thebackpacker.tv

Preparing for a Backpacking Trip

Admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:20:57 +0000

Each Spring hundreds, if not thousands plan a backpacking trip somewhere. Whether it’s in one of our National Parks, or a Wilderness area, or maybe just a State Park. Preparing for your trip can make it enjoyable, and safe. I’ve put together some tips for preparing for a backpacking trip. No matter where you end up.

Learn camping skills. Just reading about camping skills is not enough. Actually learn from a knowledgeable outdoorsman or outdoorswoman. If you are new to backpacking trips, consider joining a backpacking group or tour and ask for help. I suggest a practice run (even if it’s your own backyard) so you can get to know your gear.
Learn to read maps and use a compass and GPS properly. Buy a good compass and a map of the area in which you intend to immerse yourself, and study the terrain carefully before you set out, so that you have some idea of what awaits you. Get in the habit as you hike of looking around and checking your map so you always know where you are. Keep track of landmarks and trailside scenery and make notes as you go on the map. Put the map into a clear plastic bag and seal it if it is not already waterproof.
Learn about your area. This is extremely important if you are going someplace very different from your own locality. Research what sort of weather to expect, what types of creatures (i.e. bears) and vegetation that you are likely to encounter, terrain, and possible dangers. A guide book can be useful, if it is high-quality.
Tell someone your itinerary. Before leaving for the hike, be sure a trusted person will be alerted to your trip. If a disaster befalls you, and you don’t come back on time, he or she can alert the authorities, give information on your intended whereabouts, and so on.
Dress for the environment and the weather. Temperatures and weather can vary wildly; be prepared for a range of conditions. Learn to dress warmly for cold temperatures or protect yourself from heat.
Get used to your pack. Two days into the back-country is notthe time to find out you aren’t able to carry your own pack. Carry it around fully loaded for a few hours every day. Take walks whenever possible with it. If your backpack is too heavy and unwieldy in the middle of civilization, it will to be impossible to carry in the wilderness. Do not try to carry more than 30% of your own body weight on your back–and even that might be too much.
Consider where the water source will be. Don’t assume you can drink the water unless told by an expert–a crystal clear mountain stream can be swimming with illness-causing bacteria. Water may not be potable, or essentially inaccessible. In a dry or hot season, springs, rivers, and streams may dry up. In some dry areas, like deserts, you may have to bring in all of your water. Remember that water is 8 1/3 pounds a gallon^[1]; this adds up quickly.
Bring your first aid kit. What you will need to bring will depend on where you are hiking, when, and how long you’ll be out. But a basic kit will contain:
- Bandages, both gauze and ACE bandages(for sprains and strains)
- Sunscreen
- Pain-killers (ibuprofen, etc.)
- Tweezers
- Anti-bacterial cream
- Diarrhea relief
- Adhesive bandages
- Foot care items: athletic tape, blister bandages, “moleskin” patches, etc
Know your tents. For backpacking, you need shelter that is proper for the terrain and season, lightweight but strong, and relatively easy to manage. “Pop-up” tents are very popular for the beginner, although be sure to select the tent that will fit your needs.Be sure to assemble your tent before heading to the wilderness, to know how to set it, inspect for damage, and replace any missing parts. Always have a repair kit. Avoid packing wet tents if you can. If you can’t, don’t forget to dry them out later.
Prepare your sleeping gear. A sleeping bag is the typical way to keep warm at night. Be sure yours is rated in the recommended temperature range of your wilderness area, as you don’t want to be too hot or cold. Buy a compression bag to help reduce bulk. You may want to buy a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag in its best shape. You also will likely want a sleeping pad, either blow-up or self-inflating. All of these items will be among your heaviest, bulkiest items, so choose wisely. A zero-degree bag should not weigh more than 3 pounds if you shop carefully. A sleeping pad should not weigh more than 2 pounds. Added together and on your back, that’s still a heavy 5 pounds. Try find gear well below these weights.
Pay attention to your footwear. A foot injury will turn a wilderness journey into a crisis in moments. Choose supportive, rugged footwear appropriate to the terrain. Hiking boots are the usual best choice, with hiking shoes or sandals also possible good choices. ‘Always break in your footwear before your backpacking trip.’: a simple blister can cause big difficulties.
Consider your food. Backpacking in the wilderness requires lightweight, shelf-stable, high-calorie food. Avoid food that needs refrigeration or is fragile. Most outdoor stores, catalogs, and websites offer freeze-dried, or ready-to-eat meals that are easy to heat. American-style MRE’s (military rations) are available in a commercial version. You can also find foods at the grocery store that are in camping-friendly form. In addition to snacks, two or three meals a day, be sure you bring a bit more than you think you’ll need. In bear country, you will need to learn how to hang a bear bag or have a bear-resistant container and secure it properly.

Go through the Trip in your Head. One of the things I do before I go out into the Wilderness is I think about each day I’m out there. What am I doing? What will I want to eat? How do I get my water? What kind of campsite will I be camping in. I try and visualize everything I may need. It really helps me bring what I need.

Tips

Always be willing to turn back if your trip is threatened by bad weather, injury, or the like. The journey is the point, not the destination. Bad things can happen if bad decisions are made out of stubbornness.
Carry spares wherever possible: things break and get lost; bulbs burn out and boot laces break.
You can buy foldable stoves that burn solid fuel bars and fit into a pocket: a marvellous saviour when everything is too wet to burn and you are in dire need of a hot beverage.
Rope always finds a purpose. Polypropylene rope is light and very strong and can be used for washing lines; storm-setting your tent; hauling people out of holes in the ground; crossing rivers; dragging your rucksack up a cliff face and hanging your kit out of the reach of animals.
Whenever possible, start pitching camp at least an hour before sunset. Setting up camp at dark is much more difficult.

Don’t forget to HAVE FUN! That’s why you went out there in the first place. Enjoy and be grateful to be with Nature.

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!

Clean Water Everytime by UV Light

Admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:25:23 +0000

Bottled water is a bit of a fad and a strange thing to pay for, considering water makes up majority of our planet (yeah yeah, it’s purified and all that).

Wait a second – now you can get purification without having to fork out money for every little 250ml! Camelbak are bringing you a nifty little water bottle that will clean up your water in just 60 seconds. A brilliant innovation into purifying water, the All Clear bottle contains a UV light installed in the cap that’s proven to eradicate 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa. That gives you a pretty good chance of not coming down with Delhi Belly if you ask me!

You can fill it from any stream, tap, or spigot and even has a pre-filter accessory to filter out sediments as you fill it up from a natural source. It would be great for a camping trip or if you’re travelling to a country where the water isn’t purified. It treats 80 cycles (16 gallons) with each charge (so if you drank three bottles a day, it would last about 25 days), and the cap is protected from wear and weather so that you can take it anywhere and everywhere. The bulb itself should last 10,000 cycles – that would be the equivalent of drinking 3 bottles a day for 9 years – so you’re unlikely going to need to change that. It’s powered by two lithium batteries, rechargeable via USB (that’s pretty cool).

The only thing that I think would make this bottle a super-green alternative to bottled water would be to include a solar panel to augment the lithium batteries and reduce energy expenditure. But all the same, a pretty darned nifty gadget. If anyone has tested this in the backcounty would love to hear about it.

Admin

Sierra Designs Utopia 15 Sleeping Bag

Admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:59:07 +0000

[tab name="Description"] Sierra Designs Utopia 15 Degree Synthetic Camping Sleeping Bag – The Utopia 15 Degree Synthetic sleeping bag by Sierra Designs is a great year-round bag. Its also a great choice for three season cold sleepers. This bag combines HeatSync continuous-filament insulation with Flex technology to deliver tough to beat quality in a light, durable design. For superior comfort and heat retention, Sierra Designs incorporates Flex technology into several insulated jackets and sleeping bags. With elastic built into the baffles of both down and synthetic jackets and bags, Flex technology hugs the body, eliminates dead air space, and keeps warm air close to the body. And beyond just keeping you warmer, Flex jackets and sleeping bags move with you for better mobility and a more comfortable night’s sleep.The Utopia 15 Degree Synthetic sleeping bag by Sierra Designs is your go to bag for those over nights spent in the teens.[/tab]
[tab name="Specs"]Temp Rating: 15° / -9°C
Shape: Mummy

EN Comfort Limit: 28^oF / -2^oC
EN Lower Limit: 16^oF / -9^oC
EN Extreme Limit: -17^oF / -27^oC

Size Regular:

Fits to: 6’ / 183 cm
Length: 78” / 198 cm
Zipper Side: Left
Shoulder girth: 57 – 65″
Hip girth: 53 – 61″
Footbox: 35 – 43″
Fill weight: 37 oz. / 1.0 kg
Total weight: 3 lb. 9 oz. / 1.6 kg
Stuffed diameter: 9″ / 23 cm
Stuffed length: 19″ / 48 cm

Size Long:

Fits to: 6’6” / 198 cm
Length: 84” / 213 cm
Zipper Side: Left
Shoulder girth: 59 – 67″
Hip girth: 55 – 63″
Footbox: 37 – 45″
Fill weight: 40 oz. / 1.1 kg
Total weight: 3 lb. 13 oz. / 1.7 kg
Stuffed diameter: 9″ / 23 cm
Stuffed length: 19″ / 48 cm

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Admin

Backpacking the Winds — The Classics

Admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:43:22 +0000

These series of videos are produced by Outdoor Research. Backpacking the Wind River Range is just one included in the series.

