thebackpacker.tv » Gear Reviews

MSR Lightning Axis Snowshoes

Admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:33:24 +0000

[tab name="Description"]Looking for the right snowshoes can be a daunting task. However, I really like these snowshoes that MSR has put out.

Along with MSR’s quickly-becoming-legendary 360-degree traction system and easy-peasy SpeedLock Comfort bindings, the MSR Men’s Lightning Axis Snowshoe features the Axis Gait Efficiency System. This system adjusts to your extra-wonky walk to make snowshoeing as natural as strolling down the beach.

Bilateral binding adjustment neutralizes variances in foot positions to give you the most natural-feeling stride possible
360-degree traction frames for added support and stability in varied terrain
Modular flotation tails (sold separately) allow you to use the shorter snowshoe alone for maneuverability or attach the tails when added flotation is necessary
Climbing wires come standard and can be activated with a flick of your pole

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22	25	30
Color	Orange/Red	Orange/Red	Orange/Red
Weight per pair	4 lbs / 1810 g	4 lbs 3 oz / 1890 g	4 lbs 12 oz / 2160 g
Width	8 in / 20 cm	8 in / 20 cm	8 in / 20 cm
Length	22 in / 56 cm	25 in / 64 cm	30 in / 76 cm
Binding type	SpeedLock	SpeedLock	SpeedLock
Televator	X	X	X
Gait	Unisex/normal width	Unisex/normal width	Unisex/normal width
Footwear size range	4.5 M – 13 M / 35.5 – 48	4.5 M – 13 M / 35.5 – 48	4.5 M – 13 M / 35.5 – 48
Load	Up to 180 lbs / Up to 80 kilos	120 – 220 lbs / 54 – 100+ kilos	150 – 280 lbs / 68 – 127+ kilos
Load w/ tails	Up to 250 lbs / Up to 114 kilos	120 – 280 lbs / 54 – 127 kilos	180 – 300+ lbs / 82 – 136+ kilos
Country of Origin	Made in Seattle, USA	Made in Seattle, USA	Made in Seattle, USA

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Admin

I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

Lowa Tibet Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:07:22 +0000

[tab name="Description"]Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

The Tibet Pro GTX Hiking Boot for Men by Lowa is the ideal backpacking boot for extended periods when carrying a heavy pack. Tall ankle shaft for extra supprt and protection. GORE-TEX® lined for wet weather conditions and four season use. It features a Climate Control System for added comfort as well as lightweight alloy lace loops with sprung lace hooks.

“ALL TERRAIN: From New Hampshire’s White Mountains to southeast Alaska, testers hiked this burly, all-leather, waterproof boot through miles of rain, mud, creeks, and found it’s waterproofing infallible.
This boot may need mention in your will.

Ably handled unstable, rocky terrain and the worst bushwacks. Super supportive. The Tibet Pro will carry as a big a load as you’re willing.
After a rough traverse of the Presidential Range, one tester said ‘They barely look used.” – Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide[/tab]
[tab name="Specs"]

Taller ankle shaft of 2.6 mm thick Nubuck leather upper
‘C4′ Comfort Tongue
GORE-TEX® lining: waterproof and breathable
Patented AWP: Asymetric Walking Position
High rubber randing for durability
New Vibram® ‘Masai’ backpacking sole unit with performance PU midsole
Limited strap on crampon use, if necessary
Weight: 4 lbs

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Black Diamond Firstlight Tent

Admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:27 +0000

[tab name="Description"]Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

At a ridiculously low 2lb 11oz weight, the single-wall has become an incredibly popular choice for a wide variety of weight-conscious mountain travelers. Black Diamond designed this tent with ultralight, breathable EPIC fabric for weight-conscious backpackers. But dedicated alpine climbers have pushed it into use on the world’s highest, hardest mountains.

