We’re running a survey to determine the best campgrounds and hiking trails, and we want to hear from you! Just fill out this quick survey and to say thanks, we’ll send you free Tripleblaze stickers in the mail.

Once we collect enough responses, we’ll share the results right here, so stay tuned…

Congratulations to our top photo and review contributors in April, James Tracy and Ti. Each will receive a $25 REI gift card for their work.

April was the last month for our contribution contest, though you can still earn points and unlock topo map access in our app and on Tripleblaze.com by adding your campground and hiking photos and reviews. Explore the outdoors this summer and share what you find!

April wildflowers at Fort Ord near Monterey, CA.

Congratulations to our top photo and review contributors through the first 3 months of the year!

• January: deep_13 and James Tracy
• February: papasmurf454 and James Tracy
• March: papasmurch454 and James Tracy

This month (April) will be the last month for the Tripleblaze contribution contest so make this one count! We’re looking at other ways to get more folks involved on Tripleblaze so stay tuned to hear what’s next for the contribution contest!

Overview

This vacuum bottle emerged onto the market within the past year, making a splash with its ability to match or exceed the performance of any similar, thermos-style bottle.  When designing the Glacier Stainless Vacuum Bottle, GSI Outdoors set out to make the best thermos possible–to set a new standard in the industry. With such a lofty goal, I was determined to run it through a series of field tests that would truly test its reliability and performance. Here is what I found over the course of several months.

Design

The vacuum bottle is one of the outdoor products that I have worked with in the past year that is obviously designed with a thoughtful, intuitive approach.  The thermos adds several key features that many other bottles are lacking.  One of my favorite aspects of the GSI vacuum bottle is the textured cup and cap that boasts a bombproof design.

Other products that I have used have either been hard to clean or eventually ended up broken.  Not this one!

The other unique feature is a non-slip rubber boot which is integrated into the bottle (not just a piece of rubber that is slapped onto the bottom). The bottle also has a wonderful pour-through cap that is easy to use on the go.  Some models, like the one pictured here, have a painted exterior that is comfortable to the touch. Last but not least, the bottle is uniform and sleek in shape, meaning that the cap is not drastically different in size to the rest of the bottle.

Performance

As an avid user of this type of product, I was a bit shocked!

The GSI Glacier Vacuum Bottle outperformed any other one that I have used.  The bottle kept drinks hot for over 12 hours in sub-freezing conditions.  The bottle also kept drinks pretty warm overnight in a vehicle near zero degrees fahrenheit. Another unintentional test allowed me to see that the maximum time could near a total of 24 hours of keeping drinks warm and pleasant.  I had similar findings with cold beverages, although hot coffee was my most common application of this bottle.

What’s Not to Like?

When examining the weak points of this product, I can only find a few small things to provide feedback on.One is that, even after months of use, I find myself not pouring with the correct amount open on the pour-through cap and having small spills on occasion.  If anything, it is a minor inconvenience.  I have recently noted some small chips in the paint on the exterior, but none that would warrant the bottle being poorly designed.  A third thing to be aware of when purchasing any thermos-style product is that you may have difficulty cleaning the inside of the bottle.  Fortunately, with a good bottle brush, you should be able to reach in and scrub any residue away from previous uses of your vacuum bottle.

Conclusion

I am a big fan of this vacuum bottle! The uniform, sleek design and unparalleled performance make the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Vacuum Bottle a perfect pick as a durable lifestyle product. Whether you are traveling, adventuring, or living everyday life, this vacuum bottle provides an ideal way to store hot and cold beverages for later!

GSI Outdoors also has a 1/2 liter version available for purchase if a full liter is a little much for your needs.

MSRP: $34.95

Thanks to GSI Outdoors for providing this product for review on Tripleblaze.com.

Congratulations to our top contributors last quarter! Each month we award points based on the number of campground and trail photos, maps, and reviews Tripleblaze members post, and the two members with the most points at the end of the month receive $25 REI gift cards. Here are the winners from the last 3 months:

October: deep_13 and mrseast

November: James Tracy and GhentW

December: James Tracy and deep_13

Hopefully you got a chance to get out for a First Day Hike to start the new year. We’d love to see your photos and hear about the places you explored!

Start planning your trip today on tripleblaze.com or at the National Park Service website. When you get back rate your camp, hike, or cave, leave a comment and share your pictures with the Tripleblaze community.

Photo: AJ Heil

Found a new camp, hike or cave that isn’t listed? Add them and share your pictures and comments. Not a member? Create a free account and join the Tripleblaze community!

Now get out there and explore the great outdoors!

Taken near the top of Pikes Peak in August.

Apologies for the delay… and happy fall! Thanks to our top camping and hiking photo and review contributors in August, James Tracy and papasmurf454. And congratulations to our September top contributors, James Tracy and deep_13. Each winner will receive a $25 REI gift card for their help in making Tripleblaze the most comprehensive resource for camping and hiking information online.

Get outdoors in October and be sure to share photos and reviews of all your adventures for a chance to earn your own REI gift card. Happy trails!

Photo: Melissa Peacock.

Start planning your trip visit today on tripleblaze.com or at the National Park Service website. When you get back rate your camp, hike, or cave, leave a comment, and share your pictures with the Tripleblaze community.

Photo: AJ Heil

Found a new camp, hike or cave that isn’t listed ? Add them and share your pictures and comments. Not a member? Create a free account and join the Tripleblaze community!

Now get out there and explore the great outdoors!

Photo: mtbikerchick

Blue Sky Trail outside Ft. Collins, CO.

Congratulations to our July photo and review contest winners, papasmurf454 and James Tracy. Each will receive $25 REI gift cards for adding the most camping and hiking information to Tripleblaze last month.

We’re busy making Tripleblaze even easier to use with more mobile-friendly pages and functions. Be sure to check us out the next time you’re in the car on the way back from the trail. You can add your reviews and photos right from you phone to earn points!

Photo: carsuek

Come celebrate the National Park Service’s 99th Birthday entrance fee free August 25th. The National Park Service is comprised of 401 National Parks across the country. You may be surprised that you are only a short road trip away for a quick weekday adventure.

Start planning your trip visit today on tripleblaze.com or at the National Park Service website. When you get back rate your camp, hike, or cave, leave a comment, and share your pictures with the Tripleblaze community.

Found a new camp, hike, or cave that isn’t listed ? Add them and share your pictures and comments. Not a member? Create a free account and join the Tripleblaze community!

Now get out there and explore the great outdoors!

We just posted a new tool on Tripleblaze that helps you find the best deals on outdoor equipment from retailers like REI, Sierra Trading Post, Amazon, and eBay. You can use it to search for specific products like the Katadyn Vario water filter or for more general searches like dome tents. Heck, I just ran the dome tent search myself and had no idea you could buy a 2-person tent for less than $18!

If you’re looking for new gear this summer and fall, be sure to try our new gear deal finder to save yourself some time and $$. We’ll definitely be using it ourselves!

The “neighborhood trails” near the Tripleblaze office.

Sorry for the delay in announcing the May Tripleblaze photo and review contest winners: papasmurf454 and James Tracy! It’s also time to announce our winners from June: James Tracy (again) and deep_13. All winners will receive $25 REI gift cards for their contributions.

Be sure to bring a camera or your smartphone on your outdoor adventures this summer! We love hearing about the campgrounds and hiking trails you visit plus your reviews and photos just might earn one of two REI gift card this month.

Tripleblaze has been collecting camper reviews since 2005, and after tallying thousands of campground ratings around the USA, we put together a list of the highest rated campgrounds in each US state. This is the second year we’ve published this list, and while many of the names may sound familiar, 15 of the 50 top-rated campgrounds on this list are new from last year! Click the map above for an interactive version or scroll down to the list below to get more info about the most popular campgrounds in your state.

Any surprises? Are you lucky enough to have a reservation at one of these campgrounds for the 4th of July weekend?

• Alabama: Corinth Recreation Area
• Alaska: Brushkana Campgrounds
• Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park
• Arkansas: DeGray Lake
• California: Yosemite National Park
• Colorado: Camp Dick Campground
• Connecticut: Rocky Neck State Park
• Delaware: Killens Pond State Park
• Florida: Ocean Pond
• Georgia: Seminole State Park
• Hawaii: Not enough data
• Idaho: Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast
• Illinois: Shabbona Lake State Park
• Indiana: Turkey Run State Park
• Iowa: Maquoketa Caves State Park
• Kansas: Pomona State Park
• Kentucky: Green River Lake
• Louisiana: Chicot State Park
• Maine: Hermit Island Campground
• Maryland: Elk Neck State Park
• Massachusetts: Myles Standish State Forest
• Michigan: Ludington State Park
• Minnesota: Flour Lake
• Mississippi: Paul B Johnson State Park
• Missouri: Big Creek RV Park LLC
• Montana: Glacier National Park
• Nebraska: Enders Reservoir
• Nevada: Cave Lake State Park
• New Hampshire: Hancock
• New Jersey: Bass River State Forest
• New Mexico: Bandelier National Monument
• New York: Eighth Lake Campground
• North Carolina: Carolina Hemlocks
• North Dakota: Lewis and Clark State Park
• Ohio: Tappan Lake
• Oklahoma: Horse Heaven Ranch
• Oregon: Loon Lake Lodge & RV Resort
• Pennsylvania: Beaver Meadows Recreation Area
• Rhode Island: Burlingame State Park
• South Carolina: Edisto Beach State Park
• South Dakota: Horsethief Lake Campground
• Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Texas: Double Lake Recreation Area
• Utah: Dead Horse Point State Park
• Vermont: Winhall Brook
• Virginia: Chippokes Plantation State Park
• Washington: Crow Butte
• West Virginia: Burnsville Lake
• Wisconsin: Devils Lake State Park
• Wyoming: Esterbrook Campground

Overview

The Metal Vent Tech shirt is designed with a strategic venting system for both intense cardiovasular activities and an overall active lifestyle. Vents have been placed underneath the arms, around the lower chest, down the sides, and along the back of the shirt in “hot spots” where you would often see sweat stains normally.  The Metal Tech Vent shirt also features a unique stitching blend that prevents chafing and discomfort. Designed and developed by Lu Lu Lemon, you can pretty much guarantee a quality product for the active lifestyle!  But let’s look a little further…

Front view of the Metal Vent Tech short sleeve shirt (Photo: LuLuLemon.com)

What’s to like?

When field testing the shirt, I immersed it into many different situations and environments.  I’ve been very pleased with the performance of the Metal Vent Tech and it has quickly become my favorite base layer with its loose-fitting style and unbeatable comfort.

What’s to like about the MVT?  The shirt is virtually wrinkle-free, feels super soft, and vents better than any other shirt that I own.  The cloudy-green that I picked up (not pictured here) is an awesome design reflected in each color (see below) that I definitely prefer to solid colors.  The shirt’s durable stitching wraps around the shoulders and feels seamless.

When testing the shirt, I only had one time when I was able to sweat through a portion of the shirt… and even then, I had to nearly force it to happen!  You can tell that the MVT has a smartly and strategically-designed venting system!

As if that’s not enough, the shirt has some awesome hidden gems: inside the front waist of the shirt, you can find these words written: “And make sure to drink a beer or two along the way.” On the inside of the back waist of the shirt, another piece of inspiration: “Visualize your victory, realize your goals, believe in yourself.”  What’s better than a shirt that inspires and encourages you with positive themes in your life?

A shirt with a creative caption on both sides (Photo: LuLuLemon.com)

What’s not to like?

OK — enough with the romanticism.

What’s not to like about the Metal Vent Tech shirt? The first, and possibly only, thing that I can think of is its pricing.  The MVT comes in right at $64 per shirt, which means that it may seem like a significant investment to the average hiker, backpacker, or camper.  It would be so nice to have a more affordable price point, with such a quality shirt, but I can understand the niche that Lu Lu Lemon has for this in the current market of active, outdoor enthusiasts. The MVT is designed for sweat and built for the active lifestyle, so it’s still worth the investment if you’re looking for a layer that will LAST.

When testing the shirt, I ran into an everyday yoga enthusiast that couldn’t help but talk about his Lu Lu Lemon shirt as the only layer he can wear day after day and not wear through, or build an awful smell after regular use.  It’s true — these products can take a beating, endure tons of use, and still last for the long haul!

Lu Lu Lemon’s MVT in action (top hammock in photo)

Summary

The Metal Vent Tech shirt is worth the bones, but sports a high price point for the average enthusiast. Currently at $64, it’s still worth considering as a reliable, long-lasting, and high-performing item in your apparel arsenal — after all, its name practically makes it sound like the piece of armor that it is!

MSRP: $64.00

Thanks to Lu Lu Lemon and Hayter Communications for providing this shirt for review!

GSI Pinnacle Camper Cookset (Photo: REI.com)

When heading out into the backcountry or frontcountry, food planning, packing, and preparation is always a priority!  For years, many of us have battled with stainless steel pots, non-stick frying pans, heavy mugs, and other kitchenware.

Fortunately, in recent years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number and quality of backcountry appliances for food preparation and cooking. We have begun to utilize items that weigh far less, are less bulky, and feature multi-use design.  Perhaps one of the leaders in this technology has been GSI Outdoors, implementing lightweight design with sleek style and ingenuity.  The Pinnacle Camper Cookset fits this description, but also works to redefine group cooking in outdoor settings.

GSI Pinnacle Camper: Bundled together and condensed

Overview

The Pinnacle Camper is a strategically-designed cookset that maximizes space, boosts performance, and improves the overall cooking experience.  The set comes with a huge variety of items that are designed to fit seamlessly into a carrying case that also doubles as a wash basin for your dishes and utensils.  The list of items includes a 3-liter pot, 2-liter pot, 2 strainer lids, 9″ frying pan, 4 mugs, 4 bowls, 4 plates, 4 lid tops, pot gripper, and wash basin. The set is designed for both frontcountry and backcountry use. From my experience, it works well for up to four people in both settings.  The entire set weighs in at just over four pounds, which is plenty light considering that is has everything necessary for at least four people!

Opening up the lids to reveal mugs, plates, and more!

What’s it like?

The GSI Pinnacle is a burly option that sports a versatile, multi-use system. The lids are “crushproof” and able to fit both the pots and pan included in the kit.  The mugs are double-layered for insulation, or can be separated to have a mug and bowl at the same time (or eight cups).  The pots are incredibly non-stick with a reassuring, sturdy design.  The frying-pan lid is a great addition for helping add creative recipes to the meal plan. And the wash basin dualing as a case is just smart thinking!

Dual-layered mug/bowls inside of the GSI Pinnacle Camper

2 Liter pot inside of larger 3 liter pot with plates

What’s not to like?

The GSI Pinnacle Camper sports a high-quality design, to say the least!  One of the biggest suggestions that I could make is the consideration of adding another frying pan to the mix. Based on personal preference in group settings, I sometimes benefit from having two pans for many of my meal plans… however, it’s a reasonable compromise when thinking of adding the weight and possibly some additional bulk to the cookset.  The only other thing that people may struggle with is the price point–at $130, it can sometimes be hard to justify buying a new camp cookset.  Where GSI shines is when people finally get it in their hands–it’s then that outdoor enthusiasts understanding the value of having a cookset like the Pinnacle Camper!  Other than this, I can’t think of much that I would target to improve about the Pinnacle Camper cookset!

Crushproof lids with silicone rim and rubberized construction

Field Tests

To date, I’ve used the Pinnacle Camper for over twenty days in the field through a variety of conditions and environments. I’m pleased to say that it has exceeded my expectations each time on trip!  As a backcountry guide, I’ve had the chance to use the Pinnacle to its full capacity with groups of participants, putting it to the true test.

During this time, I’ve made a couple of additional observations:

1) At first glance, the pot lids seem like they would melt when in contact with hot metal. Luckily, this is a myth!  The silicone rim prevents the possibility of damaging your lids when boiling water and heating food over camp stoves.

2) The pots hold their shape better than ones I’ve used in the past.  The packing design and hardened aluminum seems to boost the longevity of these pots, holding their form and resisting small dents and malformations that normally occur through repeated use.

3) The pot grippers are wicked awesome. Sometimes I just find myself wanting one for each pot!

4) The plates and cups are lightweight and bomber.  Use them!  For some reason, it’s taken me until now to leave my other bowl and plate behind… because I’m finally realizing the benefits of having a super-reliable, compact cookset that includes all of them!

GSI Pinnacle being used in the field — Modified lid technique!

Summary

Simply said, I haven’t found a cooking product that beats the GSI Pinnacle Camper cookset!
It’s a simplistic, high-performance, smartly-designed, all-in-one camp cooking solution.

The pots are very well-designed and the associated items follow suit.  I’m impressed with how much GSI Outdoors has packed into the Pinnacle, their largest camp cookset on the market.  The Pinnacle Camper is definitely worth checking out and considering as an investment in your outdoor arsenal!

MSRP:$129.95

Thanks to GSI Outdoors for providing the Pinnacle Camper Cookset for review!

Clasp holding all items into the case (wash basin)

If you’re traveling this summer and looking for a cool place to hike, Tripleblaze has you covered! We’ve collected thousands of hiking trail reviews and sifted through the data to find the highest rated hiking trails in each US state. Click the map for an interactive version or see the full list of trails below.

Disagree with your state’s highest rated trail? Review your favorite trails to see them move up the list!

• Alabama: Indian Falls
• Alaska: Granite Tors
• Arizona: Grand Canyon – North Rim
• Arkansas: Petit Jean State Park
• California: Muir Woods
• Colorado: Garden of the Gods
• Connecticut: Trout Brook Valley
• Delaware: Brandywine Creek State Park
• Florida: Little Big Econ State Forest
• Georgia: Tallulah Gorge State Park
• Hawaii: Laie Falls Trail
• Idaho: Palisade Canyon To Upper Palisade Lake
• Illinois: Starved Rock State Park
• Indiana: Turkey Run State Park
• Iowa: Shaulis Road Trail
• Kansas: Sand Hills State Park
• Kentucky: Cumberland Falls
• Louisiana: Kincaid Lakeshore Trail
• Maine: The Hunt Trail
• Maryland: Appalachian Trail: Maryland
• Massachusetts: Greenbriar Hodges Dam
• Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Minnesota: Barn Bluff
• Mississippi: Tishomingo State Park
• Missouri: Hawn State Park
• Montana: Clement’s Mountain
• Nebraska: Jewel Park
• Nevada: Bristlecone
• New Hampshire: Franconia Ridge
• New Jersey: Stokes State Forest
• New Mexico: Soda Dam Falls
• New York: Connetquot River State Park
• North Carolina: Pisgah National Forest (Various)
• North Dakota: Maah Daah Hey
• Ohio: Arc of Appalachia
• Oklahoma: Indian Nation Trail
• Oregon: Forest Park
• Pennsylvania: Ricketts Glen SP Falls Trail Loop
• Rhode Island: N/A
• South Carolina: Cheraw State Park
• South Dakota: Presidential Trail
• Tennessee: Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Texas: Big Bend National Park
• Utah: South Fork of the Provo
• Vermont: Bingham Falls
• Virginia: Appalachian Trail: Virginia
• Washington: Carkeek Park
• West Virginia: Kanawha State Forest Trails
• Wisconsin: Devils Lake State Park
• Wyoming: Vedauwoo

Bear Creek trail near Ellijay, GA. Photo taken with GPS-enabled Garmin VIRB action camera.

Congratulations to our top photo and review contributors last month, James Tracey and deep 13. Each will receive a $25 REI gift card for sharing their outdoor adventures on Tripleblaze.com!

We’ve been making some changes here at Tripleblaze over the past few weeks , making the website more mobile-friendly and adding new features. Stay tuned for more news this month!

It seems like there’s only so much that you can do with energy gels to make them appealing, but it looks like GU has the right idea when it comes to design and flavors. They have produced at least 15 different flavors of basic gels (not including their other Roctane gels). The newest flavor on the line is root beer. That’s right, root beer.

I’ll give you a second to let that sink in…

At first, I was hesitant to try a Root Beer energy gel. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t had too many power bars or energy gels that I think, “Mmmmm, this is good! I’d like to eat this every day,” even though they are often loaded with tasty glucose. However, I was certainly open to experiencing new flavors and options.

“Root Beer” gave me the impression that I was going to experience an overpowering, chemical-tasting, super-concentrated root beer flavor.  But that was not the case!  After having multiple gels during activities such as mountain biking and hiking, I never found the flavor overpowering or overly-fake. In my opinion, GU Energy really got the flavor balance totally spot-on with this product!  I would recommend it to outdoor enthusiasts looking to carry some compact backup energy with them, and to endurance athletes–those training for endurance events or even just participating in endurance activities on a regular basis.

My last piece of advice:
Don’t be shy, try the Root Beer flavor!  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

MSRP: $11.60 (box of 8)

Huge thanks to Outside PR and GU for providing this product for review!

The No Matter What Duffel series is made just for this, regardless of whether you have five minutes to pack, or if you’ve been planning for months. The No Matter What Duffel is there–burly, versatile, and ready to go–just like its name says.

Overview

This duffel is made for adventure.  The fabric is tough, water resistant, and still fairly lightweight! It sports tough webbing, a reinforced construction, and a strong strap system. When designing and producing this product, Eagle Creek took extra care to ensure that the No Matter What Duffel is as durable and tough as possible. The duffel is intended for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travel, and anything else that you throw its way.

What’s to like?

I had the opportunity to utilize the Large version of the No Matter What Duffel for several months of intense adventure and travel.  The thing that stood out to me time and time again was this pack’s ability to take a beating, but not show it (other than the intense green getting a little blemished). Even in the rain, this pack keeps clothing and gear dry and protected extremely well! The straps and seams are exceptionally strong, unlike some lesser-quality duffels that you’d typically buy in a retail store.  The fabric and reinforced bottom also proved themselves time and time again through the dirt, gravel, sand, mud, and random sharp objects.

When examining the features on the No Matter What Duffel, I found that the locking zipper was of fantastic quality and works well under stress. The zipper pieces themselves seem super solid and don’t show any signs of weakening. The zipper line is also very strong, with a fabric flap to keep additional water from potentially seeping into the pack. The duffel sports strong carry handles on either side, an adjustable, padded shoulder strap, and two carry straps that can be clasped together. The external pocket (shown below) can be handy to keep several things readily accessible on the outside of the pack, while still keeping them protected and away from the elements. The shoulder strap is detachable for packing and travel, allowing you to easily tuck straps in and fly with this duffel. Perhaps one of my favorite, unique features is the compression straps that wrap over the top of the pack! These are totally useful to tighten your pack together, especially when you have a large one in which empty space often exists.

Overall, the design seems well thought-out, tweaked, and tuned.

What’s not to like?

One funny thing that I think of right away, mostly because of my color choice, is that this pack gets marked and shows dirt easily. That’s more of a tip, in case you’re concerned with carrying around a dirty pack? Apart from that, the compression strap buckles seem to be made of a little lesser quality than some of the other features.  This concerns me in the case that too much tension could potentially cause them to snap or break.  However, Eagle Creek gives this product their No Matter What Warranty, which seems to cover things like buckle failure extremely well. Other than that, I can’t think of any other ways to improve this pack–it literally seems bombproof when carrying it, knocking it around, and engaging in adventure.

Bottom Line

I see the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffels as a worthy investment. I intentionally use the word investment because I really think that this product will last for the long haul.  With the durable construction and No Matter What Warranty, you can take the utmost confidence in grabbing this any and every time you’re heading out on an adventure!

I would recommend the No Matter What Duffel to anyone looking to travel and be outdoors in the months to come. This pack gets the job done over and over again, with a top-quality design and adventure in mind.  If this has sparked your interest, you can read more and check out their line over at EagleCreek.com.

And to all: keep living your adventures!

MSRP: $90

Thanks to Eagle Creek and Terra PR for making this review possible!

Photo: AJ Heil

Join the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation in Celebrating National Park Week with an entrance fee free weekend April 18-19th. With 401 National Parks you might be surprised to find a National Park near you.

Start planning your trip visit today on tripleblaze.com or at the National Park Service website. When you get back rate your camp, hike, or cave, leave a comment and share your pictures with the Tripleblaze community.

Photo: erincarr19

Found a new camp, hike or cave that isn’t listed ? Add them and share your pictures and comments. Not a member? Create a free account and join the Tripleblaze community!

Now get out there and explore the great outdoors!

Canyon Overlook Trail is only a one-mile round trip that provides incredible views of the lower canyon with quintessential Zion scenery!  If you choose to hike it, you’ll climb gently along the Pine Creek Canyon and underneath some incredible sandstone overhangs, providing a spectacular short hiking experience.

The trail itself is not very difficult.  You’ll start with some carved stairs that wrap around to a winding traverse along the Pine Creek Canyon that has some metal walkways and railings as guides. The path is well-traveled and very clear, so no need to worry about extensive planning for this hike!  In fact, it is easily one that you can throw on the front or back end of your day. While hiking, we overheard that this trail is among the most sought out for recreationalists that are looking to get an epic view of the sunset, and photographers that are hoping to catch the moment, as well!

