Beginning this April, the US Forest Service will be offering skiers rides up to Tuckerman Ravine and the Sherburne Ski Trail on the Tuckerman Taxi, a snowcat with an extended and heated customer cabin capable to carrying 12 passengers per trip. The new taxi service will run hourly and cost $75/person, leaving from the Pinkham Lodge garage and running to HoJo’s at the base of Tuckerman Ravine. Today, skiers wishing to access the bowl of Tuckerman Ravine or the Sherburne Ski Trail must make an arduous 2.4 mile climb up 1845′ of elevation to access the snowfields at the base of Tuckerman Ravine and the start of the Sherburne backcountry ski trail. Climbing to the top of Tuckerman Ravine requires skinning up another 1.2 miles miles and 1505′ of elevation gain. That’s a total of 3.6 miles and 3350′ of elevation gain from the Pinkham Lodge Parking Lot to Tuckerman Junction at the top of the Tuckerman Ravine Headwall, although the actual distance is usually longer since hazardous avalanche conditions make direct ascents of the headwall too dangerous. “Snowcat trips up Mt Washington aren’t new,” says USDA administrator, Patrick Loveless. “The Mt Washington Observatory runs day and overnight trips to the summit of Mt Washington and the Mt Washington Auto Road has a snow coach, a van outfitted with tractor treads instead of wheels, that offer tours up the auto road in winter.” All profits from the Tuckerman Taxi service will be donated to fund the Mt Washington Avalanche Forecasting Service, which is the only American avalanche center east of the Rockies and has the oldest forecasting program in the country. The Trump Administration’s proposed budget would slash USDA funding and threatens to close the Mt Washington Avalanche Forecasting Service, which would jeopardize winter recreational safety in Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines, and have disastrous financial consequences for the New Hampshire economy. The Tuckerman Taxi service will begin operation on April 1, 2017 and run until the snowpack on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, the snowcat’s route, melts and makes snowcat operations impossible. “Budget considerations won’t affect the Forest Service’s commitment to Leave No Trace,” says Loveless, “and we’ll only operate the Tuckerman Taxi when there is sufficient snowpack on the trails to prevent any lasting evidence of operations.” April Fools! from http://sectionhiker.com/ski-tuckerman-ravine-with-the-new-tuckerman-taxi/
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I’ve been wearing La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Runners for hiking and backpacking for the past 3 years. Made out of mesh, they drain and dry quickly, which is important in the densely forested and wet Northeast US environs where I do most of my hiking. I originally switched from leather hiking boots to trail runners in 2010 when I hiked coast-to-coast across Scotland, which is also incredibly wet, and haven’t looked back at boots for three season hiking ever since. The Ultra Raptor excels in mountain environments because the soles have sticky rubber which adheres well to rock, including wet rock, while providing enough protection for my feet. A thick rubber toe cap and an armored heel cup protect my toes and the back of my feet without compromising agility. That’s really important in the mountains for scrambling across scree fields and the occasional smearing and stemming we need to do when climbing rugged, above-treeline trails. In fact, I’ve never come across a better trail runner than the Ultra Raptors that combines all of these traits, which is why I’ve stuck with them for so long. I even have boxes of mint Ultra Raptors stockpiled in my gear closet, in case the manufacturer ever decides change or discontinue them. If you need extra wide shoes or lots of space for your toes, the Ultra Raptors are probably NOT a good choice for you. The fit is decidedly narrow and firm, with a deep heel cup that locks your foot in place and provides neutral, stable footing. The soles are surprisingly rigid with a stiff nylon shank that provides great torsional control. The heel is NOT flared out to distribute force, like a lot of road running shoes and some trail runners, so they don’t need extra clearance when hiking on rough trails with a lot of tree roots. The Ultra Raptor soles also have an arch, something that you find less and less on trail runners. I like them because it means I can run a hiking gaiter strap through the, which I’ve found much more durable and repairable than flat-soled trail runners where you need to glue a velcro patch to the back of the shoe. The arch also forms enhances your ability to brake on decents using your heels, much like a pair of traditional hiking boots, another quality that makes the Ultra Raptors well suited for mountain walking. New Hampshire hiking is pretty hard on shoes, but I get about 400 miles on a pair of Ultra Raptors before the heel lugs start to wear down and tears begin to appear in the mesh next to the toe caps. This is a common wear-point on mesh trail runners regardless of the manufacturer because of the constant flexing the toe box and forefoot. I’ve tried to retard the deterioration of the mesh by covering these areas with Shoegoo plastic adhesive, but the heel tread wears out long before the mesh gives way, so I don’t bother anymore. The factor insoles that come with the Ultra Raptors are your standard run-of-the-mill thin foam. If you need more arch support or a firmer heel pad to counter pronation as the heels wear down (25% of hikers and backpackers do), I’ve found that the thin Superfeet Carbon insoles fit well and don’t take up much volume inside the shoe. The Ultra Raptors run about a 1/2 size small. They’re also available in European sizing – for example I wear a size 43 – so you can dial in a much better fit, since European sizing is finer grained than US sizing. That in a nutshell is my take on La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Runners for hiking and backpacking. I’ve gone through about eight pairs of these shoes in the past three years and plan to wear them again this year for all of my non-winter hiking trips. Highly recommended.
from http://sectionhiker.com/la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-trail-runners-long-term-review/ What are the best backpacking trekking poles that backpackers really use? What do you get when you buy more expensive trekking poles and how much better are they than value-oriented trekking poles? We surveyed 440 backers to find out what trekking poles they use and recommend and found that aluminum poles are still the more popular than carbon fiber poles because they’re less expensive and more durable, although lighter-weight, economy carbon fiber poles are gaining in popularity. The so-called flick lock or lever lock adjustment systems, popularized by Black Diamond, is preferred over twist-lock adjustment systems because they’re more reliable and easy to use. Cork handles are increasingly popular because they provide a better grip when hands sweat and mold to your hand over time. The majority of trekking poles are still unisex, but some brands including REI have introduced female-specific poles with smaller grips and shorter lengths. While Black Diamond trekking poles dominate the high-end hiking and backpacking market, many competitive mid and low-priced options exist, with relatively little loss of critical functionality. 1. Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
Black Diamond’s Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles ($139) are three-piece aluminum trekking poles with a special shock absorber in the handle to reduce impacts to your wrists and elbows when hiking over mixed terrain. The poles are adjustable using Black Diamond’s flick lock system which is easy to adjust manually without tools. The foam handles are ergonomically shaped to reduce hand fatigue with adjustable wrist straps. Weight per pair is 20 ounces. Men’s length (27″-55″) and Women’s length (24″-49″) poles are also available.
