On a quest to create robust products that can keep up with the elements while maintaining a strong dedication to sustainability, Beaver Tail Outdoors has released their flagship product, BuzzTek Waxed Boot Laces. Designed to keep your “tail on the trail,” founder J.J. Krystopa claims his first pair have held a single knot intact for hundreds of miles across varied terrain. I was curious to test them myself, if not a tad skeptical.
Taking the laces for a hike! Alli is sporting 63” round boot laces and Donny is testing 48” flat laces. (If only paws needed laces... Otto insists on acknowledgement that he played a substantial role in testing by directing all our excursions.)
Shoelaces are often the unsung heroes of footwear (trust me, when your laces snap in the backcountry on a multi-day backpacking trip, you gain a new appreciation for them). Often overlooked in their ability to help achieve increased comfort and functionality, J.J. will admit it is difficult to market a product that is typically an afterthought to customers.
I have been testing BuzzTek laces for several months in the diverse terrain and conditions of Vancouver, British Columbia. My local trails are rugged and most often wet from rain or snow. Receiving lengths fit for both running shoes and hiking boots (with packaging worth a pretty picture to-boot!) I first put the laces on my go-to pair of boots for the season. I wear these whether I’m recreating outside, skipping to the grocery store, or heading to the ski resort. The laces have thus accompanied me on numerous snowy climbs, soppy dog walks, and hikes through wild coastal rainforest.
Regardless of whether you are walking, hiking, running, or lifting, in either trail runners or boots, there are numerous benefits to a quality lace. Compared to generic laces made from cotton, polyester, or nylon for most shoes, BuzzTek Waxed Boot Laces are made from high-strength paracord wax-soaked and infused with sustainably-sourced beeswax. They don’t feel like your typical lace because they aren't, and the rigidity of the laces are stiffer than what you might be used to. I would equate their flexibility parallel to that of a furry pipe cleaner: when you bend them, they hold their shape.
Flat Laces: Commonly seen on trail runners, sneakers, and gym shoes. Flat laces have a greater surface area, enhancing friction for more secure knots.
Round Laces: Typically found on hiking boots and work boots. Round laces, in general, are considered to be more rigid and durable, designed to withstand the tugging and pressure against rivets/eyelets when tightening and tying. As a thru-hiker, I would opt for the round laces, even on my trail runners.
Lengths: Selecting the correct length is key. There are three lengths available designed to fit the most common shoe types and sizes. Remember - you’ll only be tying a single knot, so there is no need to lean towards extra length. My boots (Women's size 9, with 7 pairs of eyelets) accommodated the 63” round laces perfectly. My runners (Women's size 9) accommodated the 48” flat laces well, with enough length to solely tie a small, single knot.
Color: Currently, six different color patterns are offered on GGG, with more on the way!
Price: In my cost analysis, I found that comparable laces on the market range from $5 - $15. BuzzTek laces top the chart in price, at $17. However, when I assess the cost in relation to quality and product details, the extra bucks are worth it in my opinion. These include…
Functionality: The importance of a proper ‘feet system’ should always be prioritized in any outdoor pursuit. I believe that adding BuzzTek laces could further raise the success of my personal system. There is long-term value in their functionality and dependability. I have more confidence in their ability to last in extreme and rugged conditions and in keeping my feet secure on large mile days.
Feel: The only minor aversion I have had to the laces in multi-month use was that the wax of the flat laces on my sneakers seemed to feel more ‘tacky’ than the round, boot laces. However, I attribute it to the authentic and organic manufacturing process of the product. I won’t be reverting to the original laces that came stock on my boots or runners, as I'll be utilizing BuzzTek laces on future thru-hikes.
Style: Not going to lie, I loved the look of my original, iconic red Danner laces. But there are lots of fun colors to choose from (The “turquoise flat” are my favorite - I hope to see the color in round laces!). I let J.J. send me the colors of his choice for testing and ultimately, I am happy with how the “laser tag” pattern looks on my boots.
Consumer & Company Benefits: The unique materials of BuzzTek laces are what make the difference - from the hive to the trails. Beavertail Outdoors gets their wax directly from a local honey producer, Queen of Hearts Honey. The profits from their dynamic relationship help towards the preservation of over two dozen bee yards across Pennsylvania. Additionally, Beaver Tail strives to honor the communities and people that make small business possible.
Overall, I recommend you take a step towards upgrading your “feet system” and try BuzzTek laces - a small investment that delivers both quality and a conscientious contribution towards our communities.
Alli is a freelance writer based in British Columbia, Canada. She humbly aspires to be a strong voice in the outdoor industry centered on inclusiveness for all bodies. Alli encourages all to be silly and simply take small steps towards their goals. Her wish is to spread awareness that you don't have to be an extreme athlete to have an extreme amount of fun. Aside from writing, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, trail running, and snuggling with her dog. Find Alli on Instagram, @bucketsofmoonbeams.
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When Jen Loofbourrow launched Alpine Fit in 2019 her goal was simple: create the perfect baselayer.
Not only did it need to be designed with comfort and functionality in mind, it needed to stand up to multi-day adventures (ie. pass the stink test) and provide inclusive fit options for every body size and shape.
Presenting Alpine Fit’s flagship, and easily most popular garments, the Rendezvous Ridge Long Sleeve baselayer.
Size: Women’s Medium
Fit: Azalea Fit
Weight: 5 oz.
Materials: Sterling™ fabric (69% recycled polyester, 17% Tencel® Lyocell, 7% ionic+® polyester and 7%% Lycra® spandex
Color: Winter Moss Green
Perhaps the most celebrated attribute of Alpine Fit is the fit! Since the brand’s inception, they offer twice the inventory to provide more comfortable, properly fitting garments with the aim of fitting every body shape and size.
“Most brands have just one shape, then scale it to other sizes,” Jen explained. “But there’s just so many body shapes out there, no matter the size.” Through research, personal experience, and lots of conversations, Alpine Fit is proud to offer twice the fit options in both women’s and men’s garments.
The website offers plenty of guidance and even a Fit Quiz when it comes time to choose a size and fit. When making the fit selection, there are two options in Men’s and two options in Women’s. I opted for the Azalea Fit to accommodate more volume in the bust and hips. As base layers should, the top still felt form fitting but provided just enough room around the wider areas of my upper half. Rest assured, Alpine Fit supports free returns and exchanges so you can ensure you’ll get the right fit for you.
Thin enough to layer but can definitely be worn on its own, the comfort of the Rendezvous Ridge is the result of a lot of R&D. Jen tapped into decades of education and experience in textiles to develop a special fabric they coined Sterling™. It’s quick drying, UPF 50+, and thanks to the silver fibers woven into it, it’s antimicrobial too. “The silver is in the fiber. It’s not a chemical, so it won’t wash out,” Jen said. “You can wear it and sweat in it for two weeks, and it’ll still be odor resistant.”
So far, Jen’s words and Alpine Fit’s promise hold true. After several continuous days of wear and zero washes, the base layer is easy to throw on again and again without unpleasantries.
While the neutral Winter Moss Green fabric doesn’t turn heads, the unique forearm embellishments sure do! I love the sprinkle of flare that makes the shirt stand out and uniquely Alpine Fit.
As if operating an apparel manufacturing business in the USA isn’t challenging and costly enough, the remoteness of The Last Frontier presents even more hurdles. Despite this, most of the cutting, sewing, finishing, and all of the fulfillment comes out of their Anchorage, Alaska warehouse. Like Alpine Fit, I too was born and bred in Alaska, and I can’t help but feel immensely proud of this woman-owned brand that gets to slap on that iconic “Made in Alaska” mother bear and cub logo I’ve grown to know and love.
It’s difficult to throw shade at this practically perfect baselayer! Fabric colors come and go, and currently Alpine Fit only offers two, Winter Moss Green and Misty Bering Sea Blue. It’s understandable why a modest sized brand remotely based in Alaska might not offer the entire rainbow, but I’d love to see some brighter and bolder colors in their palette.
Finally, I’d love to see the Rendezvous Ridges with thumb holes for additional warmth, protection, fit, and style.
The Rendezvous Ridge really is the ultimate year-round, go-to base layer. The wide variety of fit options and high tech fabric make it a winner no matter where your multi-day, possibly stinky, adventures take you. It performs exactly as a base layer should. The added benefit of supporting an Alaskan apparel manufacturer who values sustainability, domestic production, and inclusivity is just the cherry on top.
While the Rendezvous Ridge is easily Alpine Fit’s most popular garment, they make some fabulous accessories with just as much attention to quality, functionality, comfort, and fit...
Color: Chugach Dusk
Warm and stylish, Alpine Fit’s merino wool lined headband is made in house in Anchorage. The 100% ethically sourced merino wool pairs with a fun splash of colored, quick-drying recycled polyester. It’s slim, compact, and super functional. The stretchy fit promises to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and can be worn comfortably all day.
Color: Charcoal Grey - Miracle Fiber
No matter the season, no matter the adventure, there’s always a place for a neck gaiter. The Geo Merino Wool Neck Gaiter is made of 100% ethically sourced merino wool, is naturally antimicrobial and will easily accompany any outdoor wardrobe. Not a fan of merino wool? Try the Geo Neck Gaiter with the same qualities, only it’s made with Alpine Fit’s iconic Sterling fabric. Both options offer a flashy slice of colorful printed fabric. Wear it as headwear, face mask, balaclava, and more.
Color: Outer Coast Blue
Made in Anchorage of 100% double layer Merino wool, this is the ultimate take-with-you-everywhere hat. Just like the Rendezvous Ridge base layer top, it’s the perfect base layer for your noggin. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, and it’s worth noting Alpine Fit only sources from ethically produced, non-mulesed merino wool sheep. Functional for skiing, hiking, biking (perfect under a helmet!), camping, or while enjoying apres ski. Weighing in at 1.4 ounces, you can’t not take it with you.
Originally from Alaska, Maria currently resides in Montana with her husband, two young daughters, and chocolate lab named Echo. When she’s not chasing her kids or that next running goal, you can find her weekend-warrioring in the mountains or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
]]>I've been a cold soaking convert for the past couple of years, but when the opportunity came up to try out Itacate's new Latin-inspired backcountry meals, I just couldn't resist. I stashed away the three colorful packages of dehydrated meals in the bottom of my food bag, impatiently waiting to end a day of adventure with access to hot boiling water.
The timing could not have worked out better, when, after a particularly cold ride on a multi month bikepacking trip in the mountains of north Georgia, I ended up at a hiker hostel with everything I needed to make Mexican magic happen.
My frigid little fingers peeled open the hot pink satchel of Sunset Caldos, and I was immediately warmed up by the aroma of CDMX spices wafting up into my nostrils. Since the bags are not designed to be rehydrated in, I poured the hearty mix of rice, garbanzo beans, chayote squash, onions, spices and more into my collapsible Fozzils bowl and topped it with the suggested amount of boiling water.
I stirred it, covered it and let it sit for the prescribed time of 10 mouth watering minutes. When the timer rang, I dug right in and the result was heavenly. The complex, chipotle based broth was the perfect setting for this slightly spicy, full of flavor, vegetable laden, vegan stew.
The rice, beans and squash softened to just the right texture, and there were plenty of them in every bite. The hot broth warmed me from the inside, out and before long, my cheeks were rosy and my fingers had thawed.
Because I like to eat more than one item for dinner, I found the amount of food to be a perfect size serving that left me room to have another delicious dish : the Campsite Lentejas.
This lovely lentil soup was a great companion piece to the caldos, though I found that letting the lentils sit a little bit longer than the suggested 10 minutes made them less al dente, which is more to my liking. The serving size of the lentejas was super satiating, with a hearty heap of fiber filled goodness in every tomato based, cilantro punctuated, flavor packed spoonful.
Both the Campfire Lentejas and the Sunset Caldos come with little lime packets to zest up your meals, and while I did add a few shakes to each meal, I think they would be perfectly fantastic with or without the citrus addition. After filling my belly with these hot, healthy, hearty meals, I drifted off into a deep sleep and woke up feeling restored, rejuvenated and ready to ride once again.
Even though I didn't have my usual hungry morning belly, I knew I needed to feast on Itacate's Charge-Up Chilaquiles before hitting the road. Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast made of tortilla chips smothered in a spicy tomatillo salsa and topped with a protein packed ensemble of eggs, beans, and cheese.
The Chilaquiles were hands down my favorite meal of the three, most likely because I'm a big breakfast buff, although you could really eat these anytime! The softened tortillas were covered in melted cheese that melted in my mouth and tasted like they came straight out of a grandmother's oven instead of heated with hot water.
I love the way everything merged together into a heavenly breakfast bowl, yet somehow maintained their sovereign flavors and textures. I could have eaten two or three bright green bags of Charge-Up Chilaquiles, not because the serving size was small, but because they were so dang good. If this is what everyday starts like in Central Mexico, I'm packing my bike bags and pedaling further south! My partner, Mathieu, and I could not believe these delicious, nutritious, hearty and homemade tasting meals were once contained within a pre-packaged satchel of dehydrated food.
I found the Charge-Up Chilaquiles to be quick and easy to digest, no bloating, cramping or bean-based flatulence, (which can sometimes happen when I stack dehydrated meals back to back) and they held me over for a few solid hours of riding my bike.
Itacate, which is Nahuatl for "the food you bring with you on your journey" has earned its keep in my cupboard of dehydrated adventure provisions and more importantly, allowed us all to easily expand our access to cultural cuisine on backcountry outings.
Delicious
Nutritious
Satiating
Lightweight
Packable
Vegan/Vegetarian
Portion of proceeds to charity
Made in USA
Can't be rehydrated in the original packaging
Ingredients: Tortilla Chips (Stone Ground Corn, Canola Oil, Lime & Sea Salt), Beans, Egg, Queso Panela (Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Milk, Sea Salt, And Enzymes), Onion, Cilantro, Salt, Garlic, Chile De Arbol, Canola Oil. Contains Less Than 0.5% Of Vegetable Flavor Base (Salt, Sugar, Soybean Oil. Onion Powder, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Garlic Powder, Turmeric (Color), Spices, Carrot Juice Concentrate, Calcium Silicate (Anti-caking Agent), Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Citric Acid).
Contains: Egg, Milk
Serves 1
Single serving: 490 calories, 23g fat, 1230mg sodium, 55g carb, 17g protein
Weight: 4.0oz (net wt)
Cost : $12.49 USD
Ingredients: Rice, Garbanzo, Chayote Squash, Texturized Vegetable Protein (Defatted Soy Flour), Tomato, Onion, Chipotle Peppers (Wateer, Chipotle Peppers, Onions, Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Iodized Salt, Dried Peppers, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Spices), Chile Guajillo, Canola Oil, Salt, Garlic, Cilantro, Epazote. Contains Less Than 0.5% Of Vegetable Flavor Base (Salt, Sugar, Soybean Oil. Onion Powder, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Garlic Powder, Turmeric (Color), Spices, Carrot Juice Concentrate, Calcium Silicate (Anti-caking Agent), Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Citric Acid).
Contains: Soy
Serves 1
Single serving: 490 calories, 15g fat, 1550mg sodium, 69g carb, 16g protein
Weight: 4.0oz (net wt)
Cost : $12.49 USD
Ingredients: Lentils, Tomato, Potato, Onion, Canola Oil, Cilantro, Salt, Garlic. Contains Less Than 1% Of Vegetable Flavor Base (Salt, Sugar, Soybean Oil, Onion Powder, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Garlic Powder, Turmeric (Color), Spices, Carrot Juice Concentrate, Calcium Silicate (Anti-caking Agent), Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Citric Acid).
Serves 1
Single serving: 490 calories, 12g fat, 950mg sodium, 73g carb, 24g protein
Weight: 4.0oz (net wt)
Cost : $12.49 USD
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education, and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on Instagram at @thisisalibecker.
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A few years back my partner Mathieu and I decided to go stoveless on our backpacking and bikepacking adventures.
It took some creativity, but eventually we found a rotation of foods that we enjoyed eating, which were satiating and didn't have to be cooked or heated, or could be cold soaked.
Every so often, I would peer down the dehydrated foods aisle at an outdoor store, hoping to find a mouthwatering, prepackaged menu item that could be made by adding only cold water. Every time, my search came up short.
Until now.
DeliciOats is a delicious, nutritious overnight oat mix. To rehydrate simply add 8 ounces of unheated water to the pouch (though you can make it hot, too).
Dreamed up by Phillip Barker and his wife Jihye, each pouch of DeliciOats is mixed and packaged with love in a small commercial kitchen in Springville, Utah, not too far from the Wasatch Mountains.
The couple came up with five flavourful, well-balanced backcountry breakfast recipes — after taste testing hundreds of iterations and gathering feedback from food-loving friends and family.
As overnight oat aficionados ourselves, Mat and I were thrilled to pick up a variety pack of all five flavors to eat during a bikepacking trip in the Eastern United States.
The results? DeliciOats lives up to its name.
Each 156g/ 5.5oz pouch is packed with a perfect ratio of rolled oats, hemp and chia seeds, freeze dried fruits, spices, protein powders, Himalayan pink salt, and a blend of monk fruit and erythritol that provides a subtle sweetness.
All you have to do is open up the resealable satchel, pour in 8 oz of unheated water, give the contents a stir, then seal it back up and hit the sheets … err, umm sleeping quilt.
When you wake up in the morning … BOOM! Breakfast is served. No waiting, boiling, cooking or clean up required.
I was a big fan of the Sweet Strawberry, while Mat loved the Blueberry Vanilla, which makes sense as those are our preferred fruits. However, the Red Raspberry, Apple Cinnamon and Cherry Chocolate were all fabulous as well.
While each pouch is said to be two servings, we both ate a bag alone, and thought we would have liked a little bit more (probably because it was so dang tasty and also because our ‘bikepacker hunger’ was in full force).
However, we found ourselves to be well fueled for our morning shift, riding a few hours on hardfought rollercoaster roads with fully loaded touring bikes.
The pouch is short and wide, making it easy to eat, especially with a long handled spoon. The inside surface is smooth and no oat mix gets stuck in the corners, so you're sure to soak up every bite.
While the bag itself isn't compostable or recyclable, I do like that it's resealable. You can rinse and reuse it (which we did with our own oat mix afterwards) or use it to stash your trash until the next dumpster.
While the serving size is going to be more than enough for most people, I would love to see it offered in two sizes, so I could really load up on those mornings when I need the extra fuel.
Ingredients: (Red Raspberry) Gluten-Free Rolled Oats, Peanut Flour, Monk Fruit Blend (Erythritol, Monk Fruit Extract), Organic Chia Seeds, Freeze Dried Raspberries, Organic Hemp Seeds, Cinnamon, Pink Himalayan Salt.
Calories: Single serving: 270 calories, 7g fat, 230mg sodium, 50g carb, 13g protein
Weight: 5.5oz (net)
Cost: $8.99 USD
One of my favorite things about these oat soaks is Phillip's passion behind the product, his desire to add value to everyone's adventures, and his mission to use good food to help us increase our mental and physical resilience, what he calls 'growing our light’.
Whether you're a cold soaker or a hot food fan, you are likely going to love the taste, convenience and energy boost that comes with every bag of DeliciOats!
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
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I had been waiting for the perfect time to eat my RightOnTrek Meals. I was solo traveling with three big meals: Hearty Beef Bolognese, Backcountry Chili, and the award-winning Bechamel Style Mac and Cheese. I knew they promised big flavors and hearty portions.
I hopped into an old, turquoise, Toyota Paseo that my grandma had once owned and drove 14.5 hours from Sioux Center, Iowa to Chama, New Mexico, to see my friends at Tumble On Outfitters, a cottage brand run by CDT thru-hikers.
On this particular trip we hiked around Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keefe’s old southwestern painting grounds. The day after that desert adventure, we sat down to have some Bolognese for dinner.
I noticed two things during the cooking process. First, these recipes do well at setting you up for success. In terms of ease, the process treads a line between simple cooking and quality. All you need to do is add water, but the multi-step cooking process does open the door for personalization in a new, exciting way. We’ll talk about that more later.
Second, the backpacking meal was ready fast. Once the water was boiled, it felt like 5 minutes until we were eating, although it was probably more like 10.
It’s a sign of our lowered expectations when it comes to backcountry meals, the way Tumbles and I dug in and said, “Wow, it’s actually spaghetti bolognese, and that’s huge.”
It’s almost relieving to know that this is possible in dehydrated meals. Most such meals I’ve had in my backpacking career have ended as some form of soup. RightOnTrek Meals piqued my interest with my first tasting. I was impressed.
Now, Tumbles and I were splitting a two-person portion of the Bolognese. We had been pretty inactive that day, working behind a sewing machine and computer, respectively, but we also hadn’t eaten much, so we were pretty hungry. We were still a little hungry after the Bolognese, to the point where we were ready to start cooking again right away.
Knowing ourselves and our voracious appetite for calories while thru-hiking, we concluded that one of us, alone, would have almost been able to finish the two-person portion on trail. However, it would not have quite been enough to split, especially if we were in the midst of hiker hunger.
We’re both around six feet tall and good eaters, and I do think for smaller hikers or hikers with less intense appetites, a two-person meal would easily satisfy two people. For us, we would need to include some accoutrements, maybe makeshift garlic bread.
RightonTrek has eliminated plastic from their packaging by using a bio-based material derived from tree pulp. That means it is a renewable resource separated from the petrochemical industry and is not part of the human food supply market like the corn and sugarcane based materials.
The backpacking meals also come in packages portioned for groups of two or four, versus single portions, which further cuts material waste.
The packaging felt sturdy enough, and didn’t tear even with all my shoving into various bags, so I could lay the durability worry to rest.
One of the things with RightOnTrek backpacking meals is that you don’t just cook them in their packaging, because their packaging is not made of plastic, nor aluminum-lined.
I mentioned at one point to Tumbles, talking about how good the food is, “you just have to wash your pot.”
“No, you don’t…?” he replied. He was referencing how rarely we used to actually wash out pots, thru-hiking. The reality is, we ate plenty of meals on trail, like Kraft mac and cheese or Knorr sides, that you have to cook in your pot, and it’s not that big of a deal. You either drink some food-water at the end, wipe it out somehow, or just cook last night’s meal into tonight’s meal. It’s not actually much of a downside.
Feeling hungry, and ambitious, we fired up the stove again. I had high expectations. Finally, I could dig in to the award-winning mac and cheese I’d been staring at for weeks.
When Tumbles and I hiked the CDT in 2021, he pretty much only ate mac and cheese for dinner, all the way from Wyoming to the northern terminus. His resupplies were just four boxes of mac and cheese. He tried to be healthy in other ways, but mac and cheese was his dinner from the Great Divide Basin and up.
I told him that as my hiking buddy, this and other stories about him would come up throughout my writing career, but they’d all be flattering. “I don’t know how that could possibly be true,” he said.
Once again, cooking up the RightOnTrek Bechamel Mac and Cheese was easy. The directions were clear, and it was all done quickly. It would’ve been done even more quickly if we hadn’t stopped for a brief photoshoot with the sunset and my grandma’s old car.
There was plenty of cheese sauce, and it was bright and full-bodied. We knew immediately, upon adding the cheese powder, that they weren’t messing around. If the preparation had stopped there, we would have been in for a fantastic meal. It didn’t, though. We added the spice packet and its dried herbs.
My notes from that moment say: “Those herbs? Nuh-uh. So good.” Tumbles mentioned that any herb and spice addition would be good, but these are good. The final verdict? It’s clear why this mac and cheese has won awards. It deserves every accolade.
We didn’t break into the RightOnTrek Backcountry Chili for another two days, as we were waiting for our friend Janis Joplin to come back from a film shoot in Oaxaca. We decided to do this one with all the fixin’s and make a real meal of it.
For the third time, the actual preparation process for these RightOnTrek Meals was remarkably easy. It’s indicative of really clever meal construction on the manufacturing side.
Finishing with a bang, our spread included: Hawaiian rolls, homemade guacamole, chips with a hint of lime, and store-bought pulled pork. Frankly, we outdid ourselves.
All the add-ons certainly made for a hearty, delicious meal. Even so, I have to shine some light on the chili itself. It had a fantastic flavor profile and composition before we added anything, and it would certainly have made a great standalone meal.
A local named Jeff stopped by, and we ended up feeding four people with the Backcountry Chili as our main attraction. We finished our meal, stomachs full, smiles wide.
Matthew Kok is an essayist, a poet, a traveler, and absolutely in love with the world outside. They are currently operating out of Manapouri, a little town in Aotearoa–South Island, New Zealand. You can find them curled up with Stormy the housecat or cooking up big, elaborate breakfasts late in the morning. You can also find them on Instagram at @matt.kok
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In the world of lightweight backpacking gear, the Cliffrose 55 Liter Backpack made by Virga is highly innovative and functional, while never compromising on comfort or durability.
Engineered to conquer rugged trails and ambitious backcountry journeys, this pack seamlessly merges 63 liters in load-hauling capacity with a multitude of features. It caters to the needs of thru-hikers, backpackers, day hikers, and adventurers alike. Humor me as I delve into what makes the Cliffrose pack a trailblazer in its category.
The Cliffrose has a tubular aluminum full box frame. The pack comfortably carries up to 40 lbs over extended distances, and can even manage 50 lbs for shorter hauls. This is one of its main selling points. The frame ensures that even at 50 lbs, the backpack remains unfazed and shows no signs of flexing.
The Cliffrose offers a total of 63 liters in load-hauling capacity. The main body is 50 liters, while external pockets offer an additional 13 liters of volume. Virga also has some add-ons you can clip to your straps for smaller water bottles or your phone/ electronics.
The tall side pockets on the Cliffrose pack are perfect for tents, 2L Platypus water reservoirs, shoes, bags of chips, oars/ paddles, etc. I use the extra tall side pockets for my 48 oz Silo Nalgene bottles — and was thrilled to find that when I took off my pack, or bent over to grab things from the ground, my bottles remained snugly in the pockets.
The Virga’s 27 attachment tabs seriously elevate your gear-hauling potential. Whether it's trekking poles, skis, fishing poles, or packraft paddles, this backpack provides the flexibility to carry necessary equipment with ease. Cordage options on the side and front further expand attachment possibilities, accommodating items like paddle blades, rain jackets, and more.
The rugged trails and abrasive surfaces of outdoor environments demand gear that can take a beating. The Cliffrose backpack steps up to the challenge with its double-layer bottom. Crafted to withstand sandstone, granite, and limestone, this backpack proves its mettle in durability.
Weighing 31 oz to 37 oz (1.9 lbs to 2.3 lbs), depending on pack size and optional pockets, the Cliffrose epitomizes modern gear innovation. Built for thru-hiking and multi-sport enthusiasts, its feather-light design doesn't take away from its strength or endurance.
Noteworthy among the Cliffrose’s features is its ability to transform from a spacious gear carrier to a sleek, tidy 30-liter profile. By simply rolling down the pack to the top of the shoulder straps, I’m able to achieve a streamlined design that's perfect for when I need to travel light or navigate tight spaces. I love having one pack that can do it all — it’s not too bulky to use on a day hike or for a quick overnighter.
Endurance on the trail necessitates a backpack that never hampers my pace or leaves me with lingering discomfort. The Cliffrose excels in this aspect with its innovative hanging hipbelt and articulating shoulder straps.
The adjustable shoulder strap attachment points are further proof of Cliffrose's thoughtful design. The shoulder straps, ingeniously designed to attach right at the top of my (or anyone’s) shoulders, ensure an ergonomic fit that minimizes strain during long treks. This really enhances my overall comfort and contributes to a more natural carrying experience. This deliberate design alleviates pressure points and ensures that my focus remains on the trail ahead.
Crafted from 3lb Evazote foam, the backpack's padding further guarantees comfort. This foam not only cradles my back, but also withstands the wear and tear of demanding outdoor adventures.
I must reiterate that I really love the ergonomic design of the Cliffrose. I’d say this is one thing that sets it apart from the competition. Its pack shape leans toward the body, promoting a more natural and balanced carrying experience, like your best friend giving you a hug. This design not only amplifies the comfort level, but also contributes to the overall stability of the backpack, especially in tricky trail spots.
Further enhancing comfort, I was able to custom order my hip belt from Virga, sized specifically for my pudgy waistline.
This rucksack-style pack is a lightweight marvel. With its durability, comfort-focused design, and impressive load-hauling capabilities, this pack is a true companion for those who seek adventure without compromise. From rugged terrains to long-distance thru-hikes, the Virga Cliffrose 55L is poised to become your go-to pack.
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking in Northern California and taking photos of many tree-covered hillsides. She was born and raised in Mt Shasta, CA at the base of a 14,163’ mountain. She is currently working with her husband on creating an off-grid lifestyle on 2.5 acres just a few miles from where she started life, 36 years ago.
After 200+ nights spent camping in my Zpacks Free Trio, I can comfortably say that it is the single greatest tent I've ever owned.
Sure, it’s spacious, easy to set up and take down, has an aesthetically pleasing shape, is human-made in the USA, and provides great shelter from those formidable mosquitos. But there are five additional performance features that really make it shine.
While you can't technically call a sewn shelter waterproof because of the micro holes made for the thread to pass through, I can say that in multiple days of consistent, heavy rain, the Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) used to create my Zpacks Free Trio has never let any moisture in.
Every seam is sealed, every point of attachment is reinforced and sealed, and the bathtub-style floor has such a deep, stable, and well thought out shape that even that one time when I mistakenly set my tent up at the bottom of a concrete slope in the pouring rain and woke up in 2 inches of standing water, not a drop got in.
When it rains sideways, I batten down both doors so the inside stays dry, then fasten the flaps with the toggle to keep things snug and quiet. The purposeful space between the bottom of the doors and the ground allows air to continue flowing through the tent, mitigating condensation even when the flaps are closed down.
My Zpacks shelter is highly water resistant, yes, but it still gets wet in the rain or dew. However, it doesn't absorb the water, meaning you can wake up, tear down the shelter, and shake off most of the moisture.
Cue angelic music.
If you leave it out in the sun or wind, or simply set it up in the air to dry, it takes mere minutes to get rid of any clinging drops both inside and out. Magic!
If you don't have time to let it dry in the morning, at least it isn't heavy, soggy and saggy like other tents that absorb water and add extra poundage. There’s also always the option of using a PackTowl or bandana to wipe condensation and other moisture off the shelter.
I've owned a lot of tents, but I've never had one that was so spacious and yet so light at the same time.
Weighing in at 2.165 lbs / 34.6 oz, the Free Trio is one of the lightest 3-person tents on the market. Need I say more?
Spacious, lightweight and compact, the Zpacks Free Trio rolls up into a cylinder that's 7” in diameter and 13” in length. It easily stuffs into any ultralight backpack or bikepacking handlebar harness with plenty of room to spare.
The nature of DCF is that it's highly compressible, folds up easily, and gets these really cool creases in it that I like to think of as adventure scars. Just don't try to be a hero and pack it down as absolutely tight and small as humanly possible. It's not good for the tent.
Ultralight gear doesn't always have a great reputation for being durable, but this Zpacks DCF shelter has blown my expectations out of the water.
I've set it up well over 200 nights without a footprint, and while I aim to select surfaces that aren't rocky or rough, sometimes that's just not possible. It's seen its fair share of sharp rocks, pointy twigs, gravel, limestone, and abrasive sand pitches, all without any signs of wear and tear on the bottom floor.
The mesh has held its shape with only two tiny holes, both of which were easily repaired with fun Gear Aid patches. The zippers are still running as smooth as butter.
I'm hard on things and this tent has been easy on me.
Somewhere around the 200th night of setting up my shelter, one of the ends on a carbon fiber pole broke. The UL gods must have been looking out for me, because there was a broken carbon fiber arrow shaft left for dead at the very primitive campsite where I was staying. I tied it to my broken pole with a piece of cord, which worked as the perfect brace.
When I reached out to Zpacks customer service the next day, they responded within hours, shipping a loaner set out to my next destination. They also provided a return shipping label so I could send my tent poles back and have them fixed at their warehouse.
The replacement poles showed up within 24 hours of my request (they got to town before I did!) and my poles were fixed within a week (and shipped out with a new stuff sack!)
Their customer service was fast, friendly and outstanding. I felt super taken care of.
After all of this hype, I have to tell you that Zpacks just sold out of the Free Trio and will no longer be manufacturing this fabulous tent.
HOWEVER . . . they have something even more brilliant coming down the pipe that will launch in early 2024. Their new ultralight shelter shares a lot of the same amazing performance features as the Free Trio, and has quite a few noteworthy updates too! Stay tuned.
In the meantime, the good news is that ALL Zpacks shelters share the same performance features — highly water-resistant, quick drying, ultralight, packable and durable — and come backed by outstanding customer service with a super solid two year warranty program. Even better, Zpacks most popular shelters are available on GGG, including their new Duplex Zip.
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
]]>The Meadowlark 30 in its home, among wildflowers and snow. Even though this was taken in July, there was plenty of snow in the mountains of Colorado. Admittedly, the ice ax was a tad overkill.
I feel like we are in the Frameless Pack Golden Age. If you are looking for a very specific niche in an ultralight backpack, chances are that there is a cottage brand out there that already makes what you want. What if there was a pack that could organize your gear and keep everything you want within arm's reach? Look no further than the Meadowlark 30 from Neighborhood Packs.
Testing Locations: the Colorado Elk Range, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Arizona White Mountains, and the Coconino National Forest.
Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/wrya7k
Specs:
I tested the Meadowlark 30 pack in a variety of environments and weather conditions. Also pictured is the Town Shirt Sun Hoodie.
The Meadowlark 30 has six different places you can store and organize your gear. You have two side pockets, a front pocket, the main compartment, a bottom pocket, and a unique extra small pocket on the front.
Hayden designed the bottom pocket for small pieces of gear, such as your headphones, gloves, whistles, and the like. Most people are used to using the bottom pocket for food, but Hayden found that his food would get crushed from being placed on the ground.
Neighborhood Pack's unique extra small pocket on the front for snacks.
The other small pocket on the front side is where snacks are stored. I never found it too hard to reach for a snack despite my T-Rex arms. You could walk from before dawn to well past dusk, and never have to stop. Believe me, I’ve done it. All of the options the Meadowlark 30 sports for storage help you stay organized, no matter the occasion.
Here’s the Meadowlark 30 from the front and back. You can see all of the different attachment points: webbing, daisy chains, and mesh pockets. You could even use the daisy chain to attach a shoulder pocket, but I didn’t feel the need to add one; I just clipped my Garmin in.
Ultragrid came on the market within the last few years. Made with recycled materials, Ultragrid is durable and abrasion resistant. It is also a bit lighter (3.9 oz sq/yd.) than the older Dyneema X Gridstop (4.3 oz sq/yd.); yet is heavier than the DCF (2.92 oz sq/yd) and Ultra 200 (3.5 oz sq/yd), which are the two fabrics most commonly used in ultralight packs these days.
Ultragrid has a PU coating on the backside of the fabric face, so its “waterproofness” is limited (1500mm HH vs. Ultra 200’s 5000mm HH). Even so, it can take a beating, helped along by fully taped seams. Whether catclaw or scree, or the regular wear and tear of everyday life on the trail, the Meadowlark 30 had no problem keeping my gear dry during consistent downpours.
Ultra Mesh is a great complimentary fabric to the main pack body. It is highly durable, and won’t stretch over time. After a full season's worth of abuse, I don't see a snag in any of the mesh. The Meadowlark 30 is definitely a ‘cry once, buy once’ pack.
We’ve got slot canyons in Arizona too! And the Meadowlark 30 handled them just fine.
Because of the plethora of features and pockets, as well as the generous extension collar on the Meadowlark 30, it's a bag that can do it all. I’ve taken it peakbagging, on day hikes, as a travel pack, on overnighters, and on backpacking trips up to five days long.
If you can only have one bag in your arsenal, and you have an ultralight baseweight, the Meadowlark 30 could be your end-all-be-all pack. Just roll the collar to the desired volume, cinch down the many compression straps, and get walking.
Hayden embodies why cottage gear can be superior to the classic main brands. While both worlds can provide good customer service, working with a cottage brand can feel more intimate. You can often find yourself collaborating one-on-one with the creator of the gear you’re using on trail. It’s that extra attention that can take a customer experience from “good” to “exceptional.”
After getting a hold of the Meadowlark 30, I had some questions for Hayden. He was very generous with his time, and extremely thoughtful and helpful with his suggestions. As a result, I had a phenomenal first trip with my pack. As time passed, I began to have trouble with the pockets (more on that below). Hayden was empathetic, and took my feedback very seriously.
Hayden puts the neighbor in Neighborhood Packs.
You can see how big the extension collar can get. I was able to fit nearly a week’s worth of food and gear into my Meadowlark 30 pack.
I’ll preface this section by noting I received a tester pack for this review that was from Neighborhood Packs' inaugural batch. The pack did fall short in some places for me, which I’ll address here.
Hayden has taken the feedback from every single one of his customers very seriously. As you'll read, he has already addressed most of the issues I had with my first generation pack; and he’ll be addressing the rest in future iterations of the Meadowlark 30. As stated earlier, the level of customer service is substantial.
Here are some of the issues that Hayden has already addressed:
The Meadowlark 30 is comfy to wear. It carried 25 pounds really well.
Drain holes on a backpack’s side pockets are such a common feature on modern packs, ultralight or not, that I initially didn't notice my Meadowlark 30 didn't have any. Every, and I mean EVERY, trip I've been on since April has dumped rain on me (occasionally even hail, yay!). I noticed pretty quickly, while in the field, the complete lack of drain holes.
The side pockets would collect a comical amount of rain, which I would then have to dump out at every break. The ‘rainwater collection barrel’ side pockets quickly became a nuisance. Luckily for you, this is one of the first changes Hayden made to his packs, and now all Neighborhood Packs do have drain holes in the side pockets.
There are all kinds of hidden gems around Coconino National Forest. Here’s the Meadowlark with about three days of food, and plenty of room to spare.
The shock cord on the side pockets is something I brought to Neighborhood Packs' attention, and it seems like I may have not been the only one. On one fateful trip, I took a nasty spill on a wet boulder, at a raging waterfall, after a nice monsoon shower. It was a perfect accident waiting to happen, and I lost one of my water bottles, as well as other pieces of gear (more on that later). There was plenty of water to be had in these mountains, but I had essentially just halved my total water capacity in one moment.
Right now, the side pockets on the Meadowlark 30 can be cinched looser or tighter with a piece of shock cord and a toggle. At face value, that is a great feature. You can easily adjust how secure or accessible your items in the side pockets can be.
However, it’s easy for the shock cord to loosen up by itself over the course of just a few hours. You have to readjust the toggle constantly if you want the pocket to stay tight. To be clear, this problem is not specific to Neighborhood Packs; it’s a flawed feature present in many packs across the industry. The Meadowlark 30 isn’t even the only pack in my closet with this bug.
Despite having arms shorter than the length of a gerbil, I still found it easy to access both of the small pockets that had my most used items and food.
After talking with Hayden, it seems he’s wanted to redesign the sidepockets for a while now. Although he would hate to lose how adjustable the side pockets are currently, and how easy it is to replace the hardware, in future redesigns, he wants to integrate thicker shock cord into the top of the pockets. Moving the shock cord internally would cause less wear on hardwear, and keep consistent high tension to the top of the side pockets, firmly securing all items.
I feel like I might be beating a dead horse here (a real shame, considering my namesake), but I had the misfortune of losing items from all three of the mesh pockets on different occasions throughout the past year — from tasty snacks falling out of my bottom pocket, to sunscreen and chapstick dislodging from my other small mesh pocket. During that fateful fall I took by the waterfall, when my water bottle got lost, my headlamp also fell out of the main front pocket.
A light source is one of the ten essentials for the outdoors, and I was now without one. I could have used my phone in a pinch, but it felt unsafe to be in the backcountry without a proper light source. Especially with a new moon. I was too far from the trailhead to turn around and make it back before twilight, so I made camp and hoped for a serene night (everything turned out fine).
It was a frustrating experience on many different levels. Not only did I now have to replace all this gear I lost, a small price in the grand scheme of things, but I had to end this particular backpacking trip three days early.
Pretty soon after releasing the first batch of Meadowlarks, Hayden received feedback stating similar problems, so he has since redesigned the mesh pockets. The ends of all the mesh pockets are now folded four times, to keep your items secure.
The Meadowlark 30 is a versatile ultralight frameless pack that can handle everything from day hikes to extended backpacking trips. With every generation, the cottage-made pack gets better and better.
Thanks for reading : )
Rafael is a freelance writer and adventurer based in the Mountain West. You can find him trail running, backpacking, or sampling the best tacos during his free time. Follow all of his adventures over on Instagram, or read more of his work over on his website.
I, too, have unfortunately been a disciple of the ‘Trash Bag Pack Liner,’ ever since my 2019 PCT hike. Once my pack cover broke, it was just the easiest option, for better or for worse. I even remember a friend telling me, two years later on my second thru-hike, that I might as well just buy a pack liner at this point. They were right, but it took me a while to get around to it.
I’ve been using the Alpine Gremlins Dyneema Pack Liner for a few months now, and it’s permanently filled that role in my gear setup. It’s a relief, not having to worry nearly as much about puncturing this layer that’s designed to keep my gear, and therefore me, warm. It feels good, as always, to remove single-use plastic in my outdoor gear, too. I could have saved several garbage bags from landfills if I had made this switch earlier. I’ll take you through my experience so far.
There’s a reason Dyneema has been such a revelation for the ultralight backpacking community. It’s hard to argue with results, and such a lightweight, durable material works perfectly as a pack liner. Holding the liner, I get the feeling I could puncture it if I tried hard enough. Then I think about the fact that it’s 15 times stronger than steel at the same weight, and I’m actually not sure. Still, I decided not to test this too aggressively. That said, as I push my bag of tent poles and stakes into the liner, which in the past has had enough concentrated force to rip garbage bags, the Dyneema holds up exquisitely. I’ll be keeping an eye on the stitching, though, knowing that’s where Dyneema is likely to fray first.
Because the Alpine Gremlins Pack Liner is made from Dyneema it’s ultralight. Size small, with a volume of 25-50L, weighs 0.67oz (19g), while the medium, with a volume of 50-75L, weighs 0.8oz (23g). I tested the size small, but would recommend medium for most hikers. More on that below!
I found myself living in what may be the perfect place to test a pack liner — Fiordland, in the south of New Zealand. Fiordland has about 200 rain days a year on average, and annually, 7 meters or around 23 feet of rain. It’s the same rule for any plants, animals, or people that are going to live here — you’ve got to be able to handle the wet. On one hiking trip, I ran into the president of the Christchurch Tramping Club. He professed that most members of his club were “candy floss trampers,” the kind that fall apart as soon as it rains. He felt we ought to be a little more hardy, and that applies to gear as well, I suppose. The Alpine Gremlins pack liner has been holding up well.
Ironically, the first hike I took my new liner on was a clear day. The only testing that happened then was when I put my pack down in a snowdrift. I picked it up later to find the bottom soaked, but everything inside was still dry.
The first real test that I put the Alpine Gremlins liner through was a hike on the Hollyford Track to Hidden Falls Hut. It was forecast to rain all day. We started out fully suited up, and a moderate rain fell on us as we went. It seemed to lighten up, though, so I got cocky and delayered. Of course, after a couple minutes enjoying nothing but a little drizzle with my rain jacket strapped to the top of my pack, it began to really rain again. At that point, I didn’t feel like stopping, and since I knew we’d reach a backcountry hut in the next hour or so, I let my body and the outside of my pack get wet … while the gear inside my pack, tucked in the Alpine Gremlins liner, stayed nice and dry.
Perhaps the biggest test on this hike was not the rain but Hidden Falls itself. They really were hidden away, and as we followed a side trail to get a closer look, the mist from the falls became a cloud that we had to walk through. Standing to watch the falls, I was quickly soaked, and could only keep my phone out for a quick, mediocre picture:
When we made it to the hut not long after, the results were fairly clear. The Alpine Gremlins liner passed with flying colors. My gear, my food, and my ludicrous amount of luxury items for a single night trip were all dry.
Some weeks later, as spring was supposedly coming to New Zealand, I went for another hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a beautiful yet exposed hike through relatively fresh volcanic terrain. One of the main attractors for this hike is Mt. Ngauruhoe, a volcanic cone sacred to Māori. You may recognize the peak from the Lord of the Rings movie, in which it’s depicted as Mt. Doom. While I had hoped to catch a glimpse of it, it wasn’t meant to be, as the weather was fairly unfriendly.
This at least taught me that the liner holds up well against snow, too. As I made my way up, rain fell until it eventually turned into snow blowing around me. It was beautiful in the end, if unpleasant. Later, after I got near the high point and turned back for fear of the weather worsening, I was pelted in the face with sleet, as I crossed a plateau at high elevation. My rain jacket and my liner both did their jobs perfectly, though. I found myself back at my car with a dry torso, and the contents of my pack much the same.
Years ago, when I purchased my pack, I made the mistake (in my opinion) of getting a cinch-top instead of a roll-top. It doesn’t affect the function of my pack much, since I’ve always just strapped my foam pad on top or had my rain jacket or my rain pants covering the hole where moisture could potentially seep in.
I had hoped, with the Alpine Gremlins pack liner, to be able to twist and tuck away excess Dyneema, eliminating the possibility of moisture making it in through the top. I’ve found that when I’m fully loaded up, since my liner is approximately the same size as my pack, there’s not quite enough excess material for that. Of course, this isn’t a design flaw, just a consideration when purchasing. If you’re debating the size you want to pick up — the Alpine Gremlins liner is available in both small and medium — I would say opt up for the larger option. That said, it still functions like a dream for me, and after a day or two of eating my food, I am able to twist and tuck the top of the Dyneema liner to perfection.
The Alpine Gremlins Dyneema Pack Liner has become a mainstay of my setup, and the thing I’m most grateful for is the peace of mind. There was always a part of me that felt my makeshift trash bag liners weren’t completely secure; and with the amount of holes they developed especially along the sides, I was right. I would always wait too long to replace them, and would have to either choose between using more plastic or having imperfect waterproofing. The extra durability of the Dyneema removes that anxiety. I’m now able to relax a little more in the rain.
Matthew Kok is an essayist, a poet, a traveler, and absolutely in love with the world outside. They are currently operating out of Manapouri, a little town in Aotearoa–South Island, New Zealand. You can find them curled up with Stormy the housecat or cooking up big, elaborate breakfasts late in the morning. You can also find them on Instagram at @matt.kok
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The newly released ⅓ Zip Alpha® Direct Pullover by Vado Apparel landed in my lap at just the right time, with evening lows dipping to 39°F and brisk mornings taking longer to warm up than those dog days of summer.
As I crest the 3,600 mile mark of a multi-month bikepacking trip along the Eastern Divide Trail, I find myself in the deep, dark woods of the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina — donning my Vado ⅓ zip Pullover as part of my daily routine.
The handcrafted pullover is made from Polertec's patented Alpha ® ️ Direct fabric, which is soft, fuzzy, comfortable, lightweight, extremely breathable and highly compressible. The lofted fiber regulates body heat and dries incredibly quickly.
It's a great all around fabric for fall, when I tend to start my adventures chilled, then warm up and sweat during efforts, before cooling back down when I stop to snack, admire the views or begin heading downhill.
The Vado pullover expels excess heat and moisture well, and the warmth of the Alpha® Direct fabric gives me a layer of insulation and protection from the elements.
The Vado layer is fitted enough to wear under a rain shell or puffy jacket without it feeling bulky. This significantly increases its insulating powers, because the highly breathable fabric is now blocked from the wind.
If I start to get warm on a hefty climb or in the high heat of midday in the Southern Appalachians, I can unzip the front of the Vado pullover, or push the elasticized cuffs on the sleeves up my arms and know they'll stay where I put them!
When the mercury finally surpasses sweater weather, the Vado easily packs down into a small, svelte roll. I stash it away in my bike bags, or on my handlebar harness for quick and easy access.
The electric teal color is a show stopper, and combined with such a stylish cut, I can comfortably transition from outdoor adventure to indoor dining without feeling like I need to change my clothes.
I absolutely love the hood, which has a great, face-framing shape. It keeps out the cold, fits perfectly under my bike helmet, and adds an extra level of coziness when I cruise downhill.
Now, let's talk about zippers. Zippers are super helpful, but they can also be cold and uncomfortable against your skin and chin, and underlayers can get caught up in them.
Vado has thought this through with a beautifully integrated zipper guard. At first glance, it seemed like it would be bulky and weigh the front of the sweater down, but it turned out to be the perfect softness, shape and weight.
The drop tail hem keeps the fabric from riding up under a pack or flapping in the breeze, and the elasticized cuffs and hem edge the sweater for a nice, classy finish. The craftsmanship of Vado Apparel is on point.
I wear my Vado Alpha Direct ⅓ Zip Pullover to bed and sleep in it, leave it on in the mornings until the sun really breaks, put it on mid afternoon for shady spells, and then wear it all evening after riding. It's so versatile!
After two straight weeks of daily (and nightly) wear without wash, the odor resistant fabric had a light, barely noticeable musk.
The only downside with the Alpha Direct fabric is that it's more fragile than other insulating textiles and therefore, demands more care and attention from the user.
My sweet Vado Pullover has already fallen victim to a snag from a passing branch, resulting in a small hole. And, let's just say that velcro is its arch nemesis.
Also, you may find that small bits of fleece shed off any Alpha Direct apparel, especially in the beginning.
As for sizing, I'm 5'5” and 140 lbs, and found the relaxed fit in medium to be a bit longer in the arms and torso than I would like. My next purchase will be a size small. That said, the medium fits my partner Mat, who is 5'5” and 150 lbs to perfection. (He's the studly model in the pictures ; )
Overall, the packability, compressibility, breathability and versatility of the Vado Alpha Direct ⅓ Zip Pullover make it a great choice for colder weather adventures. It’s comfortable, stylish, lightweight, quick drying and temperature regulating.
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Weight (in size Medium):
60gsm: 4.4oz | 125g
90gsm: 5.2 oz | 150g
Materials: Polartec Alpha Direct 60gsm (Teal) or 90gsm (Black, Sage)
Made in the USA
Cost: $138 - $140
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
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In this article, I’m going to be comparing two of the most popular ultralight sleeping pads: the Nemo Tensor Insulated and the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT. I’ll dive into their baffling, weight, inflation systems, and overall pros and cons. Welcome to the Thunderdome!
Testing Locations: Throughout the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest and in Marquette, Michigan.
Testing Circumstances: With both pads, I’ve used both sleeping bags and quilts, depending on the temp and the trip! Quilt straps work equally well with both pads. I tend to sleep on my stomach when I’m in my bed, but when I’m camping I sleep on my back.
Baffling is a fundamental difference between the Nemo Tensor Insulated and the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT. The Thermarest sleeping pad has horizontal baffles, while the Nemo has a ‘quilted’ baffling system.
The Nemo Tensor Insulated is astoundingly comfortable for an ultralight sleeping pad, and this is primarily because the design of the baffling system reduces pressure points. My dad, who hasn’t been backpacking in decades, tried out both sleeping pads and was quick to note the comfort of the Nemo Tensor.
R-value measures how much insulation the pad has to protect you from the ground. An R-value of 4 is generally considered all season, with the ability to protect you from most weather conditions aside from sleeping on snow.
The R-values between the Nemo Tensor Insulated and the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT are comparable, with the Thermarest sleeping pad having an R-value of 4.5 and the Tensor having a R-value of 4.2.
