My first choice was a Mountain Laurel CUBEN FIBER DUO GRACE TARP. This tarp is a high quality tarp. But really expensive. You pay for the high end quality and the price was $255.00 bucks. Weighed in at 7.7 oz. I saw a great blog post on www.sectionhiker.com on how this tarp works and is used.

After debating price, I finally heard some common sense. “Practice tarp tenting until you really like it, and you get good at it”. Good at it? Setting up a Tarp isn’t just a shelter, it can be YOUR living space in the woods. There are many ways to set up a tarp that best fits your comfort level when in the backcountry. Having said all that, the choice was simple. I picked the Globe Skimmer Ultralite Tarp

The Equinox Skimmer (10×12) was only $90.00 and weighs only 18 ounces. Now I had to get some cords to tie on to the Tarp. I picked the AirCore NANO from BackpackingLight it’s a ultra-strong and ultralight tent and tarp guyline cord with a Dyneema (Spectra) core for strength and polyester sheath, for good knottability and less slippage than in 100% Spectra cord. Price was $16.00

Later I would find that he Nite-Ize S-Biner is a dual-gate accessory carabiner (not for climbing!) is a good piece of gear to have while setting up my tarp. However, I had 3 larger carabiners that worked fine.

One last piece of gear I needed was the guide line that I could hang my tarp from. Equinox sells a 50 foot cord that works quite well. You can buy this at Gander Mountain or order it from Equinox. Some good advise I got was to cut this into two 25 foot lengths. If you need more, tie the two 25 ft cords together using a hitch not.

After tying all the loops (Hitch not mostly) to the 6 grommets (4 on the side, 2 in the front and back), I was ready to set up my first tarp. I just needed a ground cloth. I used a 4×10 plastic sheet that was bought at a Hardware Store for painting cover. Taped at the 4 corners with duct tape.

As you can see this is my first tarp set up. The guideline stretched from two trees about 25 feet apart. I then hang the tarp by 3 carabiners from the three 12″ cotton twill ties on the top of the Tarp. I stake down 3 sides on the 12 ft side of the tarp, and 2 sides on the 10 ft side. Then I used my hiking pole (through one of the grommets) as a door entrance. I then stake down that section. Then sleep under the stars.

Here is another configuration I used when snow was in the forecast. An A Frame setup with a hiking pole that you can easily get in and out, but then remove the pole, so you have better protection, just stake down the tarp. You will have to look closely to see the hiking pole.

Both setups were great. These are just two setups among the many many different kinds. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Practice a good hitch knot and practice different configurations. Hopefully a video will be coming soon to show different configurations using this tarp.

For ankle support and weather protection when you still need to move fast, the Salomon® Wings Sky GTX® is a high top version of a trail running shoe with a full GORE-TEX® bootie.
Anti-debris mesh and water-resistant textile upper.
Sensifit™ system wraps your foot with a precise secure fit.
Protective heel cap and synthetic toe cap.
Mud guard.
Breathable mesh lining.
Full waterproof bootie construction featuring a GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort membrane which prevents heat and moisture build up during high activity and warm conditions, while blocking all external water.
Molded, dual-density EVA midsole provides cushion and support.
Anatomical EVA footbed.
OrthoLite® sockliner creates a cooler, drier, healthier, better cushioned environment under the foot. Made partially of recycled tire, OrthoLite® will not breakdown or lose effectiveness overtime, while providing heel support and added cushioning.
Salomon Cushioning System provides cushion and support.
Agile Chassis System provides a perfect balance of cushion and stability with three parts:
-AC Skeleton for control.
-AC Muscle 2 for cushioning.
-AC Tendon for energy return.