See the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock 2. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
Black Diamond’s Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles ($119) are adjustable aluminum poles with a natural cork grip that molds to your hands over time and absorbs sweat without becoming slippery. The grips feature a 15 degree corrective angle that keeps your wrists in a neutral position for comfort while helping to reduce the risk of repetitive strain or wrist injury. These three section poles are adjusted using Black Diamond’s reliable flick-lock adjustment system. Weight per pair is 18 ounces. Men’s length (29″-55″) and Women’s length (26″-49″) poles are also available. See the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
3. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles ($169) are three-piece adjustable carbon-fiber shaft trekking poles that use Black Diamond’s proven flick-lock adjustment system. They have natural cork hand grips with EVA foam extensions so you can shift your hand position up or down without adjusting pole length in uneven terrain. Weigh is just 17 ounces per pair. Length (25″-51″). Unisex. See the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
4. Leki Makalu Anti-Shock Trekking Poles
Leki’s Makalu Anti-Shock Trekking Pokes ($99) are 3 piece tapered, aluminum poles with a super-strong, twist-lock adjustment mechanism. Ergonomically shaped, natural cork grips with an articulated grip and base shelf help increase uphill propulsion when climbing, while adjustable comfort straps improve stability and security. Super durable carbide tips are standard while different size basket options allow poles to be customized for all seasons from trekking to backcountry skiing. Weight per pair is 19.9 ounces. The Leki Legacy is an updated version of this pole with lever lock adjusters. Length is 27″-57″. Unisex. See the Leki Makalu Anti-Shock
5. Black Diamond Distance Z-Pole Trekking Poles
The Black Diamond Distance Z-Pole Trekking Poles ($99) feature a versatile folding design that fits easily into packs and suitcases, making them ideal for backpacking and travel. Available in four lengths when fully expanded: 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, they collapse down to 14″-17″ in length when folded up. Opening and folding them up is simple using a push button mechanism. The poles have extended EVA foam grips, with minimal mesh wrist straps. Non-marking rubber tips are standard but carbide tips are also included. Weigh per pair is 12 or 13 ounces, based on pole length. Unisex. See the Black Diamond Distance Z-Pole
6. Leki Corklite Trekking Poles
Leki’s Corklite Trekking Poles ($139) are 3-piece aluminum trekking poles with a lever style “SpeedLock” adjustment mechanism.Ergonomically shaped, natural cork grips with an articulated grip and base shelf help increase uphill propulsion when climbing, while the bulbous top facilitates breaking on downhills. Air-textured, wicking straps dry quickly while improve stability and security. Includes baskets and carbide tips. Weight per pair is 19.1 ounces. Length is 24.4″ to 53.1″. Unisex. See the Leki Corklite Trekking Poles
7. REI Traverse Power Lock Cork Trekking Poles
REI Traverse Power Lock Cork Trekking Poles ($99) are 3-piece adjustable, aluminum trekking poles with ergonomic cork grips. Adjustable padded neoprene wrist straps are included for added support and comfort. The Traverse Poles has a lever lock style adjustment system and include trekking baskets and extra-durable tungsten carbide tips. Men’s length (27″-55″) and Women’s specific (length 24″-49″) poles with a smaller grip size are available. Weight per pair is 20 ounces for the Men’s poles, 17 ounces for the Women’s poles. See the REI Traverse Power Lock Cork
8. Cascade Mountain Tech Cork Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Cascade Mountain Tech’s Cork Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles ($44) are three-section, carbon fiber trekking poles that weigh just 15.4 ounces per pair. Priced at less than half of what Black Diamond or Leki carbon fiber poles cost, they’re an exceptional value if you’re looking for a flick-lock style trekking pole for hiking and backpacking. These are fully featured, durable, and adjustable trekking poles with adjustable length retainer straps, cork handles, extended grips, and titanium carbide tips. Handle-to-tip length ranges from 26″-54.5″. Snow baskets, rubber feet, and curved pavement feet are included. Unisex. See the Cascade Mountain Tech Cork Carbon Fiber
9. Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles
Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles ($59) are twist-lock aluminum poles with a built-in internal shock absorption system. They have cork handles with extended EVA foam grips so you can quickly adjust you hand position without having to readjust pole the pole length when hiking up or down hills. Protective tip caps, trekking baskets, and rubber tips for concrete surfaces are included. Guaranteed for one year. Weight is 20 ounces per pair and they’re available in one unisex length (27″-53″). See the Kelty Range 2.0
10. Mountainsmith Rhyolite Trekking Poles
Mountainsmith Rhyolite Trekking Poles ($39) are a popular value option. These 3-section aluminum poles have a twist lock adjustment system and come equipped with a spring-loaded shock absorption system that can be locked on or off with a simple twisting motion. Molded EVA foam handles reduce grip fatigue and include moisture wicking straps. The poles are snow basket compatible and come with carbide tips and optional rubber feet. Weight is 20 ounces per pair Length (26″-54″). Unisex. See the Mountainsmith Rhyolite
from http://sectionhiker.com/top-10-backpacker-recommended-trekking-poles-2017/ Here are the backpacking stoves, cooking pots, and “kitchen” accessories, including bear bags and bear canisters, that I use year-round on a regular basis (90-120 nights/year.) Many of these items are old friends that have withstood the test of time and I’ve been using for years and years. Why the variety? I backpack year-round and like to bring gear that satisfies my needs best. These needs change with the season, objectives, locales, and my companions. That said, consider these my “top” gear picks…the stuff that I recommend to friends without reservation. Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot
I’ve been using The Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot ($69) since 2010 (when REI private labelled it) and mine is blackened by fire and a bit bashed up. Weighing 3.9 ounces, it holds 0.9 liters of water, which is perfect for making the one-pot meals I like to eat. It has a silicone-coated, fold-out handle and strainer holes in the lid (good for pasta) that help prevent boil overs. The inside has measurements scored in ounces and millilitres. I use it when I cook with Esbit or wood, which is the majority of the time. I can also fit my stove, fuel, and fire-making system inside, which is a big convenience.
See the Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot (med) Evernew Titanium UL 1.3 Liter Pot
The Evernew Titanium 1.3 liter pot ($68) is an uncoated cook pot that I use for winter backpacking when I need to melt snow for drinking water. It weighs 4 oz and has a volume of 1.3 Liters, with a wide bottom that helps diffuse the heat of a high-powered liquid fuel stove. In addition to folding insulated handles and a pour spout, it has liquid measurements in ounces and millilitres scored in the pot interior. Very basic, lightweight, and compact.
See the Evernew Titanium 1.3 Liter Pot QiWiz Titanium Dual Burner (Esbit/Alcohol) Stove SystemQiWiz, pronounced Chee-wiz, is a one-man cottage gear maker who specializes in titanium stoves and tools. I’m a big fan of his dual burner (Esbit/Alcohol) stove system ($49.50) which includes a 750 ml titanium pot (110g), a dual fuel stove (18g), titanium windscreen (15g), and stainless steel mesh pot stand (10g), although I use a different pot. I also use the titanium windscreen with other stoves, since it’s so convenient to pack in a cook pot. QiWiz FireFly Wood Stove
The QiWiz FireFly Wood Stove ($69) is a 2.8 ounce titanium wood stove made from interlocking pieces of titanium that fold flat when not in use, making it convenient to carry in a backpack. It has an integrated pot stand and mesh floor, as well as a side port that lets you feed in larger pieces of wood to keep it going. You can also purchase a very thin titanium ground guard to place under the stove to avoid scorching the ground. The Firefly is a great little stove that burns very efficiently and adds to one’s camping ambiance. You can also use it as a pot stand/wind shield for an alcohol or Esbit stove when it rains.
See the QiWiz Firefly Stove Kovea Spider Remote Canister StoveThe Kovea Spider ($52) is a 6.0 ounce, remote canister stove that can be used with a windscreen to boost fuel efficiency since the burner is not located next to the canister. It also folds up small and can be stored inside a 1 liter pot for individual use. The Spider is special because it can burn the fuel inside a canister in its liquid form down to about 0 degrees fahrenheit (by turning the canister upside down), giving you a 10-15 degree advantage over regular canister stoves that can only burn isobutane in its vapor form. See the Kovea Spider Stove MSR Whisperlite Liquid Fuel StoveThe MSR Whisperlite ($89) is my deep winter camping stove, the one I use when I have to melt large quantities of snow to make drinking water and need to use a high power fuel like white gas. The Whisperlite includes the burner, which has an integrated primer cup, pot stand, fuel line, and a plastic fuel pump. MSR fuel bottles are available in a variety of sizes and sold separately. The 11.4 ounce Whisperlite is a very reliable stove and one that you can clean or repair by yourself. It takes a little practice to prime and ignite without burning your eyelashes off, but I wouldn’t winter camp without it. See the MSR Whisperlite Stove MSR Whisperlite Fuel Bottle
I use a 20 ounce MSR fuel bottle ($19) that weighs 6.3 ounces empty with my Whisperlite stove. You can also purchase 11 and 30 ounce bottles. While MSR bottles are compatible across MSR liquid fuel stoves, I don’t know of any other non-MSR stoves that you can use them with. The MSR bottles have a locking cap to prevent fuel spills. I’ve wrapped my bottle with duct tape to help prevent a cold injury when touching it. The temperature of liquid fuel can drop below freezing and cause frostbite.
See the MSR Whisperlite Fuel Bottle Folding Wind Screen
I use a cheapo folding windscreen ($8) with my Whisperlite – they’re easily obtainable on Amazon. It weighs 4 oz and is just the right height and length to wrap completely around the pot. It also fits inside the 1.3L Evernew Pot I use in winter, together with my Whisperlite Stove and fuel pump, so they take up less space in my pack.
See the Cheapo Folding Wind Screem Light My Fire – Fire Steel
The Light My Fire sparking fire steel ($13.95) is a stove and fire ignition source that always works and that I never have to resupply it after a trip. Matches get wet. Butane lighters jam or run out of fuel, but a fire steel always throws sparks. Light My Fire has two models and I use the chunkier one designed for military use because it’s more durable and rated for 12,000 uses. I carry vaseline covered cotton balls as a firestarter for lighting Esbit cubes or my wood stove.
See the Light My Fire Fire Steel Army GSI Outdoors Table Spoon
I use a big GSI Outdoors Table Spoon ($0.75)to eat all of my backpacking meals because it’s hard to misplace. It weighs 0.8 oz and is heat-proof and BPA-free, of course. It also costs less than a buck at REI and is probably the least expensive thing in the store!
See the GSI Outdoors Table Spoon OPSAK Odor Barrier Bags
The manufacturer claims that OPSAK plastic bags are odor-proof ($10.50/2). While I can’t verify that scientifically, I’ve been using these bags for the past 10 years to hold all my food and line my bear bag or bear canister with. At 1.3 ounces each, these big ziploc bags are quite durable and help prevent a mess when one of my food bags rips open or a bar of chocolate melts.
See the Plastic Odor Barrier Bags Ursack Bear-Proof Bag
I own two Ursacks ($79), which are lightweight (7.7 ounce), soft-sided, bear-proof bear bags made with Spectra fabric. I’ve been using them since 2008 to store my food overnight on backpacking trips and they’re infinitely easier to use than hanging a bear bag overhead in a tree. I can fit 5-7 days of food into one. They passed the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) test and were placed on its bear-resistant products list on July 31, 2014, but some national parks still prohibit their use. That’s not a problem in New England where I do most of my hiking and I know quite a few other hikers who use them. I’ve been evangelizing their use for close to a decade, since most backpackers have difficulty hanging regular bear bags well. I was thrilled when REI started selling them.
See the Ursack Bear-Proof Bag Bare Boxer Contender Bear Canister
The Bare Boxer ($59) is a small 2-3 day hard-sided bear canister good for short trips where a bear canister is required. It has three locks in the lid and weighs 26.3 ounces. I only use it for short trips when I head into bear country, where a canister is required. It’s the lightest weight hard bear canister available, perfect for a long weekend.
See the Bear Boxer Contender Garcia Backpacker’s Cache Bear Canister
The Garcia Backpacker’s Cache Bear Canister ($74) is my larger bear canister. It weighs 43.5 ounces and can fit a week’s worth of food and smellables. It’s not the lightest large bear canister available, but the Adirondack bears haven’t figured out how to open this bear canister out yet, which is where I use mine. It makes a pretty good camp seat too!
See the Garcia Backpacker’s Cache That’s the extent of my backpacking stoves, pots, kitchen accessories and bear protection gear. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to help. from http://sectionhiker.com/gear-closet-backpacking-stoves-pots-and-kitchen-accessories/ The Grayl Ultralight Purifer Bottle is an innovative water treatment solution designed to remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, chemicals and heavy metals from backcountry water sources. Unlike other water filters and treatment methods, the Grayl Purifier does not require batteries, ultraviolet light bulbs, hoses, straws, pumping, sucking, or waiting for a chemical reaction to complete. It also doesn’t require carrying an extra reservoir or container to drink from and doesn’t turn into a wet drippy thing that you need to store on the outside of your backpack to keep it from making your other gear wet while you continue on your journey. Intrigued? The Grayl Purifier works like a French coffee press with an outer bottle and a plunger that fits inside it. You fill the outer bottle with water from a stream or lake, and then press the plunger which has a filter at one end, into outer bottle containing the water you want to purify. This forces the water in the outer bottle through the filter and into the plunger’s interior, which holds the purified water and doubles as a 16 oz. drinking cup that you can drink from directly. It also has a screw-on cap, so you have the option of carrying a pint of water with you if you don’t want to drink it all up on the spot. Another option is to pour the purified water out of the Grayl and into a larger bottle if you want to carry more at once. Purifying 16 ounces of water takes 20 – 30 seconds and simply requires pushing the “plunger” into the bottle containing the dirty water. The best way to do this is to set the Grayl on the ground and push down on the plunger using your body weight. A surprising amount of force may be required; push down with your arms and let your body weight do the work. To pull the plunger (inner bottle) out of the outer bottle, pull on the handle of the cap. That’s the easiest way to get it out. If it sticks, due to suction, just persist. It’s not actually stuck and will come out. The purifier cartridge in the Grayl uses a technology called electro-adsorption, where relatively large pores are overlaid with a positively-charged mesh that latches onto germs like little magnets. The larger pore size is easier to force water through, unlike other popular hollow-fiber filters (Sawyer Mini and Sawyer Point One), where you have to squeeze like mad to try to force water through the filter. The Grayl is called a “water purifer” because it removes more substances than a “water filter”, including chemicals such as chlorine and iodine, and heavy metals including lead and arsenic. It also removes viruses, making it an excellent solution for international travel, as well.
Unlike other water filters or purifiers, the Grayl can be accidentally frozen and withstand up to three (3) freeze/thaw cycles. Beyond three cycles, purifier performance begins to diminish and the manufacturer recommends that the purifier cartridge be replaced. Still, that’s a handy feature in case you happen to get caught out in the cold unexpectedly. The Grayl purification element is rated for 150 liters/300 uses, making it a better solution for occasional use on day hikes, mountain bike rides, and fishing trips, rather than extended backpacking trips and thru-hikes. The cost of an (Orange) Grayl replacement purifier cartridge is $24.95. Grayl sells a separate blue cartridge called the TAP filter ($14.95) for “frontcountry use”, which only removes taste and odor from water, but not biologicals. Don’t confuse them (the orange “backcountry” purifier cartridge included when you purchase the bottle purifier.) Grayl recommends that you replace the filter every 12 months because the activated carbon used to remove chemicals and heavy metals, can degrade over time. This can be limited by drying the filter between use and storing it in an air-tight bag. Still, there’s no way to test when the activated carbon is show, so annual replacement is still advisable.
RecommendationWeighing 10.9 ounces (dry), the Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle is an innovative backcountry water treatment system that provides excellent protection against biological, chemical, and mineral contaminants, but is just as useful in more civilized or international settings to make your water safer to drink and taste better. I love the fact that it’s completely self-contained and includes an integrated cup and bottle which makes it super easy to pack and carry, without having to deal with extra hoses, reservoirs, bottles, batteries, straws, and wet floppy things on short hikes when there’s plenty of water around and you don’t need to carry much extra. While you could use the Grayl for backpacking to purify more than 16 ounces of water at a time to carry, the purifier cartridge’s limited lifespan of 150 liters, the cost of replacement cartridges, and the time needed to process larger quantities of water make it a less desirable solution for long distance backpacking or group trips. Still, I’m impressed by the ingenuity and ease of use of the Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle and think it’s an excellent water treatment solution, especially for hikers and outdoors people, who don’t normally have to filter or purify drinking water but want a low barrier alternative that is easy to bring along. Disclosure: The author received a sample purifier bottle from Grayl but was under no obligation to publish a product review.
from http://sectionhiker.com/grayl-ultralight-water-purifier-bottle-review/ Hiking Boots and Trail Shoes are becoming much lighter weight. There’s no doubt about it. We surveyed 440 backpackers to find out what their favorite hiking boots and trail shoes are it’s clear that the era of heavy leather hiking boots is on the wane. Perhaps ever more amazing is that the top 10 hiking boots and trail shoes we identified are used by nearly half of our survey respondents, demonstrating a high degree of consensus among backpackers. If you’re looking for the best hiking and backpacking boots or trails shoes, you should definitely start with the 10 backpacker recommended hiking boots shoes listed below! 1. Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mids
Merrell’s Moab 2 Ventilator Mids are by far the most popular hiking boot or trail shoe used by backpackers today, outnumbering the nearest competitor by 2:1. Noted for their affordability and availability in wide sizes, the Moab Ventilator Mid is a long-lasting, lightweight hiking boot that provides excellent ankle support with wrap-around mesh that’s highly breathable and fast drying. The Vibram lugs provide excellent traction and protection for hiking across a wide variety of terrain from the damp forests of Appalachia to the high desert. Available in mens and women’s versions, and waterproof and non-waterproof versions for better breathability. The Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid is also available as a low trail shoe, the Moab 2 Vent Low ($100).
2. Altra Lone Peak 3.0
The Altra Lone Peak 3.0 ($120), a relative newcomer to the hiking and backpacking world, is the top trail runner used by backpackers. Noted for their roomy toe box and splayed forefoot, the moderately cushioned Lone Peak has mesh uppers for enhanced breathability. This zero drop shoe has a toothy lugged sole that provides excellent traction, with an integrated stone guard that offers enhanced forefoot protection. Available in men’s and women’s versions, including the new Lone Peak Mid ($160) which provides more ankle support.
3. Keen Targhee II Mids
The Keen Targhee II Mid ($135) is an agile but well-protected waterproof hiking boot also available in wide sizes. The aggressive outsole has large lugs to bite into the terrain, providing excellent traction control. An integrated shank provides torsional stability, while the mid cut height increases ankle support. The Targhee II is available in men’s and women’s sizes, and a low version, the waterproof Keen Targhee II ($125) is also available.
4. La Sportiva Ultra Raptors
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor ($130) is a all-terrain mountain running shoe with an ultra sticky rubber outsole geared towards all-day protection. Noted for their excellent traction, even on wet rock, they have a sturdy toe bumper and molded nylon shank that provides excellent forefoot protection in rugged terrain. Mesh uppers are highly breathable and dry quickly when wet. Durability is good with reinforced plastic ribs that prevent the mesh from shredding. The Ultra Raptors have an athletic fit, narrow enough in the heel and mid-foot to provide a stable running or hiking platform, while still providing a roomy toebox. They are available in men’s and women’s models.
5. Salomon X-Ultra 2
The Salomon X-Ultra 2 ($120) offers a sleek, athletic design, breathable uppers, stable chassis and grippy soles designed for fast hiking on moderate to technical terrain. A minimalist lacing system secures with 1-pull tightening, while gussets create continuous connections between tongues and uppers, blocking out debris. The X-Ultra provides great traction in all types of terrain and dries quickly in wet conditions. Men’s and women’s version of the X-Ultra are available, with a GTX liner ($145) and without, described above. An X-Ultra Mid ($165) version is also available for both men and women.
6. Salomon XA Pro 3D
The Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Runner ($130) is Salomon’s lightest advanced-chassis shock-absorbing shoe. Built for moving quickly, the 3D has lightweight, breathable sandwich mesh that keeps your feet cool and drains well. A beefy toe cap and forefoot rand provide extra protection, while minimalist kevlar speed-laces provide a secure and customized fit.Traction is fantastic overall with a nice heel brake for descents. Available for men and women. A waterproof Gore-tex lined version ($160) is also available.
7. La Sportiva Wildcats
The La Sportiva Wildcat ($110) is a neutral trail running shoe with highly breathable nylon mesh uppers that keep your feel cool and dry quickly when they get wet. Sticky rubber outsoles deliver excellent traction while TPU stabilizers in the heel and midsole offer additional stability. A large toe box and ample heel cushioning make the Wildcat a sweet ride for hiking and backpacking in a wide variety of terrain. Men’s and women’s models are available.
8. Vasque Breeze 3.0 GTX
The Vasque Breeze Mid GTX ($180) is a Gore-Tex-lined waterproof hiking boot noted for its comfort out-of-the box. Nubuck leather uppers maintain abrasion-resistance on the trail, reinforced with a rubberized toe cap for protection from rock strikes. Ventilation panels circulate air inside the boot, preventing overheating in hot weather, while the waterproof liner seals out rain and shallow stream crossings. Wide and narrow widths are available for an excellent fit. Available in both men’s and women’s models, the Vasque Breeze GTX ($150) is also available as a low trail shoe.
9. Salomon Quest 4D II GTX
The Salomon Quest 4D II GTX ($230) is a lightweight, but supportive hiking boot that incorporates trail running technology into its design. The beefy toe-cap provides protection for your toes while a TPU midsole helps control flex, reduce ankle strain, and shield feet in rough terrain. High ankle support and locking laces provide good stability while eliminating heel lift and potential blisters. The gusseted tongue protects against rain and water during stream crossings while grippy rubber outsoles provide excellent traction over wet and dry surfaces. The Quest 4D II GTX is available in men’s and women’s models.
10. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
The Lowa Renegade GTX ($230) is a waterproof hiking boot with a leather upper that securely holds the foot in place, reducing strain on the toes during downhill sections. Available in wide widths, the Renegade’s midsole technology reduces overall boot weight, while providing extra cushioning and lateral stability. A rugged Vibram outsole and thick, nonslip rubber lugs make these boots ideal for hiking and light backpacking. This shoe also has gender-specific, men’s and women’s lasts, for optimal fit and comfort. The Lowa Renegade GTX Low ($210) is also available for men and women.
from http://sectionhiker.com/top-10-backpacker-recommended-hiking-boots-and-trail-shoes-2017/ MSR has a new and improved model of the original and iconic Pocket Rocket Canister Stove ($39.95) this year, called the Pocket Rocket 2 ($44.95), even though it doesn’t look much like its namesake. The biggest visible difference between the two stoves are the pot supports, which fold down and away more compactly along the stove stem (see below). This makes it easy to store the Pocket Rocket 2 inside a small cook pot together with a large 8 oz gas canister for backpacking, making the new stove more competitive with many, if not most of the canister stoves available from other manufacturers, that can do this already. Weighing 2.5 ounces, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a canister stove that provides you with the ability to simmer food, a useful capability if you want to do more than just boil water on your trips. The flame height is easy to regulate using the shaped wire on the stove stem, which folds away when the stove is packed. The boil time for two cups of water is approximately 3.5 minutes and very standard for a stove of this size and type. Lighting the stove does require a separate ignition source, as one is not included. While a match or butane lighter is sufficient, I’m old school and prefer using a sparking Light My Fire fire steel to ignite stoves because it always works and never needs to be resupplied. While MSR recommends using the Pocket Rocket 2 with MSR branded Iso-pro canister gas, it also works perfectly well with isobutane canisters from any manufacturer that provide a screw-on Lindal valve, including the canisters from MSR, JetBoil, Primus, and Snow Peak that are commonly found in the USA. That’s not always the case if you travel to Europe, where some gas canisters have a bayonet-style valve that is incompatible with the Pocket Rocket 2 and other stoves intended for the US market (I’ve had this happen to me…) The new Pocket Rocket 2 replaces two older stove models in the MSR stove lineup: the original MSR Pocket Rocket and the MSR MicroRocket, which will be phased out and may be available at a discount as retailers start to liquidate their old inventory. If you’re shopping for a new canister stove, the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a solid value, comparable to the Soto Amicus Stove (See Review) in price and capabilities. This and being able to use the stove with different cook pots and the ability to simmer is the advantage of a canister-stove over an all-in-one, boiling-only unit like theJetboil Flash ($99.95).
from http://sectionhiker.com/msr-pocket-rocket-2-canister-stove-review/ Some people think I’m cracked when it comes to the preventive measures I take to avoid tick bites and getting Lyme Disease. But I still haven’t contracted Lyme Disease after 5000 miles of hiking, backpacking, and off-trail hiking through prime tick habit on the Appalachian Trail, in the northeastern United States, or in Scotland, where herds of deer wander across the landscape. I think my tick countermeasures are pretty reasonable actually…
If you think I’m crazy, talk to trail crew, rangers, or scientists who spend their time in the Lyme infested areas where I do most of my hiking. They take the same pre-cautions that I do too. Lyme Disease Prevention Tips
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from http://sectionhiker.com/backpacking-lyme-disease-prevention/ I’m very picky about my personal backpacking gear, the stuff I use on personal trips when I’m not “working” and reviewing someone else’s gear. Here are the sleeping bags, quilts, and sleeping pads that I use year-round on a regular basis (90-120 nights/year.) Many of these items are old friends that have withstood the test of time and I’ve been using for years and years. Consider these my “top” gear picks…the stuff that I recommend to friends without reservation. Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL Quilt Sleeping BagThe Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL Quilt Sleeping Bag ($339) is a quilt that can be zipped up as a hoodless sleeping bag, fully opened and used as a blanket, or even hung under a hammock as an underquilt. It also has a draft collar to hold onto your body heat when you shift around at night. I use it on the majority of my warmer weather trips and like the versatility it provides. That 40 degree temperature rating is conservative and I’ve taken it down to 30 degrees. It’s filled with 950+ fill power goose down and weighs 19 ounces. Loco Libre Gear 20 Ghost Pepper Down QuiltThe Loco Libre Gear Ghost Pepper 20 ($304) is a semi-custom down quilt made with a unique chevron style baffle, which limits the amount of down shift by catching it in the corners that the baffle forms every time it changes direction. This eliminates cold spots and means that the down stays in place, so you can stay warm. My Ghost Pepper has a draft collar and closed footbox, which I prefer when sleeping in cooler weather. It’s filled with 850+ goose down and weighs 24.4 ounces. Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 Sleeping bagThe Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 ($499) is one of my oldest gear, purchases although the price has gone way up since I bought mine. I mainly use the UltraLite on early spring and late autumn hikes in cooler weather. It’s quite warm with horizontal baffles so I can move the down where I need it. The UltraLite’s hood is less oppressive than many other mummy-shaped sleeping bags, but still very warm when needed. It also has a chest draft collar. The UltraLite weighs 29 ounces and is filled with 850+ fill power goose down. I’ve hiked across Scotland twice with this sleeping bag and will probably take it with me again next year when I hike the Cape Wrath Trail. It’s more confining than a quilt, but I still like the comfort it provides. NEMO Sonic 0 Sleeping BagThe NEMO Sonic 0 ($499) is a 850 down fill power winter sleeping bag that is cut wide around the knees and torso making it comfortable for back or side sleepers. It’s a relative newcomer in my “inner circle”, but I really like it. Weighing 42 ounces, the Sonic 0 has zippered vents down the front, called Thermo-Gills that allow you to vent the warmth of the sleeping bag up to 20 degrees without having to unzip the bag and introduce drafts. I mainly use it for winter camping/backpacking when I want more space in my bag for those very long winter nights and when I have to sleep with my water and boots in my sleeping bag to keep them from freezing. Loco Libre Gear Cayenne Pepper Underquilt (40 Degree)
Loco Libre Gear’s Cayenne Pepper Hammock Underquilt ($110) was a little gear experiment (synthetic fill vs. down) that turned out to be a fantastic success. Filled with Apex Climashield insulation, Loco Libre’s synthetic quilts are quite inexpensive compared to their down underquilts and spec out quite light for warmer temperatures. For example, my Cayenne Pepper UQ weighs 14.3 ounces with suspension and ‘biners. Plus Loco Libre adds optional down draft collars at the ends of their underquilts that prevent warm air from escaping at night when you move around. Rated for 40 degrees, I use the Cayenne Pepper from late spring to early autumn when sleeping in a backpacking hammock, which I do more and more of in warmer weather.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Inflatable Sleeping Pad
I’ve been using the same Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad ($159) going on 5 years now and have never had any problems with punctures or leaks. The XLite has an R-value of 3.2, more than sufficient for most three season backpacking and camping. It weighs 12 ounces and is 20″ wide. The mattress is quite firm when fully inflated, so I let out some air to get a softer feel. The XLite rolls up quite thin and takes up little pack space. It’s best to store it in a stuff sack however, to protect the fabric from puncture by sharp items in your pack.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Insulated Sleeping Pad
I use a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm ($199) for winter and in cooler weather. It weighs 15 ounces and has an R-value of 5.7 which is sufficient for winter camping. It’s basically identical to the NeoAir XLite although it has a tougher exterior fabric, so it needs a little less babying in my backpack.
Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Foam Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sleeping Pads ($34) make good secondary insulation in hammocks and for winter camping when used with an inflatable insulated pad. They’re relatively inexpensive and the accordion shape makes them easy to strap on the outside of a pack. I have a bunch of Z-Lites that have been cut up for various uses such as sit pads, hammock insulation, packraft floor insulation, door mats, dog sleeping insulation, and so on. I use Z-Lites with and without a silver reflective coating interchangeably, depending on what I have lying around. An “unmodified” Z-Lite has an R-Values or 2.2/2.6(silver) and weighs 14 ounces.
Gossamer Gear 1/8″ and 1/4″ Thinlight Foam Insulation
Gossamer Gear sells rolls of closed-cell foam that have a lot of uses, much like the Therm-a-Rest Z-lite pads I use, but better suited for hammock insulation because they’re wider, thinner, and more malleable. They’re available in 1/8″ and 1/4″ thicknesses. Their weight varies depending on how you cut them up.