The single-wall free standing design allows the Firstlight Tent to be pitched very quickly, and a small 82 x 48-inch floor lets you pitch it in a tiny clearing or small ledge.Your tab contest[/tab]

[tab name="Specs"]Series : Superlight Series
Season : 4
Capacity : 2
Doors : 1
Average Packed Weight : 1.5 kg, 3 lb 5 oz
Minimum Weight : 1.28 kg, 2 lb 13 oz
Dimensions : 208 x 123 x 123 x 107 cm, 82 x 48 x 48 x 42 in
Area : 2.5 m², 27.3 sq ft
Packed Size : 15 x 23 cm, 6 x 9 in [/tab]

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Rab NEOSHELL Jacket Gear Review

Contributor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:17:02 +0000

Dan reviews a Jacket from Rab that uses a brand new fabric called Neo Shell. This newly developed fabric from Polartec is supposed to be the most breathable, yet waterproof fabric on the market.

Lightweight mountain jacket made from eVent three-layer fabric, abrasion resistant fabric on high stress areas including shoulders and hips, helmet-compatible hood with wired peak, single water-resistant, double-ended front zip with internal storm flap and rain drain, three outer map-sized pockets with water-resistant zips, adjustable cuffs and hem drawcords

How It Performs

Normally the pay-off with a lighweight jacket – and the Super Dru is genuinely sub 400 grammes on our scales – is a certain flimsiness and a short, minimal cut, – often too short – for the sake of saving a few grammes.

There’s none of that with this jacket. It’s cut slim and fitting, which is excellent for technical use, but also long enough to provide full-on butt coverage and a reassuringly protective feel. It’s also nice knowing that the ravages of hungry pack straps are likely to be withstood by the tougher grey fabric used in high wear areas. All in all it’s one fo the best cut jackets we’ve seen for a long time.

That extends to the hood as well. It’s easy to adjust, comfortable even when snugged down, moves with the head and accommodates a climbing helmet without problems, plus we found w
e could indeed take the hood on and off without undoing the main zip. A real boon if you’re wearing gloves.

The eVent fabric is as effective as ever, the most breathable we’ve tried. You can overwhelm it working hard, but the fug will clear quicker and it takes longer to give up in the first place. There are no vents, which may be an issue if you run really warm, but you can always roll up the easily adjustable sleeves to expose your forearms.

Katadyn Hiker Microfilter Video Review

Contributor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:16:15 +0000

BackpackersReview puts together a video on The Katadyn Hiker/Hiker Pro filter series is very popular among backpackers because of it’s small size, light weight and ease of use. Dan takes a look at this little filter and gives you the details.

The Katadyn Hiker water filter, however, offers you at least a tiny victory in the war against chemicals, at the cost of 11 ounces. Using a .3 micron glass fiber filter, the Katadyn pumps out clean water without adding any chemicals to the mix.

Keep Your Water Pure

Easy to Use
There are, as always, a few things to keep in mind.

First, filtration is effective only against bacteria, protozoa, and other living organisms.

Viruses (ie, hepatitis) will pass freely through the filter—they’re just too small to be trapped.

While viruses aren’t normally a problem in the backcountry, international travelers will need to find other solutions for maximum safety in populated areas.

Compared to the nearly-weightless Aqua Mira (the current chemical treatment darling), the Katadyn filter adds a non-trivial 11 ounces to your pack weight.

After use, the cartridge does hold a little water, which boosts the weight up another ounce or two. And, in winter, that water is likely to eventually freeze, rending the Katadyn Hiker unsuitable for 4-season use.

You may find pumping water a little tedious at first, but with practice you can treat about a liter per minute, making this a fast way to purify a lot of water.

One microfilter cartridge will last for about 200 liters of water or so, which does introduce the issue of maintenance costs. However, for your troubles, you’ll be rewarded with clean and clear water, with no chemical aftertaste and no sediment or other nebulous floating debris to worry about.

I’ve used the Katadyn Hiker extensively for many years now. It is absolutely my preferred method of water treatment. Compared to the current available options, the Katadyn offers the most compelling set of benefits with the least amount of negatives. Ultralighters won’t like the extra weight, but for everyone else, this is a easy pick.

Arc’teryx Alpha SL Jacket – Men’s

Admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:12:15 +0000

Designed for ”light and fast” fanatics, the streamlined Arc’Teryx Alpha SL delivers complete weather protection without excess weight and bulkiness.

Appointed with all the essential backcountry features, this compact jacket provides take-anywhere storm security
Gore-Tex® PacLite® is durably waterproof and highly breathable
The lightest, most packable fabric from Gore-Tex, PacLite uses a durable, unlined membrane to keep you dry in the wettest conditions
Micro seam allowances are sealed with narrow Gore seam tape
Underarm zippers allow ventilation and have WaterTight™ zippers that eliminate the need for zipper flaps
Helmet-compatible laminated hood includes a one-hand-adjustable cinch system for easy fitting
Includes a hem drawcord, a quick-dry chin guard and laminated, die-cut rip-and-stick closures on cuffs
Features two hand pockets placed so they won’t interfere with pack straps
Includes laminated WaterTight front and pocket zippers
Features no-lift gusseted underarms and a hip-length cut

Admin

Snow Peak Mini Solo Combo Titanium Cookset

Admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:22:38 +0000

Saving space and weight in your backpack, the Snow Peak Mini Solo Titanium Cookset has features that will appeal to any ounce-counting solo backpacker or hiker.

The Snow Peak SCS-004T Mini Solo Titanium cook set includes a 28 oz. (0.875 quart) pot with lid, a 10 oz. cup, and a stuff sack.

Like other Snow Peak products, the Mini Solo Titanium Cook Set is designed to save space in your pack. The pot stows inside the cup, and the pot will hold a pair of 7 oz. Snow Peak fuel canisters, or a single canister and a GigaPower stove. This nesting results in a nice compact cooking kit.

Titanium is an advanced, lightweight metal that is more corrosion resistant than stainless steel and more heat resistant than aluminum. The result is a durable cook set that weighs only 5.5 oz.

Key Features

Titanium construction
28 oz. (0.875 quart) pot with lid
10 oz. cup
Mesh stuff sack included
Nesting design

Admin

Keen Men’s Erickson PCT Backpacking Boots

Admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:15:05 +0000

A boot so well made, it should be called the eleventh essential. Built for serious backpackers, the Men’s Erickson PCT Backpacking Boots are Keens finest technical boot crafted from premium waterproof full grain leather, and finished with metal speed laces, a KEEN.DRY® waterproof membrane and a cork an EVA heel cushion for unmatched comfort over long miles.

Specifications

Material: upper – waterproof full-grain leather upper
KEEN.DRY®®waterproof breathable membrane
Metal speed hook and eyelet lacing system
Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
Dual density compression molded EVA and PU midsole
KEEN key-tech full length TPU interlocking torsion plate
KEEN.Zorb® Strobel
TPU stability shank
Lace up
Waterproof, good for wet conditions
KEEN.DRY®
Recommended for: hiking

Admin

Mountainsmith Morrison

Admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:33:33 +0000

In this episode of BackpackersReview, Dan Nash reviews a quality, inexpensive backpacking tent, the Mountainsmith Morrison and the SPOT messenger satellite gps system. Dan also gives tips for packing your gear in your backpackNew for 2011! Mountainsmith brings its 30+ year heritage in the outdoors back to the tent category. Our Morrison two person tent features 35 sq ft of interior usable space, creating more versatility for that extra dog or 7ft brother-in-law. Add in the value of our removable canopy shelf and set-up instructions printed on the stuffsack and you’ve got a 3 season tent that performs way beyond it’s price tag. Awarded “2011 Backpacker Gear Guide – KILLER DEAL!” and “2011 Outdoor Magazine – KILLER VALUE!”