Thermarest uses their patented Triangular Core Matrix to keep the warmth your body generates from going into the ground. Nemo uses their proprietary Thermafilm, which is similar to a mylar blanket. (I even got a picture of Nemo’s insulation without destroying my sleeping pad!)
Here is where the Thermarest comes into its own. The Thermarest sleeping pad is lighter than the Nemo Tensor by 1.5 ounces. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, ounces can add up quickly, especially when you consider that the Thermarest also has an R-value that is higher than the Tensor. The Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT weighs 13 ounces and the Nemo Tensor Insulated weighs 14.5 ounces.
The valves on both ultralight sleeping pads are very well made. Thermarest uses a twist valve for both inflation and deflation. The twist valve allows for easy fine tuning to achieve that perfect comfort level. It also makes deflation a lot easier. However, it still takes a little bit of work to dump all the air out of the Thermarest pad.
Nemo has a two-step valve where one step is designed for inflation and letting out a little air at a time, and the other step allows for complete deflation in a rapid manner.
I have not used an inflation sack for the Thermarest. The Nemo inflation bag works really well. However, with both pads, I now opt to use a Flextail pump. At the end of a long day, it’s great to hook the pump up and walk away. Additionally, our breath contains water vapors that can reduce R-value.
The Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT is made of Nylon and polyurethane. The Nemo Tensor Insulated is made of recycled polyester. Nemo has a reputation for making gear out of recycled materials.
Even with the NXT upgrade, I still find the Thermarest Neoair XLite to be noisy — another reason I sleep better on the Nemo pad.
I see two different people for each pad. For the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT, I see someone who is pushing hard into the night, is exhausted when they get to camp, and moving fast. Weight would be more of a concern for this individual.
For the Nemo Tensor Insulated, I see someone who prioritizes smiles over miles and sleep over weight. They might not be so exhausted at camp and therefore care more about a few creature comforts.
Sleeping well in the backcountry is hard. These sleeping pads make it much easier. Personally, having used both, I don’t think you can go wrong with either way. The Nemo Tensor Insulated feels more comfortable to sleep on, while the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT boasts a lighter weight and higher R-value.
My name is Ryan Steger and I’ve worked in the bike industry for 8ish years, and I’ve rode pretty much every type of bike out there. I graduated with my degree in Kinesiology from UW Madison in 2020 and I’m looking forward to sharing my love of bikes and all things outdoors! I’m pursuing a nursing degree, which is my journey currently.
As much as I'm a fan of keeping damaged gear going, I've never cared for the eyesore that is a square piece of silver duct tape covering a hole in a puffy jacket, or the stiff feeling of budget sticky patches that shore up a snag in tent mesh.
Yet, I've also always known that the day would come when a tear would develop in my beloved Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket while out adventuring, and I would need to decide how best to fix it.
Well, that day came, and I continued putting off the repair until the fuzz started to surface and I knew it would only get worse. I thought my only option was to find a discreet colored duct tape and join the squares club… until I learned about Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid.
Tenacious Tape is a gear repair tape that comes in a plethora of different textures, colors, shapes and sizes. It’s designed to fix rips, tears, punctures and runs in technical outdoor fabric — returning damaged gear to its former glory.
You can get Tenacious Tape in Nylon to fix down jackets, outerwear and stuff sacks (I also used it successfully on tent mesh and DCF tent fabric). A RipStop Nylon option fixes tarps, tents and backpacks, while the SilNylon patches are for your silicone treated nylon tents, tarps and stuff sacks (also good for Dyneema fabrics). Also in the mix: GoreTex patches for your waterproof garments; MeshPatches for bug nets and tent mesh; and Clear Vinyl that works like Scotch tape.
You can buy wide or narrow and short or long rolls of Tenacious Tape. However, I chose the pre-cut fun outdoor shapes to bring a little bit of lightness and laughter into my life.
The biggest pro of the outdoor shape patches by Tenacious Tape is that they are fun and aesthetically pleasing, while still being functional and durable.
This will seem superficial to some, and unimportant to others, but everytime I look at the moose patch on my jacket sleeve, or the whale that fixed my tent’s DCF stuff sack, I smile — and that’s worth something to me.
The patches stick surprisingly well to the surfaces that they are intended for (so long as you make sure you buy the right ones for the job).
I find it best to hold the sticker sheet (with the patch still attached) over any longer runs or tears to eyeball that the patch will cover the entire area you need to fix. (You could even use a measuring device if you had one handy).
I've found it best to lay the damaged fabric flat on a hard surface; pull the fabric taught, but not too tight; and then slowly apply the Tenacious Tape patch to the ripped or torn area.
Once you've applied the patch, press down firmly on the tape to ensure an even stick, and then admire your new piece of adventure art.
Since applying Tenacious Tape shapes with this technique to my jacket, tent, and stuff sacks, they haven't budged an inch, no matter how much friction has rubbed against them, or how many times they've been stuffed, washed or wetted down.
While we are on the subject, the patches are waterproof and washable, but wait at least 24 hours before throwing your repaired gear in the washing machine so the tape can set properly.
Tenacious Tape patches haven’t faded in the sunlight or started curling up along the edges like other repair tapes I've tried in the past.
In an effort to make the most of every square inch of your sticker sheet, you can also use the tape that borders the sticker shapes themselves. Cut these usable edges into smaller shapes, or use the outline of the animals, tracks, trees and foliage for a fun and unique fix.
While the common shapes, like circles and triangles are easy to peel off the sticker sheet and stick to any surface, the shapes with finer lines, like moose antlers or animal legs, can be a bit more finicky to work with. The best approach that I've found is to take it slow, start with the larger side of the sticker (like say, the moose's head) and then move to the thinner parts as you go.
You have 24 hours to reposition your patch before the adhesion really takes full hold, so worry not if you'd like to change it up, just act quickly.
If you have a really long or rather wide tear, you'd be better off to go with the Tenacious Tape Rolls.
Fixing damaged adventure gear can be an enjoyable experience, an opportunity to make something uniquely yours and turn an unfortunate rip or tear into an eccentric piece of art, which are all reasons why I like using Tenacious Tape's Gear Patches.
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
]]>Taking an early dinner, lakeside in the Sawtooth Mountains. Pictured are the BTT Rip-Back Hoodie, the Neighborhood Packs Meadowlark 30, the Sawyer Squeeze, and a dumb amount of sour gummy worms.
I discovered Beyond the Trailhead (BTT) after interviewing Justin Schemenauer, the founder and creator of this small company, for a Brand Bio I was writing. He had a lot of innovative good ideas for a product that has been a staple of the ultralight backpacking community for a few years now; the Alpha Direct midlayer. I was impressed, and was lucky enough to take the Rip-Back Hoodie out on some gnarly trips this backpacking season.
The big question: does the BTT hoodie hold up to its competitors?
Testing Locations: the Colorado Elk Range, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Arizona White Mountains, and the Coconino National Forest.
Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/wrya7k
Specs
The perfect morning at Grand-Staircase.
My wife lovingly calls the Rip-Back Hoodie my Cookie Monster suit. The 90gsm Alpha Direct fabric is extremely fluffy, making it functionally warm by trapping body heat in between “the fluff.” However, it also makes the fleece exceedingly comfortable and soft to the touch. It’s equally nice to wear sleeping in the backcountry, around the house, running errands in town, or while lounging with a good gear review underneath a tree. I’m currently writing this review in a freezing Idahoan coffee shop, perfectly content. As soon as I got it in the mail, it became the de facto midlayer in my arsenal for one-bagging, peakbagging, and backpacking.
Justin really reached into his bag for this one, because the Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie has a host of features that make it easy to wear in a wide range of temperatures. As a single data point, speaking for only myself, I have some anecdotal evidence to share.
I have comfortably worn this hoodie into the low 70s (F) while active, and up into the 80 degree range while stationary. The lowest temperature I’ve worn the Rip-Back and stayed warm while stationary was in the high 40s (F), and the high 20s while active. I do consider myself to be warm bodied, and all the features of the Rip-Back helped me remain comfortable in such a wide temperature window.
If you wanted to, you could cover your entire face thanks to the hood's shock cord.
The elastic cuffs make it so that the fabric firmly holds onto your wrists to trap heat, while also making it easy to roll up the sleeves if you need to cool off your arms. The three snaps on the neck make it so you can employ a balaclava like hood to retain warmth, or effortlessly dump heat as the day warms up. There is also a shock cord that surrounds the opening of the hood, meaning you can cover nearly the entirety of your face with fluffy warmness, limiting exposure. Or not, your choice. Lastly, there is also a shock cord around the waist band, allowing you to dump or retain the greatest amount of body heat.
My face says it all, "I am cooked." But it was a fun and limit-pushing experience. It was freezing that day, until about 11 am. The Rip-Back made it so much more comfortable. My seventh state high point.
I simply cannot “be bold and start cold.” Despite being warm bodied, I am a huge baby in cold temperatures, especially when it’s raining as well. I wear my fleeces to sleep, not only because the mountains are cold, but also because they are comfortable and boost the warmth of my sleep system. This ultimately leads to me starting my day by hiking with my fleece on.
The problem with most pieces of warm clothing is that they will soon capture and retain sweat. This is true of thin denier wind jackets and lighter weight grid fleeces — both of which will take a bit of time to dry, when you have to bathe them in sunlight during a break.
Alpha Direct is a freak of nature. I will drench the Rip-Back in sweat, and while moving, it will dry up; either from the wind blowing, or if I happen to stop to check my map and stop sweating. It will take only a few minutes to dry, even when it is soaked through with rain, sweat, or river water. This means you can spend more time hiking with one less camp chore to worry about.
If you zoom into my face, you can see I was in a world of pain. I had just finished being hailed and rained on, while climbing up a scree field to the summit of Boundary Peak. At least the Rip-Back kept me sane.
Along with the Raglan sleeves, Beyond the Trailhead includes gussets on the side panels of its Alpha fleece. By doing so, Justin added a fair amount of comfort and maneuverability to the Rip-Back. I found myself having full range of motion — when bagging peaks, hiking with a pack on, or rolling around uncontrollably in my quilt.
At several points on Borah Peak, I must have looked like a starfish while searching for the next hand hold on Chicken Out Ridge. I never felt constricted, despite the devious terrain. The Rip-Back is a technical piece of clothing.
Justin from Beyond the Trailhead is a stand-up nice guy; I had a fantastic time interviewing him for a Brand Bio. When I placed my order for a Rip-Back Hoodie, I accidentally ordered the wrong size hoodie (if you’re at the edge, size up!). With only about a week until my next backpacking trip, Justin quickly sewed together the size large that I needed, and sent it out just in time for my trip. As in, I checked my mail, chucked the package from Beyond the Trailhead into my car, and drove off on my trip. If you ever have the pleasure of speaking with Justin directly, you’ll see that he exceedingly cares about his craftsmanship and his customers. You are in good hands.
An action shot of the Rip-Back. I have full range of motion when wearing it.
I go ultralight in my everyday life, and certainly whenever I travel. I hate having “things.” So for my two week road trip across the Mountain West, I took one sweater: the Beyond the Trailhead Rip-Back Hoodie. Whether backpacking, cycling, running, or going out on the town, I only had one option.
Right after my backpacking trip in the Sawtooths, the Rip-Back began to stink (along with all my other clothes), so I did laundry when I stopped in town. Unfortunately, my options were limited, and I had to use a top loading washer. Once everything was said and done, a small hole developed in the stitching along the neck. After all the other stuff I had put this piece of gear through, ironically, it was a boring washing machine that damaged it.
Justin himself on BTT’s website states that you should wash the Rip-Back sparingly. Alpha Direct fabric can be somewhat delicate, especially to abrasion (like the kind you would find in a top-loading washer). It is also made mostly out of polyester, so whenever you wash it, it will release micro-plastic into the waste water, as well as make your hoodie a bit thinner.
Be careful when you wash the Rip-Back. Try using side loading washers or hand washing, and then hang it to dry. Generally, launder it as little as you can stomach.
Beyond the Trailhead’s Alpha Direct Rip-Back Hoodie is a technical piece of gear ready to keep you warm no matter the activity or temperature. It is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I have ever owned. The fleece can take whatever you dish out. Just be careful when you wash it.
Rafael is a freelance writer and adventurer based in the Mountain West. You can find him trail running, backpacking, or sampling the best tacos during his free time. Follow all his adventures over on Instagram, or read more of his work over on his website.
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I fell in love with Mexican food before I really fell in love with the outdoors. When I was 18 years old, because I was unable to legally work in Canada, I flew from Toronto to San Jose to spend two months working with my cousin at an office interiors warehouse.
My cousin, being a six-foot-five white guy, was nicknamed Grande. Since I was his primo, his cousin, I was quickly dubbed “Primo.” We were welcomed with open arms. We had a family meal every morning, after two hours of work, simply called “comer.” My new amigos fed me their communal leftovers almost every workday.
Every once in a while, one of my coworkers at the warehouse would bring in a little tupperware of salsa. It was always such a treat. It elevated our meals, and we treated it like liquid gold.
A decade later, I’ve rarely had arroz, frijoles, pollo or salsas like theirs. Sometimes I think I’ll never have food quite that good ever again. I certainly never expected to have it while backpacking.
Enter Salsa Queen, a line of freeze-dried, cold-soak salsas ranging from Mango Pineapple to Roasted Tomatillo.
I’ve been living in New Zealand for some months which, culinarily speaking, is about as far from Mexico as you can get.
I held a Salsa Queen tasting on a trip to Stewart Island with some friends. A storm kept us indoors most of the time, but with the help of some playing cards, some chips, our own personal salsa bar, and just a little bit of tequila, we kept ourselves entertained.
I’ve been feral for some real Mexican flavor, and in short that’s what Salsa Queen gave me.
The Zesty Cantina salsa feels like the quintessential red salsas I’ve had throughout my life. When you sit down at a Mexican restaurant, this is the salsa they put in front of you with a basket of tortilla chips. When I was living in San Diego (long after my time in San Jose) and I would go to my taqueria down the street, this was the red salsa that I reached for first, that I had to have if I was sitting down for a meal.
The thing that sets Salsa Queen’s offering apart is a heavier dose of lime. A chef I worked with once told me “citrus lifts things,” and that’s exactly what I tasted in the Zesty Cantina. The flavors are carried across your palate by the lime.
For me, if you catch a mango at the right time, there is no better fruit. Looking ridiculous while eating it is just a toll you have to pay for such a sublime experience.
Salsa Queen’s Mango Pineapple flavor transmits that exact feeling. The sweetness tastes whole, amber, like honey. But there’s an undercurrent of your more familiar salsa flavors as well, so that the sweetness comes in later.
My partner, Hillary, said, “Your bite ends upbeat,” and I thought that description was perfect. Katy, my friend from Leeds, described it as “Sweetly moreish,” which was a British word I hadn’t heard before. It means what you might guess — delicious enough to want more, which I did.
Salsa Queen’s packaging mentions how well it would go with fish tacos, and I can envision that perfectly in my brain. I can’t wait to make that pairing myself.
When I brought out the previous salsa flavors, people had tasting notes, and they offered compliments and adjectives. When I brought out the Red Chili, people said nothing, they just reached for more salsa. I took this to be a good sign!
The Red Chili is smokey and bright, and for me, it has a really nice level of heat. Jayde, one of the Kiwis at the tasting, found it delicious but too spicy. For Rashana, another local, it was her favorite. It tasted robust, full-bodied, and was just a great experience.
At a certain point in my life in San Diego, I became a salsa verde person. I would often pick up a carnitas burrito on my way home from work, and the verde just went so perfectly. Maybe that’s why this one is my favorite.
The flavor was earthier than the previous offerings, but there was a subtle sweetness there too. It was a little tangier than the Red Chili. In the supreme triangle of sweet, spicy, and tangy, this salsa sat beautifully in the middle — perfectly balanced. There were layers of heat to it, which came on slowly.
My partner, not usually being a salsa verde person, was surprised by this one and how much she loved it. I thought I might be partial to the Roasted Tomatillo before I even dug in, but still, it exceeded my expectations.
Since I tested these salsas with a roof over my head, I had dishes in which to rehydrate them, but backpackers can easily rehydrate them within the packaging, by adding hot or cold water.
Generally, I think they make perfect backcountry treats. They’re vegan and gluten free, so they’re super friendly to anyone with dietary restrictions. I’m also impressed at how Salsa Queen sticks to natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives. Their ingredient lists are easy reading — just fresh, familiar ingredients, nothing chemical.
They have the “just add water” simplicity we all love, and any one of these flavors could bring a backcountry meal from just okay to absolutely mouth-watering.
The different salsas call for slightly different amounts of water to rehydrate, and while I felt comfortable eyeballing those differences without exact measurement, some folks who don’t cook quite as much may feel differently. If this describes you, a UL pot doubles as a handy measuring device, or one of these stickers for Smartwater bottles also does the trick.
On your next trip, surprise your hiking partners with chips and salsa at camp! Just add cold water to the Salsa Queen pouches right when you drop your packs for the day. By the time shelters are set up and everyone’s drooling and wide-eyed, the salsa will be rehydrated — easily making you the most popular hiker around!
Matthew Kok is an essayist, a poet, a traveler, and absolutely in love with the world outside. They are currently operating out of Manapouri, a little town in Aotearoa–South Island, New Zealand. You can find them curled up with Stormy the housecat or cooking up big, elaborate breakfasts late in the morning. You can also find them on Instagram at @matt.kok
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Over the years I’ve tried a variety of different camp pillows, all of them leaving me feeling like a backcountry Goldilocks — too stiff, too soft, too bulky, too loud, too warm, too clammy — never just right.
In fact, I had given up entirely and settled on stuffing my pack pods with soft adventure layers and calling it 'good enough'.
This was a decent fix and a dual use for something I was already carrying, but I would wake up to find the pack pod had slipped off my air pad or was squished flat in one corner, and having to fix it interrupted my sleep.
Since we all know that sleep is our superpower and an important recovery tool both on and off the trail, I figured it was worth finding a fix.
One day, by stroke of serendipity, and the goodwill of the slumber gods, into my world walked the Pillow Strap, a simple but ingenious solution to all those pesky camp pillow qualms.
The Pillow Strap is essentially a tri-fold pillow case with a slot on the back to insert an inflatable pillow or stuff with a softgood (think puffy jacket). The material is soft and stretchy, made from a blend of poly and spandex.
It has an adjustable, elasticized strap attached at both sides, which wraps around the back of your air pad and holds your pillow in place no matter how much you toss and turn.
Pillow Strap … get it? Brilliant. A true game changer.
From the first night I tried out my Pillow Strap, I knew we'd be in it for the long haul.
Unbeknownst to us, my partner and I set up camp next to an aid station for a hundred mile foot race along the famed Pine Creek Rail Trail in North Central Pennsylvania. All night long, a woman cheered like a soprano singer and rang her cowbell as weary runners entered the tent to top up their carb supply.
Me? I slept right through the night, pillow stuffed to my liking with my Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket, perfectly positioned under my noggin, securely fastened to my Thermarest NeoAir Uberlite airpad. And, amazingly, when I woke up the next morning, my pillow was in the exact same spot as it had been when I laid down to sleep the night before.
Careful to make sure this wasn't a one-off experience, I continued to use my Pillow Strap night after night with various configurations of soft goods stuffed inside — flannels, underlayers, rain gear — all with equal success.
The fabric, which comes in various colors and patterns has the perfect amount of stretch so that it never feels stiff or stuck when I roll over. It's whisper quiet, soft but not fuzzy, doesn't make my head sweaty and somehow absorbs all the dream drool that I can throw at it without smelling manky or weird, even after a few unwashed weeks of use.
The Pillow Strap comes in two different sizes — small and medium — to accommodate an array of air pad shapes and widths, as well as a wide variety of camp pillow sizes.
It works best with rectangular or mummy shaped air pads with a slight curve, but will also jive with closed cell foam pads, noting it tends to curve up at the sides a bit. The Pillow Strap isn't super compatible air pads that have long, rounded corners at the head area, such as the ‘mummy’ style Exped mattresses.
The Pillow Strap weighs a nominal 2 oz for the small size and 2.7 oz for the medium; and while extreme ounce counters might look to do away with the flat, back buckle, I think it's essential and negligible weight, worth the magic it performs.
The Pillow Strap is also super compact, easily tucking into a pocket or held in one hand.
I love that you can really load it up with layers, or have it super svelte if that's your sleeping style. The ability to customize it is great. At first, I was just stuffing it willy nilly but overtime, I found that folding my jacket would add some nice structure to the pillow and enhance the experience.
If you don't want to sacrifice a softgood to stuffing your pillow, (heck, you might need to wear that puffy jacket) you can always opt for an inflatable pillow instead.
The price is on point, ranging from $35 - $40 USD. This simple slumber enhancer is handmade by Brian York and Rita Yamin in their spare bedroom in Chicago, Illinois.
Pillow Strap has noticeably improved the tent sleeping game for both myself and my partner, and countless other adventurers who've had it under their heads.
Small:
Medium:
Materials: 88% Polyester 12% Spandex
Cost: $35 - $40 USD
I now consider the Pillow Strap to be a crucial part of my adventure sleep system and an integral part of my deep sleep recovery program when out on the trail.
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
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Editor’s Note: At this time, GGG is unable to obtain inventory of the Thermarest NeoAir Uberlite ultralight backpacking sleeping pad. GGG does offer the NeoAir® XLite™ NXT Sleeping Pad by Thermarest, as well as the NeoAir® XTherm™ NXT Sleeping Pad by Thermarest.
After two years of sharing an Exped Synmat Hyperlite Duo with the love of my life, we decided to go back to single airpad sleeping because of constantly waking each other up with every toss and turn.
With a host of great UL options on the market these days, we decided to pick the most packable, lightweight, but still lightly insulated air pads that we could find.
For our compact 5'5" bodies, we landed on the regular sized Therm-a-rest NeoAir UberLite, a 72" long by 20" wide inflatable air pad which weighs in at an airy 8.8 oz and set us back $250 USD after taxes.
Perhaps the biggest selling feature was that these dark blue beauties pack into a wee little 6" x 3.6" bundle, yet boast a 2.3R value for cool nights in the high mountains.
With two long hiking trips followed by a six month bikepacking trip on our adventure schedule, we knew the UberLite would get a good run for its money.
Four months into our journey, the airpads have been inflated, deflated and slept on at least 100 times, rolled, stuffed and crammed into pack pods, backpacks and handlebar bags and so far, they are no worse for the wear.
Like any new sleeping situation, it took me a few nights to get used to the shape of the air pad, which I initially found to be narrow near the hips, but now find to be the perfect width for my side sleeping tendencies.
We've seen a variety of sleeping surfaces, from flat tent pads and platforms to rocky crushed gravel, lumpy grass and one particular place where the only practical spot to pitch was covered with short, sharp, skinny stumps.
The airpads have done a great job of taking on terrain of all types, filling in the holes, flattening out the lumps and bumps and helping us get a comfortable night's sleep.
The wing-like air valve through which you inflate and deflate the pad is well designed, allowing you to pump up to its full 2.5" thickness, and dial back to your preferred pressure by releasing small amounts of air until you're satisfied. So far, we wake up in the morning with the same amount of air we put in it the night before, no slow leaks, pinholes or punctures to speak of.
Each UberLite comes with a stuff sack, a pump bag and a field repair kit containing patches and glue.
The pump bag takes a little getting used to as you learn the best way to hold and maneuver it, trying to capture air within it that you will then push into the pad.
Also, connecting the air hole of the pump bag to the twist nozzle on the wing valve involves a bit of elbow grease, but once it's connected, it's super secure.
One thing I have noticed through the semi-translucent orion colored fabric is the build up of moisture inside the air pad.
This happens as a result of the moisture in the air that you are capturing in the pump bag and pushing into the pad, and likely happens in all airpads, I've just never been able to see through them.
This hasn't created any cold or damp spots that you can feel on the air pad surface itself, but I wonder what the long term implications might be?
Considering the space age feeling face fabric, which is a 15D nylon, the air pads are surprisingly quiet, but not totally silent when rolling around in the night.
I always wear sleep layers so I don't funkify my sleeping pad after a long day of sweating and trekking in the dirt, which I think also makes for a better night's sleep than butting up skin to surface on these kinds of textiles. (It's better for your sleeping quilt too.)
One benefit of the nylon face fabric is that it's easy to clean, (just wipe with a soft, damp cloth) and it dries quickly if you happen to get rain in your tent or have condensation drip from above.
Asides from the aforementioned internal moisture gathering comment, the only con I can attest to so far is the hefty price tag on this featherweight find.
While Therm-a-rest touts these pads as the lightest, insulated options on the market, there are certainly other pads out there that come in at a fraction of the price, albeit with a bit of a weight penalty.
Also, the narrowness of the regular sized pad could be an issue for big boned, or wider bodied individuals who might be more comfortable on a square shaped surface versus the tapered likes of the UberLite.
Of course, there is always the threat of needles, glass, sharps rocks, pin pricks and baffle blowouts to be wary of when it comes to air pads, so for some people, foam pads are their preference.
However, with all that our UberLite pads have been through — coming out unscathed — I'm feeling confident in their ability to hold strong, especially if we continue to treat them with the care that ultralight gear calls for and needs.
So, for an ultralight, uber packable, insulated, comfortable, fairly quiet and so far, damn durable air pad, I think the NeoAir Uberlite has been worth every precious penny we paid.
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
]]>The Ounce Design Tarp (ODT) out in the Elk Range. You can see Capitol Peak near the top and center of the picture.
I didn't know how to make heads or tails of this website. Was it taking a jab at ultralight backpacking culture, or was Sinclair really this eccentric? Whatever Ounce Design was doing though, it was clearly working. Although their shelters only appeared on the Garage Grown Gear’s website in late Spring, they've been consistently sold out for months. Does this tarp live up to the hype? Is it really one of the lightest tarps on the market? I don’t know, let's find out.
Testing Locations: Grand-Staircase Escalante, the Sierra Nevada, the Colorado Elk Range, and the Coconino National Forest.
Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/wrya7k
The Ounce Design Tarp (ODT) is one of the lightest shelters on the market. For comparison, at face value, the Zpacks Hexamid Tarp weighs 6.1oz (172g), while the ODT comes in at 6.88oz (195g). However, you need six stakes to set up the Hexamid, while the ODT only requires four (that’s right four, but more on that later).
Many ultralight hikers opt to use the MSR Mini Groundhog for their shelter’s stakes, which weighs 0.35oz (9.92g). Thus, at the end of the day, when taking into account the weight of tent stakes, the ODT only weighs 0.08oz or 2.27g more than the Zpacks Hexamid Tarp. No more math, I promise.
For most hikers, this minute difference in weight between products isn’t significant. But as you’ll come to see from this review, those two extra grams come with an incredible level of durability, creativity, and craftsmanship. If I had to choose one shelter for a rugged backpacking trip through the San Juans or the Arizona Trail, I would pick the ODT every time.
DCF shelter or not, the ODT can really take a beating. After extensive off-trail use in the desert, as well as in deep forest environments, all in literal thorny situations, I can say that this shelter can take all comers. During one intensive evening shower recently, it began hailing on me for about half an hour straight. Meanwhile, I was quite dry and comfortable inside the ODT, engrossed in a podcast.
When I came home from my trip, I inspected the tarp and after all I had put it through, I couldn't even find a single pinhole in the 0.50 Dyneema Composite Fabric. I know many hikers are wary of using DCF shelters. However, I think the notion that DCF is fragile needs to go the way of the dodo. I've had several DCF shelters stand the test of time, and the ODT is among them.
Lastly, I'd like to touch on how Ounce Design went above and beyond the rest of the market. Most cottage shelter designers sew DCF panels together, which introduces pinholes and points of failure into the shelter; and then they simply tape over the seams. Ounce Design decided instead to bond the DCF sheets together, making the tarp incredibly strong while decreasing failure points.
In this picture, you can see how the Katabatic Piñon Bivy fits inside of the ODT, with some room to spare on either side.
I mentioned it earlier, but the ODT's unique trapezoidal shape means that it has only four points that need to be staked out. I don't want to under-sell the ingenuity of this tarp’s shape. The lightest of ultralight shelters that are not flat tarps rely on a half-pyramid shape, often a hexagon, to create a balance between weight, livability, and storm worthiness. Yet the ODT is one of the lightest shelters on the market, and can remain comfortable even during storms, while having a trapezoidal shape. By using bonded seams, the shelter is made stronger than many of its competitors. Meaning, it can use less walls and still protect you from the elements. The fewer walls, the less stakes the tarp needs, saving weight.
The tarp material, along with its bonded seams, makes the ODT incredibly stormproof. I spent much of the Western States’ 2023 monsoon season inside of this shelter. I did not once feel a drop of rain touch my quilt. You would think its small footprint might leave little room for error, in terms of downpour and splashback. But the ODT does its intended job well. Even its one storm door is sealed with a YKK waterproof zipper. I have no doubt the ODT will remain stormworthy for years to come.
I have a good amount of room to relax in, for my needs.
The negatives of this tarp are far and few between. The following are minute points that are not necessarily deal breakers, just things for backpackers to be aware of. No piece of gear is perfect; it can only be perfect for you and your use cases.
The Ounce Design Tarp has a very small footprint, which is its greatest asset and weakness. Its small footprint is one of the reasons it is one of the lightest shelters on the market. You can practically set it up anywhere because of its size. For some hikers, though, they may feel like their room inside the shelter is limited, especially with the tarp door fully closed.
At 5’10”, I’m a fairly average size American male. When inside and fully enclosed, I feel fine. However, I am used to small ultralight shelters. Rain or shine, you can usually find me under a tarp and bivy. Yet I know that I am an outlier, and most backpackers need creature comforts like wide sleeping pads, room to sprawl, and lots of headroom.
I can fully sit up in the middle. You can see me attaching the head of my bivy to my trekking pole to bring the netting away from my face.
If you are a seasoned ultralighter, the ODT will feel familiar. It may even feel spacious! If you know you are the type of hiker that needs extra room and a vestibule, then you may want to look at other shelters like the Two from Gossamer Gear.
Being over 5’10” in height shouldn’t be a deal breaker though. According to Ounce Design, if you lay diagonally, a person up to 6’4” could sleep inside. You can also increase the livable space by staking out the fifth tie-out point, or adding a sixth tie-out point with a stick-on patch to the front.
Because the ODT can run small for some hikers, the doorway can be equally as small. Meaning, you may need to crouch and crawl to get into bed. However, I believe Ounce Design could easily remedy this negative by simply extending the zipper just a few more inches upward towards its peak.
I admit, this is super nitpicky. But, the magnets could be stronger on the ODT. Magnets are used to keep the door open for ventilation or a good view, and I noticed that sometimes when I bumped into the tarp while walking around camp, the magnets would dislodge…that’s it. They’re only a few millimeters in diameter, so maybe they could be larger instead of stronger? I am a clumsy hobbit though, so this could just be a “me thing”.
As someone who is well versed in a myriad of shelters (nylon, polyester, freestanding, non-freestanding, double-wall, single-wall, bivvy, etc.), I can say that the ODT has a small learning curve to its setup. Like I said, the lightest of ultralight shelters are shaped as hexagons. The trapezoidal shape on the ODT is so different that it isn’t inherently straightforward.
For example, if you have set up Gossamer Gear’s the Two before, you have a basic understanding of how to set up the Bonfus Duos 2P. If you know how to set up the Lunar Solo, you essentially know how to set up the Lanshan 1 Pro. However, there is no shelter quite like the ODT.
After a full season of use, I get the pitch right about 80% of the time. It will take some practice, to be sure. As an experienced backpacker, though, you know that comes with the territory. It’s always best to test out a piece of gear before you use it in the field.
The Ounce Design Tarp stands out as one of the lightest and most robust shelters available. While it demands a slight learning curve for setup and offers limited space for some users, its exceptional durability and innovative design make it a standout choice for ultralight backpacking.
With time, this shelter got a lot easier to use, and the benefits were worth it. Thanks for reading : )
Rafael is a freelance writer and adventurer based in the Mountain West. You can find him trail running, backpacking, or sampling the best tacos during his free time. Follow all his adventures over on Instagram, or read more of his work on his website.
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Many of us tend to think of wind and waterproof jackets and pants as our only defense against rain, snow, sleet and wind. But putting on a pair of rain mitts when temperatures plummet is another great piece of gear. They take up next to no space in your pack, weigh almost nothing, and most importantly, help your body preserve its energy by keeping you warm and dry.
After months of sunny hiking weather, I finally got a chance to test out my Ultralight Rain Mitts by High Tail Designs on a bikepacking trip along the coastlines of Quebec’s spectacular Gaspé Peninsula.
The wind kicked up off the Gulf of Saint Lawrence as the rain fell sideways from the sky. I knew my merino liner gloves wouldn't last long before getting totally soaked.
I reached into the top pocket of my bike’s frame bag, took out these amazing little rain mitts, pulled them over my hands and cinched the drawcord closed — while still pedaling my bike!
As I cruised down the coast, my hands stayed warm, dry and comfortable, even as the precipitation picked up. Instead of being cold for kilometers on end, I was at the perfect temperature. No need to awkwardly try to slip my hands in the sleeves of my rain jacket.
I was able to easily shift gears on my bike and navigate the touchscreen on my GPS navigation device, all while donning my rain mitts!
I was amazed!
As soon as the rain passed, I gave my mitts a good shake and tucked them under a bungee strap near the front of my handlebar harness. In just a few kilometers, they were dry.
For the next two weeks, the weather went back and forth from sun to torrential downpour, and each time it rained, I would reach for my High Tail Designs Ultralight Mitts.
After hundreds of kilometers spent shifting gears, grabbing brakes and gripping my bars, the palms still look as good as new — and the fun rabbit print on the top still puts a smile on my face.
The Dyneema face fabric is starting to get its famous creased look from being folded, rolled and stuffed in my bike bags. Now they really feel like mine.
I've worn the rain mitts both with liners and without, and while they are slightly stiff at first, and a bit less comfortable on bare hands, they still perform great when liners aren't necessary.
Since Dyneema isn't breathable, my hands have definitely gotten sweaty while riding for extended periods of time with the mitts on, but once I'm warmed up to the point of perspiration, I no longer need to wear them.
Because of how lightweight, compact, fun and functional these rain mitts are, they have quickly become a staple piece of adventure gear for me.
Weight
Materials
Cost: $78 USD
Cold weather conditions can kick up anytime, even in environments where we least expect it. It's best to plan for that to occur. Putting a pair of rain mitts in your pack is an easy and lightweight way to give yourself peace of mind on trail.
Ali Becker is a freelance adventure writer and narrative storyteller who shares compelling conversations about personal transformations, overcoming limitations, wellness education and adventurous situations. You can follow her rambling adventures on social at @thisisalibecker.
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I don’t mess around when it comes to my safety or preservation of life. X-raying trauma victims for a living has shown me exactly how fragile the human body is. Conversations with my patients demonstrate how quickly injuries happen. My coworker once stepped on a pinecone in the parking lot on her way into work, and she broke her ankle in two places.
My job has also taught me how mindbogglingly resilient we can be. The things bodies endure are almost incomprehensible. It is the speed at which help arrives that makes all the difference.
The paranoia my job has given me means I will never hike without an emergency locator beacon of some kind, to call for help if self-evacuation becomes impossible. Carrying a device that allows me to communicate with rescuers so they can arrive prepared for the particulars of my circumstances is something I deem essential.
In the past I’ve carried personal locator beacons (PLBs), so at the very least I knew I had an “oh shit” button if things got really bad. However, the simplicity of rescue beacons means that I had one button to hit and I’d have to sit and pray the device was working properly. No way to know for sure the message has been received, no way to communicate. Just sit and wait.
That was fine for a time. But now I have a wife who wouldn’t sleep soundly without knowing I’ve made it safely to my campsite for the night. So, as much as I cherish leaving the internet far behind when I walk in the woods, a check-in button that lets my loved ones know that all is well is a piece of technology that’s earned a place in my pack.
For the added weight and extra expense of yet another monthly service plan, on top of the cost of the device itself, I want a satellite messenger that’s disaster proof. If shit ever really does hit the fan, the Zoleo Satellite Communicator is the device I would trust most.
I tested my Zoleo in the Zigzag and Hood Mountains in Oregon; deep into the Columbia River Gorge in Washington; the Granite Dells of Arizona; remote backcountry areas of Maui and Kauai; offshore near Lanai; plus numerous remote off grid roads and campsites throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The Zoleo is a satellite communication device that offers 3 different subscription plans. For either $20, $35, or $50 a month you can send and receive messages through an iridium satellite network from anywhere with a clear view of the sky. Meaning, places that don’t get cell reception are not a problem.
They assign you a Zoleo specific phone number to use with the device. You have to commit for at least 3 months up front, but after that you can change, suspend, or cancel plans online as needed.
Location share options will send your exact coordinates at the time of check-in to predetermined contacts, along with an “I’m OK” message. Location share services can be added to any plan for an extra $6 a month.
Most importantly, the device includes a SOS feature that will summon search and rescue at the push of a button.*
Messaging is done through a phone app that connects to a Zoleo via Bluetooth. Incoming messages won’t automatically come through. Tapping the check messages option in the app accesses the satellite network to populate new incoming messages. Sending a message will also link to the satellites and allow incoming messages through.
When cell service is available the Zoleo app will automatically default to it, thereby minimizing the amount of communication that counts toward a plan’s satellite usage. Perfect for thru-hikers.
There is a Medical Assist option included that provides advice and support for non-emergency situations. You can get first aid advice from medical professionals or find the nearest clinic, hospital, or dental provider while traveling. All 24/7 and included with any service plan.
* The SOS button on emergency devices should only be used once ALL methods of self-rescue have been exhausted. Rescue teams put their own lives on the line to help us. Let’s respect the precious service they provide by always carrying the 10 essentials, staying within our limits, and not activating search and rescue for a sprained ankle.
Dimensions: 3.58" L x 2.6" W x 1.06" D
Weight: 5.3oz
Price: $199.99
Power: Battery: rechargeable internal lithium ion
Battery life: 200+ hours
Charging time: 2 hours using 1.5A charge
Satellite network: Iridium
Connects via Bluetooth LE 4.1 (one connection at a time; range of up to 50m/164ft)
GPS accuracy: 2.5m/8.2ft under ideal conditions — Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS, GLONASS)
Ingress protection: IP68; dust- and water-resistant (to 1.5m/4.9ft for 30 min)
Shock resistant: MIL-STD 810G
Power input: Micro-USB Type B connector
Covered SOS button prevents false alarms (also cancellable inputs)
Audible alerts for messages (user-selected tone)
LEDs for messages, SOS, check-in, and power
Certifications:
Low Upfront Cost: The biggest cost for emergency communication devices that use satellite networks is usually the device itself. The competitors range from $400 to $700 just for the device alone. A Zoleo is only $200 upfront, making it much more accessible to a wider range of people.
Rugged: For the sake of this review, my Zoleo has been thrown into water, dropped from eye level multiple times, buried in snow, stood upon, haphazardly packed among camping gear, and roasted on a hot dashboard. I don’t recommend treating your satellite messenger this way, but Zoleo is built like a tank. No tiny buttons to break. No antenna to bend. No screen to shatter. Zoleo is the solid brick every emergency communication device ought to be.
Cell Phone Interface: I love that the Zoleo app uses my phone for the interfacing. I didn’t have to learn to navigate a whole separate screen on the device. I’ll never have to use a tiny, unfamiliar keyboard in an emergency when adrenaline is high and cognitive function might be impaired. Yet, if my phone ever gets lost or my batteries die — because I broke my phone charging cable the literal second I got to the Grand Canyon floor (true story) — I can still send “I’m OK” messages. Same with location sharing and calling for help with the SOS button, both of which are on the Zoleo device itself. A phone is only required for typing and receiving text messages, not for acquiring aid or checking-in.
User Friendly: There is no guesswork with a Zoleo. A cute celebratory noise lets you know a message has been sent successfully. A sad little sound notifies you if it fails. A different noise lets you know if you lose bluetooth connection. If you aren’t into sound effects, you can silence them all. It works in airplane mode as long as bluetooth is enabled, which helps maximize a phone’s battery life. It’s waterproof enough to withstand rain, puddles, creeks and waterfall spray. It doesn’t need to be babied. The SOS cover is spring loaded and snaps back into place quickly to prevent accidental SOSs.
Long Battery Life: When not used for messaging, the battery lasts a long time. I spent 5 days and 4 nights with it powered on in “ready to use” mode, but never sending messages, and the battery only got down to 85%. Plus, the app tells you exactly how much battery life is left. It’s foolproof.
Endless Uses: Zoleo is not just for hiking. I take mine anytime I might leave the grid. I carry it to remote campgrounds and fishing spots. I take it with me on road trips and flights. Anywhere that has the potential to lack cell service, I’m bringing it — river trips, paddle boarding, horseback riding, traveling abroad.
If you think I’m paranoid, consider the elderly woman who slid off the road and wrecked her car on an embankment in a blizzard in Nevada five minutes before I passed by. I stopped to help and assess her. It was clear she had dislocated her kneecap and needed medical attention. Neither of us had cell reception and her internal heat wasn’t going to last very long. I was ready to power on the Zoleo I had with me to coordinate a rescue when thankfully a local EMT passed by who had the ability to reach the nearest ambulance service.
If I was stranded alone on a remote road in a blizzard, I wouldn’t have to cross my fingers for help. Same goes for needing assistance in an earthquake, hurricane, fire or any other natural disaster. It's a valuable addition to any emergency kit.
Requires View of the Sky / Limited Bluetooth Range: one of my trips on Mt Hood was nearly too forested to get messages through the thick canopy. The signal was flawless next to a lake with a clear shot to the sky, but under tightly packed trees messages could take 2 or 3 tries to go through.
Luckily my campsite had a small window of sky through the branches. I could leave the Zoleo directly under the opening and get information in/out. I used my phone's bluetooth to connect to the Zoleo and the Zoleo to connect to the satellites. It worked great for about a 30-foot radius in these less-than-ideal conditions. The device beeped every time the Bluetooth connection was lost, so I was made aware when it happened. However, the limited range could be a problem if I suffered a fall that dropped me 30 feet or more from the device.
Keeping it on my person instead of attached to a pack that I might take off and set down is my best practice now. The carabiner clip makes it easy to take the Zoleo off my pack’s shoulder strap and quickly hook it to a belt loop when exploring or taking bathroom breaks.
Bounce: The single-sided attachment point lets the device swing and bounce when hooked to a shoulder strap or belt loop. It goes from mildly annoying on day hikes to maddening over the course of a week long journey. I now use a hair tie to secure the lower half of my Zoleo. But I would like to see an additional attachment point on the opposite end of the device, or an attachment system that runs lengthwise to diminish bounce.
Offshore Location: While boating between islands in Hawaii, my Zoleo connected to the satellite network without issue for messaging, but it was unable to discern my location offshore. I don’t boat often but I do fly with an emergency beacon in my carryon … because I’d rather not have to resort to cannibalism after crashing in the Andes. I’m that person who would be able to signal for help with a precise location in the event of a plane crash unless we crashed in the ocean. There are PLB devices that work anywhere in the world so they would be more suited for avid sailors or pilots. I would love to see that same ability to location share while at sea added to the Zoleo repertoire.
So, is the extra weight and monthly cost worth it? What would you pay/ carry to be able to tell the fire department to bring extra doses of antivenom when they extract you because the rattlesnake that bit your thigh hit a major vessel accelerating symptoms? Would you pay $20 a month to be able to tell them you won’t have time to make it to a hospital without more than the standard dose?
Communication with an emergency team is invaluable for so many reasons. The ability to communicate drastically improves outcomes. The backcountry is no place to rely solely on luck or invincibility. Loved ones deserve peace of mind instead of wondering if you’ve made it to camp safely.
Regular check-ins narrow the search field when a head injury is sustained and you are unable to activate a device’s SOS button yourself. You might survive that head injury because someone has been following your progress and will immediately know your status has changed when you stop checking in. Nature holds endless possibilities. Come prepared.
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The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL HV 3 is a capable double-wall, freestanding tent. I’ve had the benefit of testing the tent in the rain, and then on a hot day. This tent is not ultra lightweight like some of the other tents on Garage Grown Gear. However, it is a palace with plenty of head and shoulder room. I have the bikepacking version of the Copper Spur UL HV 3, which just has shorter poles than the standard backpacking version. I’ve used this tent on a few different bikepacking trips, sharing the shelter with a friend, and have been pleasantly surprised.
Storage! There is storage abundant in this tent. The amount of pockets spread out all over the place is amazing! This feature allows people to spread out and not have gear all over the floor. It is super helpful to have headlamps off the floor, for example, and the stuff sacks hanging up.
Venting! The vestibules in the Copper Spur UL HV 3 are huge and offer many different configurations to allow venting and space. There is also a vent on the top of the tent that can be opened to increase airflow.
Space! There is a third tent pole to increase the head area, which plays a huge role in making the tent feel larger.
Well Designed! There are many different features that help to make this tent so nice! The thought that goes into this tent is apparent everywhere.
Fast Fly! You can run the shelter as just the rain fly and the floor print. This allows the tent to drop weight. However, you give up the pockets and the mosquito protection! In the midwest, mosquito protection is definitely worth the weight! Note: Big Agnes sells the floor sheet for the Copper Spur UL HV 3 separately. I would highly recommend it!
Easy Setup! I can set up and take down this tent myself. The fly and body are color coded. This makes it super easy to ensure that you are setting it up properly.
Vestibules! The vestibules can be buttoned down for storm protection; or completely unzipped and tucked for venting; or can be set up with trekking poles to create an awning to provide shelter from the sun or to cook in rain showers.
Weight! You can absolutely find lighter weight tents out there.
Not a True Three Person Tent! I would highly recommend getting a tent that is one person bigger than you think you’re going to need — unless you’re camping with your significant other. The tent is designed to fit three 20-inch pads. So if you’re going to use wider pads, or just want some space to store extra gear, or maybe don’t want to snuggle up with your adventure partner, going up a size is the move. My friend and I had a 20-inch pad and a 30-inch pad and that did get a little tight at times.
Big Agnes updated the fabric used to construct the Copper Spur UL HV. New proprietary ultralight nylon double ripstop mixed denier fabric offers extra tear strength and puncture resistance without adding weight.
UL2
UL3
UL4
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL HV 3 has plenty of room with huge vestibules. It packs down pretty small and has great venting! This tent could be considered a quiver killer as you can use it for both car camping and backpacking.
I recently had the pleasure of trying a variety of Taos Bakes products, and I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed. These artisanal snacks are a delightful combination of delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients. Taos Bakes has truly mastered the art of creating snacks that satisfy both the taste buds and the body's nutritional needs.
My all time favorite flavor was the PB Chocolate + Butterscotch. It had a rich and indulgent taste reminiscent of a Butterfinger bar. The combination of creamy peanut butter, decadent chocolate, and sweet butterscotch was simply irresistible. I loved the crunch of the organic multigrain cereal! Every bite was a burst of flavor that left me craving more.
Another standout flavor was the Piñon Coffee + Dark Chocolate. As a coffee lover, I appreciated the subtle yet distinct coffee flavor combined with the richness of dark chocolate. The piñon nuts added a crunch and a hint of earthiness that perfectly complemented the other ingredients.
The Dark Chocolate Almond + Sea Salt was a classic combination done right. The luscious dark chocolate paired with crunchy almonds and a touch of sea salt created a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors. It felt like a true treat.
For those who enjoy the tropical notes, the Toasted Coconut + Vanilla Bean flavor is a must-try. The sweet coconut flakes and aromatic vanilla beans create a tropical escape with every bite. It was like a mini vacation in a snack.
The Caramel Pecan + Cranberries flavor provided a satisfying balance of chewy caramel, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries. It hit me in that sweet/ tart spot that kept me coming back for more.
The Gingersnap + Pecan had a nice gingery kick that paired well with the buttery pecans — and I loved the chewy, cookie-like texture! This is a warm and comforting flavor.
The Pecan Praline + Maple Syrup was a thoughtful combination of sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans, reminiscent of a cozy autumn day. I hate to admit that I want to eat one of these alongside a pumpkin spice latte.
Lastly, the Almond Agave + Cinnamon flavor was a fantastic blend of nutty almonds and the warm spice of cinnamon. I loved the texture, with the almonds, oats and raisins. It had a subtle sweetness from the agave that made it a guilt-free indulgence.
When it comes to backpacking and adventuring outdoors, the importance of nutritious snacks cannot be overstated. Engaging in physically demanding activities and spending long hours on the trail requires a steady source of energy and nourishment. Nutritious snacks provide the carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats that replenish energy and support muscle recovery.
However, taste and enjoyment should never be overlooked. It’s hard to know what you’re going to crave when you’re out in the backcountry — and I can tell you right now, you’re rarely going to crave what you’re carrying in your pack. That’s why having snacks that are not only nutritious but also delicious can be a game-changer. The enjoyment of eating something tasty can boost your morale, and can even provide you a much-needed mental break.
Taos Bakes understands the importance of “yum” and has masterfully crafted their snacks to deliver both superior nutrition and incredible flavor. Taos Bakes offers a delightful balance of taste and sustenance.
What sets Taos Bakes apart even further is their commitment to using high-quality, all-natural ingredients, free of additives. Based in Taos, New Mexico, they self-manufacture their snacks in a 100% daytime solar-powered facility.
Taos Bakes has won me over with their range of flavors and the dedication they put into creating their artisanal snacks. They have managed to strike the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition, while creating satisfying textures, making each bite a guilt-free pleasure. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an athlete, or simply looking for a healthy and tasty snack, Taos Bakes has you covered.
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking in Northern California and taking photos of many tree-covered hillsides. She was born and raised in Mt Shasta, CA at the base of a 14,163’ mountain. She is currently working with her husband on creating an off-grid lifestyle on 2.5 acres just a few miles from where she started life, 36 years ago.
Suzy Bratton has always been a passionate homecook, but launching YumPouch dehydrated adventure meals is a fairly new endeavor. It began when Suzy helped a friend fuel his arduous 1,000-mile bike race across the Alaskan tundra by preparing healthy, vegan meals for his journey. The reception was better than expected and the validation Suzy received prompted her to launch YumPouch with two crowd favorites, Trail Blazin’ Fiesta Rice and Shroomin’ Roo Pasta.
This was the first meal YumPouch put out in the world, and it’s a good thing, too. You can’t go wrong with beans and rice. Add an explosion of flavorful spices, and you have Trail Blazin’ Fiesta Rice. Jalapeno and Guajillo chili powder add some heat, and the red pepper, zucchini and tomato add great color and balance. It’s hearty, healthy and delicious. Do yourself a favor and add a handful of crushed tortilla chips or make this into a bomber burrito.
When eating this in the backcountry out of the bag, I found myself scraping the bottom clean (don’t forget your long spoon!). Prepared at home in a pot, it was a tasty side dish and just as satisfying. I appreciated the kick of spice, and found it to be kid-friendly, too.
Prepare this meal before you get hangry! The 25-minute soak time feels like an eternity if you’re starving. However, if you’re willing to dirty a pot, it cooks in under 8 minutes.
Named after the brand’s kangaroo mascot Roo, the Shroomin’ Roo Pasta is a vegetarian noodle dish of mushrooms and green veggies (broccoli, peas, spinach) in a rosemary white wine cream sauce. It sounds fancy and it tastes fancy.
Green vegetables in a white wine cream sauce with a touch of rosemary…in the backcountry? Talk about elevating meal time! If you’re hard pressed to get your greens in while adventuring, the generous portion of broccoli, peas and spinach in this dish fit the bill. I was impressed with how, when reconstituted, the broccoli still holds its natural, plump and bright green origins. Mixed throughout a pile of semolina corkscrew noodles, you have an earthy and aromatic dish.