After climbing 163 feet (in elevation), you’ll arrive at the overlook, whcih has prominent railings and a landing pad with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the views. As with anywhere in Zion, take proper precautions when hiking and site-seeing as there are exposed cliffs and fall potentials in several areas. This overlook is very impressive, but be sure to keep kids and youth close by if you are concerned about the hazards that surround the area and the exposed drops. That being said, you will have some incredible views from this area! Granted that you’d have lights and take the proper precaution, maybe it’s worth trying to hike it near sunset to enjoy the colors?

We would highly recommend checking Canyon Overlook Trail out, even if you have only a brief amount of time in Zion.  One thing that we haven’t mentioned yet is that the trailhead is extremely close to the East Entrance of the park.  The parking lot, traveling from the East, lies directly in front of the entrance to the famous 1.1-mile tunnel.  Be sure to park here and use the restroom facilities if needed! There are great opportunities to lead a group up the trail and easily stay together for the duration of your time there.

Maps can be found online and at the park upon your arrival, although we found that no navigation piece is necessary for this hike!  Check out http://www.zionnational-park.com/ or http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm for more maps and information on hikes in Zion, if this has piqued your interest!

Date Hiked: January 22, 2015

http://www.zionnational-park.com/map-canyon-overlook.htm

photo: Aaron Chamberlain

We took a bit of a break from the Tripleblaze contribution contest over the winter but now it’s back! Members earn points for adding camping and hiking reviews and photos, and each month we’ll reward the top two contributors with $25 REI gift cards. Out of more than 40 contributors in March, James Tracy and Jackson County Parks came out on top!

Adding photos and reviews to Tripleblaze is simple and you can even use our free app to document your outdoor adventures this spring and summer. Get outside and enjoy your weekend!

I know what you’re thinking right now… “Thai Sweet Chili? Woa!”

That’s right!  And it’s pretty incredible!

In recent years, KIND has grown to be widely known in the “granola bar” world–maybe more properly labeled as snacks and snack bars. With a dynamic business philosophy and an entrepreneurial mindset, KIND stands for more than just healthy snacks. They stand as an organization committed to “making the world a little kinder, one act at a time.” To this day, the company thrives on a philosophy oriented on social good and positive vibes by leading a company that is driven more by impact than profit (kindsnacks.com/about).

Apart from inspiring and breeding kindness, the company KIND also prides itself on all-natural ingredients with no hidden or artificial contents in their snacks. Health and taste are at the core of each of their products. Within the brand, they have several lines of products–their STRONG & KIND bars are among some of the most well-known!

New on the market this year: a STRONG & KIND bar flavored like Thai Sweet Chili (insert excitement here!).

Right off the bat, I was not sure what to expect from this flavor… KIND has always produced some solid, interesting products in the past, so I was eager to try it out! Although hesitant that the flavor could prove overpowering, it actually turned out to be quite pleasant and totally unique!  Thai Sweet Chili balances a zesty spice with a sweet counterpart–all in a single snack bar.

When trying the new KIND bar, I didn’t feel overwhelmed with flavor, but was definitely struck by appetizing aspects that encompassed everything of this bar’s namesake: Thai. Sweet. Chili.  You can expect all of these to jump out at you, before blending together in a dance of flavorful fancy!  After tasting, enjoying, and thinking through the flavor, I’ve been left with a bit of a bias–but I think it’s totally worth trying this new flavor, if you get the chance!

MSRP: $36.00 (24 bar case)

Huge thanks to KIND for providing a sample for review on Tripleblaze.com!

Specs

The Bear Grylls Native Series Mummy bag comes custom-fitted for men or women with either a 30°F (-1°C) or 0°F (-18°C) temperature rating option. Thanks to the gender-specific fitting this bag offers excellent warmth and comfort and makes even the coldest winter night that much more enjoyable.

An outer shell is made of 75D-240T Diamond rip stop polyester, making this bag tear- and rip-resistant. The inside lining is made from smooth and soft to the touch 50D 310T Polyester. The secret to the warmth is the Thermolite synthetic fiber, which is water-resistant and wallet-friendly. However, this makes the bag weigh in at 3 pounds (1.4 kg).

Loaded with features that are designed to keep you warm and comfortable, the Native Series Mummy bag did not disappoint out gear testers. The comfort hood is ergonomically-designed with a collar draw cord to trap body heat in and keep the cold out. To increase your warmth, a zipper draft tube running the entire length of the zipper keeps your body heat in, making sure you’re warm and comfy no matter how low the thermometer drops.

Anti-Snag Reversible zippers make getting in and out simple and hassle-free, with the ability to zip the men’s and women’s bags together. I assume it’s to conserve body heat in an emergency situation, or let you use cheesy lines like, “Sorry Honey, we have to zip together to conserve body heat–science.”

The internal zipper pocket allows you to stow away important gear with easy access, such as lip balm, head lamp, or a knife (yes, it is big enough for your phone if you brought it). The articulated foot box keeps your feet warm and comfortable without feeling trapped or bound inside of this mummy sleeping bag.

Foot hanging loops on the bottom are perfect for hanging to dry or air out. Included is a compression sack, making room in your backpack for other gear.

Performance

The Native Series bag provides a warm slice of home when you are out on the trail and the temperatures drop below freezing. With a tough outer shell, the native series bag resists rips and tears. The silky-smooth liner offered a warm night’s sleep and was arguably more comfortable than staying home in bed.

With comfort in mind, this bag focused on keeping your hard-earned body heat inside the bag and cold drafts from wrecking a good night’s sleep. The hood offered excellent insulation with a collar that kept the cold out even when the temperatures reached 2°F on one test night. The zipper draft tube was extremely effective and did not jam the zippers like other sleeping bags tend to do. The inside zipper pocket offered easy access and made finding important gear quick and easy.

Insulation is important for lower temperature bags and this synthetic insulation did a wonderful job keeping us warm. Like any other synthetic insulation the advantage is that you don’t have to worry too much about a wet bag, but you are giving up the weight and compressibility of down insulation.

The wonderful thing about the Bear Grylls sleeping bag line is that the male and female bags zip together, giving you a bit more room and a more comfortable night sleeping with your significant other.

Overall this bag is perfect for the budget-conscious adventurer who wants to stay outdoors even when the mercury drops. The construction of this bag is excellent and survived the wear and tear out on the trail. Weight and lack of compressibility due to the synthetic insulation are limiting factors, yet it helps keep more green in your wallet.

MSRP: $119.99

Special thanks to Bear River International for providing the Bear Grylls Native Serries Mummy Bag for review. 

The crystal grey Switch Lynx sunglasses! Photo Credit: Switchvision.com (Switch)

Switch sunglasses use a magnetic interchange technology that literally allows you to pop the lenses out of the frame and replace them with different lenses of a different tone or tint. What’s incredible about this magnetic frame is that the lenses hold in place just as well as most sunglasses and can REALLY endure jarring, rattling, and getting knocked around.

Here’s a simple demonstration of how the technology works:

The polycarbonate lenses are super tough–I’ve had them get knocked around and scraped over a variety of things, but they have yet to show any significant wear or damage. The nylon frame is also very aggressive and flexible in its ability to take on the toughest of conditions. These sunglasses stay true to their placement because some friction rubber was designed on the inside of the frame, and they hold some dynamic, yet comfortable, tension around the rider/hiker’s head.

+30 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail with the Switch Lynx! Working incredibly and looking good!

Field Tests: Switch Lynx

I used the Lynx sunglasses for months in almost every type of condition and a variety of environments. From California to Colorado, and Minnesota to Wisconsin, I found myself constantly impressed with the quality of these sunglasses.  The Lynx is an ideal pair of optics for outdoor sports enthusiasts!  Out of all that Switch has to offer, I found that the Lynx was prime for mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and paddling because of its ability to deliver high-definition, improved visual perception, with unparalleled adaptation using the magnetic lens system.

Look really carefully! Can you see Zion canyon in this photo? #EPIC

Unique Features

At first I thought that the magnetic lens system would prove to be cumbersome or tedious, but I was very surprised at how convenient and easy it was to swap out lenses on a regular basis.  As an invested bike commuter to work and campus, I keep my low-light lenses (rose-tinted) for riding back at dusk, and they give me great definition and clarity when biking! The lenses are also super-easy to clean because they pop out so easily when force is applied correctly. I’ve been able to keep these glasses clearer and cleaner than any other pair that I’ve owned.

The rubberized headband really allows athletes and recreationalists to push the limits!

Other features to love on the Switch Lynx include the incredibly-strong frame, rubberized and comfortable headband, and rubberized nose piece. Not to mention, the Lynx comes with its own case, an extra set of lenses, a lens pod, and a microfiber cleaning kit.  This package is pretty sweet!

What’s not to like?

If the Switch sunglasses come off your hat, get bumped off the dashboard, or fall to the ground, the lenses will come out and scatter (sometimes).  This could create a greater propensity to get scratched lenses or to lose one or two.  However, I have yet to see it as a major issue as they snap back in firmly and easily after an incident.

Switch Lynx glasses at the Grand Canyon in full sunlight — Lenses were working awesome that day to take in all of the incredible views around us!

Bottom Line

As an outdoor professional, I highly recommend check out Switch sunglasses! There is so much to be said about the ability to change lenses easily on the go, and to have super high-quality optics that won’t fail you. After months of use, I’ve never been let down by the Lynx, and only have good things to say about the lens system and quality of Switch products.

MSRP: $189.99

Thanks to Switch for providing the Lynx sunglasses for review.

This summer, I reported on Hydrapak’s line of collapsible water bottles as seen at the Summer Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.  At that time, the Stash bottle was unveiled as Hydrapak’s newest compact water bottle.  This new collapsible water bottle is one of their most unique products, featuring a locking system that will keep the bottle low-bulk and out of the way when not in use. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to test and use this product while participating in a variety of activities–including backpacking, hiking, and camping.

What’s to like?

The Stash bottle is truly a masterpiece of unique and compact design.  Its body twists together and folds into the top and bottle trays very nicely when not in use. It is super lightweight and easy to use when on trail or in the front country.  The bottle’s shape is made from a flexible–but durable–poly-canvas.

Source: Hydrapak Website

When using the Stash, one of the things that surprised me the most was its ability to hold form and not come close to tipping over and spilling its contents.  With the solid base and poly-canvas sides, the Stash really holds true regardless of how much water is inside of it! That being said, it also has a great texture and design so that it feels a bit more like a water bottle than some of its counterparts that don’t fill into the form as well as the Stash.

What’s not to like?

Like any collapsible item, it takes time to get used to drinking out of the Stash.  By sacrificing the rigid form of a traditional water bottle, you also lose the ability to drink quickly, without thinking about how hard you might be squeezing or how to support the bottle properly when bringing it up to your mouth.  That being said, I found that I did begin to get used to it over time.

One thing that is hard to avoid with a collapsible product is that the Stash only holds up to 750ml, which could be seen as a downfall to higher-capacity water bottles. The Stash may also prove hard to clean the inside of, although a bottle brush seems to work decently to cover most of the territory where grime might build.

How to collapse and un-collapse the Stash Bottle:

Overall, the Stash offers two things that are truly unique: It’s compact and versatile!

Compact: The Stash is truly lightweight, packs down as small as a tuna can, and is intuitive to fold together.

Versatile: The Stash has unique features like a nylon gear strap, durable exterior, and trays for the top and bottom of the water bottle. It is also easy to use and simple to fill.

For the price, the Stash doesn’t seem like a bad deal… especially if you are seeking the space-saving benefits of a compact, versatile water bottle that you can fold away when empty or not in use. On top of it all, the Stash is just plain fun to use and try–I’d recommend it to anyone who needs a gift idea, wants to try something more compact, or desires to save space in their recreation gear. It can also make a great backup water bottle for your car, commuter pack, or travel luggage!

MSRP: $17.99

Thanks to Hyrdapak and Outside PR for making this review possible!

One of the many overlooks at Cedar Breaks National Monument

The campground sits at about 10,000ft and has several pros and cons.  The campground has 25 camp sites and can accomodate tents and RVs. However, many of the sites are quite small and some seem unusually close together. Still, the views from most of these sites are really nice.  You can see out into high alpine meadows where deer and other wildlife roam.

The sites are $14/night and and you can make reservations on www.recreation.gov.  Being able to reserve a site and have that peace of mind is huge when you’re on a road trip.

Our campsite at Point Supreme Campground in Cedar Breaks National Monument

A few other great perks that we discovered after arriving were free hot showers and almost-free firewood. At lots of national forest campgrounds firewood is $5 – $6 a bundle. It’s usually enough for a night. Here, firewood required a donation of whatever you felt like giving, and for that you could fill up an entire 5-gallon bucket. We ended up with wood left over! The showers were a huge plus and a complete surprise. They have a key-code, so once you check in with the hosts they’ll give you that code and you’re free to use the showers whenever you want.

We saw quite a few rental RVs heading through here, so I assume for some reason this is a popular place to stop for many foreign travelers. There are several hiking trails around, but otherwise there isn’t much. The nearby towns are small and the biggest one, Cedar City, is probably an hour away.

One note of caution: if you do have a tent, make sure you have a way of securing it well.  It’s very hard to drive stakes into the ground here.  We used the ice pick from our kitchen box to make holes in the gravel pad, then drove the stakes in.

I’d definitely stay here again the next time we travel to this area of Utah. The other closest options are the campgrounds at Navajo Lake, but to get to those requires several miles of travel down a really dusty gravel road. They aren’t nearly as scenic or quiet as the sites at Point Supreme.

Conundrum Hot Springs is located about 8 miles up the Conundrum Creek trail and is fairly well-known as a “hippie dip.” People hike there to enjoy the beautiful views and natural hot springs and will often camp nearby.  The problem is that those day visitors (and I’m assuming some campers too) aren’t following proper backcountry protocol when it comes to taking care of business.

All bathroom activities should take place at least 200 ft away from water sources.

Because of this, forest rangers are now being forced to waste their time hiking up the trail to clean up after us humans. That’s right, to keep the hot springs bacteria-free forest rangers are having to be human pooper-scoopers.  Come on backcountry visitors! We’re better than this!

So in case the beauty of a natural hot springs has temporarily left you bereft of the rules of pooping in the woods, here’s a reminder:

1. Pack the following for your bathroom visits: toilet paper or even squares of paper towels, a sturdy trowel, a tiny container of hand sanitizer, plastic bags for packing out your toilet paper, or matches for burning it.  Please don’t just bury it because it will rise to the surface at some point and put a damper on some other camper’s trip.

2. Get as far away from water as you can.  200+ ft is a great start.

3. Find a comfortable spot with soil that is easy to dig in (this is often easier said than done).  Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep and several inches wide.

4. Some people like to find rocks to sit on or trees to hang on to, but often just squatting is the easiest way to take care of things.

5. When you’re finished make sure to fill and cover your hole with dirt.  Wrap your used paper with a small piece of clean paper and put it in a plastic bag.

6. Use that sanitizer to prevent dysentery among you and your friends.

Was that hard? It’s not the most pleasant thing in the world, no.  Still, if we don’t follow proper rules and procedures like these in the backcountry we’re doing a disservice to ourselves and our fellow backpackers.  Do your part and keep the wilderness clean!

12 backpacking trips together and we still like each other!

1. You get to problem solve as a team.

Making decisions as a team is our rule in the wilderness. If you’ve come to a literal fork in the road you use your map, of course, but ultimately must agree on which route to take.  If you decide to strike out cross-country, this is even more important.  When you problem solve or make a decision together then you both own it.  Right or wrong, that decision belongs to both of you.  There can be no blame game later on.

2. You learn to share responsibilities.

Maybe one of you is better at finding the perfect campsite.  Maybe one of you is quicker at arranging sleeping gear.  Sharing responsibilities is key to backpacking and helps each of you recognize the other’s strengths. Sometimes it also means working a bit more when the other can’t.  On one particularly rainy trip to Avalanche Lake, I awoke ready for the day.  My SO hadn’t slept well and was still unhappy about the night’s weather, so I let him sleep, filtered water, and found a great kitchen spot with a beautiful lake view.  These little bits of help and shared responsibility improved both our moods and outlook on the upcoming day.

3. You talk more/share more/communicate more.

There are no secrets in the wilderness.  If you’re hungry, need water, are in pain, or just want to talk, now is the time to speak up.  No phone is going to interrupt your conversations here!  We’ve told more stories from our pasts, shared more concerns, and just communicated more during backpacking trips than we do on a daily basis at home. It’s easy to talk in the wilderness because there isn’t anything to stop you. No one is going anywhere and the TV isn’t going to cause any distractions here.

4. You experience amazing “firsts” together. 

We started backpacking together. Neither of us had done it before the other, so every “first” has been a first for both of us.  Seeing a moose while backpacking, hiking the CDT, camping at the base of more than one 14er, all of these were firsts for us, and we share those moments.  We can look back at so many pictures and think, “remember when we…”  These firsts are great bonding moments for us.

Finding this basin of wildflowers was a “wow” moment for us.

5. You achieve goals together.

Whether your goal is to survive a horrific swarm of mosquitos, or to make it five nights in the wilderness, you can achieve these goals together.  At the end you get to say, “We did it,” instead of “I did it.” That team mentality carries over into the rest of your life and relationship moments.  You start to think of always achieving goals together and as a team. What better way to strengthen a relationship than by achieving a major goal, like a 10-day backpacking trip together?

Backpacking can be a stressful experience.  When things don’t go as planned or the weather affects your day, it can be easy to blame others or just get angry. If you’ve got someone with you, however, who supports you and can listen and sympathize, you’ll spend much less time agonizing over what went wrong and more time remembering all that went right.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got home the other day and discovered a beautiful package waiting for me. I’d agreed to try out Tea Drops. 

These little nuggets of tea goodness are designed to take away the hassle of preparing tea, especially at work: getting out your tea ball, filling it, steeping the tea, adding milk and sugar… all while still trying to accomplish things at your desk.  Enter the Tea Drop, a dissolvable little star (or flower or bundt) of tea and organic sugar.  According to their website, myteadrop.com, a tea drop “is a condensed shaped tea comprised of finely sourced tea, natural sugar, and aromatic spices creating a blissful tea blend…”

Tea Drops arrive in either this lovely wood box or a compostable box; you can choose your preference when you order.  I received the variety box and was able to sample cardamom spice (like chai), ginger citrus, and sweet peppermint tea.

I chose to start with the cardamom spice since I drink chai tea every morning.  According to my box label, the cardamom spice drops were the stars:

Tea drops combine finely compressed tea with natural spices and sugars

I was doubtful that this little cube of tea goodness would actually dissolve, but it did! (Mostly.) The flavor was wonderful! It needed no added sugar but provided a light spiced tea, perfect for my morning.  I did still add milk to it, of course, but at least I didn’t have to deal with a pesky tea bag or loose leaf tea.

The cardamom spice tea drop made a delicious cup of chai-like tea.

At work I let a friend try the ginger spice.  She said that after the first sip, which she thought was a little spicy, it mellowed, out and she really enjoyed the flavor and hints of lemon and honey.  The ginger spice tea drops were “bundt” shapes:

If there is a downside to these drops, it could be that the tea drinker is sometimes left with a bit of residue. The peppermint tea in particular leaves a little dusting of peppermint residue. While most of this sinks to the bottom, it can be a little bit off-putting to look at–until you take a sip and realize that this is the best peppermint tea you have ever had. And then you’ll just enjoy every sip until the last one. That sip will have any residue that sank to the bottom, so you might just want to leave it.

Why should  these become part of your outdoor camping or backpacking routine?

1. Less trash: when backpacking, not having to pack out soggy tea bags would be a welcome change.

2. Less weight: I wouldn’t have to bring sugar with me!

3. Better tea with less hassle: these tea drops give you all the greatness of loose leaf tea without any of the mess. When camping or backpacking, taking out the hassle makes life way easier.

Tea drops are available in a variety of flavors: cardamom spice, chocolate earl grey, citrus ginger, golden amber, pumpkin spice, rose earl grey, sweet peppermint, and tumeric, for a starting price of $12 per 8-drop box.

Thanks to Tea Drops for providing their product for review!

Celebrate the gift that keeps on giving February 14-16 in observance of Presidents Day weekend with waived entrance, commercial tour, and transportation entrance fees for all National Parks by hitting the trail, hanging around the campfire, or spelunking in a cave!

Photo: jbarber

Start planning your trip visit today on tripleblaze.com or at the National Park Service website. When you get back, rate your camp, hike, or cave, leave a comment, and share your pictures with the Tripleblaze community.

Photo: AJ Heil

Found a new camp, hike, or cave that isn’t listed ? Add them and share your pictures and comments. Not a member? Create a free account and join the Tripleblaze community!

Now get out there and explore the great outdoors!

Photo: Scott Anderson

Roctane offers 100 calories of carbohydrate energy through a concentrated glucose and electrolyte gel.  The extra ingredients that are included in the Roctane series contribute to decreasing fatigue, enhancing muscle recovery, and to decrease perceived effort (as well as other physiological benefits). The Roctane series is a bit higher in price than the original gel series because of the higher level of caffeine (I tested the the caffeine free version, though) and the cost that it takes to manufacture and include these other ingredients.

I had the opportunity to try out some Roctane Lemonade Gels for mountain biking and hiking excursions and was quite pleased with the results!  I definitely noticed satisfying energy that kept me sustained during the activity, without the bulky feeling of eating granola bars or other, more massive alternatives.  GU recommends taking their products with water fifteen minutes prior to training or activity for best results in exertion.  I also included the gels in my pack and enjoyed them while on trail during breaks, which seemed to work very well for me.

Overall, I would recommend the Roctane series to anyone participating in high-endurance activities, serious recreationalists that are training/competing, or outdoor enthusiasts looking to carry some compact energy with them when on trail or in the bush!

MSRP: $20 (box of 8)

Thanks to Outside PR and GU for providing this product for review!

Known so well for their outdoor sandals, Chaco has now expanded into the realm of boots and other styles of footwear.  The Holbuck Boots are a prime example of Chaco’s innovation and expansion, as one of the first releases in their new series.

I’m not going to lie. Immediately, I was a bit hesitant: “Chaco is making boots for backpacking and hiking now? That seems a little strange, and I wonder if their first go-around will actually be of good quality right away.”  Upon arrival, the Holbucks were in for a thorough testing with extended use and abuse, partially to see if Chaco’s new boot line would live up to their claim to fame in the outdoor industry.  As soon as they were released, I was eager to examine their design quality–and to get them dirty in the field!

Design and Construction (4.0/5.0)

The Holbuck boots are fully waterproof and feature a solid toe-cap and heel-cup. Even after 50+ miles of backpacking and hiking, and countless casual miles, the waterproofing has been reliable and the toe/heel areas show little signs of wear.  After months of use, I’ve never had an issue with the Holbucks trumping the elements and engaging in the harshest conditions, which has increased my confidence in their ability to provide a quality experience in the outdoors.  My only hesitation comes in considering the amount of seams and stitching that Holbuck has and how some of these have started to show signs of wear.  Although their is a bootie in the lining to ensure that waterproofing remains, this stitching may continue to wear consistently depending on how rugged the terrain and how vigorous the activities are which this boot is used.  That being said, I still have great confidence in the Holbucks to last for quite some time, and to consistently provide a quality experience.

Comfort (4.5/5.0)

One thing that the Holbuck Boots definitely excel in right away is comfort. Immediately, the suede and leather combination provided an ideal fit without significant pressure points or discomfort.  This lent itself to being much easier to “break in” and get ready for the trail, while some rigid leather boots take weeks to finally seem comfortable in.  To this day, the Holbucks are so comfortable that I use them throughout my weeks working, traveling, and adventuring as more of a casual shoe then a bulky hiking boot… but I am always ready to hit the trail and put on the miles in more rugged environments!

The Holbucks are also lightweight compared to other boots on the market. This is partly due to the insole/midsole and also to the materials used in the boots’ construction.  All in all, comfort rates very highly with the Chaco Holbuck Boots!

Midsole, Insole, Outsole (4.0/5.0)

The Holbuck features what is called the LUVSEAT PU Footbed, a mesh-lined midsole that breathes very well.  While this midsole breathes well and massages the foot, I found that I could personally benefit from additional support and cushioning inside the boot.  To achieve this, I ended up adding a dedicated midsole insert to the Holbuck as well.  This system has worked extremely well for me and I am very happy with how the inserts sit inside of the boot. The average user may find the LUVSEAT midsole to be just fine for their uses, providing breathability and comfort, but I appreciated having additional support (especially when carrying 30-50lbs backpacking).  The insole is the area of the boot that provides structure and support to the surface of the sole.  In the Holbuck, it is noticeable that there is a soft insole that provides comfort and flexibility.  The outsole, being the part that contacts the ground, is among the best of the three on the Holbuck, in my opinion. This has shown little to no signs of wear or weakness throughout my use of the boots!

Performance (4.5/5.0)

With the additional support, crazy comfort, and quality construction, I found that the Holbucks performed well in the field in a wide variety of conditions and elements.  This boot really combines comfort with performance well, to the point where it becomes more of a lifestyle boot than technical footwear.  Even with this being the case, the Holbuck Boots are seriously able to tackle some rugged terrain and crossover to the realm of backpacking and hiking with ease.  I’ve been thrilled to test these boots and am proud to say that I plan to use them for over 100 miles of hiking and backpacking this January and that I plan to continue to use and enjoy them in both the backcountry and frontcountry.

When arriving back at camp, the Holbuck is never a boot that I am dying to get out of due to discomfort and pain–they combine quality comfort with a medium to high level of outdoor performance.

MSRP: $150.00

Thanks to Chaco for providing the Holbuck Boots for review.

Gluten Free Meal Ideas

If you have Celiac disease you probably know that it’ll be best to just make your own meals for these trips. I can only imagine trying to work through the ingredients list on a package of Mountain House jambalaya to see if modified food starch or something has been added. However, brands like AlpineAire and Backpacker’s Pantry do offer some gluten-free options of freeze-dried meals.

Still, if you want to start from scratch just to be safe, using instant brown rice might be a good start.  To that you could easily add dehydrated vegetables (either store bought or home dried), a small can of chicken or tuna, and some seasonings like lemon pepper, garlic salt, or even some cumin and chili powder.

Quinoa pasta or brown rice pasta are other good options.  Find the smallest shapes of pasta that you can and you won’t even have to use extra fuel boiling the noodles.  They can sit in water that just boiled and they’ll cook in about 10 minutes. Add some parmesan cheese or hard cheddar cheese and chicken and veggies and you’ve got another filling meal.

Of course if you’re like me and sometimes just don’t want to take the time, gluten-free boxed mac and cheese or dehydrated lentil soup are always easy options!

For snacks, nuts are filled with great fats, proteins, and calories, which you need when you’re backpacking.  Dried fruit, sesame snaps and jerky also make good options as do gluten-free Lara Bars or KIND bars.  Gluten-free oatmeal or granola is always a good breakfast option: it’s warm and filling!  You can also check out Mountain House’s line of “breakfast skillets.”

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a great gluten-free backpacking option. Photo from REI.com

Low-Acid Meal Ideas

Mornings can be tough for people on a low-acid diet.  If I were still following one I’d definitely take low-acid coffee, like Kava, with me. No, it doesn’t taste as good as real French press coffee or even a strong tea, but it’s hot and has caffeine and is better than nothing.

The problem with most Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry meals is that many of them rely on spicy herbs or seasonings for their taste.  Jambalaya, curries, chili mac… all of these might be too acidic.  Fortunately, Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry both have lots of other options like chicken and rice, beef stroganoff, or even a cold chicken salad that’s actually pretty good!

Mountain House Beef Stroganoff: Low on acid, high on taste!  Photo from REI.com

You can also easily create simple meals of your own: a box of parmesan Near East cous cous with a package of vacuum-sealed chicken and some dehydrated veggies was one of our favorite backpacking meals on our last trip.  Horizon Organic boxed macaroni and cheese with added chicken and dehydrated broccoli is also an easy, low-acid option.

Snacks and breakfasts are easier.  Oatmeal is always an excellent breakfast option.  It’s soothing for heartburn sufferers and still tasty and filling.  Adding dried bananas and brown sugar can add even more calories while still keeping acid levels down.  There are plenty of snack options out there like dried jerky, Clif bars, and granola bars that can provide a needed energy boost without citrus or chocolate too.

Vegan Meal Ideas

I started my search for Vegan freeze-dried meals on REI.com.  Within a few minutes I was surprised to find almost a full page of possible dinners and in-camp snacks like Backpacker’s Pantry’s Pad Thai Noodles or Katmandu Curry and Harmony Valley’s vegetarian “ground beef” or hummus mix.  I’m thinking that the hummus would be great to have at the end of a first day; get to camp early, set up and have some cocktails with hummus and a mix of raw veggies and crackers. Carrying those items for one day wouldn’t be bad and it would mean one more day with fresh vegetables on your trip!

For other ideas, plain Ramen noodles or brown rice with soy sauce and dehydrated vegetables would be easy to put together, especially if you had take-out packets of soy sauce.  Instant brown rice with Mexican spices, dehydrated beans, corn, and tomatoes would be excellent too–especially with some flour tortillas to wrap it in.  Dehydrated soups like lentil or tomato would be great options for cold nights, especially with some added dehydrated vegetables.

This hummus may be our next camp cocktail hour snack! Photo from REI.com

Vegan snacks like dried fruit and nuts, KIND bars, sesame snaps, and Honey Stinger chews will keep snack time interesting and still provide plenty of additional calories. A hearty and warm breakfast of oatmeal with nut butter and fruit or just brown sugar and raisins will keep you going strong for hours!

Diabetic Meal Ideas

This one was more challenging.  I had to enlist the help of a diabetic friend to get some ideas on what diabetic meal options we could create for backpacking.  Breakfast was actually the easiest of all because Mountain House has several dehydrated egg options, like one with ham or one with peppers and onions.  You could even add your own mix of dehydrated veggies and fresh cheddar cheese (wrapped in wax paper it’ll last your whole trip) to change up the flavor.

According to my friend, jerky is a diabetic’s best friend.  That and nuts like pistachios and almonds provide a lot of fiber and protein without too many carbs.

At first I thought dinners might be nearly impossible to find… quick ones, anyway.  But then I remembered Mountain House’s “wraps” mixes: They have a warm chicken fajita filling that would be great and super low-carb on its own, and also the cold chicken salad that I mentioned earlier.

Who needs a tortilla? Add some sharp cheddar cheese and enjoy! Photo from REI.com

You could also find packets of powdered tomato soup or create your own soup with a packet of chicken, dehydrated vegetables, water, and some chicken bouillon cubes. If you wanted it thicker, a small amount of potato flakes would probably be okay, too. If you’re into dehydrating your own meals, a meat-based, beanless chili could be a good option as well.

While adventures like backpacking can be a little more difficult if you have dietary restrictions, they don’t have to be impossible. With a little planning and a good grocery store or REI nearby (you can also order online) you can know that your body and your mind will both be happy while you’re out in the wilderness.

The Appalachian Trail near Damascus, VA in December. Get out there!

Thanks for our top review and photo contributors in November, James Tracy and Ringworm. Each will receive a $25 REI gift card just in time to spend on last minute holiday gifts!

Looking for the perfect way to burn off those extra holiday calories before the New Year? Get out for a hike and share your photos on Tripleblaze!

Vargo is one of these companies. Specifically, the coolest thing about Vargo is that their gear was inspired during the brink of the ultralight revolution.  Titanium tent stakes were the very first product that they ever designed and produced, now leading to a full line of outdoor, ultralight gear.  To this day, Vargo’s mission is to lighten people’s packs and provide simple, durable gear that allows us to focus on our activities more than the weight or function of our gear. (Learn more here.)

As for one of Vargo’s premier product types, I have had the pleasure and privilege of testing the Titanium Ascent Stakes on several backpacking and camping trips over the past two months. These tent stakes bolster some of the most impressive specifications and construction of lightweight camping products, weighing in at 0.3 oz apiece with a webbed design that does not compromise integrity.

The Ascent stakes feature a highly visible, durable cord on the top of each stake.  This allows for easy spotting, so that you don’t forget your uber-awesome titanium stakes at your site somewhere, and for easier removal of stakes from ground. The cord is strong, not bulky, and has melted ends that are well-sealed.  Although the cord is of a high quality, it is important to note that these loops are not designed as additional tie-down features for your setup.

It is essential to ensure that you properly stress titanium stakes by installing them at an angle with the V’s facing outward, away from your tent or rainfly. Especially with ultralight gear, improperly applying tension on items such as tent stakes can result in equipment failure either immediately or over time with repeated use.

Although these stakes are “bomber” for use in both the backcountry and frontcountry, exercise caution when applying pressure and installing your stakes.  This is mostly to prevent bending or damaging the Ascent Stakes when hitting a rock, or other dense material, with aggressive force.  That being said, I’ve seen that the Ascent stakes can take some abuse and still not show significant wear or signs of failure!

As an overall impression, I couldn’t be happier with the Vargo Ascent Tent Stake set that I have had the chance to test and stress throughout the past two months.  These titanium stakes are super-lightweight, well-constructed, and my favorite tent stakes that I have used to date.  My only regret is losing one on a backpacking trip earlier this season, having mistakenly thought that I had recovered all eight when only having seven in hand — Whoops!  This was a careless mistake that only still stings because I appreciate these stakes so much!

MSRP: $3.95 each.

Thanks to Deep Creek PR and Vargo for providing these tent stakes for review!

When caving in the Upper Midwest, what are some things that recreational cavers should take into account?

1. White Nose Syndrome (WNS)

WNS is responsible for significant bat mortality in eastern North America, and threatens bat populations across the continent. Currently, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) strongly recommends compliance with all cave closures (whether complete or seasonal closures), advisories, and regulations in all Federal, State, Tribal, and private lands. Where such closures are not required or recommended, protocols have been developed that outline the best-known procedures to help reduce the transmission of the fungus that causes WNS to important bat habitat and populations. Local and national cave groups have also posted information and cave advisories on their websites.

In Wisconsin, WNS rules carry the weight of law:

• Landowners of caves and mines with bats are responsible for not allowing the knowing transfer or introduction of the prohibited WNS fungus to their property. Many private cave and mine landowners statewide have partnered with the Department in WNS prevention. Many privately-owned caves and mines are currently closed to caving activities at request from the landowner in an effort to prevent any risk of human-assisted transfer of the WNS fungus. Landowner permission should always be sought prior to each caving trip.

• Cavers may not use gear that has been used in a cave/mine outside of Wisconsin in a cave/mine within Wisconsin. Caving gear should be dedicated for use in Wisconsin only and should be stored separately from gear dedicated to out-of-state caving activities.

• Caving equipment, clothing, and gear must be decontaminated following Department-approved protocols between cave/mine visits in Wisconsin. The Department approved decontamination protocols may be found by visiting http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/bats.html. If gear cannot be decontaminated, either for safety reasons or fear that equipment may be damaged, it should not enter subsequent caves but rather be designated for use in that one specific cave.

• When storing or transporting dirty caving gear, ensure steps are taken to avoid contaminating clean items. For example, while in storage or in a vehicle, gear should remain in a sealed container; after caving, dirty gear should be removed outside of the vehicle and placed in a sealed container for transport to an area where it can be decontaminated.

• All commercial (tour) cave and mine sites in Wisconsin have developed WNS prevention plans in cooperation with the Department and do not allow visitors to wear clothing or gear on tours that has been in other caves or mines, even if it has been washed. These sites request that such items be left at home or in a vehicle during the visit and can also provide decontamination sprays for shoes if needed.

While decontamination procedures are likely to add extra time and money and decrease the overall life expectancy of equipment, the gravity of the situation necessitates that anyone who visits caves must do everything possible to avoid potentially contributing to the further spread of the disease.

 2. Safety and Skill.

Safety comes first. Every cave is unique and will have a unique set of challenges, required skills, and equipment. Many caves in the Midwest are relatively small, require no special vertical equipment, and are not prone to flooding. However, there are notable exceptions in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Many caves are only suitable for experienced cavers. Risks include getting stuck or pinned, falling or tripping, unpredictable flooding, exhaustion, and hypothermia, among others. Nationwide, every year inexperienced or unprepared cavers are rescued due to incidents that that could have been easily avoided.

No drugs or alcohol. Being under the influence leads to impaired judgment that can be particularly dangerous underground where even minor accidents can lead to life-threatening situations.

Never go caving alone. Solo caving is dangerous. If you were [to get] hurt, there would be no one to go for help. A minimum of three people is wise, and if a group has four and someone gets hurt one person can remain with the injured party while two go for help.

Be aware of the weather. All caves were formed by water, and some are subject to flash flooding. Drowning is the leading cause of caving fatalities. If you don’t know the flood history of the cave, then stay out when it is, has been, or is going to be raining.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. This increases your chances to be found in a timely manner if rescuers need to be called. Be reasonable about your return time and allow a couple of extra hours in case the trip lasts longer than you expected. Tell your friend who they should call if you are not back in time.

Always carry three sources of light per person. Caves are dark. Light failure means it would be nearly impossible to navigate out the cave. Should this happen to you, stay put. Do not try to feel your way out of the cave because you could easily fall and get hurt. Wait for someone to come get you.

Dress appropriately: always wear a helmet. Midwest caves are cold and often wet. Wear sturdy footwear with tread. Helmets should include a chin strap or harness. The helmet serves as a place to mount your light and provides limited protection against falling rocks.

Know your limits and the limiting factors of the cave. Caving is tiring: know your limits [and] rest frequently. If you are uncomfortable with a passage, speak up! People with chronic medical conditions should take this into consideration before entering a cave. Avoid jumping: cave floors are seldom level, may be unstable, and even a short jump can result in an injury.

Caving is a team activity. The slowest caver sets the pace. Go only as fast as you can be followed, and check on the caver behind you. Watch for fatigue in others and communicate if you are uncomfortable with a passage or climb.

Do not attempt vertical caving without proper training. Never attempt to climb a rope hand over hand. You need the proper equipment and instruction.

3. Cave Conservation

Cave conservation ethics, particularly in light of the fact that the Midwest is on the leading edge of the WNS spread, are more important now than ever. Bats in Wisconsin and the Midwest need every chance they can get to live healthy, normal, undisturbed lives. This means taking personal responsibility for adhering to dedicated gear laws, policies, and protocols, and being personally responsible for appropriately decontaminating caving clothing and gear, even if it means an individual has to sit out a caving trip.

All caves may be used by bats at certain times of the year, and most people never observe bats using caves. This means that every cave or cave-like space should be considered important bat habitat and treated as such. To eliminate the possibility of harming hibernating bats by waking them up, Midwest caves and other cave-like spaces (mines, tunnels, crevices, cellars) should not be entered from October 1 through May 15 of each year. Body temperature, lights, and even quiet noises disturb bats. Bats aroused from hibernation use 30-60 days worth of critical fat reserves necessary to sustain their lives when their insect food is not available. There is no published information to support the belief (by some) that bats get “used to” human disturbance during hibernation. The effects of repeated disturbance can lead to death of individuals or termination of pregnancy. Additionally, bats use caves and cave entrances at night from August 15 through October 15 for fall swarming (mating) activities. This means that caving should take place during daylight during this time period, and cave entrance areas should be avoided after sunset so bats remain undisturbed.

Cave conservation is not just about bats. Responsible cavers respect the entire cave system. This means leaving any cave life alone and undisturbed, moving slowly and carefully in areas where cave life may exist (much of it unobserved by cavers—invertebrates under stones and in drip pools). Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. People should never assume that unobserved impacts mean no impact. Cumulative impacts are often the kinds that devastate the aesthetics of pristine cave and animal populations. Speleothems (cave formations like stalactites) form very slowly and damage can happen quickly and is often irreversible. Altering natural cave spaces in any way, or leaving anything behind, only encourages this repeat behavior and is a form of vandalism.

Do not vandalize the cave. Leave the cave as you found it. Do not touch cave formations (the oil from your skin can block the formation of calcite cave formations). Do not break or remove any formations even if they have previously been broken (it can encourage others to break them). Do not leave graffiti. Take out anything you take into the cave. Sharing the location of a cave can lead to increased vandalism.

Do not disturb cave life. Many types of cave critters are on Federal and State endangered species lists. Bats will not bother you unless you bother them first. They will not get tangled in your hair although they can occasionally carry rabies.

Always cave softly. Follow the caver’s motto: Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.

 4. Access

Respect the wishes of the cave owner. All caves are owned or managed by someone (be it a private citizen or unit of government) and permission should be sought before every caving trip. Most Wisconsin cave owners do not allow caving activities (or allow them only during summer months). Cavers who trespass or who are disrespectful of landowner wishes ruin caving for everyone else. In Wisconsin, dedicated gear and WNS decontamination is the law and cave owners are legally responsible for ensuring that humans (guests and visitors) do not transfer WNS to their cave or mine. All cave landowners in Wisconsin have been informed of WNS rules and decontamination requirements for cavers.

Do not share or promote cave location information. Most caves are privately owned and many landowners wish to have their privacy respected. Caves and the animals that reside there may be easily harmed by even low-impact human activities (like recreational caving). Vandalism and graffiti mars the aesthetic beauty of a site. The more people that know about the location of a site, the more it is visited and impacted.

For those of you that haven’t been following the series or may have missed some articles, feel free to check out some of the links below to get caught up on other interesting Tripleblaze articles regarding caving:

Interview: Understanding Cave Closures and White-Nose Syndrome

News: Bat White-Nose Syndrome Pushing West into Wisconsin

Here are 5 things that I do when transitioning from summer hiking to fall and winter hiking:

1. Pack warmer clothes.

It may be hard to do when you know it’s going to be a lovely 60 degrees outside on your hike, but you have to think about the nighttime temperatures.  If you break an ankle or get lost, chances are you might be out on the trail overnight.  Make sure to take an emergency blanket, a puffy coat (they pack down to nothing!) and even gloves and a hat. Even if you don’t have an accident, if the weather changes suddenly you’ll be glad for the extra layers.

Hiking in late November means long sleeves and extra layers!

2. Start your hike sooner. 

Don’t forget that once the time changes the sun begins setting quite a bit earlier.  Starting that 6-mile hike at three in the afternoon isn’t such a good idea anymore! (Although really… when was it ever?) Plan to be done hiking and back at your vehicle by 4:30. That way, even if you get turned around, you’ll still make it back… hopefully before it’s fully dark out.

3. Don’t skimp on the water. 

Just because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean you don’t need water.  If the tips of your fingers and toes start to get extra cold it’s probably because you’re dehydrated.  Your body needs plenty of water for hiking in the summer and winter.  The same goes for food!

4. Be prepared to start a fire.

A small lighter or flint starter won’t take up much room in your daypack and could make a big difference in your core temperature and mood if you get stuck out overnight.  Having a fire just makes you feel better and will help to keep animals away, too.

5. Beware of ice!

If you’re hiking through rocky, shaded areas where it’s snowed recently, beware of slick spots of ice. Make sure to wear good gripping waterproof hiking shoes and pay close attention to where you’re going.

6. Bonus: Take a map. 

Really, you should always have a map, but if you’re in unfamiliar terrain the last thing you want is to get lost when the temps are dropping into the 30s (or lower) at night.

Views from the Slickrock practice loop in Moab, UT

Late fall and winter hiking can be beautiful.  The weather is just the right balmy temperature, the sky is crystal blue, and a light bit of snow makes everything pretty.  Still, it’s important to be realistic too, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

photo: Tripleblaze member Colfax. Location: Tallulah Gorge, Georgia.

Congratulations to Tripleblaze members James Tracey and jpage2 for being our top photo and review contributors last month! Each will receive a $25 REI gift card for their online submissions.

Fall is a great time to get out and explore trails in your area. Colors change, new views open up, and temperates are usually just right. Where are you heading in November?

If you’ve ever tried to book a public lands campground online, you know the process is frustrating and difficult. The Access Land initiative is seeking “Open Data for Open Land” which is basically a geeky way of saying we need to open public land information and booking tools to promote competition and growth in online and mobile services.

Here’s how the Access Land folks explain the issue:

The federal government is requesting feedback on a draft contract that will define how we access our public lands for the next decade. They are seeking a private contractor to build software that will provide online access to our nation’s parks, forests, monuments, campsites, cabins, and tours. As drafted, this contract places all the control into the hands of one contractor and one website, creating a closed silo and a monopoly.

 

We can create a better world by encouraging the government to require a more open system. We’ve already successfully pushed to extend the comment period until November 7th and have the attention of Whitehouse officials and Congress. Now, we need your help in sending the message that this contract needs to require open data and an API, which will allow third parties to access this data and build on top of it, improving everyone’s access to public lands.

The deadline for public input is tomorrow, November 7 so if you want to make finding and booking public lands campgrounds as easy as booking a hotel on Travelocity, be sure to submit your comments to jasonmking@fs.fed.us. AccessLand.org has sample emails you can use to get started.

Other People

Car Camping: When you’re camping in an established campground you’re likely to run into other campers.  There will be people with kids screeching at 6am nearby; there will be people with RVs running generators at 7an, and there will be folks singing to the moon at midnight.

Backpacking: Your encounters with others will probably be few and far between (unless you’re on a super-popular trail… and even then there will be no generators). There will probably be no bonfires and no car doors slamming at 1 in the morning.

Winner: Backpacking

When car camping you can bring a LOT of stuff.

Food and Drink

Car Camping: When car camping you can bring a case of Fat Tire and steaks if you want. You can whip up a gourmet meal of french toast, bacon, and home fries in the morning. You can kick back with frozen margaritas made in your battery-powered blender at night. If you run out of supplies, chances are there’s a store you can visit in the morning to restock.

Backpacking: Yes, you can create gourmet dehydrated backpacking meals, but a Mountain House “blueberry cheesecake” is still going to look like cream-colored pudding with dried purple dots in it.  Sure, you can make a “camp margarita,” but your supply is rationed to make it through the trip.

Winner: Car Camping

Car camping sites have tent pads – no need to search and search for a flat spot.

Gear and Shelter

Car Camping: Pouring down rain? Hop in the car, in the Northface Docking Station rain shelter, in the tent… you’ve got options! Cold? Grab that extra blanket you threw in the car “just in case.” Shoes get wet? I bet you’ve got a spare pair, and dry socks too!

Backpacking: Pouring down rain? Pull on the rain coat and keep hiking… or crawl in the tent. Or put up the tent in the rain and hope you keep it mostly dry. Pants get wet? I hope you’ve got rain pants or a dry sleeping bag to get in to stay warm.

Winner: Car Camping

Scenery

Car Camping: Sure, it’s possible to find a scenic car camping site. But it’s probably only scenic in the direction that isn’t facing another camp site… or the bathroom… or the side of a giant Cruise America RV… or the kid across the way picking his nose…

Backpacking: Views of a 14er right out your tent door? Sure! Want a waterfall view? We can find that. Sunrises and sunsets all to yourself? Absolutely. Elk? Okay, we can do that too.

Winner: Backpacking

Backpacking views are the best.

Self-Reliance

Car-Camping: Hey remember that time your diesel truck wouldn’t start after a cold night at 10,000ft and you had to call AAA? Ok, that’s a rare example, but the same point holds true: There are people around to help you when you’re car camping.  There’s a host, or a gas station 15 miles away, or cell service, or a neighbor with a lighter nearby willing to help you get that fire started.

Backpacking: Did your water filter break? I bet you’ve either rigged it to work or created an alternative all on your own.  Backpack strap fail? I bet you fixed that too.  Trail fade out? I’m sure you used your map and compass to figure out where to go. Yes, there are instances when we (the collective “we”)  end up over our heads backpacking and have to call SAR, but most of the time we rely on our wits to get us through tough situations.

Winner: Backpacking

Backpacking means relying on yourself to stay entertained.

Well based on this little experiment, it seems backpacking has won the battle.  Of course, If I were to add in “hygiene” the ending would be a tie.  We all know a shower at a campground is a lot better than one in a creek.  Clearly, though, if I had to choose, I’d take dehydrated meals and a rain coat over a gourmet camp meal and a car with heat.  The views and the solitude win every time!

Still, both activities get you out into nature and help you and your family to bond and have great experiences together.  Chances are if you’re car camping you’re hiking, and if you’re hiking maybe you’re thinking that soon you could backpack this same trail together… and I certainly hope that you do!

I gave the new flavor a test run, and was quite impressed! Specifically, the mixture was delicious, and hydrated very well. As with all Mountain House meals, this one had a super simple preparation process, only requiring hot water and a waiting period for it to fully hydrate and heat the food.  This apple crisp dessert dish contained what I’d consider to be enough for a sizable two-person dessert. Granted, this is somewhat relative depending on how much you eat OR how big your sweet tooth happens to be.

For my test run, I couldn’t help but add a fresh apple to the mix as well!  It just so happened that I was lucky enough to have an apple tree along my backpacking route (yes, seriously!) and I was able to cut one up and add some fresh slice.

Pro Tip: Finding fun additions can make your dehydrated/rehydrated meal more interesting and boost the amount of people you can feed.

This selection is available as a “Limited Release Item” and can be purchased direct via their website: www.MountainHouse.com

MSRP: $7.49

Stay tuned for more updates and product releases from Mountain House!

Thanks to Mountain House for providing the Apple Crisp for review.

I’ve decided to make it a point to celebrate my birthdays in beautiful places. Thankfully, my birthday falls on Labor Day weekend, and small excursions are a little more feasible. Last year I woke up in the Redwood Forest, this year I made my first trip to Glacier National Park. I had heard that it is one of the most beautiful of the U.S. National Parks, and the proximity allowed. As I enjoy being a tumbleweed, I didn’t really read up on the park beforehand, and I let the wind take me where it may.

This doesn’t always pan out well when it comes to camping. When I arrived at the east entrance to the park, I asked advice on where to camp and what was available, and I was directed to Rising Sun campground. Located across the street from St. Mary Lake, it is a great location to hop on one of the shuttle busses and traverse the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Though when it comes to seclusion, well, it is easy to become friends with your neighbors. With my park map in hand, thanks to the east entrance guide, I noted that there were only four sites left at Rising Sun and the next “possibly available” site at a different campground was somewhere over the mountains. All-in-all, it was a decent campground with modern restrooms, I had a great view of a mountain, and it put me in a great spot to hop on a bus and find a good trail somewhere in the park. I staked my claim, pitched my tent and prepared for hiking.

My pad at Rising Sun. View = Not too shabby. Proximity to Neighbors = much to be desired. Lush greenery + mountains = I can’t really complain.

Having since toured a few of the other campgrounds, I would recommend Sprague Creek, Apgar, or Fish Creek. Perched a little closer to the West Entrance, these three are more wooded, closer to water, and feel less like campers camping on top of other campers.

I stumbled upon the Highline Trail almost by accident. Again, I’m like a tumbleweed in that I don’t always plan hikes, but I’ll ask rangers, camp hosts, and other park employees their advice on which trail to follow. Usually, I am pleasantly surprised. It seemed on this go-around, all three people I asked had an idea of where I should go, but really couldn’t provide me with a precise map or direction. This is not to say that all GNP employees are like this… I chalk it up to asking the wrong people. I stood at the bus stop at Logan’s Pass, looking confusedly at a vague map until I noticed a few people making their way across the street, and it stoked my curiosity. I followed.

My first impression of the Highline Trail was that it is most certainly not for everyone. I kept thinking how much my sister would have hated it. The trail etches the curvature of the mountains. The vast majority is a small footpath between a steep hill leading up to the clouds and an even steeper drop-off, hundreds of feet above the Going-to-the-Sun road and even farther from the base of the mountain. The beginning, however, is the most treacherous, walking on the edge of a cliff alongside a ninety-degree rock wall. The park has attached ropes to the rock wall, making it easier for those experiencing a bit of vertigo to grab a hold of something.

First portion of the Highline Trail – Be wary the edge!

Don’t worry, though, this portion is just over a quarter of a mile in length. After that, the trail weaves along the mountainside, still between two steep inclines on the slopes of the Garden Wall, but not as severe.

The views are what make this hike one of my all-time favorites. Around every curve, more panoramas! I found myself stopping frequently just to breathe deep and really embrace where I was: in the midst of beautiful, incredible nature. This, old, perfect, natural landscape is real. You can touch it. You can breathe it in. These eternal mountains just can’t be ignored.

Another thing I love about this trail is that though the majority of it is completely exposed to the elements, there are a few tree-surrounded areas that offer just a bit of shade on a hot day.

In addition, there a few portions that take hikers right through water, though nothing too extreme on a nice day–just a trickle.

At just under four miles, the trail drives up one large switchback towards Haystack Pass. If you are unable to do the entire 11 miles of the trail, this is a great place to stop, take a breather and turn back around. If you can finish the 11 miles, the west trailhead doubles as a bus stop and weary hikers can take a ride back to Logan’s Pass.

I continued about a mile past Haystack until inclement weather evaded and I made the choice to turn around. Why go so far and not finish the trail? I stumbled onto this trail, and though I had an idea of where it ended, at the time I was unsure of how far I had gone and how much trail lay ahead of me before finding shelter. As a solo-hiker, I went with my instincts and turned around with the rain. When I make it back to Glacier in the future–and you can bet that I will–finishing this trail is my number one mission. For now I will just dream about it.

The lower pathway is Going-to-the-Sun-Road, a few hundred feet up – a second pathway – the Highline Trail

Even if this trail isn’t your kind of thing, if you are a nature junkie (as I would assume you are, since you’re reading Tripleblaze), Glacier National Park will not disappoint. Out of all the National Parks I’ve visited, it ranks as number two, second only to Redwood because, well, I just love trees. In GNP, Glaciers sparkle amidst mountain peaks, the lakes are large and deep, and the fresh air is the sweetest I have encountered in my 29 years of life. I fell in love with this place. Go there. I bet you will fall, too.

Sunset over St. Mary Lake.

Tip #1: Make sure your dog has a pack that fits well and that he is used to it.  Admittedly, Norbert’s pack was too big, but he handled it just fine.  Now that we know he can successfully backpack with us, he’ll get a pack more suited to his little body.  REI carries a great selection of packs by REI, OllyDog, and others.

Tip #2: Bring more food and treats than your pets normally get.  Just like humans, dogs burn more calories when carrying packs and hiking at higher altitudes.  They need extra rest and extra food to help them sustain energy and keep going.  This is also the reason dogs need their own packs: so they can carry their own food!

Autumn and Norbert take a well-deserved rest.

Tip #3: Consider a sleeping pad or jacket (or both!).  On our last trip with Autumn, we realized she got colder at night than we thought she would. To combat the cold, this time around we made sure to have a lightweight sleeping pad for the dogs so that they too could be insulated from the cold ground at night.  If your dog has short hair or a thin coat, then a jacket might also be a good idea.

This Ruffwear jacket is perfect for keeping your dog warm at higher altitudes.

Autumn stays warm by the fire.

Tip #4: Don’t forget the leash/bowl/water!  Chances are, your camp will be near a creek, so taking the dogs to get water won’t be a problem.  Still, if you don’t want them out of your sight and you don’t want to constantly be walking someone to the creek, get some creek water for them to have in camp when you gather your own water for the evening.  Make sure you’ve packed (in their packs) a leash and a collapsible food bowl too.

Tip #5: Shoes are important for dogs too.  Autumn and Norbert’s feet were fine on this soft-dirt trip, but some trips are more rocky and can cause dogs to have sore or injured feet.  If you know your trip is going to include some rocky terrain (hiking 14ers, for instance) take shoes like these Ruffwear ones for your pooch.

Backpacking with your dogs can be a lot of fun.  They’re entertaining in the evenings and seem to have a great time sniffing after marmots and rolling in the “new” dirt around them. Still, like children there are special considerations, and making sure that your pet is as comfortable as you means your trip will be hassle-free!

Chaco Layna Hiking Shoes

The Layna is a women’s-specific waterproof hiking shoe.  The shoes have a water resistant suede/mesh construction and a waterproof bootie as well. The footbed is a women’s-specific LUVSEAT PU footbed.  Combine that with a shank-supported EVA midsole and you have aligned support all the way through the shoe.

The soles are made of a non-marking eco-tread rubber, 25% of which is recycled materials.  The gusseted tongue of the shoe and durable rubber toecap help to protect your feet from debris and the occasional toe stub.

The tread of the shoe was one of the things I was most interested in.  The hiking around here involves lots of loose dirt with many chances for sliding around if your shoes aren’t grippy.

These soles looked like they could handle a challenge, so to test their grip factor I hiked up one of the steepest hills at the Lunch Loop trail system: the Bentonite Hill.

Hiking up the Bentonite hill is a good way to test a shoe’s grip.

Hiking up this hill was no problem at all for the Chaco Laynas.  My feet didn’t feel the slightest hint of sliding in these shoes.  I even stopped halfway and took a picture.  Those shoes stuck to the hillside like glue.

So far the shoes were comfortable, though a little warm.  That’s to be expected, though, with a waterproof shoe.  They don’t breathe as much as a non-waterproof shoe might.

Towards the top of the hill were several rock steps.  I felt surefooted moving through here with the Chacos on, and didn’t even need to grab on to any rocks for balance or support.

Next, I wanted to check the shoe’s worth on a downhill section of trail.  Would they again prove to be as grippy? Would my toe bang into the front of the shoe? So I hiked down a steep, singletrack trail that was rutted and rocky.  The shoes not only didn’t slide at all, but never did I feel off balance or like I could easily twist an ankle.  This section of trail is one where a pair of trekking poles can sometimes come in handy, but today I just hiked right down it not feeling the slightest trepidation. These Chaco shoes were turning out to be pretty sweet!

As for the toe bang, I tried to make it happen.  I purposefully pushed my feet down at such an angle that it seemed toe bang would have to occur.  It never did.  Not once. Never in these shoes did I feel the slightest hint of my toes hitting the front of my shoes.

Overall these new Chaco Layna hiking shoes  have proven their worth.  They are great for hiking sketchy terrain because of the eco-tread rubber soles.  They hold your feet in place in the shoe so that toe bang isn’t an issue, and they’ll be great for crossing streams or if you get caught in a rainstorm because they’re waterproof.

The sizing seems right on.  I never order shoes without trying them on because you just can’t tell how they’re going to fit. Even though I have wide feet, I ordered my regular size (9.5) and they fit great right out of the box.

MSRP: $130

Thanks to Chaco for providing the Chaco Layna Women’s Hiking Shoes for review!

Let me just start by saying it again: this mug is awesome!

The 16oz Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug (SCOHVM, for short) is one burly, powerful beverage machine–yet it is so simple in design and durability.  The mug is vacuum insulated and boasts the ability to keep beverages hot for up to 6 hours, and cold for 24 hours! Although I have yet to push it to the extreme, I can vouch for 3-4 hours of hot coffee in one use. This mug is among the best-insulated on the market.

What’s to like?

The mug is stainless steel.  Yes, a totally burly, steel body!  Don’t worry about BPA, smelly plastic, or petroleum feel: the SCOHVM is way beyond that.

You can easily and intuitively open/close the double-vacuum seal with one hand for drinking and riding ease. The push-button system allows you to be a true multitasker. I’ve enjoyed coffee while biking, driving, working, typing, or holding my girlfriend’s hand–you name it!  No need to use two hands or fumble for a switch-lid mechanism.

The mug is totally leak proof and packable. But not just by name: you can have confidence that the Vacuum Mug will hold its contents and not leak when thrown in a backpack, on the seat of your car, or into your laundry basket (not sure why you’d want it there?).

What’s not to like?

If you find something, let me know.

After over a month, I have no qualms.  Even the steel body is dent-resistant and textured. One thought might be that the vacuum bottle seems or feels heavy? I suppose, as a backpacker, this item is more of a frontcountry luxury than a piece of backcountry gear. So keep that in mind if purchasing this beast of a mug.

MSRP: $30

Thanks to STANLEY for providing the mug for review!

Check out the new promo video, here.

Granite Gear sent over their beefiest campus pack–The Superior–and gave me the mission run the pack through the “meat grinder” first hand in the hectic student lifestyle. Overall, I’ve been very surprised and pleased! The pack has been performing quite well in a variety of situations, including front country hiking and outdoor, lifestyle activities!

Impressions

The Superior is rugged, durable, and totally weather resistant.

Easily my favorite feature thus far is this pack’s ability to beat the elements and keep my technology and gear both safe and dry!  The pack features an awesome water-resistant material, covered zippers, taped zippers, and taurpalite bottom to protect against the elements.

The technology pockets on this pack are totally bomber.

The pack features two specific areas that are designed to keep technology away from shocks, damage, and moisture–yet still remain easily-accessible at your demand! Featured in the photo above is one of these pockets that is externally-accessible and suspended above the other compartments for easy access to your phone or other valuables. In the photo below, you’ll see some depictions of the laptop pocket that is designed for tablets and laptops of a variety of sizes (around 17″, typically).

It boasts an incredible capacity and variety of compartments,

Among my favorite compartments to use are the organizer pocket on the pack (pictured above) and the main compartment (pictured below) that features a large-capacity, multi-use storage space for a variety of different gear, books, or binders.

The Superior has some sweet external features.

Are you a photographer, outdoorsmen, or commuter?  Well, Granite Gear throws in a little bit of everything for your use and enjoyment!  Being the most fully-featured and dynamic pack of the Campus line, the Superior probably has something to suit every basic and intermediate need that you may have for a pack.  One of these features that I’m really excited about is a fixed-strap system on the bottom that allows for the mounting of tripods, foldable chairs, hiking poles, excess clothing, and other miscellaneous items.

I also appreciated the lightweight and low-bulk strap system used on this pack! I love that this system can be stowed and partially removed if you prefer to go without straps on campus or in the front country.

This pack is sizable and comfortable for a variety of body-types

There are a ton of daypacks out there that claim to use “comfort systems” or snug-fitting designs, but the Superior is one that I can really vouch for!  It includes a full lumbar support system, load-bearing waist belt, suspension system similar to trekking packs, and compression straps to hold the load close to your spine. Granite Gear makes has included backpacking and trekking technology into this daypack in order to help with comfort and the heavy loads that students and commuters may often carry on a daily basis.

So what’s not to like? 

Although not worthy of significant concern, I could see a few issues with the pack coming up over a prolonged period of use. Specifically, I did have a zipper handle break off by itself, and it may be a repeat occurrence on other zippers. The zippers themselves are strong and fully intact, so the issue is more cosmetic than anything else.  I could also see potential issues with the longevity of the straps and buckles. As a campus pack, Granite Gear has designed this pack to be low-profile, yet still comfortable. With this comes flimsier buckles and thinner straps than I’m used to, even on many daypacks. Finally, the carry handle is very low-profile and simple, but doesn’t seem very usable compared to the pack’s other features.

Bottom Line

Even after a conversation about minor hesitations, this pack has remained tried and true! As a gear reviewer and product specialist, this is honestly my favorite daypack and student backpack that I have ever used or reviewed to date!  I would recommend the Superior, no questions asked, especially if you are a student that needs a versatile pack for campus life, or a lifestyle outdoorsmen stuck in the city for many of your days.

To dig deeper into the details of the Superior and other campus packs, head on over Granite Gear’s line page and explore the other options.

MSRP: $79.99

Thanks to Granite Gear for providing the Superior Pack for review.

Moraine Lake Highline trail, Banff National Park, Canada.

Congratulations to our top photo and review contributors for the month of September: hoss and James Tracy. Each will receive a $25 REI gift card for their submissions!

Fall is easily my favorite time of year for getting out to camp and hike so I’m excited for cooler weather and the autumn colors. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you explore new trails and visit new campgrounds for your chance to snag an REI gift card in October!

Our 3-day trip began and ended with a short hike down a gravel road.

The BF, Adelle, and I took a 3-day trip to Wetterhorn Basin recently. The short 3-hour drive to the trailhead makes this Cimmarron drainage a nice area to head to for weekend or 3-day trips.  The trip began with a hike up the West Fork of the Cimmarron to West Fork Pass (about 4-4.5 miles from where we parked).  From there we hiked down into Wetterhorn Basin for a total hike of about 5.8 miles.

The West Fork trail leading up to West Fork Pass is relatively flat until the last 1.5-2 miles.

Waterfalls were abundant on this side of the drainage.

In the area of talus below this hiker, a steep, loose scree section must be climbed.

On the way down, my REI Ridgeline backpack survived a 50-foot tumble down a steep section of gnarly talus.  Not only did it survive, so did everything in it.

The views looking back towards the West Fork trail from West Fork Pass were stunning.

After reaching the pass, we headed down into Wetterhorn Basin, losing about 600 ft of elevation.

The wildflowers in this basin were truly magnificent.

Our campsite, just after a main creek crossing, offered the best views of Wetterhorn Peak imaginable.

The BF and I put our tent just to the right of the edge of this photo.  Adelle had an equally impressive view from her tent.  In the mornings we could actually see people standing on top of Wetterhorn Peak.  Since this particular trail is the “alternate” route to bag Wetterhorn, we didn’t see too many peak baggers; there were a few who summitted from this side, though.

A dayhike on Saturday took us to Wetterhorn Pass at 12,990 ft.

The views from Wetterhorn Pass, looking south

Sometimes there just aren’t enough pictures of wildflowers

Sunset on our final evening

Our second backpacking trip together and my 12th total

To get here from Grand Junction, Colorado, drive south towards Ridgway and turn left onto the Owl Creek Pass road. Just past Owl Creek Pass, turn right onto the West Fork road. Drive as far as you can. If you have a truck, or even a higher clearance Subaru, you will be able to make it almost all the way down the gravel road. Hike across the creek and into the West Fork Basin. Where the trail becomes indistinct look for cairns and head up towards an obvious pass area. Be prepared for a very loose, exposed section of scree and talus. It’s fairly intimidating and scary for about 3 minutes. Head up and over West Fork Pass; follow the signs on the way down for Wetterhorn Basin. Just after crossing the creek and heading up the opposite bank, where the trail seems to disappear, is your campsite. The trail actually continues to the left, through the meadow towards Wetterhorn Pass. Look for posts and cairns along the way.

Driving to Estes Park, Colorado

One of the best parts about having a Monday through Friday, 9-5 job is the spontaneity that hits on a Friday night at 9pm when I realize I have two whole days to explore without obligation. The open road calls my name and I am drawn to the first destination that drops into my mind, within reason. Having recently relocated to Wyoming from Michigan, my list of “within reason” destinations has shifted. Most recently: Colorado.

With a love for music and a reliable car that turns any place into my backyard, I have been on a hunt this past month for festivals and hiking trails, trying to embrace the summer as much as I can. A few weeks ago, my music radar pulled up Josh Ritter and Brandi Carlile playing the Rocky Mountain Music Festival that was set to take place that following weekend in Lyons, Colorado. Two people who I would love to see live, playing at the foothills of the Rockies. I was geeked, to say the least.

Tickets for that night were sold out when I had checked on Wednesday, of course. Initially, I shook it off, another time, maybe. Then, on Friday night, at 9pm, my itchy feet took hold and I decided to give it the ol’ college try. I made my way toward Lyons to see if they secretly sold tickets at the door, figuring that in the worst case scenario, I would camp in Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy a great weekend of camping and hiking.

By the time I arrived at RMNP on Saturday, I gave up on the concert idea completely. The seven hour drive was already worth it. I had been to the Rockies in the past, through nearly the same route, even, but after coming upon those majestic mountains once again, the rest of my day became irrelevant. I pitched my tent at site 88 in Moraine Park Campground, a site that, as the ranger put it, and I agree, “is pleasantly tucked away with the best view.” I made camp, made a bonfire, made dinner, and made it to my bed, eager for Sunday.

Sunday morning coffee at site 88 in Moraine Park

I awoke with the sun, enjoyed a spot of coffee and the view, gathered my belongings and made my way toward Glacier Gorge to find the trailhead to Sky Pond.

The trek to Sky Pond is 4.9 miles and is an elevation rise of 1,650′. This particular trail was recommended to me by the ranger as I only had a half a day to hike and wanted to make the most of it. The start gives a feel of any luscious trail in mid-August, a vibrantly green, leafy setting.

Following the trail from Glacier Gorge, the first stop is Alberta Falls. Pouring over a rock wall, the river moves briskly through a canyon far below. Many visitors to the area stop to peer over the rocky cliffs above the gorge and admire the rush of the rapids. This is a tourist hot spot as it is just a short jaunt from the start of the trail: perfect for elderly nature lovers and families with small children.

After Alberta Falls, I noticed that things quieted down a bit.  Though there were several others continuing the jaunt, we were spread out enough that I didn’t see many people until we came to points of astonishing beauty. About a mile after the falls, the trail begins to split, heading off to Longs Peak, Boulder Field, Black Lake, Andrews Glacier, and Sky Pond, allowing hikers to choose their own adventure.

I directed my travels to Sky Pond, passing near the Loch, also known as Loch Vale.

The Loch

As to be expected, the higher the elevation, the rockier the terrain.

About a mile and a half past the Loch, I found Timberline Falls.

Timberline Falls

At which point, there was a small sign…

 …pointing toward the next part of the trail.

To the right of Timberline Falls the path continues up a small “falls,” a little creek spawning from Timberline.

I am not a rock climber by any means, and I’m sure this is a piece of cake to those who are, but this is the closest I’ve ever been to rock climbing and it made me feel pretty accomplished. Hand holds and foot holds are required for this: I had to pull myself up a few times. In addition, for anyone wanting to follow this trail, be sure to wear shoes with great traction. Tricky maneuvers are necessary and at times, climbing up the small waterfall is the only way to do it.

Trust me, the view makes it worth it.

Welcome to the Lake of Glass.

In retrospect, here is where I get a bit embarrassed. I reached this point by following the trail, not necessarily following a map. I knew the general direction toward where I was headed, and, well, I followed the signs. Because the trail becomes a bit of a boulder climb at Lake of Glass, the path itself disappears for the most part, and because I didn’t see any more signs, I assumed that this was Sky Pond. I climbed around it a bit, then made my way back down the rocky-crags near Timberline Falls. I didn’t realize until I started writing this article and browsing over my map that I never actually made it to Sky Pond, which actually sits about a third of a mile farther. I guess this means I have to head back for another weekend and in truth, I am a-okay with that.

Moral of the story: If you find yourself drooling over the peaks at Rocky Mountain National Park but only have a short time to visit, follow the trails out of Glacier Gorge and head to Sky Pond… just go a bit farther than I did.

In this article, I’ll explain why camping is the ultimate dog-friendly vacation. So, if you’re going to spend the rest of your weekend as a nomad, read below to check out why you’ll want to bring Fido – if you haven’t already.

Photo courtesy of the Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credit: Vincent Murphy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/strangematter/

They’re Going to Love it

With hectic schedules and limited space for running free, your dog will love being out in nature when they’re used to spending most of their hours indoors. Camping provides tons of areas to pad around, new smells to detectm and varying terrain to explore, which is basically a dog’s version of Disneyland.

While big breeds such as Labradors and retrievers are primed for being outdoors, if you’ve got a mid-sized or smaller dog make sure to test their comfort level if you’re thinking of taking them camping. Go on a short hike nearby and see how they handle it, and test their comfort level swimming in a local lake to see how they adapt to outdoor situations.

Photo courtesy of the Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credit: Dale https://www.flickr.com/photos/dalesbest/

Preparation Isn’t too Tough 

While there is definitely planning that goes into taking your dog camping, the preparation is actually pretty similar to what you need for a solo camping trip. Things like a sleeping bag, water canteen, protective footwear, and insect repellent should all be on your checklist, and they’re also things you should get your dog.

Before I hit the woods with my dog, I pick up the essentials. This includes water, water bowl, food, treats, bedding, toys, health records, leash, harness, bags for waste, and a first aid kit. I have a basset hound that tends to wander, so I always strap him into a reflective vest for safety reasons.

Also be sure to look into the pet rules at the campsites you’re checking out. Some campsites require leashes or harnesses in the campsite area, and then they’re free to roam on the trails. No matter what the rules are, be sure your dog has proper identification in case of separation. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons. Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/veganflower/

You’ll Get Solid Quality Time with Fido

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who work from home or have a pet-friendly workplace, your dog is probably on their own for a good portion of the day. One of the best things about dogs is that even if you do spend time away, they’re always happy to see you and don’t hold a grudge when you come back. Showing them some extra TLC by having a few days dedicated solely to spending time with them doing something they inherently love is the ultimate way to repay them in a sense.

Camping is sounding pretty great right about now, isn’t it? No complicated travel plans, just a packed up car or camper, the great outdoors, and those you’re surrounded by.

I hope to see you and your furry best friend on the trails soon!

Meet Anna, mom to Norman Larry, the basset hound, and world sailor. When Anna and Norman aren’t exploring another adventure or eating peanut butter, they can be seen hanging out at the local dog parks. Say hello @annaleacrowe.

August was a hot month to go hiking and camping and you shared with us your experiences. Thanks to everyone that contributed photos and reviews during the month, we really appreciate it. The two winners for most contributions during the month of August are James Tracy and Sarah Hikes (Is Hikes your real name? If so, that’s awesome)! Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to REI for adding the most photos and reviews of hiking trails and campgrounds to Tripleblaze. Enjoy some awesome gear on TripleBlaze.

Thanks again to everyone that contributed to the community! We can’t wait to see what you share next month!

This NEW jacket though… wow. I’m pretty taken with it.  Sure, that sounds corny considering it’s a rain coat, but if you’re into lots of outdoor sports like hiking and mountain biking, you know how important a good rain jacket can be.

Brand new Arcteryx rain coat proving its worth in the rainy wilderness

The Zeta LT uses two types of Gore-Tex® for extra protection and breathability.  Weighing in at 12.3 ounces, this nylon jacket has plenty of vents for extra breathability, two hip pockets, and a hood that conveniently zips into the stand-alone collar of the jacket.  The hood is big and could probably be worn over a helmet when biking, but it also has side and back one-handed cinch cords to make it fit better when you’re just out hiking in the rain. The wrists are adjustable, so you can tighten those to keep out rain and snow as well.

The jacket got its fair share of use on our latest backpacking trip.  It rained every day for a bit and so I backpacked with this jacket on for long periods of time.  The breathability was amazing.  I didn’t feel clammy or damp when wearing it; I also didn’t start to overheat.  I could hear rain hitting the top of the hood at one point and it sounded like it was hitting a tent fly.  That’s how strong this jacket seemed to me.  I felt like I could stand in a meadow in the middle of a torrential downpour and this jacket would keep me dry and warm.

The Arc’teryx jacket works as a wind barrier too.

Some evenings the wind blew and temps dropped just enough to chill me even through my puffy coat.  When that happened I simply added my rain jacket as an extra layer.  It kept the wind out and helped me stay warm. Even with two shirts and a puffy coat underneath, this medium-sized jacket was still comfortable and roomy.

The Arc’teryx jacket didn’t flinch at getting stuffed deep inside a backpack pocket with rain pants, a fuel bottle, and who knows what else.  I took it out and threw it on, then stuffed it back in places, hung it on trees, etc.  This jacket is unstoppable.

If you’re looking for a lightweight but powerful rain jacket for backpacking or even long day hikes, try this one!

MSRP: $375.00

Photo: Ezeefitsports.com

I had the chance to demo a pair of Ezeefit Ankle Booties over the past month while out on trail. To my delight, they did, in fact, prevent harmful rubbing and blisters around my ankles. In particular, I noticed a great deal of heel protection that was invaluable in the boots that I was using! Especially when boots build a hard spot on or above the heel, these booties were awesome in combating the rub. The booties are designed to prevent heel lift from happening, making these an immediate joy to wear!

The Ankle Booties are made to protect your feet using a super-stretch neoprene or bonded lycra layer that catches friction before it reaches you. The booties also are encouraged for use with or without socks, which is a great feature if you’re looking to save boot space or cut down on heat. Neoprene will get toasty after awhile, that’s for sure!

When searching through the ankle bootie selection, you will find three different thicknesses. I tried the ultrathin, and it worked fine for me! But if you think you’ll need more protection, 2mm and 3mm are other options available.

Another great feature of these booties is that you can wash them, rewash, and wash again. No special soap is needed, and the bootie holds up well in machine washers. However, the ideal washing method is said to be by hand in order to maximize longevity of the booties.

Photo: Ezeefitsports.com

Other things to keep in mind are that these booties work the same whether wet or dry, mostly because they are made to wear as a tight layer next to your skin. With that comes an important focus on sizing them properly, and they may feel quite tight when you first put them on. However, they provide quite a bit of freedom in movement and flexibility when on trail… after awhile, you won’t even notice that you have them on!

For the price, I think that Ezeefit products could be a great investment for someone that suffers from blisters or rubbing when hiking, backpacking, or trekking.  If you’re looking for a way to protect your feet, save that classic pair of hiking boots, or escape shifting-boot-syndrome, the Ezeefit could be a great choice for you!

MSRP: $17.00

Thanks to Deep Creek PR and Ezeefit for providing this kit for review!

Italian for “iron road,” the Via Ferrata in Banff takes its cues from the classic routes in Italy, with climbers scaling the rocky faces by means of metal steps, handholds, and cables embedded into the rock. Thanks to these man-made features, the Via Ferrata is not challenging in the technical sense, and is more akin to a combination of hiking and ladder climbing than rock climbing.

However, thanks to the vertical aspects and several open-air falls beneath you, climbers on the Via Ferrata need to be anchored in to a cable for safety. These epic views and death-defying heights are more intense than you’ll get on most any hiking trail, but your harness, lobster claws, and guide are there to make sure that the experience is both safe as well as fun.

Cost for the 2-hour tour is $139 CAD per person, but I highly recommend the extra $30 (total $169 CAD) for the 4-hour tour: the route and the views are so much better!

Check out these photos for a taste of the Via Ferrata experience:

The infamous suspension bridge.

Jeff: “It was really tough climbing with Greg attached to my backpack but we made it!”

Just kidding

Jaw-dropping view of Banff

View of Cascade

What an amazing panorama… be sure to bring your camera!

Click here for more information on the Via Ferrata.

Enerplex backpacks with innovative solar technology built into the packs themselves…

When at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, we’ve noticed an increasing amount of solar-powered devices, solar-power chargers, and solar-power brands emerging. Not only that, but it seems that every show and expo displays more and more solar products, as mainstream outdoor recreation incorporates more and more technology.  Portable solar panels are becoming much easier to engineer, design, manufacture, and produce–enabling the average techy/outdoorsy folk to be able to  afford them!

Phone cases with solar panels built into the back… Read our full feature article here.

With splash after splash, solar technology is becoming a big focus in the outdoor gear world, especially when we look at the new releases, new product, and exciting developments in technology that are happening recently!  The reality is that all of these things are making it more and more feasible for us to utilize technology, be connected to media, and live with electronic devices in remote areas.  The ethical debate exists as to whether solar technology, even when produced and designed “environmentally friendly,” is truly good for our souls or not in regard to recreation. In today’s world, those going hiking, backpacking, camping, and enjoying nature are experiencing increased access to more and more technology with every passing week.

Extremely thin solar paneling that Enerplex is currently using in their products!

Many thoughts exist on the ethics behind solar development and manufacturing…

Whatever your opinions or thoughts may be on technology in the great outdoors, it’s inevitable that rugged solar power is bringing more and more devices and tech gear to our outdoor areas and onto our trails every month.  These quick developments and emerging brands have some really cool products to offer, enabling clean energy anywhere with sunlight, and allowing you to push the limits further and further in your tech-inclusive outdoor adventures!

Your Turn:  How have you experienced or used solar technology in the outdoors?

It’s referred to as a “kit” because this bracelet contains fourteen pieces of different gear! Interested in having some useful items on hand when on the trail?  How about paracord, surgical tubing, firesteel, striker blade, fishing line, fish hooks, emergency tinder packets, and ranger bands?

*Gasp*

Or even a needle, mirror, straw, retro reflector, or wire saw?  All of these things are intuitively designed and pieced together into a super solid, but flexible, bracelet that you can have with you at any time, anywhere, and in any environment.

While testing its durability and comfort, my favorite piece of the Wazoo Survival Bracelet quickly became the whistle. I believe this was due to the fact that I could utilize the whistle to signal and communicate in various situations, and that it was always at the ready! Utilizing most of the fourteen pieces involves dismantling the bracelet, either partially or fully, but the whistle is actually always accessible and usable from the outside.

The buckle on the bracelet is also noticeably hefty and durable.  It could easily be used for a variety of fastening needs, even without taking the bracelet completely apart. As you may have seen above, the whistle feature is built into the male buckle of the bracelet.

When examining the other elements of the bracelet, I was fairly impressed with the design detail and durability of this “survival” product.  Although some parts are small and unique, they certainly provide a bit of confidence and assurance that, if you needed to use them to survive or for emergency response, you could.

As I continued to wear and utilize the Wazoo Mountaineer Survival Bracelet, I did begin to build more confidence in it as a useful tool. Although I would be hesitant to ever deconstruct it, especially because of its pricing, I do think that this bracelet can add assurance to your excursions into remote environments–and that it will function as a useful tool for you, as it did for me.

The Mountaineer Bracelet is said to, if needed, provide the tools that you need to build shelter, navigate, repair gear, secure food, and help with first aid care. The whistle, fire-starter, and ranger bands are readily accessible without completely disassembling the module.

The entire bracelet was developed with the intent of creative use, meaning that the user is not limited to specific functions of the items or bracelet, but that the user can feel free to practice ingenuity and use it for whatever he/she deems necessary.

Bottom Line

The Wazoo Mountaineer Survival Kit Bracelet is a unique and powerful toolset for outdoor enthusiasts to wear or pack for worst-case-scenario situations.  With the bracelet, its safe to say that users can have some additional confidence and assurance knowing that they have a plethora of resources at their fingertips in the case that they should need to respond, react, build, create, ignite, or repair when out on trail.

MSRP: $77.00

Thanks to Deep Creek PR and Wazoo Survival Gear for providing this kit for review!

Hikers and backpackers of our world are always looking for ways to save space and shave ounces from their gear.  Not only that, but we have generally become much more focused on purchasing and possessing items that will provide the same quality in a simple, smaller, or sometimes lighter form.  Hydrapak is working hard to meet the needs of our changing trends and desires in the recreation world by recently releasing the first line of collapsible water bottles ever–and now by adding to the line some even more versatile water bottles!

Modeled above is the 750ml collapsible water bottle that Hydrapak currently produces and sells.  It features a unique dual locking system that prevents leakage, but still sports an easy-to-use bite valve once unlocked by twisting the cap locks.  The SoftFlask is a perfect product for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comfortable, form-fitting water bottle for activities such as cycling, hiking, and trail running.

Luckily, it doesn’t end there!  Even though the SoftFlask was a breakthrough for collapsible, packable water bottle technology, Hydrapak has been working hard on a new model that suits the needs of other enthusiasts that is, in my opinion, much more appealing to backpackers and hikers. It’s called the Stash Collapsible Bottle.

The big benefits of the new Stash Collapsible Bottle is that it has a firm base that is capable of supporting the water bottle when full, enables the bottle to stand upright when being filled or in use, and that it packs down to two inches in order to allow easy packing and a uniform stuff-case for the water bottle.  The Stash seems to be superior to its predecessors, even with a slight weight increase, because of its ability to hold form better and function more like a water bottle in backpacking and hiking situations, but still offering the incredible advantages of having a collapsible, compact, and packable water bottle.

“The Stash™ fills a void for consumers looking for a multi-purpose and space-efficient hydration solution,” said Sam Lopez,Hydrapak Director of Engineering.  “It’s great in your backpack as a soft alternative to the ubiquitous hard bottle or to have stacked in your glove compartment for on-the-go everyday use. Hydration gear can’t get any more minimalist or versatile.”

The Stash Collapsible Bottles are BPA/PVC free, dishwasher safe, and come with a No-Leak Product Warranty. The Stash 750ml (25oz) bottles are slated for retail distribution in late Fall 2014 and will be available in Blue, Orange, Green Lime and Smoke colors with MSRP at $17.99.

About Hydrapak

Secur has a new line of solar-integrated battery cases for smartphones in development–and they aren’t afraid to show it! This new technology allows smartphone users to charge their devices anywhere using advanced photovoltaic cells built into a sturdy case that attaches to the back and surrounds popular smartphones.

The case features a fully-functional battery pack that charges the solar cells when your phone is topped off at 100% and ready to go. The battery and case can also be simply detached from your phone and placed in the sunlight to charge itself, providing hours of charging later for your mobile device. Low on sunlight and drained the battery?  No problem! The case also allows for your phone’s normal charging port to be used to juice your device through the battery pack.  That also means that you’ll be able to charge your case from the wall, your computer, or a variety of other energy sources.

The technology is really exciting for Secur, a company that specializes in providing innovative energy solutions for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency situations.  In the current line of development, a version of the case is near completion for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the iPhone 6 that will be released next month.  The case is designed to seamlessly integrate with your mobile device and to provide a constant flow of energy to your cellphone — whether sunny, cloudy, or even at night! How cool is that?

For more information on Secur, check out their website.

Led Lenser: Checking out a recently released line of headlamps for backpackers, hikers, and campers!

“Outdoor Retailer is the tradeshow venue of choice for the outdoor specialty industry. Brands big and small have a focused and targeted forum to contribute and conduct the business of the outdoors, with key market exposure in the most comprehensive showcase of outdoor companies.”

See more at: http://www.outdoorretailer.com/about-us.shtml

Rider Sandals: Looking into some casual camp footwear for after those long trail days!

Tripleblaze is attending the event, providing the scoop on some of the latest product lines, brand opportunities, and outdoor industry trends.

Deuter: Tom Mason giving us the scoop on some pack features for their new line!

While at the Summer OR, we will post periodically about several brands, trends that we observe, and unique aspects of the show. Stay tuned to Tripleblaze for the latest news and details about OR and all of the on-goings in Salt Lake City!

Leatherman: Taking a look at the multi-tool product line that is currently available!

Man, the summer is flying by! It’s going by so fast, in fact, that we forgot to announce our top photo and review contributors for the month of June: Melissa Peacock and James Tracy. And it’s also time to announce our July winners: James Tracy and Tagnrocky. Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to REI for adding the most photos and reviews of hiking trails and campgrounds to Tripleblaze.

Now is the time to hit the high country and explore those trails that are covered by snow 10 months out of the year (like the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado pictured above)!

The Outdoor Retailer Summer 2014 show is certainly underway!  Many companies have begun to unveil new and modified lines of products, including SteriPEN, an innovative brand that specializes in UV water treatment devices.  Here are some of the new updates and details about the current line of products that SteriPEN will officially include in its 2015 line.

Perhaps SteriPEN’s most significant changes to its line is the new SteriPEN Classic 3 that now features improved battery life, comfortable ergonomics, and better resistance to water damage. The SteriPEN Classic 3 comes as a replacement to the SteriPEN Classic and sports some significant advantages to its predecessor product. With only four AA alkaline batteries, the pen purifies at least 50 liters of water, or 100 liters with rechargeable lithium batteries. The retail package also comes with SteriPEN’s Pre-Filter and a neoprene pouch to carry the pen.

The SteriPEN Freedom has quickly become a favorite in the market with its creative engagement features, such as a motion-triggered treatment action. On the first day of the Outdoor Retailer show, the Freedom pen was recognized by the American Alpine Institute as a “guides choice” for water treatment in the backcountry.  The Freedom is SteriPEN’s lightest UV water purifier and is fully rechargeable via a micro-USB cable.  The sleek and smooth design packs easily and provides a great alternative to bulky water treatment options!

The new SteriPEN Ultra is the most advanced of the purifying models, with user-friendly OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). Although all SteriPENs are safe and effective, the Ultra is simple and provides a rechargeable micro-USB system similar to the Freedom.

The Adventurer, pictured here in black and green, is a pocket-sized, rugged version of the SteriPEN that is recommended for backpackers and hardcore enthusiasts.  The adventurer can take a beating, but be sure to still steer clear of submerging it in water! Unlike the Freedom and Ultra, the Adventurer runs off of two CR123 batteries (included).

SteriPEN continues to make some significant strides forward in water treatment technology and boasts a proven track record backed by over 25 ideal sets of lab tests, two years of vigorous testing by the American Alpine Institute, and the voice of an increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts.  As one of their taglines for the Classic 3 says, SteriPEN is “So easy… Just activate, place in the water, and stir.”  There you have it!  You now know how to operate every model on the 2015 lineup!  Have fun, and enjoy the clean water

First, learn about the types available.  There are several, but the two basic types of backpacking stoves are canister stoves and white gas stoves.  Canister stoves are widely available and come in a variety of styles.  Some makers of these stoves include Jet Boil, MSR, and Snow Peak.

One variety of canister stove for backpacking sits on the canister itself.

One type of canister stove sits right on top of the fuel canister.  These stoves are great because:

• They are sturdy and provide decent support for your cook pot.
• The temperature control on canister stoves is great, so if you need to simmer food, these work really well.
• Canisters can now be recycled if you punch holes in them once they’re empty.
• This type of stove is extremely compact (it will fit in your pocket).
• It is super light.

The disadvantages are: 

• Canister stoves don’t work as well at high altitudes or when the fuel canister is cold. (If you’re using one and it’s cold, keep it in the bottom of your sleeping bag on chilly nights.)
• You cannot use a full windscreen with this particular type of canister stove since this stove sits on top of the fuel–you create a fire and explosion hazard.  So you lose some efficiency in general and a lot of efficiency if it’s windy.

One canister stove uses a fuel line to connect the stove to the canister.

The other type of canister stove sits on the ground and uses a fuel line to connect to the canister. The advantages of this stove are:

• Unlike the other canister stove, this one can use a windscreen to provide maximum heat and efficiency.
• The temperature control is great.

The disadvantages are:

• Again, canister stoves don’t work well at high altitudes or in cold conditions.  It will take close to 10 minutes to boil water if the temperature dropped to freezing the night before.
• This stove weighs a bit more than the canister-top stove mentioned above.

White gas stoves are not as compact as canister stoves but work better in cold temps.

Your other main option, aside from the canister stove, is a white gas stove.  This is what we use when we go backpacking.  White gas stoves:

• Use white gas, which is available almost anywhere (and canisters are not).
• Work great at altitudes and in cold weather.
• You can choose different-sized fuel bottles depending on the length of your trip.
• White gas is cheaper than canisters.

The disadvantages of this stove are:

• It weighs a little more and isn’t as compact as the canister stoves.
• It takes a little more time to set up in the morning (maybe a minute of priming, etc.)
• It doesn’t have great temperature control.  If you’re boiling water (like we are) then it’s perfect.  For simmering, etc., not so much.

I find that for ease of use on short trips or when it’s going to be warm out (like if we’re camping with lows in the 50s), the canister stove is great.  It’s very simple to use and it takes up less space.

However, when we’re in the alpine backcountry temperatures are variable, especially if we’re above 10,000ft, the longer that canister stove has to work to heat water, the less fuel you have later on. It can create a stressful situation if you’re concerned that your fuel source is going to run out!

On our most recent backpacking trip we used a white gas stove.  It was great for boiling water because it works fast no matter what the temperatures.  It’s easy to hook up and just takes a few minutes of prep. BUT it takes up more room. With the Jet Boil canister-top stove, we can fit the stove AND fuel inside our GSI cookset.  The white gas stove requires a separate fuel bottle that I have to carry, plus the stove doesn’t fit in the cookset.  It definitely made us reconsider the smaller stove/fuel combos that we’ve used in the past.

If wood is the only way you want to go, however, Biolite does have a wood-burning camp stove that also charges your gadgets!

Whichever stove you choose, make sure you practice with it a few times before heading out.  If you already know how to use it you won’t waste valuable coffee-drinking time in the morning trying to figure it out.

Learn to use your backpacking stove before your trip. Don’t waste valuable coffee time tinkering with it!

First Impressions… Or should I say, Second Impressions?

It wasn’t until breaking through and discarding all of the plastic and paper packaging that I truly begin to get a feel for this knife. And when I did, I was pleasantly surprised at what I found: a high-quality, medium-weight knife that was seemingly well-balanced and durable.

The Details

The 12 Survivors Fixed Blade Knife is a stainless steel knife with a smooth black finish. The handle of the knife is crafted out of a hard ABS plastic, centered with a rubbered ergonomic hand grip.  The end of the handle has a small hole that is large enough to tie paracord through or some other twine material. The knife comes with a nylon sheath that has a nice rigid compartment for the blade and several snaps for belt loops, MOLE, and the handle of the knife. With the sheath, the knife weighs in at 12 ounces.

Field Tests

I took this fixed blade out into a variety of environments and have been pleasantly surprised by its quality and usefulness.  In terms of wearability, the knife and sheath combo is one of the easiest to sport that I have ever seen.  It attaches readily to a variety of packs, webbing, belts, and loops.  The snap-button strap is a great alternative to wearing it on your pack or hip without having to thread it through a belt.  However, the 12 Survivors Fixed Blade does have a great nylon loop built into the sheath if you wear a belt and prefer to holster your knife in this way.

The ergonomic rubberized grip is bomber.  The handle is, by far, my favorite feature on this knife.  In fact, I just wish that you could hold it right now as you read this review and feel just how comfortable it really is… but my words would then be in vain!  Not only is the knife well-balanced, but the designers did a fantastic job of making it a comfortable, ergonomic fit for most adult hands. The rubber makes it anti-slip, which is truly a benefit in rugged, or “survival,” situations.

The blade is a medium-thickness stainless steel blade. The edge came fairly sharp in the packaging, and I have not had to retouch or sharpen it, even after repeated uses in the backcountry and frontcountry. Typically, I am really wary of partially serrated blades because the knife immediately seems less practical to me and harder to sharpen when the blade begins to dull. But, the reality is that serration is there for sawing purposes (see video below) and is a section of the knife that should, in theory, always stay sharp because of the way serration is designed.

Quite the Surprise!

After having reviewed the knife and used it for several weeks, I had what I thought was a great impression of its quality and overall usability.  Through this time, I began to formulate ideas about the value and cost of the 12 Survivors Fixed Blade Knife (up until this point, I hadn’t glanced at the price online at all).  When thinking of the knife, I began to speculate broadly that it would range between $40 and $70 for the knife and sheath together. Much to my surprise, this knife comes in at an extremely affordable $14-$24 for the entire kit!

“What a steal!” I thought to myself

At under $25 for the kit, I would completely recommend this knife to others as a great option for a good quality, fixed blade, partially-serrated trail knife.  I think that the 12 Survivors Fixed Blade Knife is a very high value return for the price that you pay!  If you think it may be a good fit for your uses, based on this article and the media provided, I would definitely recommend the purchase!

Thanks to Deep Creek PR and Survival Creek for providing this knife for review.

Wildflowers on the Continental Divide Trail

This year’s annual backpacking trip took us back to an area J and I had backpacked in several years ago: the Ute Creek portion of the Weminuche Wilderness.  This wilderness area stretches from Silverton, Colorado over to Del Norte, and is the largest wilderness area in Colorado.  In fact, it’s almost as large as Rhode Island!  Within it you can find 14ers to climb, large rivers to cross or fish in, and vast amounts of wildlife and solitude.  This is why we continue to return.

Our route for this trip began off of Hwy 149 between Lake City, Colorado and Creede, Colorado on what I like to call the “eastern” side of the Weminuche.  There are 3 trail heads that start near the Rio Grande Reservoir out this way, and we’ve been up and down them all.  This time we chose to take my dad on a 5 day / 4 night route in the Ute Creek area.  This area is comprised of the main Ute Creek trail and its branches: East Ute, Middle Ute, and West Ute.  We hiked a lollipop of the Ute Creek, Middle Ute, and West Ute Creek Trails.  Our route was around 28 miles.

Day #1 – Ute Creek Trail:

We spent the night at Thirty Mile Campground. This campground is a great one for dayhiking, fishing, or just enjoying some solitude.  The sites are big and can be reserved.

In the morning we drove past the reservoir to the parking area for the Ute Creek trail.  Here you have to ford the headwaters of the Rio Grande River.  There were notes in the register claiming the “trail was destroyed” or “washed out.” It wasn’t at all… there’s just no bridge across the river. The trail picks up on the far side. In early July the river is passable, though the water can be a bit pushy and was at least thigh-high this year. I don’t recommend trying it without trekking poles!  I recommend just keeping your water shoes on until you’re on the far side.  Who wants to hike 50 yards and then have to take off their hiking boots?

Crossing the headwaters of the Rio Grande

After crossing, drying our feet, and putting on hiking boots, we set off up the Ute Creek trail. Since J and I had traveled this path before, we knew a great place to camp… if we could make it that far! Our packs were heavier than normal this time around (not enough attention to detail I suppose), and the 7.2 miles to an overlook site just past Black Lake seemed daunting.

Still, we pushed on, and were glad we did! The views were as awesome as ever!  Camping in this spot is wonderful since there are many places to put tents and plenty of places to sit.  PS: it’s best to get water at the creek near Black Lake before you reach the campsite.

Overlook spot from our site at the junctions of Middle Ute and West Ute Creek trails

This site has plenty of tent sites, from overlook sites under trees to meadow spots.

So far we’d had only one brief rainshower.  This time of year in the Weminuche can be unstable–one small shower a day is a blessing!

We celebrated our first wilderness night with drinks, cocktail hour snacks, and a great dinner, and woke in the morning to frost on our pack covers and blue skies overhead.

Day #2 – Middle Ute Creek:

We lingered in camp on the morning of Day 2, but were off and hiking again by 10:30.  From what we remembered, our day wasn’t going to be that long. We thought we’d be in camp by 2 pm.  Some crazy memory had us thinking that there were some decent campsites at the junction of the Middle Ute Creek trail and the CDT.  So we hiked past one site we had used before (that was buggy) and continued through the rain to the junction.  We did find one site that turned out to be pretty nice.  Finding a level tent spot was a little tough, but our tent is small, so we managed just fine.

This site is just uphill after you turn right onto the CDT from the Middle Ute Creek trail.  Water is easily accessible right at the junction too.

Views of the Rio Grande Pyramid and The Window from the Middle Ute Creek trail

This site had a great view of an old mine across the valley.  While we didn’t see much wildlife, the views of wildflowers and meadows all around us were spectacular! As on the day before, the skies cleared by the time camp was set up, and we had a great evening.  We planned an earlier start for the next day since we knew we’d be at our highest elevations with clouds always looming overhead. We didn’t track this day’s mileage, but I think it was right around 6.

Campsite above the junction of the CDT and Middle Ute Creek trails

Day #3 – CDT to West Ute Lake:

Aside from having to hike uphill to find a bathroom spot, I really loved this little site. Still, it was time to press on, and we managed to get going down the trail by 9:45 or 10.  The CDT is so manageable here.  It has nice switchbacks that are wide and not very steep, and it takes you through beautiful meadows.  It’s well-marked for the most part.

We encountered a group around 11:30 or so near the overlook of West Ute Lake.  They’d hiked down from Beartown and were doing a high loop over the next few days.  We shared a few thoughts, etc., and then moved on.  Today’s hike would be nice, with our summit above the lake and then finally some downhill!

My dad on the CDT

Just as we reached the lake overlook, the wind picked up and the clouds began to roll in.  We took a few pictures and then made our way as quickly as we dared down the rock strewn path to West Ute Lake and beyond it to the woods. It’s important to note that even though we’d been hot at the start of our hike, when the wind picked up we were all grateful for easy access to long-sleeved shirts.  It gets cold FAST.

There is one big camp site down the West Ute Lake trail just past the left hand CDT turn off.  It would be a great place for a large group, and actually would be a nice place to lay over for a day or so as there are several day-hike options in the area.

View of the Needles range just above West Ute Lake

The rain picked up as we entered the woods.  I don’t really mind if it rains while I’m already hiking. I had a great new rain coat and waterproof boots, so all was well!

From this point J and I knew we were only a mile or so from a great camp.  We found it easily enough, just over the hill from a group of horse packers with hilarious donkeys.  To get there, pass the Starvation Gap junction and a tributary stream, then you’ll start seeing acceptable sites on the left hand side.  When you start going downhill again, you’ve gone too far.  There are NO other site options for at least 3 miles.

Again the rain stopped, and though it was cloudy we had a great time just lounging in the meadow across from our camp.