Durable, non-marking Running Contagrip® rubber outsole. Delivering optimal traction on varied surfaces, Salomon’s Contagrip® outsoles use the ideal combination of specialized rubbers for each specific use.
18.00 oz. Price is about $200.00

“In an era of dime-a-dozen digital gear reviews, consumers are looking for product evaluations that they can really trust,” said Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn. “And no one does more than our test team…Led by Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter, the dozen or so core members of our crew hiked more than 15,000 miles this year, then finished our testing…with a 100-mile route through the Swiss Alps that entailed more than 60,000 feet of elevation gain, hours of waist-deep postholing, and weather conditions that challenged every piece of gear we packed. The result of the team’s hard work is a collection of smart, durable products that will deliver comfort and performance for many years to come.”

> 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
> 36 sq ft (3.3 sq m)
> 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) Vestibules
> Ultralight 20D PU coated nylon ripstop

Meta 2P™ is a striking example of the efficiency and weight savings of a well designed trekking pole tent. Thanks to well-placed anchor points, setup of Meta 2P™ is quick, with none of the pole slippage and tensioning issues that plague other trekking pole tents. Multiple venting options and vestibule configurations keep the rain out and the air circulating. Despite its paltry weight, Meta 2P™ upholds the NEMO standard for comfort and usability, with four integral vents, multiple mesh pockets, and the highest quality fabrics and hardware. Meta 2P’s™ dual vestibules combine with the tent interior to total 58 sq. ft. of rain-protected comfort and gear storage; pretty amazing for less than 3lbs! Includes watertight stuff sack, stakes, and repair kit.

This tent is a bit pricey, at $350.00 dollars not sure I would buy it. You can see an additional tent review by Nemo themselves on the Nemo Morpho AR tent

This tent is a bit pricey coming in at $350.00 bucks. It’s weight is 2 lbs 10 oz.

* Three season, free standing, ultralight backpacking tent
* DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors and lightweight hubs - featuring eco-friendly anodizing
* All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability
* Fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
* Floor is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
* Tent body is ultralight breathable nylon rip-stop and polyester mesh
* Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
* Single hub/pole design makes set up easy
* DAC Twist clips attach tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy set up
* Single door and vestibule
* Three side mesh pockets included
* Reflective guyline and reflective webbing on tent corners for nighttime visibility
* All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC’s) tape
* 11 Superlight aluminum J stakes - featuring eco-friendly anodizing - included
* Gear loft loops included: Fits Big Agnes TRIANGLE gear loft - sold separately
* Footprint sold separately
* Color: Cool Grey/Gold

Strap into the cool, comfortable, and adjustable suspension of the Arc’teryx Altra Backpack for your next multi-day backpacking adventure. The two sizes expand and compress to the size you need for gear-heavy weekends or long-distance trails. So whatever season or reason brings you out, the Altra 65 can get you there comfortably.

* The Advanced Composition Construction Suspension system includes two 6061 aluminum stays and a padded back panel that hold the pack’s shape
* GridLock shoulder strap adjustment system lets you custom fit the pack
* Breathable foam shoulder straps and hip-belt are covered with Spacermesh and promote evaporative cooling when weighed down
* Triple-density hip-belt pivots on the Load Transfer Disc and can be removed to trim weight
* Perforated foam back panel lets cool air through as you hike
* U-shaped front-panel access loads and unloads like a duffel bag so you can get at your gear
* Top lid and collar extend to offer seven liters of additional space
* Four compression straps with padded wings let you attach sleeping pads or jackets to the outside of the pack

The pack maybe a bit heavy for me, but it looks like a very cool pack. Weighing in at [Reg] 4lb 14oz (2200g); [Tall] 5lb 1oz (2300g)

Bottom Line: When you have a lot to carry on longer trails, please your back with the Altra.

The Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920. Located in the north central highlands of West Virginia, the Monongahela straddles the highest ridges in the State. Elevation ranges from just under 1000′ to 4863′ above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse National Forests in the country.

This video was taken by YouTube User ctrumb

Yosemite Nature Notes is a video podcast series that tells unique stories about the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park. Produced by the National Park Service, this series features park rangers, scientists, historians and park visitors as they discuss the diverse plants and animals that make Yosemite their home, as well as the towering cliffs, giant waterfalls and mountain peaks that are known throughout the world.