Nothing against vegetables, but sometimes, well, they stink. Though, it’s not enough to discourage eating the meal, once hydrated, the broccoli puts out a dominant, pungent aroma. The nutritional benefits and pat on the back for eating my greens in the backcountry supersede the stench.
The blend of seasonings in the Trail Blazin’ Fiesta Rice is so good, YumPouch decided to package it all on its own! The onions, garlic and jalapeno spices complement any dish without any fuss. The possibilities are endless: sprinkle it on roasted veggies, season fish or meat (think tacos or fajitas), add it to chili, sprinkle it on popcorn, or use it to make a dip. You can’t go wrong with this little packet of flavor. The clean and simple ingredients add a huge punch. The only negative is the 1 oz pouches are small, and I wish it was sold in bulk — it’s that good.
With more than 400 calories in each single-serve pouch, I appreciated that both meat-free meals provide more than 20 grams of protein (roughly equivalent to four eggs) and a healthy dose of fiber, too. YumPouch meals are packaged in an Omnidegradable pouch, making it compostable after use without being reliant on water, heat or sun to degrade. After preparing YumPouch meals both in the field (eating out of the bag) and in my kitchen (in a pot), I found the preparation was slightly different, but the flavorful results were consistent and super satisfying.
The NEMO Hornet OSMO™ is a technical, lightweight, compact, nearly freestanding backpacking tent. A favorite among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers, it’s now made with proprietary OSMO fabric that delivers 4x better water repellency and 3x less stretch when wet than conventional nylon.
I recently had the opportunity to test the 2-person Hornet OSMO tent, which weighs 2lbs 8oz, in the desert canyons of northwest Colorado. Let’s dive into what I loved about the tent, what makes it unique, and what to be aware of before purchasing.
Both the fly and the floor on the Hornet tent are made with Nemo’s proprietary OSMO™ fabric, which is a composite weave of recycled nylon and recycled polyester. By putting the two together and harnessing the benefits of both materials, the fabric starts more water repellent and stays that way longer.
“Nylon is great because it’s lightweight and it’s strong,” said Gabriel Rosenbrien, Product Development Manager for Nemo. “Polyester is great because it’s dimensionally stable, it doesn’t stretch, and it also doesn't absorb water, it’s more hydrophobic than nylon.”
OSMO fabric is also made from 100% recycled yarns that are PFAS-free and meet flame retardancy standards without the use of added chemicals. A proprietary fabric coating, a formula developed just for OSMO, resists breakdown by hydrolysis and maintains water repellency longer.
“The goal in making OSMO was to develop a fabric that maximizes performance and reduces environmental impact,” Gabriel said.
Compared to the first 2-person tent I bought almost two decades ago, the featherlight weight and extremely compact size of the Hornet OSMO make me laugh. Technology has come a long way. No longer is there any need to sacrifice comfort in camp for comfort when hiking.
The 2-person NEMO Hornet OSMO™ weighs 2lbs 8oz packed, or 2lb 1oz at minimum, which I understand to mean without the stuff sacks, extra guy line and stakes.
Almost more impressive, for offering both weather and bug protection, it folds and stuffs down into a super compact package. While my Dyneema trekking pole supported shelter is undeniably lighter with more interior space, it also takes up a smidge more room in my pack; but at times a lot more room, when I need to add the bug net to the setup. And Dyneema is expensive — make-you-cringe expensive.
In terms of interior space, at 5’ 7” I found that I could sit up comfortably, but my ponytail piled on top of my head did brush against the top mesh. A super tall human might find themselves in a slightly crouched sitting position. I do really love how the structure of the poles in combo with a patent-pending Flybar™ pole clip creates more room at the head of the tent (versus at the feet). It’s a clever and efficient design.
I used the 2-person tent for just myself and the sizing felt exactly right. I fully admit that I recently switched from a Klymit pad to the much cushier extra wide Exped Ultra 3R sleeping mat, because it turns out the extra ounces are absolutely worth a solid night’s rest. But even sharing the 2-person tent with my 11-year-old daughter would make me think twice. Possible? Absolutely. Would we end up flopping on top of each other all night? Most likely! That said, I would be much more inclined to share this tent with my dog, who’d curl up in the bottom, still giving me room to toggle from side to side.
The 2-person Hornet OSMO™ tent has vestibules on both sides. There’s a small weight penalty for this, but I found myself loving the flexibility in how I pitched my tent, as well as the ability to organize my gear, using each side in an intentional way.
What makes the Hornet unique and well worth your consideration is the extreme attention to detail. In addition to developing their own high-performance fabric for this tent, Nemo put a lot of thought into the little things.
I loved the nightlight pocket. Most of us have tried to dangle our headlamps from our shelter, only to quickly realize it can be awkward, with the light pointing at weird angles, and too bright. The pocket diffuses light and is perched perfectly overhead.
Another brilliant little detail is that when the rainfly on the vestibule is pulled back, it locks easily and in a clever way around the tent pole, adding stability to the setup. Nemo describes these as ‘integrated Gatekeeper™ clips’.
I appreciate that setting up the tent is intuitive and stuffing it all back into the sack is straightforward; Nemo allowed enough room in the stuff sack for the contents of the tent.
White no-see-um mesh at the side increases privacy, while black mesh at the top turns virtually transparent at night for clear stargazing.
Triangulated corners increase volume at the foot, protecting sleeping bags and gear from tent wall condensation. Also, the floor of the tent is seam taped. And, reflective material makes it easy to locate the tent at night with your headlamp!
Setting up the NEMO Hornet OSMO™ tent is intuitive. It’s a mostly freestanding tent that requires staking out the bottom 2 corners at minimum for structure. The tent poles are a single unit, with the 3 poles connecting to a single hub.
However, I did find the rainfly itself less than intuitive to use. This is in part because Nemo prints their logo on the inside of the tent so that it shows through the transparent fly material to be read correctly from the outside. It’s also because the outside of the fabric doesn’t necessarily feel like it should be the outside of the fabric.
Whatever the reason, I set up the fly inside out on my first try, when testing the pitch in my yard. And then managed to do it again out in the wilderness, while half asleep, and in the dark, because of lightning overhead.
Another small detail I found mildly annoying was that the stakes that come with the tent only have a groove for the guy lines on one of 3 sides. Why not eliminate having to think about this — and a few grams in the process — by putting slits on all 3 sides of the stakes?
Weighing 2lbs 8oz, the Hornet OSMO™ 2-person tent delivers serious protection from the elements and bugs, and a truly solid night’s rest, in an astonishingly small package. Don’t underestimate how much fabric innovation and a technical ultralight design can improve your backpacking experience. Just be ready to cozy up with your hiking partner, or instead order the size larger.
I think other female hikers can relate ... we all have different needs when it comes to outdoor gear, so I’m always looking for intuitive gear that can keep up with my adventures.
Recently, I took the Pyka Pants made by Kula on a rainy 7-mile hike, and let me tell you, these shorts are nothing short of trailblazing. I wore them under my hiking pants as a base layer, and they kept me comfortable throughout the trek, even though everything I was wearing got generally damp.
As I hiked, I couldn't help but think about all the other badass hikers out there using Kula gear. From their pee towels to their stylish hats, it seems like Kula has something for everyone.
As a plus-sized hiker, it's not always easy to find gear that fits and feels good. But with the Pyka Pants, I felt like I was part of a community that embraces all shapes and sizes.
The single-layer wicking polyester fabric on the 'body' of the shorts is perfect for wearing as your underwear and fitting easily under hiking pants. The feel is smooth and comfortable, so you don't have to worry about chafing between your thighs or from your backpack. The high waistband also helps to prevent chafing, and it has a pocket at the back that's perfect for a phone, some keys, or some tropical Mike n’ Ikes, my preferred uphill trail fuel.
Pyka Pants are designed to be worn as underwear, but they're versatile enough to be worn on their own as athletic shorts. You can use them as a swimsuit for wild swimming... and they also work perfectly under a hiking dress or skirt.
I wore them a number of times, a number of ways. I hiked with them under my Go There Pants, and that felt like a great combination. I also wore them under some leggings, and since they’re thin, they fit well underneath — these aren’t your standard, thick spandex yoga shorts.
My favorite use so far has been as bottoms for lake days. The shorts can be a tiny bit loose at the top, so when they’re dry, I find myself repeatedly needing to pull them up. But once they’re wet, they stick on me like they’re made out of fruit leather. They have enough stretch and give to work well for a beach day, and then dry super fast. Especially when you take them off and hang them out the window on your drive home!
One thing that really stood out to me about the Pyka Pants was the reinforced, breathable inseam, which allows for ease of movement. As someone who is a bit heavier than the average hiker, I often struggle to find pants that fit me well and allow me to move freely, without trapping heat and moisture in my nether-regions. However, the Pyka Pants fit me like a glove and enabled me to climb over rocks and navigate steep inclines with ease, all while protecting my thicc thighs.
Pyka Pants are proudly made in the USA. As someone who values supporting US-based businesses and reducing my carbon footprint, I appreciate that Kula is committed to manufacturing their products domestically. Knowing that these pants are made here eliminates any sticker shock I might have felt when seeing the price tag. I'm happy to know that my money is supporting real people in the US who are working hard to pay their bills, just like me. This also reflects Kula's overall sense of community, which resonates deeply with me.
In terms of sizing, Pyka Pants are available from XS to 5XL. The XS size weighs approximately 2.64 oz, making them lightweight enough to pack in your backpack and bring with you on any adventure. I purchased mine in 2XL, which weighs 4 oz and measures 36” around the waistline. Despite having a 48” waist, I found that they fit me well due to their exceptional stretchiness.
However, I would like to see more options in the future, such as a tighter-fitting, higher-sitting waist. I also noted that the 100% polyester fabric has a somewhat synthetic feel, which not all hikers enjoy.
The icing on the cake for these is the fantastic fractal fern design on the waistband and side seams. It's fun and flirty, and adds color to my wardrobe that is normally quite drab. Thanks to Kula artist Amanda McIntyre, I get to wear nature on my booty wherever I go!
I really like this pair of shorts. They're lightweight and versatile, making them a perfect addition to my pack. I plan to use them as sleepwear, or as a comfortable option to wear around camp while my other clothes dry. Additionally, they're an ideal choice for jumping into an alpine lake to wash off all the mountain dust.
Sizing: XS to 5XL
Inseam: 6” size XS-L, 6 1/8” XL, 6 3/8” 2XL, 6 ½” 3 XL, 6 ¾” 4 XL & 7” 5XL. This is measured from the center of the crotch panel.
Materials: Single layer wicking fabric (body of shorts) is 100% polyester. Waistband and side stripe are 84% micro poly and 16% spandex.
Price: $54
Care: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble or Air Dry… or rinse in a creek and hang on a stick. It’s up to you.
MADE IN USA, baby!
Insider Info: I have heard whispers that Kula is planning to release additional options for Pyka Pants — a longer inseam version and an all black version
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking in Northern California and taking photos of many tree-covered hillsides. She was born and raised in Mt Shasta, CA at the base of a 14,163’ mountain. She is currently working with her husband on creating an off-grid lifestyle on 2.5 acres just a few miles from where she started life, 36 years ago.
From left to right: Hyklyf Pika, Nite Ize Rad Dog, Been Camping DCF, Fozzils Snap, Chicken Tramper Ultra
Below I’ll pass out ribbons for each contestant in the Westminster Dog Bowl.
A note about testing: In addition to using each ultralight dog bowl on a backpacking trip, the pictures taken below are in the laboratory controlled setting of the “Large Hadron Dog Bowl Tester” where string cheese is broken into subatomic particles for the dog to retrieve from the bowl. Seriously though… your dog trying to root out the final bits of kibble from a bowl will tell you a lot about how stable the bowl is going to be in practice.
Some of these bowls do have dual use for those on the human end of the leash, cause maybe you don’t have a dog but are going slightly feral on a hike!
Price: $35
Weight: 1.6oz
Volume: 1.6 liters
Material: VX21
Packability: 7/10
Stability: High
Dual Use: Great for water or food for dogs, but unlikely to be used by human hikers.
Stand Out Features: Easy to pack in your dog's pack or leave clipped to the outside, high volume and easy for dogs to eat out of, very durable material and construction.
Price: $17.49
Weight: 0.3oz
Volume: 1 liter
Material: DCF Hybrid
Packability: 9/10
Stability: High
Dual Use: Great for food and water for dogs, unlikely to be used by human hikers.
Stand Out Features: Available in varying prints, can be even lighter weight DCF, wide enough for most dogs to eat and drink out of, extremely packable in both dog panniers and human packs.
Price: $10.99
Weight: 0.5oz
Volume: 16oz
Material: Nylon
Packability: 9/10
Stability: Medium
Dual Use: Great for food and water for dogs, unlikely to be used by humans.
Stand Out Features: Packs incredibly small.
Price: $6.99
Weight: 0.3oz
Volume: 500ml
Material: Plastic
Packability: 10/10
Stability: Low for large dogs, fine for small dogs
Dual Use: More likely to be used by a person than as a bowl for most dogs! Opening will be too narrow for larger breeds. A good backup bowl in a bind.
Stand Out Features: Measuring lines, works well as a scoop with low flow water sources. Incredibly light. Disappears into a pack.
Weight: 1.3oz
Volume: 500ml
Material: Plastic
Packability: 7/10
Stability: High
Dual Use: Any backpacker that eats in a separate dish than they cook out of will love the snap bowl. It's by far the best for a human to hold and eat out of. The nature of the way it folds down does not lend itself well to packing in dog panniers, but it will slip easily into a human's pack.
Stand Out Features: Measurement markings, easy to hold, sturdy.
Looking for a lightweight backpacking stove? The 3000-T Ultralight Burner from BRS Outdoor seems to have it all. This stove comes in hot with impressive specs and a price tag under $20, making it the lightest and most affordable option I’ve seen to date. But when you factor in fuel efficiency, do these specs stand up to the realities of life on trail? Let’s find out.
Price: $19.99
Weight: 0.88 oz I 26 g
Materials: Titanium alloy, copper, stainless steel
Dimensions (in use/unfolded): 3.34”L x 3.34”W x 2.69”H
Dimensions (collapsed): 1.45”L x 1.45”W x 2.04”H
Output: 2700w
Gas consumption: ~140g per hour for 1L of water
Compact and Under an Ounce - Yep, you read that right. This stove is the smallest I’ve seen in the backcountry (not to mention, the most affordable) and it’s barely longer than a lighter.
Good, Reliable Flame Control - I found the 3000-T reliable and the flame it produced easy to manipulate. Remember, the burner is tiny, so take care not to scorch the bottom of your pot by cranking the heat.
Comparable Boil Time in Warm Weather - I have a routine for camp chores and it’s how I measured the boil time of this stove. When I choose a spot for the night, the first thing I do is find the water source and camel up through the evening. From there, I filter water into my pot, which I then place on the stove. If I’m on top of my camp chores, by the time the water comes to a boil, I’ve set up my tent and am waiting expectantly to pour boiling water into my dehydrated meal of choice.
The process typically takes no longer than 5 minutes from the time I light the stove. I was delighted to find the 3000-T held up to my expectations and had 500ml of water at a roaring boil when it hit the 5-minute mark. I found this stove comparable to larger, more fuel efficient stove models (ones also compatible with canister fuel) that I’ve previously used. The main thing to note here: it was warm camping weather with little to no breeze. Keep reading to see how the 3000-T holds up under less ideal circumstances.
Fuel Efficiency - If you’re planning an adventure that will have you facing cold temperatures, wind, high elevations, or long stretches between refueling, this probably isn’t the stove for you. The fuel efficiency of the 3000-T only gets worse as these factors come into play, so plan ahead to avoid on-trail disappointment.
Limitations of the Pot Supports - Though this feature is what makes the 3000-T so compact and ultralight, there’s a cost and it comes with what pots this burner can bear. I used a 900ml titanium mug from Vargo Outdoors and confidently brought 500ml of water to a steady boil with no issues, but I wouldn’t push this stove much further than coffee or dehydrated meals. That being said, this is still a remarkably stable stove for its size.
Between being compact, ultralight, and affordable, the 3000-T Ultralight Burner from BRS has the potential to be the triple threat your kitchen kit has been longing for. However, if you’re planning on doing much more than boiling a liter of water, or know you’ll be adventuring in less-than-ideal conditions, an upgrade to a sturdier sized stove may be warranted.
Katie (she/her) has the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and Lone Star Hiking Trail under her belt with a bucket list of many, many more. She enjoys any opportunity to write about her adventures, good trail ethics, and trail stewardship. Check out her adventures with Thru the husky at the links below.
The recent addition of ultralight pack pods to my backpacking kit has been the ultimate upgrade in keeping my clothes, gear and food supplies clean, organized and, most importantly, dry while out on the trail.
A lightweight carrying case for hiking and camping gear, pack pods come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs.
They help compartmentalize adventure essentials, add structure and support to frameless UL backpacks, make it easy to locate and access your gear, and IMO make packing and unpacking more efficient.
In an effort to keep weight savings as a top priority while still maintaining a high level of water-resistance, durability and usability, most ultralight pack pod makers use DCF, Ultra, EcoPak, XPac or nylon ripstop fabrics, often with taped seams, and opt for either a one or two way zipper closure.