Admin

Kilo 3P 3 Season Tent

Admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:58:39 +0000

I really like this new tent that Easton Mountain Products is selling. The Kilo Hat-Trick combines lightweight, packable features with comfortable living space for state-of-the-art versatility. Rated for all-season use, the three-pole design delivers unparalleled stability with ample space for three. The advanced Easton Carbon EVO™ frame utilizes the revolutionary AirLock™ connectors to pioneer new levels of lightweight performance. Color-coded poles match Pole Pilot™ sleeves and the rain fly can remain attached for easier set up in challenging conditions. Hat-Trick offers a low weight-to-space ratio while still offering the long-lasting durability of PU5000mm floor and 1500mm fly.

Admin

Marmot Minimalist Jacket

Contributor — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:25:39 +0000

This Marmot Minimalist is available in TheBackpackerTV Gear Store

It might be called Minimalist but this jacket’s breathability is maximal thanks to a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane that handles moisture well. Additionally, side zips allow air to circulate. The large hood, which protects reasonably well, is big enough to cover a helmet if you scramble or climb, but even with the volume-adjusting rear tab it can be overwhelming for walking. A curious hood drawcord arrangement allows single-handed adjustment only when the jacket’s front zip is part down; you’ll need both hands when it’s fully fastened.

The fully-featured Marmot Minimalist Jacket works well both on the trail or on alpine climbs and GORE-TEX Paclite fabric offers all-season performance.

love this shell. It is durable, well ventilated, sheds water, and breathes very well. I had a three layer goretex MH before this and I must say – I am not at all disappointed in this shell with Paclite goretex

REI User Review

Features

GORE-TEX® Paclite®: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry – Gore-Tex Pac-Lite: Guaranteed to Keep You Dry

PitZips™ – Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting

100% Seam Taped – For Full Waterproofness

Attached Adjustable Hood – Reduces Volume and is Secured with a Velcro Hood Tab

Chest Pocket with Water-Resistant Zipper – Chest Pocket with W/R Zipper

Zippered Hand Pockets – For Convenience

Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure – Storm Flap over Zipper with Snap/Velcro Closure

Elastic Draw Cord Hem – For Adjustability in Serious Weather

DriClime® Lined Chin Guard – Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper

Angel-Wing Movement™ – Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn’t Ride Up
29 1/2″ Center Back Length for Size Medium

This video was shot by BackcountryEdge

Sea to Summit Pocket Soap Proper Use

Contributor — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:16:14 +0000

The new
Sea to Summit Pocket Soap
is a travel-size packet containing 50 leaves of pure, dry soap. While it’s the same size as those mini hotel bars of soap, the Pocket Soap won’t turn into a soggy, slimy mess like regular bar soap. It’s also more economical because you only use as much as you need and the rest stays dry. Just add water and it’s ready to be used as a body wash, shampoo, dishwashing or clothes washing soap. And, if you’re traveling by air, it can be put in carry-on luggage or a purse because it’s not a liquid or gel.

•Economical: use only what you need when you need it
•Use as a body wash, shampoo, dishwashing or clothes washing soap
•Biodegradable, fragrance-free and dissolves completely
•Ideal for travel or to keep in a purse/pocket
•Tiny & compact – weighs just half an ounce!

Osprey Talon 44 Backpack

Contributor — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:58:08 +0000

This video shot by River Sports Outfitters explains the Osprey Talon 44 Backpack.
The Talon 44 is a very lightweight multi-day backpack. It features top loading with zippered sleeping bag access, a floating top pocket, front and side stretch woven pockets and an aluminum rail with composite side struts for superb load control.