MoreI’ll be publishing more of my gear closet top picks in the coming weeks since so many of you have contacted me about the gear I use. In the meantime, if you have any questions about these items or need clarifications, just ask. I’m happy to help out.
from http://sectionhiker.com/section-hikers-gear-closet-sleeping-bags-quilts-and-sleeping-pads/ Granite Gear backpacks are popular packs for long distance backpacking in the United States and are a common sight on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. I really like Granite Gear’s packs because I think they strike an excellent balance between weight and function, many have adjustable length frames and hip belts, and because they’re quite affordable, which is a rare quality these days if you’re looking for a durable and lightweight backpack. Granite Gear is also one of the few backpack makers that make comfortable lighter weight backpacks designed for thru-hikers that you can try on in stores like REI, EMS, or other regional outfitters. However if you’ve not familiar with the Granite Gear product line, it can be challenging to figure out which Granite Gear backpack is right for you. Here is the advice I give friends who are trying to decide between these packs, so you can choose the right Granite Gear backpack for your needs. Crown 2 Backpack (60L) Men’s and Women’s ModelsThe Granite Gear Crown 2 Backpack is a roll-top, multi-day backpack with an optional top lid pocket. An upgrade to the first generation V.C. Crown 60 backpack (see below), this new model includes large zippered hip belt pockets, an optional top lid, and adjustable-length hip belt. These are all improvements on the previous V.C. Crown 60 and make the Crown 2 nearly perfect for overnight and multi-day backpacking in a wide range of locales and conditions. The V.C. Crown 60 is still a great pack, but I expect it will go on clearance soon to make way for the Crown 2 upgrade. Available in both a men’s and women’s version, the Crown 2 is laid out like other ultralight backpacks with a long rear mesh pocket, side water bottle pockets, and a roll top closure. The two side water bottle pockets are long enough to store tall water bottles or for carrying long thin objects like tent poles. The rear stretch mesh pocket is long enough to swallow a rolled up tent and ideal for drying wet gear or stuffing jackets so you do’t have to stop and open up your backpack every time you take off or put on a layer. The Crown 2 also has large sewn-on hip belt pockets, a huge improvement over previous generations of Granite Gear packs which required the purchase of clunky add-on pockets. Both pockets have hard-face fabric fronts and are large enough to store a chunky camera or your smartphone, plus an external battery. While the Crown 2 is a roll-top backpack, it comes with an optional top lid, that has a top zippered pocket that you can use if necessary. A bear canister can be secured under the top lid, a nice convenience if you need as much internal pack volume as possible for other gear. Two tiers of wrap-around compression straps on the sides and over the back mesh pocket also provide a multitude of attachment points. The Crown 2 has a two-component frame. There’s a pliable plastic framesheet (optionally removable) and a ventilated foam panel that give the pack stiffness and help transfer load to your hips. The adjustable hip belt is a breeze to shorten or length to fit your measurements and does not slip when the pack is loaded up.
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See Also: SectionHiker Review of the Crown 2 60L Backpack Lutsen 55L Backpack – unisexThe Granite Gear Lutsen 55 backpack features an adjustable hip belt, hip belt pockets, and an adjustable frame, so you can dial in a custom fit that matches your hip size and torso length, the two most important variables in getting yourself a well-fitting and comfortable backpack. While backpacks with adjustable torso lengths have been around for a long time, adjustable hip belts are a rarity. Most backpack manufacturers sew fixed length hip belts on the packs they manufacture or force you to buy replacement belts if you need one that is shorter or longer than the one that comes with the pack. The Lutsen 55L is an alpine style backpack with a top floating lid than can be used to sandwich gear between the lid and the top of the main compartment. The top lid is optional, however, and can be completely removed since the main compartment closes with a roll top closure, like many of Granite Gear’s existing packs. Numerous mesh pockets made it easy to keep gear you need handy or stuff it away. The compression and external attachment system is excellent, a characteristic of Granite Gear packs, but the Lutsen 55 is somewhat cluttered with a lot of straps. The frame and hip belt are easy to adjust without tools or elbow grease. The frame is also ventilated although the extra padding and bottom lumbar pad can feel a bit firm.
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Don’t need 55 Liters of volume? The Lutsen is also available in a 45L size good for overnight trips and 35L size for minimalist backpacks and day hiking. See Also: SectionHiker Review of the Lutsen 55 Backpack A.C. Blaze Backpack (60L) – Men’s and Women’s (Ki)The A.C. Blaze Backpack is a 60 liter pack that’s available in men’s and women’s models. Weighing 46 ounces, this is the backpack that I recommend for hikers who are just starting to lighten their gear and want a pack that weighs less than 3 pounds, but not at the expense of comfort, convenience, and durability. The Blaze also has an adjustable frame so you can resize the torso length to fit your body size, which is the most important variable in getting a well-fitting and comfortable pack. With 60 liters of carrying capacity, the Blaze AC can carry up to 40 pounds of gear, food, and water. The storage system is large main compartment with a roll top closure, a mammoth mesh front pocket that runs the full height of the pack, and two mesh side pockets that are large enough to carry 1 liter water bottles and softer items. Multiple tiers of compression on the sides, back of the pack, and the top (which are signature features unique to Granite Gear packs), make it possible to lash more gear to the outside of the pack or shrink its size when you need less capacity. The A.C. in the Blaze’s name stands for “Air Current”, which is a grooved foam pad that covers the framesheet to help ventilate perspiration and keep you cool and dry. It cover an adjustable plastic framesheet that can be resized without requiring any elbow grease or special tools to adjust. The hip belt and the contoured shoulder pads are moderately padded without going overboard, and load lifters, hips belt stabilizers, and an adjustable sternum strap are also included.
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See Also: SectionHiker Review of the Granite Gear A.C. Blaze 60L Backpack V.C. Crown Backpack (60L) – Men’s and Women’s (Ki)The V.C. Crown Backpack is a 60 liter pack that’s also available in men’s and women’s models. It’s a lightweight backpack weighing 34 ounces in a size regular and qualifies in my book as one of the top 5 ultralight backpacks for long distance backpacking. Designed by Granite Gear co-founder Dan Cruikshank (with feeback and design suggestions from Justin Lichter, a record-setting thru hiker who hiked the triple crown (10,000 miles) in one calendar year and completed the first ever thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in winter), this pack can carry up to 30 pounds of gear, food, and water. While it’s similar in appearance to the A.C. Blaze 60 Backpack, the V.C Crown has two tiers of compression straps instead of three, the torso length cannot be adjusted, and it has a less rigid frame sheet, which can removed to bring the pack weight down to 29 ounces for those who don’t need to carry as much weight. The V.C. in the Crown’s name stands for “Vapor Current” which is a foam back panel with air channels carved into it to keep your shirt dry (sort of). In addition, the Crown has load lifters an adjustable stern strap, anatomically pre-curved shoulder straps, and a lightly padded hip belt.