The Wind River Range should be the right of passage for any trail lover. Titcomb basin connects a series of trails to deliver hikers to a granite stronghold of alpine lakes and Wyoming’s tallest peaks. The fishing is excellent. The elevation gain is minimal. Dogs are allowed in the Wind River Range, a rarity for wilderness areas in the U.S.

It’s little wonder that NOLS using as this for a lot of its course work.

Admin

Solar Powered Collapsible Lamp

Admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:25:05 +0000

Illuminate your camp site the environmentally friendly way, with these solar-powered collapsible lamps. Powered by solar energy, this eco-friendly concept lamp lights up your surrounds when unfolded. Designed by Jesper Jonsson, the solar-powered collapsible lamps come equipped with solar panels that collect energy when the sun is out and store it in a battery. Once the sun goes down, the lamp can be unfolded and its onboard battery powers a set of bulbs inside the lamp to give you light. It also comes with a strap with magnets that lets you hang the lamp in a variety of ways, open of closed. Jesper Jonsson.

Ordering the solar panel and LED’s is the easy part and probably even the small amount of sewing to get the fabric correct, but finding a small enough switch and getting it to work correctly each time you open or close the light maybe the tough part. Still probably nothing that an order from Adafruit Industries wouldn’t fix. I’m definitely going to try this. If you are into light weight backpacking like I am, you should try this also.

Admin

Marmot Plasma 40 Degree Sleeping Bag Review

Admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:38:03 +0000

[tab name="Description"]I love Marmot Sleeping Bags! Quite frankly I think they are some of the best on the market today. Winner of multiple awards including Outside Magazine’s prestigious “Gear of the Year,” the Marmot Plasma 40 Sleeping Bag is in a class of its own. What makes this bag so special? For starters, the folks at Marmot built in an innovative vertical-baffle system that transfers more heat to your extremities while keeping the bag’s overall weight silly low. Add in top-shelf materials like 900-fill goose down and Pertex Quantum fabric, and it’s easy to see why this bag deserves its place at the apex of the podium.[/tab]

[tab name="Specs"]

Material: [shell] Pertex Quantum GL (nylon micro-ripstop, 10D), DWR coating; [lining] nylon ripstop (10D)
Insulation: 900+ fill down
Shape: mummy
Draft Collar: yes, draft tube
Max User Height: (regular) 6 ft, (long) 6 ft 6 in
Shoulder Circumference: 60 in
Hip Circumference: 58 in
Foot Circumference: 44 in
Stuff Size: 13 x 7 in
Stuff Sack: yes
Storage Sack:
Bag Length:
Waterproofing: DWR coating
Degree: 40 F
European Norm Comfort Rating: 50.9 F
European Norm Lower Limit Rating: 43.52 F
Weight: 1 lb 2.7 oz
Recommended Use: summer trekking, camping, backpacking
Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime

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Admin

Winter Tarp Tenting

Admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:35 +0000

I get asked a lot about Tarp Tenting. But one of the weird looks I get is when I mention I even use my Tarp in the Winter. In fact, if you have the right gear, you can be as comfortable under a tarp in snow, than any other regular camping trip in the Winter.

I use the Equinox 10 X 12 tarp. It takes about 20 minutes to dig a 3′ deep pit and pitch the tarp above it. There are many options including burying the sides under snow to fully prevent wind vs keeping it somewhat open to help with condensation. If you use your poles to support the tarp (and choose a flat site or a slightly rougher nylon tarp–snow really slides off of silnylon) you can cover your tarp with snow for insulation much like a snow cave but without the 2 hour time needed and guaranteed wet-through gloves.

However, tarp tenting in the Winter is a bit different from just pitching it anywhere. I usually look for a place out of the wind. Under a huge pine tree. Or even next to a rock crop. If you get a heavy snowfall, the extra protection will keep your tarp from falling in. One time it started sleeting, and sleet is heavy. Understanding how your tarp reacts to different weather issues may help you when that crappy weather moves in at night.

Tarp tenting in the snow is as much fun, and enjoyable than without snow. Looking out in a panoramic view underneath your tarp worth it.

Admin

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

[/tab]
[tab name="Specs"]

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

Tales From The Trail Part 2 Episode 2

Admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:52:19 +0000

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile footpath — entirely within Wisconsin — that highlights these Ice Age landscape features while providing access to some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas.

This episode focuses on the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit.

The Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is 30 miles long, extending from the village of Dousman, Wisconsin, almost to the city of Whitewater. Forest Headquarters is 3 miles west of the village of Eagle on State Highway 59.

If you missed the first Tales from the Trail Season. You can watch all of them on TheBackpackerTV.
Part One Episode One
Part One Episode Two
Part One Episode Three

Admin

Tales from the Trail Part 2 Episode 1

Admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:39:38 +0000

This episode focuses on the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit.

Tails from the Trail was Directed by Paul Sheehan.

