Hard Shell Jackets are best used in winter conditions as a windproof clothing layer and an extension of your packing system, with lots of pockets that provide easy access to gloves, hats, snacks, and navigation instruments so you don’t have to stop and take bone chilling rest breaks. While hard shell jackets usually made with waterproof/breathable fabrics, they’re too heavy, too warm, and over-featured for use as hiking rain jackets in warmer weather and you’d be far better off with a minimalist rain jacket like the Outdoor Research Helium II and a Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite Rain Jacket. What are the most important features to consider when buying a winter hard shell? Hard Shell FeaturesThere are a couple of features that are especially important for winter hikers to look for when purchasing a hard shell.
Fully Adjustable HoodWhen choosing a hard shell make sure the hood is NOT helmet compatible, unless you have a huge Godzilla-sized head. The majority of hard shell jackets are intended for skiers and climbers who wear protective helmets. What you should look for is a fully adjustable hood with a rear volume adjustment so you can shrink the hood size to fit your head, side pulls so you can adjust the size of the face opening, a wire or shapeable brim to shield your eyes from wind and snow, and a high collar that covers your neck and mouth. All of these features will help protect your face from frostbite and help you stay warmer. Hip-belt Compatible PocketsLook for hard shell jackets that have chest or side pockets that are higher up in the torso so you can access them when wearing a backpack hip-belt. This can be a hard feature to find on hard shells jackets, so look carefully. Hard shell jackets from Outdoor Research and Arc’terxy are usually pretty safe bets in this regard, but be sure to check before purchasing one. Lots of Zippered PocketsYou can’t have too many hard shell pockets in winter. They’re great for carrying spare gloves, hats, and keeping navigation tools in easy reach. They’re also good for keeping snacks from freezing if stored next to your body. I view my hard shell jacket pockets as an extension of my backpack because the extra storage cuts down on the number of times I have to stop to get clothes or food out of my pack. You have to keep moving in winter to stay warm and to get to your destination before nightfall. Layering featuresIn winter, you want to limit the amount you perspire by acting managing your warmth level. They key to doing this involves venting excess warmth by removing, or venting layers. A good hard shell should provide several ways for you to dump excess heat without having to take it off completely. Here are some of the most important features to look for when comparing different jackets.
Breathability RatingsWhat should you look for in terms of breathability ratings when looking at hard shell jackets? To be honest, I don’t trust the breathability ratings published by manufacturers because they measure them in ideal laboratory conditions that have little to do with actual use. Pit zips and torso-length venting, like Outdoor Research’s Torso flow feature trump breathability claims any day. If you get too hot, venting your hard shell is going to cool and dry you off far more quickly than waiting for water vapor to move across a breathable membrane. Getting a hard shell that’s NOT made with a waterproof/breathable fabric is virtually impossible these days. Just remember that the features on these jackets are far more important than their breathability ratings. Stay focused on that and you’ll get yourself a good hard shell jacket that you can hang onto for a while for winter hiking and backpacking.
Where to start? Check out the hard shells listed here from Outdoor Research and Arc’teryx. Both of these manufacturers have a good selection of jackets with the features I list above. I’ve been using the OR Foray myself going on 5 years and still think it’s an awesome winter shell. See also:
The post How to Buy a Hard Shell Jacket for Winter Hiking appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/how-to-buy-a-hard-shell-jacket-for-winter-hiking/
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Mt Flume and Mt Liberty as the two southernmost 4000 footers on the southern end of Franconia Ridge. Sometimes called “Fliberty”, they’re frequently hiked together in a loop since they’re only separated by a 1.2 mile walk along the top of the ridge. Of the two, Liberty gets the most traffic since it’s on the Appalachian Trail, even though Flume is by far the more picturesque of the pair. If you climb Flume first, the shortest route to the summit is via the Flume Slide Trail. The climb is quite gentle at the start, but then ascends quite steeply up an avalanche slide, which is usually covered with ice from late autumn to early spring. The final climb gains 1400 feet in just 0.7 miles and you have to pretty much claw your way up it. I hiked it just a few days ago after Thanksgiving in microspikes, but wished I’d brought along an ice tool or two and a partner. “Slides”, short for avalanche slides, are usually pretty strenuous to climb because they’re randomly distributed blocks of rock that have slid down the mountain. Temperatures were in the high 30’s and the ice was fairly soft and plastic, so my Hillsounds (microspikes) were able to get a good bite. But I still had to bushwhack around the bigger drops and ice floes and claw my way up in slippery wet snow among the trees. Once you start this climb, you’re pretty much committed since there’s no easy way down. My only real option when things got sketchy was to keep going. At the top of the slide, the trail veers left (north) and side hills toward the Flume summit, coming out just 0.1 tents of a mile below it. The summit area is a narrow strip of west-facing rock above a sheer cliff. It was very windy (40 mph in the forecast), so I put on a wind shirt and gloves. The views of Liberty and the snow-covered Franconia Ridge were gorgeous. I could also see Mt Garfield at the other end of the Franconia Ridge clearly, which I’d climbed the day before. The hike from Flume is Liberty is an easy ridge walk, protected by forest until you pop above treeline again at the Liberty summit. I started descending into the saddle between the peaks and ran into my old friend Bob Zoletti and his two daughters. Bob and I have been on many challenging winter hikes together, but I haven’t seen him for a while since I was focused on redlining the past two years. I wasn’t entirely surprised to see him though. The regular hiking community is pretty small and it’s easy to run into old friends on the higher peaks. Trip Reports to Nearby DestinationsI layered up again before hiking up the Liberty summit which is an open cliff, but not as steep as Flume. The wind had died down and it was downright balmy at the summit. I lingered some more and took in the view of Mt Canon on the other side of Franconia Notch and the impressive Canon Cliffs. The hard (climbing) work done, it was literally downhill all the way. But the Liberty Springs Trail isn’t a cake walk. The west sides of both Liberty and Flume are covered with boulders that have rolled downhill into the woods. Covered for miles! The trails weaves through them in its own special knee grinding way. There’s also been a lot of trail work done on the Liberty Trail including the construction of stone steps to curtail trail erosion. My knees, actually my quadriceps muscles, hate going down stone stair cases, almost as I much as I hate climbing them. There’s something about the stride length required by stone stairs that doesn’t agree with my legs and tires out my big muscles quickly. I prefer a real incline/decline rather than manmade one. That said, I was glad I was descending Liberty and not climbing it, which would have been infinitely worse. It’s also not as interesting a trail as the Flume Slide Trail. Despite my gripes about stairs, I was able to get off the peak pretty quickly and back down into the bottom of Franconia Notch. From there it was a short walk down the bike path that runs through the notch back to my car. It’d been a beautiful day and a rewarding hike, not exactly easy, but just right Total Distance: 9.75 miles with 3900′ of elevation gain. Recommended Guidebooks and Maps:
The post Hiking a Mt Flume and Mt Liberty Loop appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/hiking-a-mt-flume-and-mt-liberty-loop/ The Black Diamond Beta Light is a single wall, ultralight tarp shelter that weighs 19 oz. It’s also a very affordable ultralight shelter, with an MSRP of just $200, making it an excellent value if you’re trying to save money. The Beta Light has single front zippered door and a spacious interior with plenty of headroom and living space for two people. Set up is very easy, requiring two trekking poles or ski poles to hold up the peaks, and seven stakes to guy out. (In winter, you can also guy out the tent using skis, ice tools, or trekking poles.) Made with 30d silnylon, it’s best to seam seal the Beta Light if you anticipate using it in wet weather. This isn’t a terribly complicated process, (see How to Seam Seal a Tent or Tarp) but one that will ensure your comfort. Specs at a Glance
The Beta Light has steep walls that shed snow well, which is one of the reasons why it’s popular with winter backpackers and backcountry skiers. Constructed with two adjoining pyramids, it’s also quite wind-worthy, making it ideal for use in exposed campsites with no wind breaks. Being single-walled, it’s best to pitch the shelter with a gap between the ground and the bottom panels to encourage air flow and reduce any internal condensation. The front door can also be rolled back partially or completely in good weather. Being a floorless tarp, site selection is important so you’re not downhill when it rains (see 9 Campsite Selection Tips). The interior of the Beta Light is quite large with plenty of space for two. There are lots of overhead loops to hang head netting from if you need bug protection and there’s plenty of room so you can sleep all night without rubbing up against the side walls. The metal tips of your trekking poles fit into grommets positioned in the center of each of the apex peaks, which are also reinforced with extra fabric to protect against accidental puncture. If you detect some sag in the pitch at night as the silnylon fabric stretches, there’s no need to re-stake the tarp. You can simply lengthen your trekking poles slightly to take out any slack, from the warmth of your sleeping bag or quilt. While the tarp reviewed here itself is available separately, you can buy an add-on inner tent, called The Beta Bug Tent if you want a bathtub floor and bug netting. It’s heavy though (29 oz) and there are many alternatives available that are significantly lighter weight. All in, the Black Diamond Beta Lite is a seriously good value if you’re looking for a four season ultralight tarp shelter for one or two people that’s wind and weather worthy. For example, if you’re looking at ultralight pyramid shelters because they’re so wind worthy, I’d recommend including the Beta Light on your short list of possible options. It’s definitely a contender in terms of weight, livability, weather-worthiness and cost. Disclosure: The author purchased this product with his own funds. Written 2017. See Also:
The post Black Diamond Beta Light Tarp Review appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/black-diamond-beta-light-tarp-review/ Bikepacking is gaining popularity with more and more backpackers because a bike can take you farther and faster into backcountry areas that are inaccessible on foot. Bikepacking also lets you use all of your existing backpacking gear and get even more value out of it. Like backpacking, there are 10 essential cycling-specific safety and repair items that all bikepackers should carry on their trips. Safety and self-sufficiency are still paramount, perhaps even more so because you can get so far off the grid, so fast.
Here are some of tools and products that I use to fit the bill: 1. Park Tool MT-40 Multi-ToolThe Park Tool MT-40 multi-tool has a built-in chain tool for removing and connecting chain links if you bust your chain on a trip and need a temporary fix to get you back to civilization. The MT-40 also includes a CO2 Cartridge adapter that’s Presta and Schrader valve compatible, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex, to T25 and T30 compatible drivers and screwdriver that’s compatible with multiple head types. This multi-tool is so handy the I use it in my home shop all the time. Price $35.00Buy Now2. Pedro’s Tire LeversThe tire lever, though seemingly one of the simplest and most basic of cycling tools, is one commonly used by almost every cyclist. Brightly colored, Pedro’s tire levers are hard to misplace if you have to change a flat in the woods or by the side of the road. Unbreakable and made with very hard plastic, Pedro’s tire levers have a unique chisel tip shape that easily inserts beneath the tire bead and a slightly thicker shape that keeps the lever securely in place when changing a flat. Price: $5Buy Now3. Park Tool Glueless Patch KitFlats happen but Park Tools glueless makes them easy to repair without any messy glue or bulky packaging. Lightly roughen your punctured tube with the included sandpaper, clean, apply patch, and you’re ready to go. Each pack includes six patches with sandpaper in a neat little carry along box that’s easy to throw into a frame bag. Price $4.65Buy Now4. Cygolite Streak 450 Bike Light Combo SetForget reflectors. You need flashing lights on the front and rear of your bike to be seen by cars, trucks, and ATVs bombing down backcountry and gravel roads. USB rechargeable lights are the best. This 450 Lumen headlight lasts up to 100 hours on a single charge, while the 50 Lumen tail light lasts up to 200 hours. Both have a pulsing daylight mode that gets noticed by motorists and can be easily switched between different bikes. Price: $52.75Buy Now5. Park Tool Emergency Tire BootsPark’s Tire Boots are designed to patch cuts, tears, and holes including side walls cuts in any size tire. A waterproof reinforced vinyl membrane and super strong adhesive provide a quick and easy fix. Each pack contains three emergency tire boots, which will work on road or mountain bikes tires at any pressure level. Price: $4.99Buy Now6. Chamois ButterChafing is a ride killer. Protect and lubricate your skin with Chamois Butter. These small “single serving” 9 ml packets are easy to carry. They’re also greaseless and wash out of your clothing easily with soap and water. Use them for all of your sports! Price: $10Buy Now7. Assortment of Zip TiesZip ties have a hundred and one uses on a bike and they weigh virtually nothing. Don’t have a way to attach something to the frame? Something shake loose? Bust a Strap? Sheer a connector? Need to jury rig an attachment. Zip tie it! A pack of 100 costs just 4 bucks. Price: $4Buy Now8. Voile Ski StrapsVoile’s polyurethane ski straps are great for lashing waterproof stuff sacks, fishing rods, tent poles, you name it, to your bike’s frame. There no need to spend hundreds of dollars on specialized bike and frame bags when a couple of these ski straps will do. These babies also have a million and one uses for backpacking and skiing too! Price: $6Buy Now9. KMC Missing Link Chain ConnectorIf you break your chain on a ride, you can use a KMC Missing Link to reconnect the ends, although a chain tool (like the one on the Park Tool MT-40, above) is still necessary to remove any damaged links. These connectors are also handy to install on your chains to make it easy to remove, clean, or replace your chain in the future. Here (video) is a simple way to open a missing link without a special tool. It also works with a shoe lace. Price: $13.99Buy Now10. CO2 CartridgesCO2 cylinders are a lot easier and less bulky to carry than a bicycle pump if you have to reinflate a tube after changing a flat. These large 20 gram cartridges are large enough to refill larger mountain bike tubes or multiple road tires. You just need a CO2 cartridges adapter, like the one included in the Park MT-40, above (which is Presta and Shrader valve compatible) to use it. Price: $24 for package of 6Buy NowSee also:
Written 2017. Support SectionHiker.com, where we actually field test the products we review. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links above, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you.The post Bikepacking 10 Essentials appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/10-essentials-bikepacking/ Cold Cold World is a small cottage manufacturer in New Hampshire’s White Mountains that specializes in making climbing and mountaineering backpacks. They’re world-famous in climbing circles for making high-function, durable backpacks. The 66L Cold Cold World Chaos is a frameless alpine backpack, weighing 3 lbs 12 oz (3 lb 8 oz, reviewed here) but well sized for overnight or multi-day winter trips (inquire about custom fabrics). I’ve owned the one pictured above for going on 10 years now and we’ve been on many adventures together. I still use the Chaos and haven’t yet found a pack that its equal for hauling heavy gear and traction on winter backpacking trips. If a 66L pack is more than you need for winter backpacks or day hikes, check out the Cold Cold World Chernobyl Backpack. It has most of the features detailed below in a 50L size pack. Specs at a Glance
