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Category Archives: Gear Reviews
Gear Review Update: Ribz Front Pack
Ribz Front Pack
Pack
Ribz Front Pack
$60, 12.5 oz. (small)
Sizes: Small (fits waists 26-36 inches), regular (fits waists 32-46 inches)
ribzwear.com
The Ribz Front Pack won me over when I first started hiking with it more than a year ago because it keeps my DSLR, a second lens, and assorted smaller items in a readily accessible place: right in front of me. So it has replaced a bulky camera chest pack I had worn for years because it’s comfortable and holds more while being less obtrusive. I’ve carried the Front Pack on virtually every backpacking trip since. Now the newly updated version sports subtle but laudable design changes that actually improve upon a piece of gear that I considered nearly perfect before. Continue reading →
Gear Review: Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
Lightweight Boots
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
$170, 2 lbs. (men’s US 9/Euro 43)
Sizes: US men’s 8-12, 13, 14, women’s 6-11
zamberlanusa.com
Having hiked and backpacked all over America and the world, I’m convinced few places test a pair of boots—especially lightweight boots—like New Hampshire’s White Mountains. So to put these new mid-cuts through the ringer, I wore them on a recent 25-mile, overnight hut trip from Crawford Notch to Franconia Notch in the Whites—including one of the most rugged sections of the Appalachian Trail. And the Crosser Plus impressed me as highly supportive and tough for its weight. Continue reading →
Gear Review: Arc’teryx Envoy SS T-shirt
Arc’Teryx Envoy SS
T-shirt
Arc’teryx Envoy SS
$69, 5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
arcteryx.com
On a mid-May day of sport climbing at Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park, I was reminded of why I like wearing a T-shirt made of natural fibers instead of a synthetic: Aside from natural fabrics being environmentally friendlier than something based in petroleum products, they’re just more comfortable. This 56 percent cotton, 46 percent Merino wool tee feels soft against skin and has a casual fit that allows for completely unrestricted freedom of motion for climbing, hiking, running, or any other warm-weather outdoor activity. It also looks much better than, well, a garment made from petroleum products. Continue reading →
June 3, 2013
Ask Me: Advice on Buying a Lightweight Backpack
Hi Mike,
Any recommendations on a lightweight backpack for overnight to five-day trips?
Todd
McCall, Idaho
Gear Reviews: This Spring’s Top 20 (Okay, 21) Best New Outdoor Gear and Apparel
Arc’teryx Altra 65
Is it time you replaced that old backpack with something lighter and more comfortable? Do you need a rain jacket that weighs less than one of your low-cut hiking shoes, a wind shell that’s impressively breathable for trail runs or rides, or a sweet down jacket for yourself or your kid? How about putting your feet in some new hiking shoes or backpacking boots? Would you like to stop throwing away used batteries with a rechargeable headlamp that’s both ultralight and powerful?
Save yourself a lot of time researching the myriad options out there. Check out my reviews of the best new outdoor gear and apparel I’ve found and field-tested this year—so far. Continue reading →