Features
* Blinker Patch
* Hipbelt Pockets
* Hydration Slot
* Ice Ax Attachment
* Rope Carry
* Stretch Woven Front Pocket
* Stretch Woven Side Pockets
* Tow Loop
* Zippered sleeping bag access
Volumes and Weights
US and International weight and volume specifications

Size cu. in. Liter lbs/oz kg.
S/M 2600 42 2/6 1.09
M/L 2700 44 2/10 1.18

LEKI Micro Stick

Admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:23:53 +0000

Fear neither ice, snow, nor any sketchy, slippery surface when you take off with the supportive and extremely compact Leki Super Micro Walking Stick. Leki’s Super Lock System ensures solid stability no matter ho much weight you place on it. The Multi-function Cor-Tec Grip gives you solid purchase while you hike, explore, or stroll and the rubber tips take to the pavement without a problem. Collapse the Super Micro Walking Stick down to a manageable 18 inches when you want to store it in your hall closet or car trunk. This single walking stick gives you a whole new level of support.

This looks like to be an awesome hiking pole by Leki. This video was shot by TheGearCaster

Admin

Sea to Summit Down Sleeping Bags – Micro Series

Contributor — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:19:45 +0000

The Micro series are our lightest weight bags, fully-featured and filled with 850+ Loft Eastern European Goose Down. These bags incorporate our 2D NanoShell™ providing the lightest most breathable water resistant shell.

Designed with a contoured mummy shape, the Micro series is the lightest and most compact sleeping bag in its class. With a unique drawcord opening at the foot for effective temperature regulation, the Micro series can be converted from an open duvet to a technical box foot mummy sleeping bag.

Focused on achieving ultra lightweight performance, this bag uses a YKK #3 zipper with micro anti-snag and quilted baffle construction to optimise down placement; resulting in the best warmth to weight ratio fully-featured sleeping bag.

Form fitting, the Micro series uses a 55/45 fill ratio to insulate your core as the bag rotates with you throughout the night. A security pocket located inside the bag is easily accessible, ideal for stowing electronics to preserve battery performance in cold conditions. The soft touch lining fabric is down proof by construction and highly breathable offering a comfortable sleep.

The Micro series is our choice for cycle touring across the Pyrenees, adventure travel on the Inca trail in South America and fast & light backpacking in the Sierras.

Box Quilted Mummy Convertible
The quilted baffle construction provides consistent down density throughout the sleeping bag ensuring the down is where you need it most. Traditionally quilted sleeping bags relied on sewn through construction resulting in cold spots across the seams. Quilted baffle construction eliminates these cold spots, using lightweight 3 dimensional baffles to secure the down across both X and Y axis.

Dimensions for the McII are:

Down: 850+ Loft 95% European Goose Down
Fill weight: Regular 250 g/9 oz | Long 275 g/10 oz
Bag weight:Regular 550 g/1 lb 3 oz | Long 625 g/1 lb 6 oz
Length / zip options: Regular – right zip | Long – left zip
Season ratings: Indoor/Summer/Spring/Autumn
Suggested use: Ultra lightweight trekking, Travel, Hiking, Camping, Cycle touring, Alpine style climbing
Compression bag: XSmall – 6L to 2.8L

Dimensions for the McII are:

Down: 850+ Loft 95% European Goose Down
Fill weight: Regular 350 g/12 oz | Long 380 g | 13 oz
Bag weight: Regular 680 g/1 lb 8 oz | Long 755 g/1 lb 11 oz
Length / zip options: Regular – right zip | Long – left zip
Season ratings: Spring/Autumn/Winter
Suggested use: Ultra lightweight trekking, Travel, Hiking, Camping, Cycle touring, Alpine style climbing
Compression bag: XSmall – 6L to 2.8L

Stoic ARX TENT

Contributor — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:57:58 +0000

Stoic tent designer David Blackwell explains how to properly set up the Stoic Arx Tent

The Stoic Arx XL 3 Tent gives you and a couple buddies a lightweight tent option with more space. Whether you’re a couple traveling with a ton of gear, trail buddies who need room for a dog, or three people on a fast-and-light backpacking mission, this lightweight tent protects you from the elements and has ample room for everyone to slumber soundly inside. Dual vestibules and doors, mesh venting, and a quick-setup design mean that you’ll spend less time worrying about base camp and more time living large in the outdoors.