Organization and Internal StorageThe Chaos is an alpine style backpack with a floating top lid, a large main compartment, an internal sleeping pad pocket, and an external crampon pocket. It doesn’t have an internal hydration pocket, no hydration reservoir hang loops or hydration ports. The floating top lid has three pockets, two on top and one underneath. The top pocket is perfectly sized for carrying a compass, gps, satellite tracker, or snacks. The bigger pocket below it is well sized for carrying extra gloves, a balaclava, or facemask. The pocket on the underside of the lid is good for carrying a small first aid kit, headlamp, and toilet supplies. The lid is attached to the main pack bag by a strip of velcro and 4 webbing straps, making it easy to raise or lower when used as a floating lid (more below). The main compartment also has a long extension collar to protect your gear if you need to pack more and make use of the floating lid. The main compartment is just a big bag with an internal sleeping pad pocket. The factory pack comes with a foam bivy pad, but I prefer using an 8 segment accordion-style Therm-a-Rest Zlite pad as a framesheet because it makes a better secondary sleeping pad (higher R-value) for winter backpacking trips. I also use the same pad to sit on when melting water and cooking on winter nights outside of my tent. When I bought the Chaos, the multi-function use of a sleeping pad as a framesheet appealed to me because it cut down the amount of weight I needed to carry. It also eliminates the need to carry a foam pad on the outside of my pack which is a PITA because it’s easily shredded by vegetation and can compromise your ability to scramble on rock ledge. The Chaos also has an external crampon pocket, which is a handy feature you don’t find on many backpacks, because it keeps your sharp points away from the rest of gear. This is doubly beneficial when your crampons are caked with ice and soaking wet and you don’t want them anywhere near your dry warm gear. When I’m not carrying crampons, I use the crampon pocket like I would a rear mesh pocket on an ultralight backpack, for storing extra layers like mitten shells, wind shirt, hat, and snacks so I don’t have to stop and open the main pack. This helps keep my transition times very short, which is a real benefit above treeline in crappy conditions. I’ve even used that crampon pocket to carry my winter tent (Black Diamond FirstLight) when I’ve been short on space in the main compartment. External Attachment and Compression SystemThe external attachment system on the Chaos is top-notch. You can haul an amazing amount of gear on the outside of the pack, which is particularly important when you can’t anticipate what conditions will be on your route.
On most winter overnight trips, I lash my snowshoes under the side compression straps, secure an ice axe in one of the shaft holders and a shovel handle in the other (secured with the bottom ice axe loops), I attach an insulated water bottle (see Insulated Water Bottle Jackets) to one of the hip belt gear loops with a carabiner and put a pair of crampons in the crampon pocket. If I bring microspikes, I’ll clip them to one of the rear daisy chains with another carabiner. In addition, I add a whistle and an external camera pocket to the two daisy chains on the front of the shoulder straps, and possibly a map holder as well, if we expect challenging, low visibility weather, or plan to hike off-trail. That’s a typical winter load out for me, but there’s really no limit to the ways you can use these external attachment points by themselves or with a few added Volie ski straps, which won’t freeze if they get damp or wet. Backpack Frame and Suspension SystemThe Chaos is a frameless backpack, but can still carry a remarkable amount of gear, water, and food quite comfortably. I rate the maximum comfortable carrying capacity at 30-35 pounds, but you have to know how to pack it to get that kind of performance out of it. The Chaos uses a sleeping pad for a frame to give the pack some stiffness and prevent items from poking into your back. The sleeping pad pocket extends to the base of the hip belt and into the area behind, much like a pack with an internal framesheet. When packing the pack, you want to load your bulkiest and heaviest items at the bottom as you normally would. If packing a sleeping bag at the bottom of your main compartment, I’d recommend packing it in a stuff sack rather than loose in order to prevent the sleeping pad from collapsing inward. The same holds for the rest of your gear. Pack it all as tightly as possible and be aggressive in your use of the compression straps, so that your “load becomes the frame.” This same techniques works quite well for most frameless backpacks. The hip belt is sewn directly to the back of the pack which always provides better load-to-hip transfer than hip belts that are attached with velcro. While the hip belt is padded, it’s not overly padded, so you get a good hip bone wrap that conforms to your body shape. There are also adjustable load control straps connecting the hip belt to the pack body to help minimize uncontrolled “load swings” when scrambling or climbing. The hip belt closes with a large buckle and wide pull-back webbing straps. The 2″ width of the webbing has several benefits. The first is that it doesn’t fold onto itself and won’t get jammed in the buckle. It’s also wide enough that it doesn’t slip down over slippery hard shells or wind shirts, which can be a real problem when winter hiking. Instead of pockets, the hip belt has gear loops for hanging climbing gear or ‘biners, which is pretty typical on a winter backpack. However, is still possible to attach an accessory pocket over the hip belt winds and clip it in place using a quick attach tri-glide or mini-biner. Most of the time, I just hang an insulated water bottle or a snack bottle from the gear loops. RecommendationThe Cold Cold World Chaos is a 66-70 liter lightweight winter backpack that’s ideal for overnight or multi-day winter hiking, mountaineering, and climbing. Frameless, it has an internal sleeping pad pocket like many ultralight backpacks, but can carry much heavier loads up to 30-35 pounds with relative ease. But the thing at distinguishes the Chaos from all other higher volume winter backpacks is its outstanding external attachment capabilities. If winter conditions require you to carry lots of tools or traction, the Chaos’s ability to haul gear is unparalleled. As a gear tester specializing in backpack reviews, I end up with new cutting edge backpacks in my gear closet every year. The parade of new specialty fabrics, features, and frame systems is never-ending. While I get rid of most of the backpacks that come my way, I doubt I’ll ever get rid of the Chaos. I’ve owned it coming on 10 years and still rate it as one of the best backpacks I’ve ever used. If there was a Backpack Hall of Fame, the Cold Cold World Chaos would be my first nomination. Disclosure: The author purchased this product with his own funds. See Also:
The post Cold Cold World Chaos Backpack Review appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/cold-cold-world-chaos-backpack-review/ The Jetboil FlashLite Personal Cook System is the lightest weight Jetboil cook system available today, weighing 12.3 ounces (10 oz. minimum). It’s basically the same as the 1.0 Jetboil Flash Personal Cook System but with a smaller volume and lighter weight 0.8L pot. Designed for non-winter use, it’s ideal for rapidly boiling water to make things like coffee, soup, pasta, or rehydrating freeze-dried backpacking meals. You can further reduce the weight of the system to 10 ounces by leaving the included pot stabilizer and plastic cup home and just eating and drinking out of the pot. If all you need to do is to boil water, the Flash Lite will work admirably for your needs. Specs at a Glance
The Jetboil Personal Cooking SystemThe Jetboil Flash Lite isn’t just a backpacking stove, but a complete cooking system, an important distinction when comparing backpacking stoves to one another. It consists of the following components:
When you buy a Jetboil, you’re paying for the convenience of an integrated unit that’s easy to pack and fairly idiot-proof to use, which can be a good thing. The components themselves work well together and well enough for their intended purpose, but I wouldn’t call them best of breed. While you can assemble your own cook system from scratch using better or lighter weight components, it’s hard to beat the convenience and degree of integration provided by Jetboil’s stove systems. The stove provided with the Jetboil Flash Lite is fairly unremarkable as backpacking stoves go. It has a push button piezo igniter which eliminates the need for matches or a lighter to light the stove. While these do break and stop functioning eventually, they can be replaced and are quite convenient when they work. The pot is small but has heat retention coils on the bottom which help improve the overall efficiency of the system and provide the stove with some wind protection. A small 110g gas canister will fit inside the pot with the stove, and the lid holds all of the components inside for easy transport. If there’s a limitation with the stove, it’s that it is nearly impossible to simmer with, which is a common fault of cooking systems like this which are mainly intended to boil water and not intended for heating anything up except hot drinks or thin soups. Part of the problem is that you simply can’t see the flame when the pot is locked into the pot stand that surrounds the stove and the other is that it goes out if you turn the stove down too low. If you want to cook pasta, like ramen noodles, your best bet is to boil your water and then let the noodles soak in the pot (see Forget Boiling: How to Cook Dried Pasta and Stretch Your Stove Fuel). Eating from the PotIf minimizing gear weight is a priority, you can discard the plastic cup and eat and drink from the cook pot itself. In my experience, the plastic cup is easy to crack, so you’ll end up eating and drinking from the pot sooner or later anyway. It’s also one less thing to wash and keep clean. The insulated cozy surrounding the pot has a fabric handle which is strong enough to hold the pot when contains hot liquid or food. However, it can also be a little tricky to disengage the hot pot from the stove/pot stand if you use the twist lock mechanism provided to lock the two together while cooking. I usually leave the pot deliberately unlocked, if a bit titled, so I can lift it off the combo stove/pot stand when my water has finished boiling. Likes
Dislikes
RecommendationThe Jetboil Flash Lite Personal Cook System (PCS) boils water quickly and efficiently for making hot drinks or rehydrating pre-packaged backpacking meals. It’s very compact, ultralight, and self-contained when packed with a small fuel canister, ideal for multi-day or weeklong backpacking trips. If you need to boil water for multiple people or want to be able to simmer more complex 1-pot meals, you’d be better off getting the 1.8L JetBoil Sumo or the 1.0L Jetboil Minimo. Disclosure: The author purchased this product with his own funds. See Also:
The post Jetboil Flash Lite Personal Cooking System Review appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/jetboil-flash-lite-personal-cooking-system/ Winter hiking and snowshoeing are great sports and provide a healthy way to get outdoors and experience the wilderness during the winter season. If you want to help encourage a friend or loved one to get out this winter and recharge in the great outdoors, here are some great gifts that will help them on their way! Hillsound Trail CramponsThe Hillsound Trail Crampons are a necessity for added traction when you’re out hiking on local trails or deep in the backcountry. Their heat-treated carbon steel spikes are strong and durable providing years of use. The elastomer harness ensures compatibility with most shoes and boots and make the Hillsound Trail Crampons easy to get on and off. Price $65Buy NowPatagonia Nano Puff Vest
An insulated vest is an ideal layer when winter hiking or snowshoeing because it provides freedom of motion for your arms, while keeping your core warm. The Nano Puff Vest is windproof and warm, made with 60g of Primaloft Gold Eco Insulation. With 55% post-consumer recycled content, it is the most thermally efficient synthetic insulation available today.