This was the only night our dinner got interrupted by rain.  A storm moved in quickly from the northeast (which is very odd) with much wind. Fortunately, we had boiling water in all of our food, and were just waiting for it to rehydrate.  We grabbed the food and the three of us squeezed in our Big Agnes tent for dinner.  It’s not the smartest move if you’re concerned about bears, but we were careful not to drop anything and we aired the tent out pretty well afterwards.

Rainy hike view of horsepackers camped just before our own site.

It rained for about an hour, and we got worried that this was going to be like our Squaw Creek trip from a few years ago.  Fortunately, it stopped and we could see blue sky and a sunset down valley.  Yay for blue sky!

We left our tent fly open for as long as we could stand it to get the food smells out.  With 2 donkeys with cowbells just over the hill I wasn’t too worried about bears.  And sure enough, in the middle of the night the wandering donkeys came by: clang clang clang!

Today was our short day: 4.8 miles.

Hiking out with a planned river stop to wash clothes.

Day #4: West Ute Lake back to Ute Creek:

Day #4 was the boggiest and easiest of our trip.  It was almost all downhill, and most of it was very easy hiking.  We hiked down the West Ute Creek valley and back up to our Day #1 camp.  We continued past that, back down the Ute Creek trail to a meadow that is about 3.5 miles from the Rio Grande River and the trailhead.  In total, we hiked about 7 miles that day.

The meadow is a great camping spot because the river is close by and the river bank provides shade if you get there early and the sun is blazing across the meadow.  There are great places for soaking in ice cold creek water, and there is an excellent kitchen spot on the upper end of the meadow.

Teamwork is required even to adjust packs when backpacking.

Trekking poles help with balance through talus sections of the trail.

One note: make sure to filter and treat your water well here.  Though the river itself is fast and flowing, there are beaver dams upstream.

The rain held off until dessert time this evening. It was brief but welcome: that meadow can be hot!

Camping in a meadow 3.5 miles from the Ute Creek trail head.

Day #5: The hike out:

We got going by 9:45 this morning and headed back down the trail to our car.  We knew we had about 3.5 miles to go, and were prepared with the last of our snacks and fresh water.  The Ute Creek trail is deceptive, though: with about a mile to go you start to see the reservoir.  The hike isn’t bad, though, with just a few short uphills and mostly flat wooded terrain.

At the creek crossing, J and I just dove in with our boots on.  We knew they’d have plenty of time to dry at home.  Dad changed into his sandals since he’d have to wear his hiking boots on the flight home, just over 24 hours from now.

End of the line: Crossing the Rio Grande to get back to the car.

As we changed clothes, bathed with wet wipes, and celebrated with beer, the rain started up again!  It’s just that time of year in the Weminuche.  We thought about the large group of teens and adults that we’d just passed on the far side of the river.  We hoped they had pack covers and rain jackets.  The right gear in the Weminuche makes all the difference!

As we pulled out of the grassy parking area and looked down over the river, I had a moment where I wanted to shout, “Turn around!” It’s always like that. Even though backpacking can be hard and the weather is unpredictable, it’s still one of the most peaceful ways to spend a vacation.

Finishing our hike with a stop at the wilderness sign

5 Tips on How to Make Hammock Camping More Comfortable

Over the course of my years of camping and backpacking, I’ve heard many reasons why people shy away from hammock camping as a reliable alternative to the traditional tent. To this very day, many people still scoff at the idea of hammocking instead of tenting. However, this mindset is gradually changing, with more and more people making the switch to our tree-swinging community, either permanently or on occasion.

Here’s a list of a few very common statements that people often voice (paraphrased in popular terms):

“How do you sleep like that, doesn’t it hurt your back?”
“That’s way too cold for me! There’s cold air blowing around you all through the night.”
“I would much rather not risk getting wet and cold at night.”
“I’m afraid of flipping out at night…. I’m clumsy.”
“I can’t sleep in hammocks.  It just isn’t comfortable to me.”

Ahhh, river camping, a true joy and hammock-advantage…

Surprising as it sounds, even to myself, I can remember a time in life when I used to agree with many of these!  I used to think, “that’s not realistic or feasible.”  It wasn’t until trying it out for a few nights that I was then able to grasp the awesome benefits and relaxation encompassed in hammock camping–and even then, it has taken a while to fine-tune things enough that I’m able to sleep every night in the backcountry and frontcountry without a tent.

This is a compilation of tips that I wish that I would have had when beginning to try hammock camping, ones that I hope will benefit you by making your nights more cozy and your sleep more sound!

1. Start Slackless

Many of these display principle #1 quite well. See if you can spot the ones that do and don’t based on our explanation below… But for the most part, you want your sleep system to start this tight at the least.

This is especially a big one for those suffering from back pain or other ailments. When you go to setup your hammock, specifically for sleeping, I would highly recommend starting with your hammock on the tight side–maybe even so tight that it seems like it might be too tight!  The biggest reason for this is so that you have even support for your body and avoid being kinked or awkwardly positioned during the night.  Start without slack, because your hammock will sag and provide plenty of curve even when it’s super tight at the beginning.

Remember: You’re not taking a twenty minute nap or reading a book for a little while, you are committing your entire night and your general physical well-being that next day to your setup.

2. Keep It Low

Daniel practicing the “low-rida” technique with style… What a model!

Generally, a great rule of thumb for hammock camping is to keep the hammock low to the ground when possible. By doing this, you avoid many of the hassles that many beginning hammockers (pun intended) experience when they first start.  There are many benefits that come with having your hammock low to the ground, but the reality is that you may not always be able to hang it low… maybe you are swinging over foliage, brush, or large debris.  Maybe you need or want to stay away from wildlife and insects.  Maybe something else?

When possible, however, hammocking close to the ground at night provides many benefits!  By staying low, I’m able to reach all of my possessions without getting out of bed, allowing me to access clothing, emergency items, personal hygiene products, my headlamp, knives, an alarm-clock device, and many other things that I wouldn’t be able to access even by sleeping in a tent!  Keeping your hammock low to the ground may not seem as cool as swinging high, even at chest height, but it’s a heck of a lot easier when you need to get into it late at night after the fire dies, or when mother nature calls in the middle of the night.

Although it is debatable, especially depending on circumstances, I think that a lower hammock also keeps you warmer at night, with foliage and ground contour shielding wind, even from far away.  Another general rule of thumb is that the higher your hammock, the colder you will be at night.

Some pretty high hammocks… and being next to the water doesn’t help either, in this case. But hey, you give and get based on preference…. sleeping next to bubbling brooks and flowing water is pretty epic!

3. Plan Ahead and Prepare

I’m not going to lie: hammock camping IS colder than tent camping.  It’s a reality of life… kind of like needing to work to earn a living.  In a similar way, planning ahead and preparing for the night will make things much easier and seamless when you hit the trees with your hammock setup.  By working to prepare and by putting thought into your sleep system, you will ensure that you are plenty warm at night in your hammock.

The big things that are missing when compared to tenting: another person’s (or multiple peoples’) body heat, several air compartments with vestibule and additional tent fabric, and general wind blockage (which we will cover later).  Several recommendations for planning ahead and preparing are as follows: consider bringing a hat or buff, eat and hydrate really well before bed, layer properly with synthetic and breathable clothing, and heed these couple of “pro-tips” that may also help you in the trees…

Emily knows how to plan ahead and prepare for her specific person… And try to tell her otherwise!  All cozy-ed up and awaking from a cold night in the hammock…

4. Use Your Sleeping Pad

When thinking of your night in a hammock, many things apply to staying warm, but one tip that I’ve learned is to use your sleeping pad as an insulating layer and to give your sleep-system a bit more structure at night.  I’ve seen many folks with inflatable or self-inflating pads prefer to have the pads blown up to 50% or 75% to allow the pad to provide maximum comfort and some adaptability.  Personally, I prefer a nice Thermarest foam pad, because I’ve found that it provides tons of wind-blockage and warmth, seems maintenance free, is easiest to setup, and fits in my hammocks really well.

“Pro-tip” Time: Mark did a great job of attempting to use his sleeping pad here… But unfortunately did not have enough fabric or dynamic straps to keep his positioned firmly through the night.  Note your setup and type of hammock as it relates to your pad…

Bonus Tip: Start the Night Warm…

Or hot, if you are known to get cold during the night!

Many people are fooled into thinking that since they are warm when they go to bed, that they will stay warm throughout the night.  This is not the case.  Not only does the air temperature drop significantly, but your body temperature will too!  Be sure to plan for this, and be ready for the decreases in temperature.  To deal with this eventuality, I intentionally start warm enough to have my sleeping bag unzipped or vented, then proceed to close them during the night or right before I drift off to sleep.

The answer to all your worries, the solution to all your problems! Dun dun dun!

5. Consider Acquiring a Rainfly or Tarp

The thing that really revolutionized hammock camping for me was having a nice rainfly for incredible shelter, increased warmth, and peace of mind when camping with unknowns. With a bomber rainfly, you never have to worry about the weather being too much for you too handle. I’ve had multiple experiences where my hammock and a rainfly has been less affected and more ideal than tents of every kind, due to large amounts of rain and wind. Rainflys are essential to truly weathering any night, and they do a great deal to add warmth, block wind, and keep you dry. With a good rainfly, you can be sure that you never need to flee to your buddy’s tent in the middle of the night to avoid getting soaked to the bone or having your nice down sleeping bag get clumpy.

I’ve reviewed one of the most bomber tarps out there, specifically made for hammocking: the ENO HouseFly.  This tarp has been an absolute fortress when it comes to weathering storms, blocking wind, providing privacy, and remaining versatile in every environment. I would highly consider checking out ENO’s rainfly selection, not entirely out of personal bias, but more so for their wide selection and top-notch quality.  I’ve also seen a lot of serious hammock campers invest in some nylon tarp fabric and paracord to make their own setup.  This could be another option for you.

Bike not included….

Although I feel like I could write for ages on how to make hammock camping more comfortable, these are among my top tips for anyone–regardless of experience–that is interested in giving hammock camping a serious try, or improving their existing sleep system.  Even though I was once skeptical, hammocking has quickly become my absolute favorite activity when it comes to camping in both the backcountry and frontcountry!

Your Turn:

• What other ways have you found to make hammocking, or hammock camping, more comfortable?  What “pro-tips” would you give to others?

• This article came as a request on how to make hammock camping more enjoyable…  Do you have thoughts on this topic or others that you’d like covered?

1. The scenery.

Wilderness areas are scenic.  They’re beautiful. There is nothing like seeing wildflowers, bubbling brooks, unnamed mountain peaks, and wildlife all in one day.  It’s pretty fantastic.

View from the summit of the Falls Creek Trail in the Uncompahgre Wilderness

2. The solitude.

It’s quiet in the wilderness.  Depending on where and when you go, you may not see people for several days.  You might encounter a handful each day in more popular areas, but either way you’ll probably spend quite a bit of time hiking with only the company of eachother (assuming you’re hiking with someone).  It’s awesome: there are no trains, no car horns, no television commercials.

3. The mental strength.

Backpacking makes you a stronger person.  There will be times when switchbacks are steeper than you thought, when that trail is more exposed than you wished, and when that thunderstorm hits before you get the tent set up. In these moments, you have to be strong.  You have to take a deep breath and keep going.  The good thing is, because of the solitude, if you need to get angry for a minute or two, no one will be around to hear you!

4. The adventure.

Just think of the stories you can tell!  The pictures you can show off!  You’ve been on an adventure, just like Bilbo Baggins (though hopefully without the dragons or Gollum).  There is nothing better than returning from a trip and saying, “well, we had to cross the headwaters of the Rio Grande to get started but…” or “the hail storm the last night was insane, but we were safe and warm inside our tent.”

5. The chance to explore a new place. 

Backpacking is never boring.  Each trip and each new trail brings a chance to explore a new area.  You might find old miner’s cabins, or the remains of a dredge by a creek somewhere.  You’ll see views you’ve never seen before.  You’ll find hidden waterfalls created by snow runoff and maybe even (carefully) explore a cave or two. If you’re tired of the same old same old, then go backpacking!

Your turn:  What are your reasons for going backpacking?

One of the best hikes that I have found yet is the Cathedral Spires Trail along the Needles Highway in Custer State Park. Luckily, I had the chance to venture up to the spires again this summer, and to spend some time checking out the area!

When arriving at the trailhead, there is a fantastic parking area on the switchback-turn in the road… However, parking space is quite limited here.  Depending on the time and/or day, this area could be busy with climbers, hikers, and tourists.

The Cathedral Spires Trail is part of the Harney Range Trail System. This trail system borders the north edge of Custer State Park and extends beyond the borders of the park north to Mount Rushmore and west through the Black Elk Wilderness.

The Cathedral Spires Trail can be found on the Needles Highway just east of Sylvan Lake. The trail itself is about 1.5 miles one-way with a 3-mile round trip from the parking area on the Needles Highway.  As a trail runner, this was a very fun, quick jaunt into the Black Hills!  Even at a casual pace, the Cathedral Spires can be a fun and enjoyable hike.

The display board at the beginning of the Cathedral Spires Trail.  You can find some great trail information, geological details, and cultural history at this spot!

All trails in the Harney Range Trail System are marked with Blue Diamonds. On the Cathedral Spires Trail, these markings were especially visible to hikers such as myself.

The trail was well maintained, and most deadfalls were cleared from the trail. However, the hike is still rated “strenuous,” so be ready for an fun adventure!

Some of the first spire formations looming alongside the trail! All along the trail, even from a distance, incredible rock faces tower over the landscape.

Another picturesque formation on the West side of the trail (about .75 mi in).

Probably the only deadfall that had to be navigated when I ran the trail here.

Huge spires coming up alongside the trail! The terrain began to get significantly steeper in this section of trail (about 1 mile in).

Once navigating up the steep portion of trail, the landscape opens up into a valley between large, rocky ridges. In this valley, you can see evidence of forest management — burning, cutting, etc.

When reaching this point, the Cathedral Spires Trail intersects with Trail 4, which provides access to Harney Peak.

The directional sign indicates clearly how to remain on the Cathedral Spires trail toward the ending of the 1.5 mile trail.

Looking back down the trail after hiking away from the intersection sign. The trail was a bit washed out in these sections and significantly uneven. Troughs and other drainages are found in the trail in this area, but may be repaired soon by maintenance crews.

Looking South off of the trail toward some of the tallest, most impressive, spire formations.

Although it is often hard to tell from photos, these are the Cathedral Spires! They are extremely impressive rock formations, hundreds of feet tall!

Can you spot them now? Two rock climbers taking a rest between pitches in the crevasse between these two spires. The Black Hills and the Needles mark a famous American climbing spot with mostly traditional and some sport climbing (bolted rock).

Looking North off of the trail toward some smaller spire formations on the other side of the valley. Pretty incredible views here!

At 1.5 miles, the singletrack opens up to a wide area that marks the terminus of the trail. When you reach this point, there are no connecting trails or opportunities for official hiking, although many folks tend to explore the area surrounding the terminus for quite some time.

Pretty obvious with a sign such as this, eh?

View off the “backside” looking East over the Black Elk Wilderness.

Monument plaque next to the trailhead and a distant overlook of the first spires.

Plaque dedicating land to preservation and human benefit. This inscription is one of the most meaningful that I’ve seen in some time: “This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation’s national heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man’s environment.”

Overall, this hike was a short, but incredibly scenic venture into the depths of the Black Hills.  I would recommend that anyone who has time to spare should take a drive down the Needles Highway to enjoy the spectacular views and amazing side-hikes in the area!  The Cathedral Spires Trail is a hike that I will remember forever due to its incredible scenery, unique natural environment, and wide views of the Black Hills.

Cathedral Spires Trail Information
Location of Trailhead: 2.5 miles east of Sylvan Lake on Needles Highway (fee area).
Length: 1.5 miles to Cathedral Spires (one way)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Details: Features the Cathedral Spires/Limber Pine Area, a Registered National Natural Landmark. Cathedral Spires trail intersects with Trail 4 and can provide access to Harney Peak; however, the trail itself (Trail 4) is a one-way trail.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest Trails:

Hell Canyon Ranger District
605-673-4853
www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills

“Walk softly… To protect our resources, it is important to recreate responsibly. Take responsibility for leaving no trace of your visit and keep Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest beautiful.”

Just looking at the Katoomba 150, you can tell there is more than meets the eye. This DSLR camera sling bag offers a sturdy build from quality materials combined with a clever design, making it perfect for your next adventure.

Specs

The main compartment is where the magic is. Spacious enough for your DSLR and two lenses, this bag has you covered for almost any day trip around town or out on the trail. The innovative zipper system makes the 150L (left shoulder strap) and 150R (Right shoulder strap) identical, while allowing the main compartment to be completely open, providing unlimited access to your camera gear.

On the inside door, inner compartments provide storage for a cleaning cloth, and empty (green) and full (red) memory cards. The soft fabric dividers allow you to customize the fit while keeping your gear safe and secure.

On the outside there is a compartment with two clips that holds a rain cover, making it the perfect companion no matter what the elements throw at you. The rain cover is attached to the bag, preventing you from leaving it at home or losing if the wind picks up or you happen to find yourself in a hurricane.

While the outer compartment is snapped on, the main compartment zippers can not completely open, keeping the contents secure while still allowing safe access to your camera, lenses, and accessories.

Additionally, two outside compartments offer ample storage. The  flat compartment on the front allows for quick access to smaller items, such as lens filters or car keys, while the compartment on the back offers more space for personal belongings or camera gear, and is padded to keep them safe.

Both sides have two straps to attach a camera tripod: a huge plus for the dedicated photographer. The rubberized base offers protection from moisture and dirt… something all to often encountered out on the trail.

The shoulder strap, hip belt, and back offer excellent padding for a long day with gear. The straps are easily adjusted with just a few clicks, making it easy to hand off to a friend or loved one. The Katoomba 150 comes equipped with a stabilizing strap, which keeps the bag in place while searching for the perfect shot.

The quick shoot feature allows for fast adjustments by (1) uncliping the stabilizing strap, (2) pulling the bag forward, (3) opening the main compartment, and (4) allowing immediate access to your camera and gear while providing a sturdy platform for lens changes.

Performance

Overall the Katoomba 150 is an excellent DSLR camera bag. The study construction with protection in mind has made this my go-to bag for day trips with my camera. The main compartment zipper setup is quite ingenious, as it allows you to set up the bag the way you want it, allowing for complete access. The red fabric adds a feeling of class to the bag, and the lens cloth and the color coded memory card storage brought a smile to this photographer’s face.

The rain cover was a great touch, making one less thing to worry about when I leave the house. Padding is always an issue when it comes to camera bags, and the Katoomba 150 has found the perfect middle ground. The shoulder strap is padded just enough to make you forget you have the pack on, while the back is well-padded and ventilated, keeping you dry, even on a humid South Florida hike. The stabilizing strap was an excellent addition, keeping the bag in place and leaving me free to focus on the trail rather than a slipping pack.

The biggest feature of the Katoomba 150 is the quick shoot option, which is an excellent design. This feature is perfect for moments when you need to get to your camera fast while also allowing for a stable platform to change lenses or filters on the go.

Bottom Line

This pack is perfect if you are looking for a bag for short day hikes, a biking trip, or a day around town. The Katoomba 150 is large enough for a DSLR, two lenses, and extra camera gear, but is not equipped for caring other gear such as a water bottle. The tripod straps and quick shoot option made this camera bag stand out from the others and my go-to bag for everyday shooting, short trail hikes, or rides and sightseeing around town.

MSRP: £59.99 ($101.20)

Sold at: LoveCases.co.uk 

Thanks to LoveCases.co.uk  for organizing this review.

With all of our gear packed for a 3-day journey, a glorious adventure was started from the Lambert Dome parking lot. The route we would be completing was the Upper Young Lakes Loop–a full 15-mile adventure. We began by following the trail to Glen Aulin for about a mile, then after passing another sign, tracking the path towards Young Lakes.

We passed through dense forests and massive granite cliffs, scoured by ancient glaciers beyond our comprehension. We were a fit crew, but the climb was steady, and within minutes we were feeling the burn!

After a few hours of climbing (that were more difficult than we’d like to admit), we arrived at Dog Lake Trail and then eventually Lower Young Lake. To our aesthetic delight, the forest opened up and revealed the beautiful lake, shaped like a perfect bowl. Needless to say, we were enticed to jump in, but exercised some serious willpower and decided to wait for the bigger lake above.

So, we decided to climb on for another hour or so, eventually arriving at the big boy: Upper Young Lake. At this point, the sun was dipping below the horizon, so we cracked open the few beers we brought (yep, we hiked in beers) and made a mean meal of some good ol’ dehydrated goods (well… not that mean).

The next day was all about lounging (and some frolicking, of course).

Some people go on day trips, some people climb, but we were not those people. Upper Young Lake got the best of us, and we found a rock outcropping to jump off of. The remainder of the afternoon consisted of a dozen “leisure dives,” as well as some exploring of the ridge line.

There’s something nice about just chilling once you setup camp, and oh boy did we experience the glory of that relaxation.Usually it’s go go go from when you start till when you get back in your car, but this was different. It really helps you soak in your surroundings, and I couldn’t recommend it more!

That night we played with our flashlights and camera settings (no, it wasn’t a game of flashlight tag–we got a little more creative than that). Our goal was to paint pictures with the light, which worked out quite well (it’s great to have a photographer in the crew!).

After listening to some tunes and eating our final meal, we passed out for the night, ready for the return in the morning.

On the way back, you pretty much just retrace your steps, but you get a different perspective of the journey, which is still quite pleasant. We arrived back at our cars happy, hungry, and fulfilled from the excellent trip.

Young Lakes is WAY less crowded than a lot of the more popular hikes in Yosemite, and I would highly recommend it. Get out of the valley bro!

Eric Bach is Co-founder of Hipcamp, a website dedicated to getting more people outside by making the discovery & booking process of campsites easier! He loves using technology to get more people away from technology.

Have you heard the phrase “not all National Parks are created equal?” A few times when I’ve mentioned my bucket list ambition to make a stop at each one, this has been said. I hate to admit it, but I have to agree. Not every National Park is as awe-inspiring as Yosemite, the Grand Tetons, or, my personal favorite, the Redwood Forest, but each holds a reason for the status and sometimes, as in the case of Hot Springs National Park, it’s a hidden phenomenon.

Found in the center of the state of Arkansas amid the Ouachita Mountain Range, the waters that flow out of Hot Spring Mountain have attracted physicians, health gurus, and medicine men along with the sick, the well, and the curious for centuries. Known also as the “American Spa,” Hot Springs is thought to be a place of power and healing, with fresh water bubbling up at an average temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit. This 5,550 acre area was officially granted National Park status in March of 1921 and continues to be a popular destination for all walks of life.

Natural, fresh hot spring water steaming out of the mountain

In late February, after spending a bitter winter stuck in the polar vortex that was Michigan, where even my snowshoes were sick of the cold, an opportunity arose for me to make a road trip to the great state of Texas. I jumped at the chance. In the midst of packing for my trip that held no set return date, I threw all of my camping and hiking gear in my trunk, eager to spend the night outdoors.

The twenty-three hour drive was to take place over a three-day span, and one of those nights put me right smack dab in the middle of Arkansas, right near Hot Springs National Park. It was destiny. I rolled into Gulpha Gorge campground on Saturday and as luck would have it, I secured the last spot on Gulpha Creek.

Let the name not deceive: the creek is more of a river. Camping next to water is my favorite. Walking barefooted through lovely green grass is icing on the cake. I did both.

Gulpha Gorge campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each site is equipped with a grill, but unfortunately, this is a no-bonfire type of place, with the exception of one large campfire circle set near the amphitheater. Every site has space to park an RV or camper, and though each has a little grass room for a tent, not all have the “lawn” I was lucky enough to snatch. Primitive sites cost around $10 a night, and sites with hookups at a mere $24, prices are cut in half if you have a National Park pass. There are no showers at the campground, but campers have access to modern restrooms.

The first thing I noticed as I pulled into my site, outside of the river, was the MASSIVE wall that is Hot Springs Mountain just on the other side. As I pitched my tent, I could hear the echos of hikers as they wound their way up the mountain trail. With my camp set up, I followed suit and made my way across the river toward the trail.

Following the Gulpha Gorge Trail up the side of the mountain is just the beginning. It is much like a choose your own adventure situation in that the trails along the mountain intertwine with each other and taking a left fork here, then a right fork there, can lead you to a very different place than where you first expected. Hikers can choose a short jaunt through the woods, or add to trail time by taking a different turn.

I followed Gulpha Gorge to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and around until I came to the Dogwood Trail (upper loop), which I meandered through until I found the Goat Rock Trail. If you find yourself in this part of the country, make sure you get to the Goat Rock Trail: the views from this part of the mountain, even in the foggy mist that I experienced, were vast and beautiful.

View from Goat Rock

In order to protect the natural hot springs from contamination and the human footprint, hikers will not find any open springs along the mountain. The majority of springs flowing from the mountain are directed to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where residents and visitors are invited to fill drinking containers with the natural spring water or visit one of the bathhouses still in operation for a little rest and relaxation. Visit the Fordyce Bathhouse, also a visitor’s center, to see one of the first springs discovered, the Fordyce Spring, learn the history of the springs, and take a tour of the bathhouse which was renovated to its original state as when first built and utilized.