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See Also: Section Hiker Review of the V.C. Crown 60L Backpack Virga 2 Backpack (54L) – unisexThe Granite Gear Virga 2 is a frameless 54L backpack and the lightest weight overnight backpack that Granite Gear makes, weighing just 19 ounces in a size regular. Despite having a high-capacity, the Virga 2 can only carry 20 pounds of gear, water, and food comfortably because it has a minimalist hip belt and very thin shoulder straps. The volume is large because ultralight backpackers create a virtual frame for it by rolling a solid foam sleeping pad like aTherm-a-Rest RidgeRest and inserting it into the pack to create a gear silo that gives the pack more structure. These foams pads are bulky which is why the Virga 2 has so much space inside. The Virga 2 has an excellent compression system including two tiers of side compression straps, two front compression straps over the long front mesh pocket, and a roll top closure. Load lifters are also included but these have limited effectiveness on a frameless pack. While the Virga 2 is very lightweight, it also can be trickier to fit than Granite Gear’s other packs because it has a fixed torso length and a non-replaceable, minimal hip belt. It’s also going to be a bit less durable than Granite Gear’s other packs so you’re going to have to treat it gently. Still at 19 ounces, the Virga 2 is a highly functional and affordable ultralight pack that carries beautifully if you can get a good fit.
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See Also: SectionHiker Review of the Granite Gear Virga 2 Backpack Nimbus Trace Access Backpack (60L, 70L, or 85L) Men’s and Women’s (Ki)The Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access Backpack is a high-capacity pack that can be used for long trips and expedition style travel. Available in men’s and women’s versions, the Nimbus Trace Access Backpack comes in three different volumes 60L, 70L, and 85L, ranging from 4 pounds 3 ounces to 4 pounds 6 ounces in weight. While none of these are lightweight packs, they’re still on the lightweight end of the spectrum when compared to other expedition sized backpacks with a similar amount of capacity. Size-wise the 60L Nimbus Trace Access is a good size for weekend backpacking trips, while the 70L and 85L sizes are intended for longer trips or ones where you need to carry extra more food, technical gear and warm clothing. An 85 liter backpack is a very large pack, so don’t go overboard unless you really need the extra space. Designed for carrying heavy loads, the Nimbus Trace Access packs have an innovative maple wood frame that’s lightweight but very stiff, which is important for transferring heavier loads to your hips to make the pack easier to carry. It’s adjustable for different torso lengths, which is a must-have for expedition-class sized backpacks to ensure optimal comfort and carrying efficiency. The Nimbus Trace Access Packs also have panel access so you can get at gear deeply buried in your pack without having to empty it and pack it again. This is good for travel as well as expedition trips. But all of these convenience features and volume add up in terms of weight, making the Nimbus Trace Access packs the heaviest ones in the Granite Gear product line.
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See Also: SectionHiker Review of the Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access Backpack Leopard A.C. Backpack (58L) Men’s and Women’s (Ki)The Leopard A.C. Backpack is Granite Gear’s winter and mountaineering backpack and includes a few extra features like a shovel pocket, crampon holder, and hip belt gear loops for hauling winter gear. While winter backpacking and mountaineering are close cousins to three season backpacking, the gear you need to carry has sharp points and can really rip up a regular backpack if it’s not designed to carry it. Built using the Air Current frame, the Leopard A.C. 58L has the same adjustable frame as the A.C. Blaze 60 backpack described above, including the standard compression and external attachment system found on other Granite Gear packs. The Leopard has some additional closed storage including a top lid which is very handy in winter for storing gloves, hats, and navigation aids and a rear softshell pocket for items that you want to keep covered and dry.
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Need less capacity? Try the Leopard V.C 46 backpack which uses the non-adjustable Vapor Current frame but is essentially the same pack. See Also: SectionHiker Review of the Granite Gear Leopard A.C. Backpack More Information for First Time BuyersBackpack VolumeWhen measuring backpack volume, companies like Granite Gear, Gregory, and Osprey only measure the volume of the closed storage on a pack and don’t include the volume of external mesh pockets, pockets without lids, or the added volume of an extension collar in their volume specifications. (This is the industry standard approach to volume meansurement, although it’s not used by most cottage backpack manufacturers.) This is important to know when sizing a Granite Gear Backpack because there’s an excellent change that it will hold a lot more gear than you expect, inside, or strapped to the outside using external compression straps. Granite Gear backpacks are also laid out in an ultralight style with lots of external mesh pockets. The assumption is that you will be storing most of your day time gear, water, and food in the open, external pockets so you don’t have to stop and dig around in your pack to find them. This packing technique lets you hike farther and faster each day, which is why these packs are favored by long distance thru-hikers. Hip Belt PocketsThe Granite Gear backpacks listed here don’t have factory-supplied hip belt pockets, although the outside of their hip belts is covered with webbing making them easy to attach. While Granite Gear sells accessory hip belt pockets, shoulder strap pockets, climbing gear loops and crampon holders, you can also attach third party accessories to their packs just as easily. Replaceable Hip Belts and Shoulder StrapsSeveral of the Granite Packs listed above come with the option to replace the hip belt or shoulder straps for different sized individuals. When ordering these accessories, I’d advise you to purchase them from Granite Gear directly since they’re often not stocked by retailers or because retailers often mix up the models and will send you the wrong product. Disclosure: Philip Werner has been reviewing Granite Gear backpacks for several years and has received free sample gear from the company in the past (in addition to purchasing Granite Gear products out of his own pocket). He was under no obligation to write this article and the views it contains are entirely his own.
from http://sectionhiker.com/granite-gear-backpacks-how-choose/ |
ABOUT MEHello my pleaseure to introduce myself, I am Jose Johnson. I am 26 years old from Monroe, LA. I love to got for hikings with my friends on holidays. Archives
April 2019
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