Price: $149Buy Men’s Buy Women’sVasque Snowblime Insulated Winter Snow BootsFrom fleece collars to snow-biting outsoles, Vasque’s Snowblime Insulated Winter Boots were developed specifically for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Insulated with 200g of Thinsulate polyester insulation, they’ll keep your feet dry and toasty down to 15-20 degrees. Their tough polyurethane-coated leather sheds wet snow while the molded rubber heel kick and toe rand provides advanced protection. Price: $150Buy Men’s Buy Women’sREI Alpine GaitersREI Alpine Gaiters are an excellent value and tough as nails for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Their water-resistant construction will keep your legs dry and warm when plowing through snowdrifts and down winter trails. Heavy-duty velcro front closures provide a secure and adjustable fit while hooks at the bottom assure compatibility with many kinds of boots. Price: $70Buy NowTSL Symbioz Elite SnowshoesTSL Symbioz Elite Snowshoes revolutionized winter hiking and snowshoeing with a flexible snowshoe frame that adapts to rugged terrain. Traction is provided by 8 replaceable spikes, lateral molded traction bars and a front point crampon made specifically for steeper ascents. Bindings are adjustable in both length and width to accommodate almost any boot size while an easy-ascent heel lift lies under the ratcheting heel piece and can be engaged using your snowshoe pole. Unisex. Price: $299Buy NowThe North Face Montana Etip Insulated GlovesThe North Face Montana gloves offer dexterity and warmth in snowy conditions, with Gore-Tex weather protection and Etip functionality that works on touch-screen devices. Water-resistant synthetic leather palms are soft yet extremely durable with high-pile fleece lining and synthetic insulation on the backs of ensure warmth. The removable Wrist Oven leashes provide extra warmth when combined with a hand warmer. Price: $70Buy Men’s Buy Women’sBlack Diamond Trail Trekking PolesBlack Diamond’s Trail 3-section poles provide patented FlickLock adjustability with zero-slip security. Simply flick the lock open, set the length and flick the lock closed—a quick, tight, and easily accomplished task, even while wearing winter gloves. Includes low-profile baskets for general use and powder baskets for use in the snow. Price: $100Buy Men’s Buy Women’sOsprey Kamber 32 Snow PackThe Osprey Kamber 32 Snow Pack is ideal for winter snow sports like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. It has internal reservoir pocket with insulated harness sleeve w/ an insulated hydration tube sleeve in the shoulder harness so you can stay hydrated in the cold winter air. Glove-friendly buckles and zipper pulls and a wet/dry gear division make it perfect for a wide range of winter adventures. Price: $170Buy NowReversible Polar BuffThe Polar Buff Can be worn as a neckliner, helmet liner, balaclava, mask, scarf, hood or hat to give you warmth where you need it, when you need it. One side is the covered with an original Buff while the other is covered with a layer of Polartec fleece to help minimize heat loss. Super warm and comfortable, the value of this item is its versatility in winter conditions. Price: $39Buy NowOutdoor Research Ascendent Insulated Hoodie JacketWear the light, warm and breathable Outdoor Research Ascendant insulated hoodie on its own when snowshoeing, or layered under a shell on a cold day. Insulated with Polartec Alpha, the Ascendent retains it’s warmth if it becomes damp, but will dry quickly because it is so breathable. Price: $215Buy Men’s Buy Women’sThermos Vacuum Insulated 32 Ounce Compact Stainless Steel Beverage BottleThere’s nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee or sweet tea on a cold winter hike. The light and compact design of the Thermos Stainless Steel Beverage Bottle keeps hot liquids hot for 24 hours. A built-in stainless steel cup lets you enjoy your beverage anywhere while the steel construction is easy to clean and stands up to hard use. Price: $27Buy Now
The post Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing Gift Guide appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/winter-hiking-and-snowshoeing-gift-guide-2017/ A cottage gear manufacturer is one that manufactures their own products, rather than outsourcing them to a contract manufacturer. In the backpacking industry companies like Mountain Laurel Designs, Tarptent, ULA, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Yama Mountain Gear, ZPacks, Elemental Horizons, and Superior Wilderness Designs design, fabricate or sew all of their own products in-house. Most of them also sell direct to consumers over the internet. There are some companies in the backpacking market, like Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs and Hennessey Hammocks, that were cottage manufacturers earlier in their history, but have since moved their manufacturing off shore to Mexico or Asia, in order to lower their costs and keep up with demand. They’re often grandfathered-in and referred to as cottage manufacturers, even though they’ve outgrown the label. In some ways, being a cottage manufacturer is a lifestyle choice. There are some companies that have resisted expanding their production capacity because they like things the way they are. Others prefer to put their time into new design innovation and marketing and are willing to outsource the production details to others. Advantages and Disadvantages for ConsumersThe upside of buying gear from a cottage manufacturer that makes their own products is that you can often have it customized for a small fee. The downside is you often have wait for several months to have your gear made, since many small manufacturers have such long backorder queues. These smaller companies don’t have the business experience or cash reserves