While ounce counters will undoubtedly question the worth of the negligible added weight, I would say that added cost ought to be the larger factor in determining whether or not pack pods are right for you.
If it fits your budget, I’m of the belief that pack pods will perform time and stress saving miracles when out and about on adventures.
Looking for your sun shirt when the rays hit? Pull out your designated clothes bag. Snack time? Find your food in one spot. Sleep clothes? There’s a pod for that too, and as a bonus it doubles as a pillow!
In the morning, roll, fold or stuff your gear back in their sacks and pile them in order of use (and weight) in your backpack.
Sure, those who prefer to rapidly stuff soft goods into every crevice of their bag will find it takes more time to pack up, but ultimately, the time savings is null when you have to pull every item out to get to the one you need that is crammed in the bottom corner of your bag.
Certainly, I’m not alone in feeling a great sense of joy (and relief) when I pull out my sleep kit and camp clothes and they are (relatively) clean, and completely dry. I find pack pods give me added peace of mind when the weather turns for the worst.
I also use zippered pack pods as food bags. After having them slung up on bear lines in hours of overnight coastal rainfall, I’ve woken to find every inside item bone dry in the morning and the external fabric barely wet within an hour.
And while it is always recommended to back up your pack pods with a pack liner for extra water resistance, I’ve had much success running a mix of the following pods in my Zpacks Nero 38L Ultra backpack with absolutely no seepage in some serious days of downpour.
If you’re looking to give pack pods a try, there are some really great, affordable options available on GGG from an array of amazing cottage vendors.
I've entrusted the DCF fabric, taped seams and weatherproof zipper on the large 2400/3400 series pod to hold my Enlightened Equipment Accomplice Quilt along with two Thermarest NeoAir Uberlite air pads for myself and my partner.
Stuffed into the bottom of my Zpacks Nero, the HMG pod gives the base of my frameless bag superb structure and a good foundation to build the rest of my pack pod tower on top of. Zipper tabs make it easier to close while the one way zipper lightens the load.
Weight: 1.2oz - 1.4oz
Materials: DCF11
Cost: $59 - $69 USD
A great, inexpensive option for getting into pack pods, Six Moon Designs has created an extremely versatile three piece variety pack.
I use the small bag for electronics like my headlamp, charger cords and satellite communication device, which comes into the tent each night.
The medium bag is used for my Be Free 3L Gravity water filter so that any water droplets remain contained after filtering.
The large bag is the perfect size for my camp and sleep clothes and the soft face fabric and rectangular shape makes it the best pillow.
SMD packing pods are also available in a three piece set of just the larger sized pods, a great option for easy stacking.
Weight:
Materials:
Cost: $39.99 USD
Another great, inexpensive and well crafted pack pod for all your adventure needs, the Boxy Bag by Ponds Edge is the perfect shape for stacking, while the translucent fabric makes it easy to see what contents are inside.
The superb water resistance of the DCF fabric and waterproof YKK zipper makes the small bag a great option for my battery banks, charging cables and anything else I want to keep dry.
I love the small shape and size as a ditty bag as well, and the webbing strap makes for easy carrying and hanging.
Weight: 0.3oz - 0.5oz
Materials:
Cost: $18.50 - $24 USD
For the Ultra fabric fans out there, Ultralite Sacks offer a great array of pack pods in three Ultra weights and three unique sizes. Depending on your weight, durability and performance needs, you can choose between 50, 75 and 100d Ultra options.
All Ultralight Cubes are equipped with a waterproof YKK zipper and corded zipper pull. I like to keep my rain gear in their larger pod, as it’s easy to access when the storm starts, and perfect for containing the moisture when the clouds pass and I gear back down.
Weight: 0.4oz - 0.9oz
Materials (Option of):
Cost: $19 - $26 USD
Looking for a big, boxy bag to store all your odds and sods? Then the ditty box pouch by Packback Designs might just be the pack pod for you. Built with durability in mind, the reinforced seams make for a safe space for your heavier items, like bulky clothes, food or kitchen items.
The long handle at one end make it the ideal bag to clip to a carabiner and hang on your bear line, while the highly water resistant EcoPak fabric gives a great layer of protection from the elements.
I’ve been using the large ditty box as a food bag and it easily stores 6 days worth of breakfast oat mixes and all the snacks needed for two hungry humans. The water resistant zipper has held up perfectly to lots of pressure and having two zipper pulls makes my life much easier.
While the Ditty Box is heavier than some of the other UL options on the market, its durability, ease of use and the added peace of mind when fully loaded balances out the extra weight in my books.
Weight:
Materials:
Cost: $22 - $32 USD
All in all, pack pods are an amazing way to organize and protect your adventure essentials when out on trail. With so many ultralight pack pod options available, there’s never been a better time to manage and maintain your backcountry essentials.
Oh, how you've transformed the landscape of my weary feet. Like a magical forest nymph, you've sprinkled arch-supporting stardust upon my soles, leading me to foot bliss. I must confess, before you graced my shoes, my arches felt like forlorn bridges collapsing under the weight of the world. But now, thanks to your presence, my feet are floating on clouds, ready to conquer both literal and metaphorical mountains.
You see, I've traversed many terrains in search of the perfect foot companion. Gel inserts left me feeling like I was walking on sticky jellyfish, while foam pads made me yearn for the softness of a marshmallow. But you, my dear Fulton cork insoles, you're the Goldilocks of foot support—just right, like a perfectly steeped cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.
With each step I take, I can almost hear you whispering sweet nothings to my arches, cradling them with tender care. It's as if you've gathered all the wisdom of ancient trees and infused it into your corky essence. You provide stability and alignment, like a wise old guru guiding my feet along the path of enlightenment. My toes wiggle with delight, as they dance to the rhythm of your arch-supporting symphony.
So, as I embark on new journeys, be they literal hikes or metaphorical leaps of faith, I carry you with me, nestled snugly within my trusty shoes. Together, we shall conquer mountains, traverse valleys, and dance along the twisting paths of life. With your arch-supporting magic and quirky charm, I'm ready to face the world—one step at a time.
Forever grateful,
A Sole-ful Wanderer
When I originally put the Fulton cork insoles in my shoes I had been dealing with some plantar fasciitis that led to a hard and painful plantar fibroma in the bottom of my left foot. My doctor recommended some prescription insoles that were upwards of $300. I decided to hold off on those, and see what these Fulton insoles could do for me. Within the first two weeks, my foot pain was completely gone. After six weeks, the majority of my ankle, achilles, and hip pain is gone as well.
I have worn these insoles in my Brooks running shoes for six weeks and have walked over 125 miles in them. I typically walk 2-5 miles per day on a hard packed dirt and gravel road. The break in period wasn’t too bad, though I did have some soreness in my feet. They started to break into my unique foot shape within 6 days, and now I can feel them getting more comfortable and supporting me in the places I need support every day.
The side-by-side comparison of these insoles with the ones that came in my Brooks is LAUGHABLE. It's like comparing a sheet of paper to a TempurPedic mattress.
But it's not just their functional prowess that impressed me. These insoles possess a charm that sets them apart from the mundane masses of drugstore insoles. They sport lively colors, a dash of quirkiness and a sprinkle of personality. The textured cork resembles a patchwork quilt made of all my favorite things in nature: pine needle-laden trails, the bare dirt beneath my feet, and the bark of an oak tree while I pause in the shade of its branches.
And let’s not forget how eco-friendly these are. I find solace knowing they are sourced from sustainable cork trees. They remind me that my comfort doesn't need to come at the expense of the planet’s wellbeing. With every step, I embrace the knowledge that I’m treading lightly, leaving nothing behind but gentle footprints.
Customized Support: Cork molds to the shape of your foot, so over time, it learns to support you in the way you need it most.
Sustainability: Cork is a renewable resource, and the harvesting of cork bark does not harm the tree. In fact, it is beneficial for the tree, as it promotes growth and helps to maintain the ecosystem. Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world, and the cork oak forests there are an important part of the country's biodiversity.
Durability: Cork is a highly durable material that is resistant to moisture, heat, and wear. It is also lightweight and flexible … in other words, the perfect addition to any shoe!
Insulation: Cork is an excellent thermal insulator.
Aesthetics: Cork has a unique, natural texture and appearance that adds visual interest to these insoles. Additionally, Fulton Insoles are available in two colors and styles, which means you can choose the right style for you, and be cute too. (Note: GGG only carries Fulton’s athletic insole).
Health/Safety: Cork is a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial material, which means it does not promote the growth of bacteria, mold, or fungus. It is also fire-resistant.
90 Day Comfort Guarantee: If you buy these Fulton insoles and they don’t make love to your feet, like they did with mine, you can return or exchange them during the first 90 days!
Break In Period: These are not the kind of insoles you will put in your shoe and feel immediate comfort (unless you already prefer a stiff arch support like Birkenstocks). These will need to be broken in — it won’t take long, maybe a mile or two per day plus walking around like normal for maybe a week.
I have the Fulton Athletic Insole in a Women’s Size 8 (the insoles are sized, so no trimming necessary!)
Materials: Sustainably-Sourced Cork, Natural Latex Cushioning Foam, Organic Cotton
Weight: 3.3 oz.
Price: $59.95
I wrote a Love Letter to these insoles because they truly are deserving of my love and praise. The insoles that come in our shoes are TERRIBLE, and replacing them with Fulton’s Athletic Insole is 100% going to enrich your experience in the world, as a person with feet.
They are affordable, they mold to your feet, they fit well inside running shoes and hiking boots, they are made sustainably, and they really do exactly what they say they will. I plan on buying a pair for each of my athletic shoes, because of how effective they are.
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking in Northern California and taking photos of many tree-covered hillsides. She was born and raised in Mt Shasta, CA at the base of a 14,163’ mountain. She is currently working with her husband on creating an off-grid lifestyle on 2.5 acres just a few miles from where she started life, 36 years ago.
When it comes to cooking on trail, I’m one of the laziest hikers out there. I became infamous in my tramily for seeking out 1-lb bags of sugar cookie mix that I’d simply mix with water and chow down on in the backcountry — and my sugar addiction left me wondering what was supposed to be so challenging about eating a half-gallon of ice cream.
I was stoked for several reasons when I saw organic maple syrup was the common thread between the 3 flavor options made by Embark Maple, but most serendipitously because I was about to tackle Vermont’s Long Trail and knew these energy packets would be the perfect addition to my stoveless pack.
As I wandered the Burlington Farmers Market with my buddies the day before leaving for my trek, I spotted at least half a dozen vendors who used Vermont maple syrup in their products. We smiled and collected small wooden sample spoons, letting the sweetness wash over our tongues: suffice it to say, my bar was set high.
Embark Maple, on the other hand, comes from the woods of Wisconsin. Their syrup, aged in Bourbon barrels for two years, goes ‘beyond the breakfast table’ and is noted for its culinary and cocktail uses.
As a natural form of fuel, and an alternative to commercial, synthetic-tasting energy gels, maple syrup has been finding its way into the endurance sport scene for a while now. It offers long-lasting, more-sustained energy than other quick-nutrition options, plus the flavor is amazing ... if you love the taste of maple syrup!
Embark pouches combine a few simple, organic ingredients with maple syrup to provide clean, on-the-go fuel.
Price: $21.99 for a Variety Pack (one of each flavor)
Weight: 4.7 oz per pouch
Single serving: 320 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 79-81g carb., 250mg sodium
Ingredients:
Packet Durability - Between being shipped through the mail as a resupply to being repeatedly shoved in a bear canister and abused on the outside of my pack’s shoulder pocket, I had zero issues with the packets busting or leaking. And, trust me, I don’t go easy on anything in my pack. I also appreciated the resealable lid, and used it often as I sipped on the coffee and syrup packets throughout the morning.
General Effect - “Quick, easy digesting, long-lasting.” That’s what the package says, and that was my experience! I sipped on the coffee flavor some mornings, while I saved the salted maple and elderberry for afternoon climbs. Truthfully, how can you not feel like conquering mountains when you’re chugging straight maple syrup?
Flavor - The category you’ve all been waiting for! As someone who doesn’t eat tomatoes or olives because I’m not a fan of the textures in my mouth, I drank straight from the Embark packets and was pleased with the result. I found the flavors too rich to finish in one sitting, so I often sipped happily for several hours.
I unexpectedly had a chance to compare the Wisconsin-based Embark packets directly against a similar product from Vermont (maple syrup in a single-serving pouch) that I’d received as trail magic. The Vermont-based packet was less hearty than Embark, but both packets were pure, organic maple syrup. While either would have been fantastic on pancakes, I enjoyed consuming the Embark packet more, mostly because of the thicker texture and the packet design. I found that when I finished the Vermont syrup packets, I was left with superbly sticky wrappers. The option to securely reseal the Embark packets is simply too convenient to pass up.
Yuck or Yum? That Depends! The wild world of camp food is highly individualized. At the end of the day, the only food that makes the cut in your pack is the stuff you’ll actually eat. Just like everything else in the backpacking world, you’ll have to give these a whirl and decide for yourself. You know your tastebuds, and if you don’t enjoy drowning your pancakes in syrup, these probably aren’t the energy gels for you.
Price - With each 3 oz pack just over $7 each when purchased in the Variety Pack, there’s a price to pay for the organic ingredients and supporting a small business.
Salted Maple - Glaze freshly caught salmon, add to oatmeal, craft camp cocktails, or enjoy directly from the packet.
Coffee Maple - Enjoy directly from the packet or combine with warm, whole milk for an Embark Steamer!
Elderberry Maple - Mix ⅓ of a packet with 1 L of water for Embark Elderberry Hydration*, drizzle on ice cream, or craft camp cocktails with Elderberry Maple.
*This was my favorite recipe to try out on trail (and wildly convenient, too). I love plain water as much as the next gal, but Vermont is notorious for beaver pond water sources, so it pays to spruce it up. Besides tasting like elderberry with a delightful maple syrup aftertaste, it also turned my water a beautiful plum purple!
For more recipes, check out Embark’s website.
If you’re looking for a fun, useful gift for the hiker in your life who has everything (including a sweet tooth), you’ve come upon a fantastic option to add to your list. Likewise, if you’re a weekend warrior with a steady source of income, don’t hesitate to fuel up on these delicious, convenient, small-batch maple packets. They’ll absolutely inspire you forward and upward. But if you're a thru-hiker looking to pack resupply boxes on a budget, buying in bulk or seeking out a bargain may better suit your needs.
What suggested Embark Maple recipes sound most tempting to you? Let us know in a comment below.
This product was donated for the purpose of a review.
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I am a huge fan of the Supai Olo paddle, as it is by far the lightest legitimate paddle on the market, and is very packable. The Olo is intended for flat or Class I water where you can get by without the power a good whitewater paddle provides.
Supai recently redesigned the Olo, adding a few refinements. But before discussing those, I thought I’d give some examples of the trips I’ve taken using the 14.5oz Olo paddle.
I know what you’re thinking… one of Arizona’s best known wildernesses isn’t often a spot thought of for paddling. However, the Salt River reservoirs form the entire northern boundary of the wilderness, as any AZT hiker who has had to walk all the way to Roosevelt to cross and continue on north to the Four Peaks Wilderness can attest. I’ve taken trips where I was able to explore seldom seen parts of the wilderness crossing the Salt Reservoirs, and paddling to connectors, trusty 14.5oz paddle on my pack.
About to launch in the Owyhee Canyonlands
I used the Supai paddle to connect areas I wanted to explore in more depth.
Paddle fits easily into a side pocket of a Volpi Fastpack
This is my primary shoulder season and winter backpacking territory. Having the ability to cross the river at will is vital to fully exploring this landscape, with limited public entry points and difficult straight line overland travel.
Not an easy place to hike without a raft for crossings!
I’ve done multiple off trail routes in the Alpine Lakes and Glacier Peaks Wilderness where the circumnavigation of a lake is extremely difficult due to deep cirques with high angle unstable talus. This coming summer the Supai Olo Paddle and Supai Matkat Packraft will be coming with me to make short work of otherwise tiresome travel.
New Olo Paddle blade above, old paddle design below
The Olo Paddle is 200cm long — enough for the flat strokes from the “swan” or spread eagle type position you’re likely to find yourself in while on calm water. The smallish and unshaped blade of the previous Olo did not seem to be a serious impediment to travel, as the maximum hull speed of a typical ultralight raft could still easily be achieved, and more power would be wasted effort on the part of the paddler.
What I was failing to take into account was moments of paddling against the current, needing more power to aim for a particular spot at the other side of a crossing, and eddying out when needed. The new paddle blade makes all of this easier.
No paddle in this picture? That’s because it's holding up my tent. Dual use!
The new blade is slightly larger, and shaped with a scoop to provide a more powerful stroke. It fits more into a “Sugar Island” style of blade, and the increased power is notable. Some clever removable drip rings have been added as well. Despite the increased size the paddle still handily packs in the side pocket of all my backpacks.
A good example of the increased power is this crossing of the John Day in a Supai Matkat Raft, with the redesigned Olo Paddle. This is with the river at 14,000 CFS, near flood stage:
The newly redesigned Supai Olo Paddle gives me plenty of power to keep myself pointed up river in a ferry position until I am able to sidle into the opposite bank.
If you are ready to add some paddling to your backcountry routes and are looking for the best combination of weight, packability, and effectiveness, the redesigned Supai Olo Paddle is a solid featherlight choice.
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