Fordyce Bathhouse

The elegance of the old bathhouse truly carries through, and I would recommend a tour for the experience of a past generation.

Hot Springs National Park is a wonder. It celebrates a natural phenomenon that can only occur when conditions are set just right. Though it’s one of the smaller National Parks, it hosts several great trails for the outdoorsy types, history for those so inclined, and a little R&R for all. It is most definitely a great experience for the weekend warrior–go check it out!

Even more than hammocking, I love backpacking and camping…

ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) is the leading company that provides top-quality products for hammock camping, both in the backcountry and frontcountry. Thanks to the ENO HouseFly, I feel like I have found the perfect combination of performance and comfort!

Overview:

The ENO HouseFly is a burly rain tarp for camping and backpacking that provides maximum protection from the elements. It is boasted to be a “waterproof fortress,” and my exhaustive testing confirms that it is one of the best hammock rain flys on the market!

Quality/Durability:

The HouseFly has surprised me time and time again.  Although it is easy to be skeptical of the duability of thin nylon tarps, I’ve seen the HouseFly battle courageously through some harsh environments.  Specifically, the HouseFly held up to snagging on burrs, scraping over dead tree limbs, and being stretched over bushes.  All of this without a single flaw!

The ENO HouseFly is crafted with 15D ultra-lightweight ripstop silicone nylon which, to me, seems to hold up better than many other materials that I’ve seen.  The waterproofing qualities have shown no sign of failing, providing a steady run-off during every storm. When examining and testing the seams, the stitching of the HouseFly holds solid and hasn’t shown any signs of fraying after months of use.

Setup:

When initially unpacking the HouseFly, I’ll be honest: it looked like a confusing setup. Although initially discouraged, I found that the tarp came with an easy-setup guide describing simple steps to enable first-time users of the HouseFly. Even with eight stake lines and various buckles and clips, the tarp doesn’t take much to setup after a little practice!

After several months of backcountry and frontcountry camping experiences, I find the ENO HouseFly setup to be an absolute breeze!  Without rushing, I’m now able to setup my entire sleep system in under 10 minutes (hammock, straps, HouseFly, stakes, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag)! More than that, my tear down time is at a mere 5 minutes with all of the same elements. Sure beats most tents, in my opinion!

Field Tests:

Several months have allowed me the opportunity to extensively test the ENO HouseFly with a wide variety of environments, temperatures, vegetation, and storms.  To date, I have had the opportunity to use the HouseFly on trips in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas, South Dakota, and Colorado.  Even after some challenging circumstances in these areas, I’ve never been left disappointed with the HouseFly.

Here are some observations from my tests with the HouseFly that are worth sharing:

1. It truly is a waterproof fortress.
   I’ve battled a good number of storms with the tarp and am fully convinced of its ability to keep me dry and comfortable through harsh weather and heavy storms. Not only that, but the HouseFly provides more coverage than any other ENO fly, making it my top choice for bad-weather situations.
2. “There’s tons of room for gear in here!”
   I’ve loved the fact that the HouseFly has overlapping doors, a large vestibule-like space, and plenty of ground coverage!  It allows me to store all of my gear and more to keep dry throughout the night.  Typically, I’ll have my backpack, boots, camp gear, and personal items underneath or next to me as I hammock the night away–all within arm’s reach!
3. Stake it low to minimize flow.
   What I mean by this is that by having your hammock lower to the ground and by making the HouseFly nearly flush with the ground, you can maximize warmth and minimize the chance of wind, rain, and snow having a negative impact on your night.
4. Diligent setup = Better night’s sleep.
   Find firm positions for your stakes.  Tie off the rainfly to the trees, not straps. Overlap the doors a bit.  Tie proper knots. Take time to adjust cord lengths. Test hammock height inside tarp. Take time to finalize your setup–It makes for a bomb-proof setup that will keep you dry and warm through the night!
5. Pack weight is a factor.
   The Housefly is a mean machine, that’s for sure! But it comes at a price that should be weighed depending on your trip, location details, and personal preference.  The tarp weighs in at 27oz without counting the pack weight of your hammock, straps, and caribiners.  When taking the HouseFly out, I’ve always opted for the weight, even in backcountry settings…. However, the reality is that you may sometimes be lighter and more agile by splitting a backpacking tent with one, two, or even three people (this is personal preference more than anything).
6. “Bah, who needs a tent anyways!”
   Honestly, the ENO HouseFly is very tent-like. If I really had to shave weight or couldn’t carry my hammock, I would take the HouseFly as a stand-alone shelter in a variety of situations.  By staking it flush to the ground, it works just as well as many ultra-light tents or backpacking tarps. If you weigh it against competitors, the Housefly still packs at a mere 27oz, rivaling many backpacking tarps/tents on the market! The HouseFly can also be used as a group shelter by being tied or staked out in a variety of different ways.  Maybe it’s the ultralight-er side of me speaking here?

The Skinny:

Why yes, it may seem like I’ve fallen in love a bit… But it’s for good reason!

The HouseFly has performed extremely well and continues to rival competitors, hold to its quality, keep me very comfortable at night, and provide awesome protection against the elements. While it weighs in heavier than many alternative tarps, the HouseFly boasts hefty coverage, fantastic durability, and more versatility than many others — Making it a fantastic choice for many backcountry and frontcountry travelers!

MSRP: $139.95

Many thanks to ENO for providing the HouseFly for review!

Backpacking in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Photo: AJ Heil

1. “I could never hike 30 (or however many) miles!”

Well, sure you could!  One thing to remember is that, unless you’re trying to set a fastest-known-record, no one is expecting you to hike 30 miles in one day, or even two.  Most of our trips average 5 days / 4 nights.  If you break 30 miles down over 5 days, that’s only 6 miles a day.  To break it down even further, we usually hike at a snail’s pace of about 2mph; so really your total hike time each day won’t be more than 3, maybe 4 hours.

2. “I think I’d be terrified to sleep in the woods at night.”

Truthfully, I usually am.  That’s one reason I try to make sure we find a fairly open space for camping.  Near woods, but not in them, is just about right.  It’s not like we are ever unprotected.  We always have a canister of bear spray with us–that stuff will do some damage! We also take every precaution we can in ensuring that everything we have that smells is safely stored in a bear canister or Ursak far away from us.  By doing this, we can sleep better knowing that nothing has a reason to come bother us.  Honestly, there is way more of a chance of someone breaking into our house at night than there is a chance of someone or something attacking us at night in the wilderness.

3. “There’s no way I’m pooping in the woods.”

Really, it’s not that bad.  You probably have more privacy in the woods than you do in that office bathroom you share with fifty other people. Sure, it’s awkward at first to dig your own “cat hole” in the ground.  But if you’ve got all your basics: toilet paper (which you should either pack out or burn), hand sanitizer, and a nice plastic trowel for digging, there’s no reason why this should be a particularly unpleasant experience. Just consider it time communing with nature.  After all, the alternative of not going for four or five days will make you feel much worse.

4. “I can’t imagine not bathing for that long.” 

ME EITHER. Every day once we get to camp we take our washcloths down to the river and wash off.  While it might not be quite the same as a nice hot bath, it’ll help!  You can take biodegradable soap if you like, but don’t use it in the water.  You’ll need to fill a container with water and then move at least 200ft away from the water source to use your soap and rinse.  Yes, it’s biodegradable, but it can still affect aquatic life.  Still, it’s amazing what just a rinse in a mountain stream and scrub with a plain wash cloth can do for you!  We always feel more energized and refreshed afterwards.

You can always plan ahead like we do and have a fresh change of clothes, deodorant, and dry shampoo at the car waiting for your return.  That way, at least you’ll feel slightly fresher on the way home.  Trust me, everyone else on your trip smells just as bad as you.

5. “I’m not in good enough shape for backpacking.”

First, no one says you have to tackle a monster week-long trip your first time out.  There are plenty of short, overnight hikes you can take that aren’t very strenuous.  Just visit your local sporting goods store, like an REI, and check out their book section.  You could even just go to a bookstore.  Either way, there are plenty of books on backpacking for specific areas, like the South San Juans, the Appalachian Trail, etc.  You can also, of course, check out our huge trail directory of hiking and backpacking trails.

My point is, if you think you’re out of shape, then start with a short trip that doesn’t have much elevation gain and go with someone experienced.

Another way to make you feel better about your fitness level is to start training.  Start with short walks around the park and then short hikes.  Even 30 minutes out on a trail at first will help.  Work up to an hour or so of hiking and then add weight to your pack.  This training will help you not only physically, but mentally.

Bonus:  “How do you know where to go?” 

Research.  Ask people you know who backpack.  Get a book.  Search Tripleblaze.com for ideas.  Google “backpacking trips near…” Call your local BLM office and ask them directly, or again, walk into your nearest REI.  I can guarantee you someone there will pick up a map and say, “You should go here.”

As my dad would say, “What you oughta do is…GO BACKPACKING!”

In the heart of Texas stands a rock formation with adventures for almost all of the outdoorsy types, carrying with it a bit of folklore as well.

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock lies in the middle of hill country, 15 miles north of Fredricksburg and 15 miles south of Llano. This pink granite dome rises to a lofty 1,825 feet above sea level, a bit taller than its sister, Little Rock, which reaches just a bit over 1,700 feet above sea level. The entire Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is around 640 acres of land made for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers of all different flavors.

The legends surrounding the rock tell of an epically-fought Native American battle and a princess who, wrapped in despair over the loss of her tribe, threw herself from the top in agony. There is also a tale of a man who took to the rock in hiding, desperate to protect himself from an angry, approaching tribe. The legends stand to explain the “groaning” that has been known to omit from the rock, though geology takes a different approach. The granite is known to expand and contract with the changing of temperatures, a hot, dry Texas noon to a cool, starry Texas midnight. Regardless of fact or fiction, Enchanted Rock feels alive.

On a first visit to “E-Rock,” as the locals call it, it is an absolute necessity to climb to the top. There are a million ways to scale the beast, but most visitors opt for the Summit Trail, climbing the 425 feet from the base of the mound in approximately 0.6 miles. In reality, the Summit Trail is less of a “trail” and more of a suggestion. It is a great place to start, but once you begin the ascent, there is freedom to wind around as you please, though be mindful that many areas are steeper than others and some areas appear as true vertical inclines. These walls are best left to the experienced rock climbers–those with proper equipment.

Climbers scale the steeper sides of the rock. 

Once at the top of E-Rock, the view is spectacular. You can see for miles in every direction.

On the north end of the rock there is a cave, an area where you can escape the blaring heat of the sun, even if just for a little while. The entrance to the Enchanted Rock Cave is surrounded by massive rocks (though not so massive in comparison to the Enchanted Rock), which provide for a cool, shadowy crevice.

The trek back down the massive dome can be a little tricky. Many opt for the direct route back down the Summit Trail, however, it is a dome, and for yours truly and countless others, it can be more fun to make your own trail. Keep in mind the same caution as with the ascension–many areas are steeper than others. Yes, it is a granite rock with great traction on a hot, dry day, but it is key to watch your step.

I followed the curvature of the rock until I finally hit rock bottom (pun intended) in Echo Canyon, the area between Enchanted Rock and Little Rock–which, as its name suggests, provides for a decent echo if you try a little yodel here and there.

From the middle of Echo Canyon, there is a choice: head east toward the park headquarters or venture west, toward the Loop Trail, a path of approximately four miles that encircles the entire park. Having had just a taste of the park and wanting a little more, I directed my hike west, passing through a small grove of trees–yet another chance to step out of the sunlight.

Where the Echo Canyon Trail meets the Loop Trail, hikers meet with the first of the primitive hike-in campgrounds. The park has three different camping areas, the first being near headquarters where tent campers (no RVs in this park) can park and walk a short distance to a site with a picnic table and a fire ring, close to a modern restroom. The other two, Moss Lake and Walnut Springs, are primitive, hike-in campgrounds, each with a composting toilet nearby, ground fires not permitted. Of the two hike-ins, I would recommend Moss Lake: it is a strange oasis of forest in the middle of a seemingly desert atmosphere, and if you’re hiking during the day, you will embrace the shade these trees provide.

Moss Lake Camping

With the intention of setting up camp for the weekend, I arrived at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on a Friday evening in search of a site. Since I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of a person, I rarely make camping reservations, and this particular weekend was no exception. Friday night, the park was booked. As I made my way toward Fredricksburg, I stumbled upon “Frontier Outpost,” and let me just say – it was my kind of campground.

Owners John and Debbie have been running the Outpost for the past six years and have made quite the little haven. The sites are clean and cheap, and depending on when you arrive, decent in size, too. The ground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. Some weekends are sparse, and landing a big site is not too difficult. Other weekends, music weekends, the place is packed.

The outpost itself is a little store with all of the last-minute camping needs: firewood, ice, sunscreen, refreshments, souvenirs, etc. In addition, the counter doubles as a little beer bar, and the back deck offers great outdoor seating and even a small stage where musicians come to play on the weekends. If you’re lucky, you might just see John himself pick up his guitar and play a few. The man owns and operates his own campground, meets new people from all over, and gets to jam whenever he wants–or at least when his customers convince him to get on stage. I’d say he’s living the dream.

Frontier Outpost

While all of this adds up to a pretty stellar campground right near a natural phenomenon, the cherry on top is Jack the dog. As John says, Jack is the camp watch dog, but really, he’s just a big softy. He doesn’t bark, and stops at each campsite for a visit, convinced everyone is staying at Frontier just to play fetch with him. Sweetest dog in the world, I almost took him home with me.

Jack the dog 

A few tips about the park:

Dusty Trail surrounding Enchanted Rock and Little Rock

1. The park recommends that when hiking the trails, carry a quart of water per person. I would say this is an understatement. I hiked during the second weekend in May and packed as much water as I could carry in my backpack. I drank it all. When on the top of the rock and when hiking the Loop Trail, there are not many areas for shade, and if you’re planning a late-morning, mid-day hike, remember that it is dry and dusty in Texas and that sun can really beat down.

2. In line with #1: its best to make the summit climb in early morning or late evening. I say this for the sheer location of the sun. Views of the sunrise and sunset are, no doubt, incredible, whereas the midday sunshine, though still providing an epic view, is impossible to escape and the heat can be overbearing. Along those same lines, it is best to hike this park late Fall through Early Spring. Summer heat in a dry, draught-ridden Texas does not a pleasant hike make.

3. The Loop and Echo Canyon trails pass by Moss Lake. Don’t get excited when you see this on the map: swimming is not permitted.

All in all, a trip to Enchanted Rock makes for a great weekend jaunt, but don’t take my word for it: check it out for yourself!

Though you’d think this trail would actually take you to the Sutton Mine, it doesn’t yet.  It does, however, take you to some awesome overlooks of Bear Creek, U.S. Hwy 550 (Red Mountain Pass) and the Neosho Mine and its remaining outbuildings.  If you’re a mine/history buff at all, this approximately 5-mile round-trip hike is one you should do!

The Neosho mine outside of Ouray, Colorado

The trail begins just as you leave Ouray to head to Red Mountain Pass.  At the first switchback turn onto Camp Bird Mine road, just past the Ice Park, you’ll see the sign for the trail.  There is almost no parking; we drove a little ways past the trail, turned around and parked on the side of the road (which, by the way, is very exposed on one side).

The first half mile of the trail is very steep.  I’m pretty sure ALL the 900 feet of elevation the trail claimed we’d gain was done in that half mile.  Okay, it probably wasn’t, but it felt like it. This portion is also exposed in places, so if that’s a problem for you, maybe pick a different trail. It does have lots of switchbacks; after each switchback the trail flattens out for a bit.  We were grateful because this gave us a chance to catch our breath before the next steep section.

Views of Ouray, Colorado from the start of the Sutton Mine trail.

Soon the trail tops out and the next almost 1.5 miles are through high tundra and meadows filled with rocks and claret cactus (which I thought was bizarre considering we were in the mountains).  It’s flatter here, with only a short hill here or there.

Soon we reached the Bear Creek overlook.  If you stop here and turn around, you’ll only have a 4-mile round trip hike.

Looking down at Hwy 550 (Red Mountain Pass) and Bear Creek from the Sutton Mine Trail.

It’s another .5 miles from here to the Neosho Mine.  The trail grows a little fainter in places but also passes a few ponds where I’m sure, at the right times, you can spot moose!  Soon we passed the rusted out tram lines and began to encounter outbuildings.

An outbuilding at the Neosho Mine in Ouray, Colorado

When we finally reached the mine area we were all just in awe.  The buildings are so well preserved, the tram rails are still there, and the entrance to the mine is there too!  There is a clothesline from the old boarding house on which modern-day tourists have begun to leave clothes.  From Hwy 550, if passengers look up and across the gorge, they can see this clothesline and the “Antiques” sign on the front of the building.

We had a great time just wandering around checking out all the buildings and taking photos before our return trip to the car.

Old tram rails at the Neosho Mine near Ouray, Colorado

Old boarding house at the Neosho Mine near Ouray, Colorado

The clothesline that is visible from Hwy 550 (Red Mountain Pass)

Looking into the Neosho Mine entrance

The trip back down was mostly uneventful until the last half mile.  It was so steep that even with my trekking pole I had to move very carefully and slowly to avoid a crash. We all just took our time, not wanting to end up with a broken ankle.  Eventually we made it back to the car.  The trip took us about 3 hours; even though it wasn’t that long, it was very steep in places.  We also did stop to take a lot of photos.

I think after my four training hikes I feel fairly prepared for our backpacking trip. My legs are used to hiking again (though my calves are yelling at me right now) and I’m used to my pack again.  I know Dad has been training as well, so we should all be in peak backpacking condition. Stay tuned for photos and a long trip report!

Overview

The IceMule Classic is an adaptable leak-proof cooler for outdoor enthusiasts.  Whether you are heading out on the rivers of Wisconsin, camping at a state park in Georgia, or off-roading in Colorado, the IceMule suits a variety of different recreational lifestyles!

(Check out a video review of the Ice Mule here.)

Quality/Durability

The IceMule is made out of a very durable, textured, rubber exterior.  The cooler has no significant seams, nor does it have weak points in the sealant system. By its design, the IceMule is made to be a durable soft-shell cooler that will stand up to the test of time.

When examining the straps and buckles (see video), I didn’t find any cause for concern as far as buckle strength or potential breaking of the plastic clasps, if treated properly.

What Makes the IceMule Special?

Glad you asked!

Well, if the leak-proof design, flexible form, textured rubber exterior, or sturdy sealant system aren’t enough already, the IceMule also has a totally rad shoulder strap for easy carry.  The strap is adjustable to suit a variety of carrying styles and body types.  Not only that, but it is easily removable via wire-gate carabiners at each attachment point.

The slick carrying system allows you to easily transport the IceMule and be hands-free so that you can carry your other beach gear or picnic supplies when you are en route!

The second thing that makes the IceMule Classic so unique is the inflatable walls.  By blowing air into the port on the side of the cooler, you can adjust the amount of insulation that the cooler provides and create a perfect layer of air in the walls of your dry bag.

Have you heard the cheek-fact, “Air is the best insulator”? Well, it has some truth to it when it comes to coolers!

Field Tests

1. Paddleboarding: Day Trip
   Result: Awesome performance!  Felt very solid on the water, and the strap adjusted perfectly.  No leaks or problems even with submersion tests and throwing it around in the water.  Very buoyant and versatile!
2. Canoeing: Day Trip
   Result:  The IceMule kept everything dry and perfectly comfortable. The thing that stood out today was the great flexibility of this cooler which enabled me to cram it into a variety of cozy spots (underneath crossbars, in the car, etc.). My initial concern worth noting is the sturdiness of the male buckle piece–seems a bit weak here.
3. Camping: Overnight
   Result: IceMule was bomber and provided better cooling qualities than I expected from an inflatable rubber cooler.  With a little ice, our meat and produce stayed cool for the duration! Great weekend with the IceMule!
4. Canoeing: Three Days
   Result: IceMule was impressive, versatile, and worked well to keep things cool on the roadtrip and onto the water the first day.  My only qualm was not having a bigger IceMule to hold more food items and beverages!
5. Roadtrip: Three Days
   Result: Even with minimal ice, the cooler worked very well under extreme heat (80-90 degrees each day with no air-conditioning).  My beverages and food stayed perfectly cool with a little added ice throughout the day!

Bottom Line

The IceMule is a flexible and versatile cooler system that suits a variety of recreational styles! I will continue to use the cooler regularly until, for some reason, I find a better alternative to a cooler of this size… which may not be for quite some time! I’ve become a fan of the IceMule Classic, and will look into acquiring one with a higher carrying capacity in the months to come.

MSRP: $39.95-59.95 (Small-Large)

Thanks to IceMule and Deep Creek PR for making this review possible!

Read more about the IceMule Classic here.

Scott Anderson once again posted the most popular photo on Tripleblaze in May with this decidedly winter shot (though to be fair, parts of Colorado are still under snow!). We were a little disappointed with the number of members who rated photos in May but nevertheless, James Tracy and Rex Alan Parkins Jr. will each receive a 1-year Tripleblaze topo subscription for their work.

Due to the lack of photo ratings in May we’re going to suspend the photo contest for a bit while we work on getting more folks in the habit of rating new photos. The top contributors contest will remain so keep those photos and reviews coming.

This is prime camping season so get out there and enjoy the great outdoors this summer!

Recently, we’ve made friends with some of the folks that help maintain and ensure that the Black Creek Trail stays in good shape and that users remain responsible in terms of outdoor ethics and environmental preservation. The Wild South is an organization that partners with the Forest Service to monitor and maintain wilderness areas throughout the southeast in order to ensure quality recreation for years to come. They work to recruit volunteers, perform trail maintenance, educate trail users, and find partner organizations to help maintain areas such as the Black Creek Wilderness and the Black Creek Trail.

Along with producing these articles and building these relationships, we have also recently added the Black Creek Trail to our trail database on Tripleblaze.com, and hope to gain reviews from our users and friends for the trail listing.  If you would like to contribute or view the new listing, feel free to visit the trail database here.

Our other articles and resources for the Black Creek Trail are being included in this resource roundup, as Tripleblaze has quickly become the website with the highest quantity and quality of information regarding the Black Creek Trail. By means of this roundup, we hope to make this content even more accessible for those looking to get out and enjoy the Black Creek Trail in future weeks and months!

Our Detailed Trip Report of the Black Creek Trail
Wild, Rustic, Southern Backpacking: The Black Creek Trail, Mississippi

Photoblog Series of our Thru Hike of the Black Creek Trail
Photo Blog: Backpacking the Black Creek Trail, Part 1
Photo Blog: Backpacking the Black Creek Trail, Part 2
Photo Blog: Backpacking the Black Creek Trail, Part 3
Photo Blog: Backpacking the Black Creek Trail, Part 4

Interview with Local Trail Expert & Outfitter
Interview: Brandon from Black Creek Canoe Rental, Mississippi

Black Creek Trail Listing (open for content contribution)
The Black Creek Trail Hiking Trail

Interview: Understanding Cave Closures and White-Nose Syndrome

News: Bat White-Nose Syndrome Pushing West into Wisconsin

Caving activities with guided groups and privately owned caves in the Upper Midwest.

Tripleblaze: Please provide a brief biography related to your previous work experience, and how you’ve journeyed into your current role.

Jennifer Redell: I’ve always loved nature, science, exploring, and teaching, and in college I majored in education and minored in geology. I began caving in 2001 and became involved with Midwest caving and the DNR bat monitoring program. Caving has taken me all over the country, but most of my experience has been in WI, MN, IA, and IN. Prior to beginning work at the WDNR in 2007, I worked for 6 years as a cave and environmental educator at a commercial cave. The discovery of White Nose Syndrome in NY state in 2007 and the devastating bat loss that followed meant that by 2009 the state realized a need for increasing bat conservation work in WI. In the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation, I oversaw and coordinated the development of the Wisconsin Cave & Mine Catalogue which now houses 4 years of baseline hibernacula data on healthy WI bat populations. During this time I married WDNR bat ecologist David Redell. Dave and I shared a passion for bats, and carrying on his work after his 2012 death from brain cancer has been important to me. I am fortunate to work with an amazing team of WDNR staff and partners from other state and federal agencies. Bats have always been important, but they will only become more important as time goes by and the effects of WNS are felt in WI. I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to see the last large concentrations of WI bats and that I am able to make my living doing something I’m passionate about.

Guided caving tour in Southeastern Minnesota (Holy Grail Cave)

What resources would you refer cavers to for education and preparation?

In addition to becoming familiar with the basic safety and conservation information, there are a number of excellent sources of information about caves, caving, and cave ecosystems online. Agencies and organized caving groups exist around the United States and world that can provide information specific to local caves. Visiting a commercial cave is a great way to begin learning about cave geology and the cave environment. Participating in a semi-wild caving tour or guided wild tour is also a great introduction to caving. A wild cave tour is a good place to test out techniques, caving communication, and your comfort level with an experienced leader present. Some caves in parks or on public land are open to cavers all the time or by permit, and many are suitable for beginner groups.