to pre-buy large quantities of fabric or to hire and train part-time workers to help expedite orders during periods of high demand. Cottage companies also innovate much more quickly than larger companies because they don’t have to buy huge lots of materials in advance that they get stuck with if they make a change. While that can be good for consumers, you might not get the same product that your buddy bought 6 months ago. Not all innovations are “good ones”, if you follow me. One thing to watch for when buying products from cottage companies are their return policies and warranties. This isn’t REI. If it’s custom-made, you probably can’t return it if you don’t like it. If it’s not, the return policy is still going to be a lot more strict than if you buy it at a big retailer. Pay attention to this! The same holds for warranty guarantees. While most cottage companies will go out of their way to keep you satisfied if a product you’ve purchased fails catastrophically, they’re likely to charge you for any self-inflicted repairs. The upside of buying from a small manufacturer that offshores the manufacture of their products is that usually have more inventory available and can ship it out to you more quickly. The downside is that it’s strictly off the shelf, since they lack the ability to do any customization. Bigger Gear CompaniesSome cottage gear companies “grow up” and become industry giants, like Osprey Packs, Gregory Packs, MSR, and others. But in doing so they outsource most, if not all, of their manufacturing to others and run lean design and marketing staffs. They also stop selling direct and begin to sell through retailers, like REI, Backcountry.com, and others. For example, REI buys a huge lot of goods from these manufacturers, usually at a 50% discount, and then sells them to consumers at full MSRP. This results in much slower new product development cycles because retailers have to sell off old models before they can buy new ones. If a manufacturer were to release a new product before the old ones are sold out, their customers…the retailers, get screwed selling older model products at a discount. The upside for consumers is that REI and larger retailers will take product returns 6 months out, no questions asked, which is not an insignificant benefit. The downside is that their store staff usually lacks the expertise or motivation to make sure you choose the right gear and get fitted properly for your adventures. Can’t have it both ways. Visit the Cottage Gear Directory The post What is a Cottage Gear Manufacturer? appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/what-is-a-cottage-gear-manufacturer/ Elemental Horizons is a well-regarded cottage backpack manufacturer based in North Carolina with a small but loyal customer following. They’ve recently added XPac fabric as a material option to their backpacks, including the adjustable frame Kalais XT reviewed here. XPac is an ultralight waterproof laminate like cuben fiber (now called Dyneema Composite Fabrics), but slightly heavier and more durable, that can be sewn like conventional materials and doesn’t have to be taped together like DCF. Kalais XT Specs at a Glance
Internal Storage and OrganizationThe Kalais XT is an ultralight style roll top backpack with large side water bottle pockets, a long external stuff pocket. The main pack bag is a roll top with short strips of velcro at the top to hold it closed and a webbing stiffener to facilitate rolling it up. A single webbing strap runs over the roll top and connects to the top of the pack’s rear stuff pocket. The pack comes with two large, solid-faced hip belt pockets that close with zippers and can hold long objects like a Steripen or a collapsible camera tripod. The pockets are removable. They’re attached to webbing on the hip belt strap with plastic clips, but don’t move up and down the webbing or bunch (in an annoying way) because the clips are captured on the hip belt. If you remove the pockets, you can hang carabiners from the daisy chains underneath, which is handy for winter hiking or climbing. The side water bottle pockets are enormous and can easily hold 2 x one liter bottles. The pockets are slanted to make it easy to reach back and pull out or replace water bottles while wearing the pack. Both pockets have an elastic cord w/ cord lock on top so you can cinch them shut for more security. There are also drain holes at the base of the pockets. The long stuff pocket is made with a combination of Dyneema X in the center with a lightweight fabric mesh along the sides. I didn’t manage to destroy the mesh during testing, but it wouldn’t take much. If your interest in the Kalais XT is off-trail travel, I’d recommend requesting much stronger mesh as a customization or eliminating it altogether and opting for a solid Dyneema pocket. If you use a hydration reservoir, there are gear loops inside the pack bag to hang them from (anchored below a horizontal frame stay), but no separate hydration pocket or sleeve. A hydration hose can then be routed through holes above the shoulder straps. External Attachment and Compression SystemThe Kalais XT’s external attachment and compression system is pretty phenomenal. There are three tiers of side compression straps so you can compress a load or lash gear to the side of the pack. The Kalais XT isn’t a huge volume pack, but the added tier means that you can mix and match the straps, using a subset of the straps for compression and the rest to hold attachments, which is a nice perk if you carry tall skinny objects like an axe, paddle, skis, or rifle on your trips. But one of the things that sets the Kalais XT apart, are the number of reinforced gear loops arranged around the pack for lashing extra gear to the outside:
If you don’t need all these gear loops for your trips, they’re really quite harmless and don’t add any measurable weight to the pack. But if your trips involve carrying extra equipment for guiding, trail maintenance, fishing, hunting, winter hiking, or mountaineering, having them is priceless. Backpack Frame and Suspension SystemThe Kalais XT is an adjustable frame backpack, meaning that you can raise or lower the shoulder yoke to match your torso length and dial in a near custom fit. The height of the shoulder yoke is controlled by an adjustable webbing strap, while velcro panels behind the should straps hold the yoke to the pack and prevent any lateral slippage. The frame is a V-shaped stay that slots into the hip belt at the bottom, providing excellent load transfer to the hips. The V-shaped stay has a cross-bar at the top, for added stiffness, and provides an effective anchor for the pack’s load lifter straps. The hip belt is also available in multiple lengths and replaceable, so you can get the fit you need. The hip belt is 5 inches wide so there’s a lot of contact with your hips for effective load transfer. There’s a low profile lumbar pad that slots into a hip belt cutout over the frame stays so you can’t feel them, but doesn’t really add any noticeable padding over your lower back. The hip belt closes with a two tier strap so you can fine tune the hip belt fit at the top and bottom of the belt. The straps are pull-forward for mechanical advantage but connect at a central buckle so the webbing ends don’t hang in front of your zipper. It’s a great hip belt, actually. There’s a little slip with heavy loads when the spacer mesh padding in the hip belt compresses, but the hip belt won’t slip below your hip bones. The shoulder straps are lightly padded with spacer mesh and flexible, with load lifter straps. But there are no daisy chains on the shoulder straps to hang gear from, which I would ask for as a custom option, because I like hanging accessory pockets and navigation gear from them. RecommendationThe Kalais XT is a superlative ultralight style backpack with an adjustable torso length. It carries great, even with heavy loads, with a highly adjustable hip belt, huge side water bottle pockets, and a best-in-class external attachment system. Weighing 41 oz in a size medium, it is a substantial backpack by today’s UL standards, but the added weight of an XPac backpack (3 oz more than the regular Kalais) is well worth it if you’re rough on backpacks or hike off-trail through hell and back. The Kalais XT is also notable because it can be used as a 4 season backpack, equally suited for warm weather and cold, when having a waterproof pack with a flexible external attachment system is a real plus. Disclosure: The manufacturer supplied the author with a sample backpack for this review. See Also:
The post Elemental Horizons Kalais XT Backpack Review appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/elemental-horizons-kalais-xt-backpack-review/ Merrell’s Moab Polar Winter Hiking Boots have 400 grams of insulation and a wide front toe box that has plenty of room for your toes to splay out. They’re sized more like a regular three-season hiking boot and just come up over the ankles, unlike many insulated winter hiking boots that extend higher up your calves. This makes them easier to walk in and lighter weight, while helping to reduce excessive calf perspiration that can soak your socks when your calves are covered by an insulated boot and a high gaiter. The base of the Moab Polar is has a waterproof TPU rand that will keep you high and dry even if you’re splashing through slush and shallow stream crossings. There’s a burly toe cap up front and a reinforced heel cup for added protection. The tongue is gusseted to prevent water from getting inside the boots with a gaiter ring at the base of the laces. Metal speed hooks at the top of the laces provide solid purchase but there are no lace locks to prevent them from slipping while you tie your knot. The Moab Polar uppers are made with a waterproof breathable suede which is soft out-of-the-box but becomes buttery soft after 20 miles of walking. The interior lining is a soft, super warm fleece which helps eliminate any painful pressure points over the ankles. The width of the heel and midsole is a bit on the narrow side in a regular width but loosens up with use. Otherwise they’re true to size. The boots don’t provide much arch support, but the insoles are removable. I’ve replaced them with thicker Green Superfeet Insoles, which fit inside without any issues, in part because the front toe box is so high volume. The Moab Polars have a lightweight EVA midsole that provides extra stiffness and shock absorption. Dual density boot soles provide good traction on snow and in mixed conditions, but if you plan to walk on ice, I’d recommend wearing them with extra traction like a pair of Hillsounds or Microspikes. The rand is stiff enough to wear with spikes that have an elastomer harness without collapsing on top of your toes and potentially causing discomfort or blisters. With 400 grams of insulation, Merrell’s Moab Polar Boots are best worn between 15 degrees (above zero) down to 20 degrees below zero. If you wear them in warmer temperatures, you’re socks are likely to become noticeably damp with sweat. If you plan to hike and snowshoe in warmer temperatures, closer to freezing, I’d recommend getting yourself a pair of boots with 200 grams of insulation instead for better comfort. See Also:
Disclosure: Merrell provided the author a pair of Moab Polar boots for this review.
The post Merrell Moab Polar 400 Gram Insulated Hiking Boots Review appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog. from https://sectionhiker.com/merrell-moab-polar-400-gram-insulated-hiking-boots-review/ |
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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