Music: “Lump Sum” by Bon Iver

Video by Caleb Schnarr

From the west side of the mountain, starting near the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there are two routes. The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit. The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail.

John and I Grab our backpacks, Crampons and Ice Axes and head to Mount Washington in The White Mountains for a day of mountaineering on one of Americas most infamous peaks. The weather was absolutely gorgeous which is quite uncommon for this mountain, and it made for a great day with magnificent views.

To see more Mt. Washington video’s check out “The Tuckerman Ravine”
Or “Mount Washington: Clarity Defines”

Visit www.campthesummit.com for more of this video’s info

It features:
• LightWire Allowy Frame
• Cross struts provide excellent flex
• Tensioned breathable mesh fabric provides superb airflow through back contact zone.
• AirSpeed side crescents for side ventilation
• Thermoformed and perforated waffle pattern harness and hipbelt for further ventilation
• Women’s BioStretch™ harness and hipbelt
• Floating top pocket
• 2 side zippered front pockets
• Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider.
• Size cu. in. liter lbs/oz kg. S 3800 cubic inches (62 liters) / 3 lbs. 7 oz. (1.55 kg.) M 4000 cubic inches (65 liters) / 3 lbs. 9 oz. (1.63 kg.) L 4200 cubic inches (68 liters) / 3 lbs. 12 oz. (1.70 kg.)
• Dimensions: 30″x14″x12″ (77×36x30cm)
• MSRP: $239

It features:
• Adjustable VariQuick Shoulder Harness
• Bottom Compartment Access with Internal Zip Divider
• Large Front Stretch Stuff-it Pocket
• Hollow-core Aluminum “”X”" Stays
• Ice Axe Loops
• Hydration Compatible
• Top and Bottom Lid Pockets
• Stretch-woven Side Pockets
• Hip Belt Pocket
• Carrying Capacity = 35 lbs.
• Style: 33730
• Volume: 2450-3050 cubic inches (40-50 Liters)
• Torso: 14-19.5 inches (35.56-49.53cm)
• Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz. (1.5kg)
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 29 x 11 x 9 inches (73.66×27.94×22.86cm)
• System: Aircontact
• Materials: Ripstop 210 / Duratex Lite
• MSRP: $159

This video was shot by Youtube User: jumpthemap

It features:
• PE sheet and aluminum v-stays
• Verti-Cool™ back panel
• Sleeping bag compartment with trampoline divider
• Top-loading
• Stretch-woven side pockets
• Front stretch pocket
• Zip mesh pocket in lid
• Lash points and tool loops
• Trekking pole loops
• Side water-bottle pockets
• Side compression straps
• Hydration compatible
• Adjustable sternum strap with Safe-T whistle
• Rain cover included
• Sizes : One size
• Avg Weight : 3.6 lbs. (1630 g)
• Volume : 2,135 cubic inches (35 liters)
• Dimensions : 23″x12″x6″ (60 cm x 30 cm x 16 cm)
• Fit Range : 17″-20″ (43 cm-50 cm)
• Access : Top, side, sleeping bag
• Fabric : Sabre 6, 420D ripstop nylon, Sabre 12
• MSRP $119

It features:
• V-stay suspension system with composite load-transfer rods helps distribute the load evenly between shoulders and hips
• Laminated 4-layer foam hipbelt is thermoformed to fit the shape of your hips, reducing pressure points; adjustable angle offers individual fit
• Contoured, padded shoulder straps distribute the load; thermoformed foam back panel has ventilation channels to keep you cool
• Large-volume outer kangaroo pocket holds bulky or wet gear, is accessible from top or front and features a drain hole
• Laminated internal kangaroo pocket keeps items free from water and dirt
• Eliminating zipper flaps, the easy-to-use WaterTight™ zippers are specially designed for extreme wet weather protection
• Injection-molded external occipital cavity creates a permanent 3D space for full head mobility
• 2 side-mounted water bottle carrier pockets stow in side pockets when not in use
• Top lid pocket detaches to become waistpack for summit attempts or short day hikes
• Underside of lid features a hydration zip pocket for holding a reservoir and an exit port for its drinking tube (reservoir sold separately)
• 4 external compression straps let you cinch down loads for jostle-free carrying
• Includes 2 daisy chains and 2 ice axe/tool loops for carrying bulky gear outside the pack
• Made of RipStorm™ nylon and 630-denier, high-tenacity nylon fabrics with a polyurethane coating for high strength and abrasion resistance
• Material(s): Impregnated ripstop nylon/nylon Approximate
• Volume: 2,800 + 500 cu. in. (46 + 8 liters)
• Fits torso: 18 - 21 inches (45.72-53.34 cm)
• Fits waist/hips: 29 - 33 inches (73.66-83.82 cm)
• Number of pockets4 + main compartment
• Number of stays1 Frame materialHDPE/aluminum
• Average weight: 4 lbs. 6 oz. (2 kg)
• Access / Loading: Top
• Specifications for torso / hip / volume / weight are as follows:
•Short: 16 - 19 in. / 27 - 32 in. / 2,440 + 300 cu. in. (40 + 5 liters) / 4 lbs. 3 oz.
•Regular: 18 - 21 in. / 32 - 37 in. / 2,800 + 500 cu. in. (46 + 8 liters) / 4 lbs. 6 oz.
•Tall: 20 - 23 in. / 37 - 42 in. / 2,930 + 550 cu. in. (48 + 9 liters) / 4 lbs. 10 oz.
• MSRP $245

This Video was shot by YouTube User: jumpthemap

Founder Russell Post is such a fanatic for a lightweight construction, he’s drilled holes in his toothbrush to lighten his load while camping. Originally an engineer, the avid snow-shoer and outdoorsman founded Northern Lites with the mission to improve and lighten existing snow shoe design. Over 15 years later, Northern Lites remains a leader in light-weight, high-performance snow shoes, trusted by backcountry enthusiasts and mountaineers for their fine construction and unparalleled lightness. For the experienced, die-hard snow-shoer who thinks nothing of a hike in the Canadian Rockies in January, the Northern Lites Elites provide aggressive crampons and the same ultra-light construction that helped snow-shoe racer Mark Macy win the Iditarod 100-mile Snow Shoe race three times. Retails for $249.00 You can buy this directly from Northern Lights. (This is the snowshoe I use) They are light and work great.

For more information on the top ten snowshoes read this article

The hike begins along a gravel road in the Cosby Campground, which fords over Cosby Creek and beyond the Cosby Stables. After crossing over a few more small creeks, at 0.6-mile (0.97 km), the trail turns off the road and onto a familiar footpath as it begins its ascent of Mount Cammerer. After a mile of steady–but gentle–climbing, the trail descends to rock-hop Tom Creek, a subsidiary of Cosby Creek. Just beyond the creek the trail rises again to top Sutton Ridge. There, a very short side trail offers magnificent views of the Cosby Valley below. For the next 2 and a half miles the trail continues in a similar patter of dives into tiny creek crossings and subsequent climbs over said creeks, slowly gaining altitude along the way. At 3.6 miles (5.8 km) the trail passes by Campsite #35, where, with a permit obtained from the national park, hikers can spend the night on Mount Cammerer above the Cosby Valley. As the hiker continues to mount Cammerer Ridge for the next four miles (6 km) or so, a few more streams lie ahead to be rock-hopped, but there’s nothing the hiker doesn’t have the experience to conquer by this point. From here the hiker reaches the junction with the Appalachian Trail, where the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail technically comes to an end, after 7.4 miles (11.9 km). The AT can be taken either left to Davenport Gap, or right to the Mount Cammerer firetower.