Long-and-wide dimensions make it easy for campers up to 6’8″ to stretch out comfortably, and a kink in the corner poles creates more room for your head.

Strong, ultralight aluminum poles create a sturdy structure and a carbon brow pole gives the vestibule added headroom without adding weight.

Two doors and two vestibules give each camper room for his or her gear and separate access so you won’t have to climb over each other to get in and out.

Clips quickly connect the lightweight canopy to the ultralight aluminum poles for easy setup.

Guy-out tabs let you batten down your fly with lines when the wind and weather are particularly nasty.

Included gear loft hangs over the interior to give you an out-of-the-way place to stash small essentials like a headlamp or a snack.

This video was shot by: Backcountry.com

Goal 0 Adventure 10 Solar Charger

Contributor — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:44:17 +0000

Ultra-Lightweight USB solar charging system that fits in your pocket. Use as a single unit power pack to power your device or as a power source to recharge the batteries for use in AA or AAA battery powered devices.
Recharge you cell phone 1-3 times per charge with the Guide 10 Power Pack. Charge up the Guide 10 Power Pack with the Nomad 7 Solar Panel in 1.5 hours or via USB in 6 hours.

The search for the perfect backpacking / bug out / hiking the PCT. Solar setup has concluded with the purchase of the Goal 0 Adventure 10 which includes the Nomad 7 and the Guide 10. You have the power of the Sun when its convenient but at night or on the go you can store the energy in the form of the AA’s. The AA’s can can put in your flashlight, gps and other gadgets or used to charge your USB devices.

Charging Times for Guide 10 Battery Pack

USB (DC) 6 hours
Nomad 7 (Solar) 1.5 hours

Recharging Times using Nomad 7

Guide 10 Battery Pack 1.5 hours
Rock Out Portable Speaker 4 hours
* Expect 2-4x longer charge times depending on weather conditions when charging by solar.

Visit the GoalZero Web site for more information

Youtube Video was shot by beast12101

GoLite Adventure Series Backpacks

Contributor — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:14:20 +0000

GoLite’s Adventure Series is for backpackers who want a full-frame pack for everything from the cushy weekend trip, to the winter hut trip, to a multi-week backpacking adventure.

Hiking Backpacks, Outdoor Backpacks GoLite Adventure Series Pursuit Hiking Backpack Features: -Constructed of tier one recycled 210 denier nylon velocity. -For all-season trips. -Size-specific molded hip belt with zippered pockets. -Mesh on back panel and shoulder harness for breathability. -S-contoured back panel with HDPE frame and aluminum stays. -Proprietary Compacktor system efficiently converts capacity. -Two side stretch pockets hold one liter bottles and poles. -Side and top compression straps. -Hypalon patches integrate with compression straps for a-frame ski carry. -Dedicated upper and lower straps for side-hill ski carry. -Internal hydration sleeve. -Adjustable…

Top Gregory Backpacks

Contributor — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:06:49 +0000

Top 8 Gregory Backpacks to buy. Video production put together by Campingbags.

8 Best Gregory Backpacks to Buy

Gregory Baltoro 70 Backpacking Pack

Gregory Z55 Backpack

Gregory Women’s Deva 60 Backpack

Gregory Baltoro 65 Technical Pack

Gregory Mountain Products Z 65 Backpack

Gregory Women’s Deva 70 Backpack

Gregory Z40 Technical Pack

Gregory Women’s Jade 60 Backpacking Light Pack

Platypus GravityWorks Filter

Contributor — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:10:23 +0000

The Platypus GravityWorks Filter is a back-country water purification system that makes life on the trail much easier and more efficient. Check out this short tutorial as we walk you through using the filter and then illuminate some of the cool applications it can be put to.

You can purchase the Platypus GravityWorks Filter at REI