There are a number of websites with good information about caves, bats, and caving:

National white nose syndrome website: https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/
Wisconsin Bat Program: http://wiatri.net/inventory/bats/index.cfm
WDNR (search “Bats”): http://dnr.wi.gov/
Caves & karst: http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/caves/
Caving: http://www.caves.org/

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other DNR departments provides up-to-date information for cavers regarding regulations, best practices, and caving guidelines that help protect these fragile environments.

What opportunities exist for caving in Wisconsin and the surrounding area?

Most Wisconsin caves are relatively small and most cave owners have never allowed recreational caving activities on their land. In Wisconsin significant caves have been commercialized (Cave of the Mounds, Crystal Cave, Eagle Cave, Kickapoo Caverns) and offer guided tours. Semi-developed caves (Ledge View Nature Center, Maribel Caves County Park) offer “wild” caving experiences. The Door County Parks Department is planning to provide educational access by permit to some areas of Horseshoe Bay Cave in the future (summer 2015). Nearby Maquoketa State Park (IA) & Mystery Cave (MN) offer opportunities for wild caving and exploration as do many other caves throughout the country.

Cave map at Holy Grail.

Would you recommend, or how would you recommend, beginning caving as a form of recreation?

Self-educate through reading from a credible source. Many websites, books, pamphlets, and cavers provide good information about caving but are not updated with current bat conservation or WNS prevention information. Be responsible for knowing about caving ethics, modeling them, and teaching them–even if those around you don’t adhere to laws, recommendations, or best practices.

Beginning cavers that took part in an introductory class which focused on responsible caving ethics and best practices in recreational caving.

What else would you like to share with people seeking to enjoy caving as form of recreation?

Damage to caves and cave critters cannot be undone. Cumulative effects of even low-impact human activities and actions need to be considered and can have great (often negative) impact on caves and their ecosystems. Location sharing cannot be undone and often leads to vandalism and disturbance to the cave ecosystem. Trespassing and disrespectful behavior can lead to cave closures by landowners.

Caving groups should be intentional about avoiding taking flash photography of cave wildlife, such as bats, in an effort to not disturb them with light, noise, and movement.

The photos included here are from caving activities of guided groups in Wisconsin and Minnesota that demonstrate ethical caving activities.

Watch the video here:

The path is mostly easy to follow and marked with cairns.  I set out with 20 lbs in my backpack and two dogs to accompany me on a morning hike here last weekend.

Desert pincushions can be found all over this time of year.

The view from the beginning of the trail, looking west

The trail has some interesting features, including this rock slot.

Just after the rock slot hikers get their first views of the river.

Hedgehog cacti and Claret Cactus Cups thrive here.

The trail makes a lollipop. The overlook is most quickly reached by heading left, where the trail heads up to the rocky outcropping above.

The “overlook” is a fairly obvious area of large rocks hanging over the valley below. It looks down on the Colorado River. By looking east hikers can see where Salt Creek enters the Colorado.

Far off on the horizon, the La Sal mountain range outside of Moab, UT comes into view.

While the views are spectacular, the features along the trail are pretty neat as well.

This pretty purple wildflower lines the path along the backside of the mesa.

Rabbit Ears is a remote and not-often-used trail.  In fact, during the 3 hours I was out there I saw one other person, and he was off in the distance.  If solitude is what you’re seeking, this trail will provide it.

Out here, the options include the very popular Devil’s Canyon trailhead and Fruita Paleo area, as well as the Pollock and Flume canyon trailhead.  For whatever reason, maybe because there are shorter options with less uphill, Devil’s Canyon is always quite a bit busier than Pollock.  Seeking solitude, we headed to Pollock, finding even that parking area to be mostly full on a partly cloudy, cool May afternoon.

My pack weight today was 20lbs.  Last week’s hike found it at 13, so this was a nice increase in weight.  I’d put in 3 liters of water, some hiking clothes, and a sleeping bag to add bulk and weight this week.  The pack felt great right from the start.  My shoulders weren’t sore, my hip belt was snug and secure, and I didn’t feel the need to readjust any straps the whole time we were hiking.  Consequently, I’ve decided to stick with my trusty REI Ridgeline pack for at least one more season.

Spring is a beautiful time to hike in the desert.  Not only are the wildflowers out in full force, but this beautiful green grass pops up everywhere!

Even after choosing the Pollock Bench trail, there are many options for one’s hike here.  It’s possible to connect with the Flume Canyon trail, to do a loop around the bench, or to use this as a jumping off point for Rattlesnake Arches.  That hike is 15 miles round-trip, and is on my to-do list for this fall.

We hiked in the direction of Pollock Canyon and Rattlesnake arches, stopping just as the trail drops off the bench and down into the canyon itself.

Find the trail in the canyon.  Then look directly up at the shelf above it.  You can see a line of rocks and bushes.  The trail drops off the ridge, right (looking at the pic) across the rocky shelf, and then down into the canyon.  The patch of rock you have to traverse across can be a little unnerving, but having one hand on any outcropping of rock available and one hand firmly on a trekking pole can make it seem less treacherous.

This time around, I remembered to stop for a snack after an hour or so of hiking. There is a good bit of climbing in the first mile and a half of the trail, so even though it had flattened out into a mellow route by the time we stopped for a snack, I knew we probably needed one.

From our vantage point looking out, we could see a few houses built into the canyon walls to the west.  So far on this hike we’d seen, well… maybe two people?

The path back was pretty much just our original route in reverse.  Still, I’m hiking more with my pack, and I’ve gotten in two good 5-mile hikes plus one weekday hike of about 2.5 miles, so I”m feeling pretty confident at this point.  My legs were much less sore the day after this weekend’s hike than last weekend.  I must be making progress!

On the way back, we did catch this awesome view down into Flume Canyon.  Another 5-mile loop, Flume is part meadow, part wash, and might make the list of upcoming hikes itself.

Learn how to plan your trip in the Grand Teton National Park backcountry during the summer.

Watch the video here:

I was wearing my REI Ridgeline backpack with 13 lbs of weight in it.  We took a photo to show how awkward it looks with that little weight in it.  In fact, if I put a pack on in the store and there was this much of a gap, I’d never buy it. Still, one of the purposes of these hikes is to test out the pack to see if I want to buy a new one.

My ridgeline pack certainly fits oddly with so little weight in it.

The second purpose is for me to get my legs in hiking shape.  Yes, mountain biking works lots of muscles, but not the same ones as hiking.  My quads and feet need some time on the trails before our annual July trip.

The dogs were excited just to get out and play!  This was the perfect trail for that as, over the next 3 miles (until we reached the Tabeguache doubletrack that would take us back), we saw a total of 4 people.

Rough Canyon is named that for a reason. While there is an actual trail meandering through the first portion, after hiking across and down a narrow rock shelf, somewhere around a mile in, things begin to change considerably.

Soon Rough Canyon earns its name, forcing hikers to slide down boulders, rock hop across creeks and pools of water, and scramble up and over rockslides.  The good thing is that through all the challenges, the trail appears at every bit of dirt, so it’s very difficult to get lost.  Of course, you’re hiking down a canyon, so there’s really only one way to go.

If we’d been doing this hike in Arizona or Georgia, I probably would have turned back, or at least wished for my sturdy hiking boots, out of fear of rattlesnakes.  Fortunately, our area has only one: the pygmy rattler, and he is quite elusive.  In fact, the only snake we saw while hopping around on rocks and bushwhacking was a garter snake.

Honestly, it was great to be out hiking again! My pack, though it seemed awkward when I stood in front of a mirror, didn’t bother me in the least.  Adelle’s dogs were thrilled with all the available water to jump in, and we were pretty much all alone in a wonderland of rocks, blue sky, and wildflowers.

At about 2 miles in we began to see the canyon opening up ahead of us.  We could see the canyon walls getting shorter, and the riverbed itself was easier to hike through.

Yes, this was easier than what we’d picked our way through to get here!  The problem with hikes like these is that you must be extremely careful throughout.  I slipped on a loose, steep portion of trail at one point and fell right on my behind.  That part was ok, but of course I threw my hand out to catch myself.  I didn’t hurt it, but a broken wrist or ankle in a canyon like this would be no fun.  Somehow you would still have to make your way out: there wouldn’t be any sitting around until a stretcher and rescue crew got to you.

Eventually, though, we could see the end!  In the distance we saw Jeeps heading down some four wheeler trails, and we had this beautiful view from the top of the now-dry Rough Canyon falls.

From here, we still had 2 miles to go to get back to the car, and we knew at least the first mile would be all uphill.  We started off at a steady pace, slowly, slowly climbing.  A little over half a mile into this portion, I realized another part of my hike training that I’d let slip past me: eating.  My legs suddenly just did not want to go another step.

I fell a little behind.  Then a little more.  We’d had a very small snack somewhere in the middle of the canyon, but apparently it had worn off.  I knew it had been probably an hour since I’d eaten.  I stopped, took off the pack, dug out a Clif bar, and ate it as we slowly trudged along.

It felt like only minutes later that some energy returned to my very tired body.   See, hike training isn’t just about the hike itself.  That’s an important part, but it’s not the only part.  Training for your trips helps you to remember those little things like eating every hour, stopping for breaks, and resting your weary feet.

We reached the car just shy of 5 miles and 3 hours.  The first portion of the hike had taken quite a bit of time, what with all the boulder hopping and scrambling.  My aching legs informed me that hike training was definitely the right thing to do.  A few more of these, and I just might be ready for our trip.

Planning a backpacking trip of your own?  Start training now!

Avalanche Lake is one of several possibilities for this year’s trip.

One decision that’s easy is my latest one to start actually training for this trip.  Last year the only exercise I did before our Big Blue trip was mountain biking.  While that may sound like a great way to strengthen one’s legs, it’s not the same as hiking. During the first two days of our trip, my legs just plain hurt. They weren’t just a little sore–they were achy.  I hadn’t hiked much at all before the trip, and I certainly hadn’t hiked carrying any significant amount of weight.

This year, I am vowing to do things differently.  I want to get to camp and still have energy to hike around to a nearby waterfall or up to a view point.  I want to not spend evenings downing ibuprofen because my legs hurt so much.  So I’ve devised the following plan.  Feel free to use it yourself when prepping for your next trip, or create your own!  Either way, being prepared will save us all a little pain in the long run.

Tomorrow, May 17, I’ve already got the first hike of the season planned. It’s hard to take a break from biking, but I know in the long run it’ll be worth it.

Every week starting May 18:

2 lunchtime hikes of about 45 minutes each.  These will not involve much weight, but will just be to get my legs back in the habit of hiking.  One the days that I don’t take lunchtime hikes I plan to continue biking to work.  Between the two I should be able to strengthen my hiking muscles but not get too sore in the process (that’s my theory anyway).

Weekend of May 24-25:

One longer hike of 6-8 miles with 10-15 lbs of weight.  This hike, and subsequent weekend hikes, will be to get used to carrying weight again and to test out my pack.  I’m wavering between keeping the old one or getting a new one, and these trips will help me decide.

The REI Ridgeline has been with me since my first backpacking trip in 2008. Is it time for an upgrade?

Weekend of May 31-1:

I plan to increase my hike mileage to 8-10 miles.  This is more than we’ll ever hike in a day on our actual trip, but we may encounter more hills, deadfall, and tricky sections that will require my legs to be extra strong.  So the extra length will be a good thing.  My pack will have 15-20 lbs in it for this hike.

This Devil’s Canyon hike is definitely on the list of weekend hikes. The area is filled with trails, so you can make as long or as short a hike as you like. This cabin is at the turn around point for a 6 mile round trip hike.

Weekend of June 7-8:

This weekend I’d love to do an overnight backpack trip.  There are several places we could go just for an overnight trip, like the Kannah Creek Trail, Rattlesnake Arches, or Dominguez Canyon.  Whether any of that will happen or not is another thing entirely.  Suffice it to say that I want to get in one more long hike this weekend with 20-25 lbs.

At this point I’ll need to make a decision about the backpack.  If I’m going to order a new one it will be the Deuter ACT Lite 60 + 10 SL Pack or a similar Deuter product.  I tried one on a few weeks ago, so I know I like the fit.  The only question now is if it’s a necessity.  If, by this hike, my current backpack just isn’t cutting it as far as cushioning my shoulders and hips and appropriately distributing weight, then it’ll be time to order this new one.

Weekend of June 14-15:

This will be an “off” weekend for hiking.  By now my legs will be a little more used to hiking and, especially, hiking with added weight.

Weekend of June 21-22: 

This will be my final weekend hike before our trip.  While there will probably be one more weekend available, that one will be spent prepping for the trip and getting in a final mountain bike ride.

I’m a planner.  I think it’s good to set a plan for my backpack training and stick to it as much as possible.  You may not need to plan hikes–perhaps you already do plenty of them! Or maybe you’re like my significant other: he never needs to prep.  He handles the hikes just fine without training for them.  BUT if you’re like me and you want to avoid the pain of suddenly hiking with 30 lbs on your back for the first time in a year, stick to a plan like mine!

If you love wildlife, please follow all food storage regulations in the park. This short video will explain how you can keep your food and other scented goods safe from animals, and keep them from being destroyed due to human food conditioning.

Watch the video here:

Overview

The Grand Trunk Travel Pillow is an adjustable travel pillow designed to be highly portable, comfortable, and adaptable to a wide variety of nights.  The pillow is touted as being able to provide a much better sleep opportunity than your average wadded-fleece-jacket-pillow nights, whether you’re on trail, in a campground, or on a plane.

Quality/Durability

The outer fabric of the pillow is soft, comfortable, and smooth, to provide excellent sleep. It is made out of a water-resistant polyester and serves as the shell around some super-soft “high-loft poly” filling within the pillow.

When traveling with the pillow, I would recommend always utilizing the stuff sack, as it will provide a protective layer around the pillow’s soft exterior, helping you avoid rips or wear to the pillow.

Other than the pillow fabric, the seams of the Travel Pillow appear solid, and the cord drawstring looks to be of a high quality!

Features

One of the coolest parts about the Grand Trunk Travel Pillow is its ability to take on a different shape, height, and density using the drawstring system.  The user can slide the adjustment down the drawstring and customize their travel pillow to the comfort and size that he/she prefers, unlike many single-size travel pillows.  The drawstring can also be tucked into a small flap of fabric on the bottom of the pillow to make the pillow more uniform.

Another great feature is the pillow’s stuff sack.  This sack is of great quality and functionality to contribute to Grand Trunk’s Travel Pillow product.  I think the stuff sack is particularly noteworthy because it significantly decreases the size of the pillow and compacts it together very well!  At first, I was surprised at how hard it was to initially stuff the pillow into the sack after use, but then I realize that it really was the perfect size for stuff-compression of the pillow.

Stuffed Dimensions: 8 x 6in
Fully-expanded Dimensions: 20 x 16in

Field Tests

When putting the Travel Pillow to the test, I used it in a variety of situations, including both travel and camping.  At camp, the pillow performed extremely well for its weight and size. After using the pillow on two trips, I was convinced that it was incredibly more convenient than packing a full-size pillow for car camping trips.  In particular, I would use the pillow when hammock-camping in the frontcountry.  It worked very well regardless of hammock vs. tent situations.

I also used the pillow when traveling, and it fared very well! The Grand Trunk Travel Pillow made my journey much more enjoyable and comfortable, and I will continue to use it, especially on long road trips to distant outdoor locations!

The one situation that I don’t see the Travel Pillow as ideal for is backpacking and backcountry recreation.  In particular, the pillow still weighs in at almost a pound and takes up quite a bit of pack space compared to other items.  While you can certainly take it into the backcountry, this is one item that I would usually leave home, since it’s more of a luxury than an essential piece of gear.

Bottom Line

The Grand Trunk Travel Pillow is a seriously cool, comfortable, and classy piece of gear. It provides overnighting enthusiasts with an adaptable alternative to bringing a household pillow or bunching up clothes into a makeshift pillow.

MSRP: $19.99

Thanks to Grand Trunk and Deep Creek PR for making this review possible!

Read more about the Grand Trunk Travel Pillow here.

Learn about Mt. Moran, a mountain that has it all: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock as well as alpine glaciers. Find out how the Teton Range formed by some of the same geologic forces as the Himalayan Mountains.

Watch the video here:

Heard of it before?

Water treatment products have taken huge strides forward in the past five years in terms of technology, innovation, and effectiveness. Purinize is one of these new products that offers an intriguing twist to water treatment.  It is the only water treatment solution that I have heard of that touts itself as “all-natural” and chemical-free.

When first testing the Purinize solution, I must admit: I was a bit skeptical.
All-natural?  Could this be true?

As tests have gone on throughout these months, I have learned to trust the solution more…

How Does Purinize Work?

This was probably my biggest question when approaching this product.
The Purinize solution works using a four-stage, unfacilitated process, as explained here:

ONE: Flocculation
When added to water, Purinize causes dissolved, invisible impurities to come out of suspension.

TWO: Coagulation
Next, the impurities are neutralized as they clump together and become insoluble.

THREE: Precipitation
Once coagulated, the insoluble, neutralized impurities solidify as they precipitate out of solution.

FOUR: Deposition
The precipitates settle and are deposited as sediment at the bottom of your water container.

To utilize the solution…

1. Add the appropriate amount of droplets to your untreated water (see bottle label).
2. Stir, mix, or shake the solution to spread throughout untreated water.
3. Wait a few minutes to ensure that treatment has time to take effect.

NOTE: The manufacturer recommends using a filtering system, such as the Sawyer Mini Filter, to filter out precipitates before treating water.  

Benefits of Using Purinize

Here are some proposed benefits that Purinize offers to outdoor enthusiasts. Many of these are claimed by Purinize, the manufacturer, as it is hard to test for these attributes in our field tests of the product…

• It’s non-toxic and 100% natural.
• It’s safe to use continuously, everyday.
• It boasts an unlimited shelf life with no expiration
• It acts against industrial chemicals in water
• It neutralizes odors and bad tastes
• Its treatment time is only a five minute wait
• It is lightweight and super convenient

Field Tests

Alrighty folks, let’s get down to the nitty gritty with Purinize.  We tested this product in a variety of situations over the past couple of months to get an idea for how Purinize could fare against other alternatives.  So far, we have been pleasantly surprised!

Our initial testing of Purinize was conducted using a clear, fast-moving water source. We bottled two liters of fresh water from a mountain spring way up in the Appalachians of Northern Georgia.  From there, we added 15 drops of Purinize to each liter and waited the five minutes.  The water was clean, clear, and tasted great!  We had no complaints with these tests when on the Appalachian Trail.

Our most recent test put Purinize to a much harder test. We treated water from one of the most gnarly water sources of our country: the main channel of the Mississippi River.

Having Purinize’s combo package of the Sawyer Mini Filter and the Purinize solution, we were ready to really utilize the capabilities of the treatment system in this series of tests. As it is touted to do, Purinize should counteract industrial chemicals that might be in the Mississippi as well. With the Sawyer filter, we were also quite confident in the process!

Although La Crosse (Wisconsin) is far from the southern, more contaminated waters of the Mississippi, the water still had a large amount of precipitates and color, making both stages absolutely necessary in this situation.  We proceeded to filter and treat the water to see Purinize’s real power…

Like any water with questionable contents, we heeded Purinize’s suggestion to add extra droplets and wait extra time.  From what we can tell,even the Mississippi water tastes good and turned out to be crystal clear using the Sawyer and Purizine combo.

Bottom Line

I trust Purinize.
But with the Sawyer Mini Filter.

Lab test results and scientific data is being released that is beginning to quantify Purinize’s effectiveness. So far, it seems that the information has backed up the manufacturer’s word! This is very promising for any product, and we hope that it continues to fare well.

When thinking toward the future, I will continue to use Purinize on backcountry trips with the Sawyer filter to stay as natural and safe as possible.  I find it to be an innovative product that offers a second stage in treatment that could be very useful for many common water sources in today’s world.

Thanks to Purinize and Deep Creek PR for making this review possible!

Read more about Purizine and how it works here:
http://store.purinize.com/pages/faq

Watch this video to learn how to enjoy a safe visit to Grand Teton National Park during the winter.

Watch the video here:

Congratulations to this month’s contest winners! Scott Anderson posted the top-rated photo (above) and James Tracy rated the most photos. They’ll take home $50 and $25 REI gift cards respectively.

James Tracy was also one of the top photo and review contributors in April, along with hoss. For their contributions each will receive a $25 REI gift card.

This month we’re tweaking the photo contest a bit and offering Tripleblaze topo access ($24.99 value) to the top two photo raters. The top rated photographer still receives a $50 REI gift card and the top two overall contributors will each receive $25 gift cards.

Happy trails!

The Hoboroll is a durable, lightweight compression sack that can be used to pack a wide variety of items more efficiently. The Hoboroll offers multiple features that make it an ideal addition to the gear set of many outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

Durability & Build-Quality

The Hoboroll provides exceptional fabric quality with 840D nylon and five compartments with a smooth nylon interior.  The buckles and plastic pieces seem to be high quality, and provide confidence in terms of longevity and use.  However, my one issue did arise when using the buckles and ensuring adequate tension is held for a tight bundle of clothing: the first buckles that came stock on the Hoboroll kept releasing under pressure, but Gobi Gear, the maker of the Hoboroll, sent over some new buckles that have been performing better. Also, Gobi Gear is responding to this need with new rumors of an improved Hoboroll equipped with metal clasps and some powerful upgrades.  That being said, the product still definitely meets most durability requirements in terms of recreational use, with a medium amount of force exerted on the buckle system.

Feature: Internal Compartments

Probably the most innovative function of the Hoboroll is its five internal compartments that can be used flexibly and independently for a variety of items.  With this system, you can easily pack different contents into their own compartments and access them without disturbing or moving other items.  This compartment system has quickly became my favorite feature of the Hoboroll, as opposed to other stuff sack systems.  I have not found or seen a compartmentalized stuff sack that compares to the Hoboroll!  This system allows for ease of use and efficient packing.

Feature: Unique Straps

The Hoboroll’s straps seem quite durable and provide plenty of carrying options. In particular, the main compression strap extends to give users a shoulder sling, backpack-like strap, or other attachment point. The Hoboroll also has webbing that runs along its length, with five additional attachment points. These can be used as tool loops, or to clip the Hoboroll to a backpack or other equipment.

Using the Hoboroll

When using the Hoboroll, you can pretty much just assault the thing with your soft gear, and even with more rigid items. The easiest way that I’ve found to pack the Hoboroll in a compact manner is to cinch one end tightly and stuff clothing from the open end toward the newly created “bottom.” Once locked and loaded, I cinch the other end as tight as possible before compressing the unit using the strap system, working one buckle at a time to evenly increase tension.  After cinching and compressing, your Hoboroll is good to go for storage, or slinging as a standalone pack!

Experience and Suggested Uses

Gobi Gear recommends using the Hoboroll for anything and everything: backpacking, vacationing, air travel, hiking, gym bag, leisure, and other packing needs.  When testing the Hoboroll, I demoed it first on a five-day backpacking trip in the Georgian Appalachians, where it stood up to the backcountry elements very well!

An even more enjoyable use came when I used the Hoboroll hiking, paddling, and car-camping on a trip earlier this month.  The Hoboroll was especially helpful in keeping things organized.  On both trips, and possibly any future trip, I was able to pack every single item of clothing for the entire experience into the Hoboroll, providing a complete unit for my clothing needs on each expedition. This was especially helpful in keeping things efficient and smooth when leading outdoor pursuits.

Bottom Line:

Gobi Gear’s Hoboroll provides increased efficiency and versatility for the outdoor enthusiast when it comes to packing clothing for trips and activities.

I found the Hoboroll to be a significant blessing on recent trips, in that it did help me cut down on pack size and clutter.  The thing that I loved most was that it enabled me to better organize gear and clothing by use of the compartment system! Another major benefit is its ability to serve as a comprehensive unit for all of my clothing needs in the backcountry and frontcountry. I plan to continue to use the Hoboroll as a staple in my gear for both casual trips and extended adventures!

Specifications:

• MSRP: $27.99
• Capacity: 1160cu. in.  (19L)
• Dimensions: 15″ x 10″ diameter

Thanks to Gobi Gear and Deep Creek PR for making this review possible!

“Black bears verus grizzly bears in Grand Teton National Park. A description of their habitats and characteristics, along with a bear ID quiz.”

Watch the video here:

Bunny Wanders, by Jason McCurdy, is a fun book that follows a rabbit who strikes out from the forest to visit his cousin in the desert. Featuring stunning photography of this “real life” bunny shot mostly in Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, this book is sure to entertain and amaze both kids and grown-ups.

Full disclosure: I went to college with Jason which is how I found out about this project. I have to say I’ve never seen a book quite like this. With two young kids of my own, I can totally appreciate the message plus I’m down for any book that isn’t just illustrated with cartoon animals. Not only is Jason the photographer, he’s also the “Bunny” and, from what I understand, he even made the costume himself!

Even if you don’t have kids, this book is a great gift that will inspire kids of all ages to get out and explore the great outdoors. I’m looking forward to seeing what type of environments Bunny explores next!

Available via Amazon.com.