garnetmountain-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/garnetmountain.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Techniques/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> 20 Oct 2009 00:05:00 MST Transitional Hiker - An Australian Story http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/transitional_hiker.html <blockquote>How books about or by famous UL walkers, a sewing machine, and the most devoted UL community on the planet got me back on the trail and going light.</blockquote> by Mark McLauchlin | 2009-10-20 I live in Australia. It's the smallest continent, but also the largest, most remote, and most isolated island. To top off all of that, I live in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, which is the most isolated capital city in Australia, and thus, in turn, the world. This creates some unique and interesting challenges. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> <li> Setting the Scene</li> <li> Getting a UL Education</li> <li> Manly Men Sew</li> <li> Lightweight Evangelism</li> </ul> # WORDS: 3200 # PHOTOS: 5 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/transitional-hiker-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/transitional_hiker.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Techniques/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST (M) Gossamer Gear Gorilla Backpack Review http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/gg_gorilla_backpack_review.html <blockquote>Lower volume ultralight backpack with removable stays and other components - so you can set up the pack for individual trips and personal preferences to your heart's content.</blockquote> by Will Rietveld | 2009-10-13 I still have my original Gossamer Gear G4 frameless backpack. It has a few holes in the bottom from scraping over rocks, but it's still a perfectly good pack. Fast forward to the new Gossamer Gorilla pack and you'll notice some familiar features - front and side mesh pockets, rolltop closure, wide shoulder straps, sleeping pad sleeve, and you can still stuff socks for padding in the shoulder straps and hipbelt if you want. Conceptually Gossamer Gear packs have not changed, but there are huge improvements in the details that make them a whole lot better. The new Gorilla backpack, with its durable fabrics and removable curved aluminum frame, is state-of-the-art Gossamer Gear. (And you can still purchase a new G4 if you need a replacement.) Gossamer Gear introduced an ultralight removable frame in their Mariposa backpack back in 2004, consisting of two straight carbon fiber stays (0.9 ounce/pair) inserted into sleeves on the backpanel. The Mariposa could be used either as a frameless backpack or with the stays inserted to increase its load carrying capacity. The concept was a big advancement at the time (an ultralight frameless or internal frame backpack ALL IN ONE!), but the straight stays were less than ideal for pack fit and load-carrying comfort. After experimenting with several prototypes, they developed a curved aluminum stay (3.4 ounces) that fits into the same sleeves on the backpanel. I have tested both versions, and can unequivocally say that the curved stay, along with other improvements incorporated into the Gorilla pack, are a big improvement. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> <li> Introduction</li> <li>Specifications</li> <li> Description</li> <li> Suspension System and Features</li> <li> Field Testing</li> <li> Comparisons</li> <li> Assessment</li> <li> What's Good</li> <li> What's Not So Good</li> <li> Recommendations For Improvement</li> </ul> # WORDS: 2760 # PHOTOS: 6 # TABLES: 1 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/gg-gorilla-backpack-review-tn.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/gg_gorilla_backpack_review.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Gear/Reviews/index.html'>Reviews</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Gear/index.html'>Gear</a> 13 Oct 2009 00:10:00 MST (M) Montana Mourning: Reflections on a Wilderness Trekking Trip http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/montana_mourning.html <blockquote>I got less - and more - than I bargained for.</blockquote> by Thomas Kight | 2009-10-13 One of our instructors for the Wilderness Trekking School class I attended for a week in August 2009 taught us that there are three types of fun: <ul> <li>Type I: Fun to do, fun to talk about later.</li> <li>Type II: Not fun to do, fun to talk about later.</li> <li>Type III: Not fun to do, not fun to talk about later.</li> </ul> What happened in the mountains of Montana that week probably qualifies as Type II fun. How else would you describe descending into pure hell and surviving, if barely? How else would you describe entering into the jaws of the beast and coming out alive? In this case, I am speaking of the wild jaws of beautiful but indifferent nature - nature wholly indifferent to my existence as a separate being. ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> <li> Introduction</li> <li> Lions Ridge</li> <li> Day 1: Hills and Huckleberries</li> <li> Day 2: Descent Into Difficulty</li> <li> Day 3, Part I: A Parting of Ways</li> <li> Day 3, Part II: Lost and Not Quite Found</li> <li> Day 4: 'Oh, God, I've killed somebody'</li> <li> The Descent</li> <li> After the Agony, the Ecstasy</li> <li> Day 5: The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Panting</li> <li> Day 6: Free at Last</li> </ul> # WORDS: 9220 # PHOTOS: 13 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/montana-mourning-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/montana_mourning.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Techniques/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> 13 Oct 2009 00:05:00 MST MYOG Technical Note - Catenary Curves http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/myog_tech_note_catenary_curves.html <blockquote>The whys and wheres of catenary curves, with downloadable spreadsheet for calculating your own MYOG curve masterpieces.</blockquote> by Roger Caffin | 2009-10-13 Consider the ridge line of the simple tarp shown here. There are crinkles all along the length. When it rains, these crinkles fill up with water (yes, a hose test confirmed that). Also, when the wind blows, the tarp is going to flap around the ridge line. Can one do anything about this? ARTICLE OUTLINE <ul compact> <li> Introduction</li> <li> Curved Ridge Lines</li> <li> Mathematics - the Curve</li> </ul> # WORDS: 710 # PHOTOS: 4 <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/thumb/catenary-curve-thumb.jpg' align='right'> <img src='http://www.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/bullet-arrow-red-small.gif'><a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/myog_tech_note_catenary_curves.html'> Read this article at BackpackingLight.com</a>View All: <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/sf/Techniques/Make Your Own Gear/index.html'>Make Your Own Gear</a> &gt; <a href='http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/s/Techniques/index.html'>Techniques</a> 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST