The Best Semi-Freestanding, Hybrid Tents
What’s better–a trekking pole-supported tent, or a freestanding tent? What if the answer might be… neither? In my experience, the best gear out there is often an even mix of the best of both worlds. Freestanding tents can often be heavy, since they feature their own internal support system. Even collapsed, this internal frame can be tricky to pack, with many backpackers opting to strap them to the outside of their packs. Trekking pole-supported tents are lightweight, but can be tedious to
The KEY to Great Sleep Outdoors
What is the worst part about backpacking? I think most people would say it’s the sleep. I don’t know what it is, but I can hike all day long, be utterly exhausted from a hike
Only ONE Good Reason to Use This Hammock—Haven Lay Flat Hammock Tent Review
I really wanted to like this thing! Its one of the only true lay-flat hammocks in existence. A hammock that even side and stomach sleepers can use. But to be honest, it seems like more like a gimmick than anything else. A little while back I was sent this Haven tent to try out. And I was intrigued because I’ve never been a big fan of hammocks, mainly because I’m a side sleeper, and hammocks just aren't good for side sleepers. But Haven tents
You’ve NEVER Seen a Backpack Like This – Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 Review
I’ve have owned A LOT of packs over the years: Gregory, Arctyex, REI, Dueter, Osprey, Gosomer Gear, Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Lowe Alpine
ONE BAG to Rule Them All—The North Face One Bag Review
So you know how in The Lord of the Rings, 19 rings of power are given to the elves, the dwarves and the race of men, giving them the strength and will to govern each race? “But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made
The Truth About Wet Down Jackets
As light as a feather. There is a reason that phrase exits. Because no other material, not even space-age technology from NASA, is as warm, light and compressible as down. Down is backpacking’s miracle insulation. But down has one major flaw. When it gets wet, it looses all its magical properties. It can’t insulate, it gets really heavy, and can even be deadly. And that one fatal flaw is the reason why I spend so much time, effort, and worry trying to
The Lightest Tent in the World – The New Zpacks Plex Solo
The lightest, fully enclosed backpacking tent in existence. 13.7 ounces of pure ultralight bliss. But is it too good to be true? Let’s take a look at the brand new for 2022 Zpacks Plex Solo. Brand Spanking New This tent very well may be the lightest, fully enclosed tent on the market. This thing is so new. It was released only three ago. For instance look at this picture: This is the build date for this tent. Today is February 10, 2022, and this tent was
Nemo Killer? The New MSR Freelite 2 vs. the Nemo Hornet Elite 2P Tent
Freestanding ultralight tents are my favorite. So when I found out MSR redesigned the Freelite 2 to be eight ounces lighter—coming in closer to two pounds—well, I had to check it out. And I realized, this tent feels a whole lot like another two-pound tent I’ve used for years: the Nemo Hornet elite. Plus, MSR claims their new Freelite is … “More Spacious Than the Nemo Hornet” Which was just begging for a comparison. So this is the new MSR Freelite 2 vs. the
Mountain Hardwear STRATO 2P Tent Review
Backpacking tents are tiny. And when you are just carrying your tent, that’s great. Tiny tents fit better in your pack and reduce weight. But the rest of the time, tiny tents SUCK. And for me, the suckiest part about backpacking tents is
An Alternative to Expensive Top Quilts – Featherstone Moondance 25 Backpacking Quilt Review
If you are looking to buy a lightweight, warm, high quality backpacking quilt you are probably looking to spend $300-$400. Whether you are looking at Enlightened Equipment, Feathered Friends, UGQ, or one of the other great companies that make backpacking quilts. Your going to drop some cash. But you don’t have to, you could get a lightweight, high quality, down quilt that competes with feathered friends and enlightened equipment, for warmth quality and weight, but only spend $189 (affiliate link). Today I’m talking