An effective sleeping system is crucial to any backcountry adventure. After a full day of hiking/bushwhacking, getting a good night’s rest is essential. The sleeping bag is the most important part of any sleeping system, as it provides insulation from the cooler evening temperatures, allowing for a peaceful night’s sleep. A good backcountry sleeping bag
Gear Review: PurifiCup Portable Natural Water Purifier
Water is a precious commodity, essential for life; although its importance is often overlooked until it is in short supply. Finding drinkable water while on the trail always remains a challenge, whether hiking in a remote area far from civilization or ambling along through the countryside, never far from a paved road. Since the safety
Gear Review: Vasque Sundowner hiking boots
Note: The following is a retailer-sponsored review of the Vasque Sundowner GTX hiking boot. Although a small payment has been provided for writing the review, this is no way has influenced the opinions found in review; these are completely my own. When I started hiking almost a couple decades ago, finding a durable and comfortable
Gear Review: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Isle Royale National Park
A good map is hard to find. Even more difficult sometimes than finding an exceptional woman, dog or automobile mechanic. Luckily, the National Geographic Society is making it a lot easier for backcountry enthusiasts exploring National Parks, National Forests and other popular recreational areas in the United States. Through their Trails Illustrated Maps series, National
Gear Review: Leica Ultravid 8×20 binoculars
Compact binoculars are an ideal choice for the ardent backcountry enthusiast. Their small size and lightweight allow for easy access even when bushwhacking through dense vegetation. Leica Camera AG manufactures a perfect example of a compact binocular in the Ultravid 8×20 BR. Leica Camera AG is an international company in the optics industry with a
Gear Review: Golite Tumalo Pertex 2.5-Layer Storm Pant
After an entire winter of procrastination and a swiftly approaching bushwhacking season I was left with no other choice but to find a replacement for my now ineffectual Golite Reed rain pants. I narrowed it down to two different rain pants: the Marmot Essence and the Golite Tumalo. And the winner was….the Tumalo Pertex® 2.5-Layer
