Backpacking

Sunset above Buck Creek Pass, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington.

Photo Essay: A Year of Outdoor Adventures

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By Michael Lanza

A few weeks ago, as I hiked with my daughter up the steep Grandview Trail in the Grand Canyon, knocking off the last few miles of a three-day backpacking trip that had been wonderful on many levels, I was feeling awfully satisfied. For starters, through most of this fall, I’d had a bad itch to get out somewhere—and the Big Ditch, it turns out, is a pretty good place to scratch that itch. Plus, we’d just enjoyed three absolutely gorgeous, summer-like days of father-daughter time, and the company of two other families who joined us.

But seen from a longer view, returning to the Grand Canyon again felt like the perfect way to cap off another good year outdoors. In 2013, I got to seven national parks; five federal wilderness areas; an Idaho mountain range (the White Cloud Mountains) that might… no, should… become either federal wilderness or a national monument in the near future; and had the unforgettable pleasure of standing with my 12- and 10-year-old kids, my 15-year-old nephew, and my 76-year-old mom on the crater rim of Mount St. Helens.

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Exped Mira 2

Ask Me: Which Tent is Better, Sierra Designs Flash 2 or Exped Mira II?

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Hey Michael,

I saw that you subsequently reviewed the Sierra Designs Flash 2. Which of these tents are you packing now? For the Flash 2, with the side vestibules not touching the ground in areas, don’t you have trouble with sand and/or rain blowing in?

I have both tents sitting in my living room while I try to decide which to take on the Wonderland trail in a month.

Thanks!

Cheryl
(submitted as a comment at thebigoutside.com/gear-review-exped-mira-ii-tent)

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Ask Me: Got a Family Backpacking Tent Recommendation?

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Hi Michael,

We discovered your website about a year ago, and have loved getting inspired by your stories!

We have planned a family backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail this August, based on your past trip, and need to replace our old tent. Our kids are ages 8 and 10, and we need something that will fit the four of us, as well as being light enough to be reasonable to backpack with. We do trips regularly in the mountains around home (Aspen, CO) and in the Utah desert, in spring through late fall. Occasionally we’re out in snow, and sometimes amidst  serious bugs. Can you recommend anything in particular that you’ve tried and liked?

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Gunsight Pass Trail, Glacier National Park.

Ask Me: Advice on Buying Lightweight Boots

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Hi Michael,

I hope all is well with you. I talked to you a couple of months ago about winter packs and you were extremely helpful.

I need new boots for hiking/light backpacking, and I have a very high-arched foot and wear after-market insoles. My last pair of boots were Kaylands and they were incredible, but off course they stopped shipping to the USA.

I’m wondering which boot you think is better Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR or La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX?

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Jotunheimen National Park, Norway.

Ask Me: How ‘Waterproof’ Are Waterproof-Breathable Apparel and Boots?

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Can I sound off for a moment about Gore-Tex and other supposedly waterproof/breathable membranes? I’ve owned four pairs of boots, a running suit and a pair of gloves that have been Gore-Tex lined, and got wet in all of them. Not wet from sweat or water going over the boots, but wet from rain (soaking through) and in the case of the boots, even wet grass. I think Gore-Tex should change its slogan to Guaranteed to Keep You Dry—If It Doesn’t Rain. How can manufacturers make these waterproof claims? People’s lives can depend on their gear.

Thanks,

Dave
Worcester, Mass.

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