This video was shot by TheBackpackerTV Member Byran DeLay

Stratton Trail: The route begins at the parking area off of Kelly Stand Road in the town of Stratton. It makes a gradual ascent from the parking area through a mixed hard/softwood forest. After about 1.4 miles it begins a steeper climb up the mountain. The trail flattens out along the ridgeline, then climbs again using switchbacks. At the summit of Stratton climb the Fire Tower that offers a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Green Mountain Range.

Two Day Overnight Loop:
Follow the route of the Stratton Trail and continue to the Stratton Pond where there is a tenting area and a shelter. Carry forward out of the Pond Trail to the Stratton-Arlington Road and turn left proceeding back to the parking lot.

Length: 11.7 mile loop
Hiking Level: Moderate-Difficult

Overnight Loop Trail Map

*Tent sites and a shelter are available at the pond, on a first come first serve basis. There is a $6 per person/night fee paid to the Green Mountain Club Caretaker.

This video was shot by Vimeo User: Jake Thomas

It features four initial flavors: Breakfast Skillet, Mexican Style Beef, Buffalo Style Chicken, and Barbecue Sauce with Beef. They all offer high calories per ounce ratios: Breakfast Skillet (680 calories/4.7-ounce serving), Mexican Style Beef (360/4.0), Buffalo Style Chicken (390/4.0), Barbecue Sauce with Beef (630/4.6).

Like all Mountain House foods, they are simplicity itself to prepare. Pour boiling water in the package. Let sit a few minutes. All four single-serving meals cost $6.40

This YouTube User puts an excellent video together on some products and how they get used.

The various items I use for filtering and purifying water when backpacking. Covers pre-filtering, microfilter hand pumps like the MSR Miniworks, purification tablets, and UV (ultraviolet) sterilization with the Steripen Classic and Steripen Adventurer

There are more products that do the same thing. Do some research to find which method works for best for you.

Moondance provides an unforgettable journey into the backcountry in some of the world’s most beautiful and pristine wilderness areas. It’s a place to experience the world without barriers, only curiosity and acceptance. From the gnarled mountains of the Rockies to the mysteries of Machu Picchu, our adventures offer you a first-hand view of the diverse ecosystems that make our world wild and fascinatingly beautiful.

Every Moondance trip offers its students unparalleled opportunities for personal growth. Students broaden their personal horizons through travel to new and unique destinations. They find their curiosity and sense of connection to the larger world stimulated by a rich set of experiences and encounters.

They discover remarkable reserves of adaptability, resourcefulness, and spirit while undertaking adventurous and challenging outdoor activities. The Moondance mission statement reads, “With courage, belief in one’s self, and a sense of purpose, a person can accomplish anything.” Focusing on this mission, Moondance instructors work diligently to establish a nurturing, non-competitive environment in which every young person is pushed beyond his or her “comfort zone” to a place where preconceived limits are challenged and significant personal growth can occur.

Who goes on these trips? The bottom line is that the groups are comprised of great kids from all over the country. Moondance students are bright, motivated, ambitious and adventurous. They want to be there to share in the experience with other like minded kids. Our groups are never larger than 13 students and always at least two adult leaders. Keeping our groups small allows us to do more, see more all while allowing individual attention and ensuring the best supervision.

For more information on Moondance Adventures, please check out their Web Site

Next to the skin: Your base layer should wick sweat away from your body to keep your skin dry. Cotton should not be used - save your t-shirts for other purposes. Good long underwear pieces are appropriate made from fabrics such as Thermion, polypropylene, Thermax, Thinsulate, and silk.

Insulating layer: This layer will keep you warm and can be shed once you warm up. Wool, fleece, pile, down in a jacket, shirt or vest.

Outer layer: To protect you from the elements, a windproof and water resistant jacket. It should be worn loosely.

Pants: If the weather is frigid, long underwear bottoms or tights underneath another pair of pants will keep you warm. Cotton and denim should be avoided. Running pants or running tights made of synthetics that wick moisture will keep you more comfortable in rain and snow.