Its hard to imagine that many Americans are unaware of the natural landscapes that abound across our great nation. Its even harder to believe were not doing all we can to protect them. For just that reason, former producers of MTVs The Real World and National Geographic Adventure bring you Tales from the Trail. A new breed of outdoor programming, Tales from the Trail teaches the methodology of leave no trace trekking, seeking to challenge the most experienced packers while revealing just how accessible these locations are to the novice.

Well hike alongside Blaire Carson, an athletic California girl with a penchant for nature trail medicines and comedic relief, and Chris Abel, a stuntman and accomplished Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. Together, Blair and Chris are certain to appeal to a diverse audience as they lead the way through an American backcountry ripe with mountaintop vistas, whiskey jug trios, haunted quarries, and untold history.

If you missed the first Tales from the Trail Season. You can watch all of them on TheBackpackerTV.
Part One Episode One
Part One Episode Two
Part One Episode Three

Admin

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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Admin

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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Admin

Continental Divide Trail Alliance Ends

Admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:10:22 +0000

[tab name="Articles"]The Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) was formed in 1995 to assist federal land management agencies in the completion, management and protection of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Since that time, CDTA volunteers have dedicated nearly $7 million worth of labor while individuals, foundations, and businesses committed millions to the effort. As of 2011, of the 2,268 miles of the Trail completed CDTA volunteers are responsible for 525 of those miles, and to date only 832 miles remain to be constructed.

Increasing pressures from development in the West, rising land costs, and challenges with the longstanding down cycle in the economy threaten the completion of the Trail. Despite the strong level of financial support from so many of you, overall contributions and other revenues in recent years have significantly declined. These revenues are the life blood of nonprofit organizations like the CDTA.

Consequently, the CDTA Board of Directors has made the very difficult and painful decision to cease operations of the CDTA. The financial condition of the organization has been unstable and deteriorating for a number of years. We have not been able to raise the necessary financial resources to sustain the continued operations of the organization.

We are taking the actions necessary to complete our outstanding contracts for work on behalf of the Trail. We are retaining the services of our committed and outstanding staff to meet our current obligations, to the extent financially possible, as we complete closing down CDTA over the next few weeks.

This is a sad day. But the Trail is still here, and it continues to inspire us all. We are confident this inspiration will lead people to start a new and stronger organization to continue the work on the Trail.

The Board and dedicated staff of the CDTA would like to thank each and every one of you for your tremendous commitment and support of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and theCDTA. We are truly humbled by the selfless actions of so many and hopefully this will inspire another group of people to continue the mission of CDTA.

Stay Tuned . . . In the meantime watch this video about backpacking the CDT[/tab]
[tab name="Videos"]Your tab content[/tab]
[tab name="Reviews"]Your tab content[/tab]
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Admin

THE FIRST 70

Contributor — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:50:49 +0000

By July 1, 2012, California plans to close 70 state parks. Gray Whale Cove State Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park, and 67 other of the state’s 278 parks will close. Twenty percent of state park rangers and all seasonal lifeguards working state beaches will lose their jobs. All of this is one step to help reduce a $9.2 billion state deficit. The cuts to California’s Department of Parks and Recreation will account for a savings of $22 million.

What does all this mean? To get a feel for the changes, check out the video above. It’s a documentary we found on the Prana blog, picked up from a Kickstarter project called The First 70. After the state park cuts were announced, a group from Heath Hen Films packed up a converted airport shuttle bus and took off to document the 70 parks.

“As we connected dots on a map, a pattern emerged,” the groups says on their Kickstarter page. “No one knew exactly what the conditions of closure would be, nor could they see how the state would ultimately benefit.”

While some say the cuts may help the state budget, others point out that local communitites that depend on the parks for tourism will lose out because of the decision. Online complaints about a lack of safety and education in wild places have led some citizens to start a movement for keeping the parks open.

“This governor has gone where no governor has gone before with state parks,” says Elizabeth Goldstein of the California State Parks Foundation. “Californians are frustrated with their state parks being held hostage in the budget process, especially when the claims of “budget savings” from closures are unlikely to materialize, but are likely to end up costing the state and local communities.”

To learn more about both sides of the cuts, check out the following:

A podcast from 89.3 KPCC on privatizing the parks.
California’s announcement of the funding cuts back in May 2011.
The California State Parks Foundation statement about the closing.

Tell us in the comments section below, what will be the effect of closing 70 state parks in California?

written by – Joe Spring

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.

Backpacking GSMNP Fontanna to Spence

Contributor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:59:08 +0000

I love watching AT videos and this is not exception bkh940 puts together a nice video with great scenery. The trip is from Fontanna Damm to Spence field on the Appalachian Trail. Hiking right in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Visit more of his video’s on his YouTube Channel

Almost There – The Muir Project

Contributor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:25:02 +0000

During the summer of 2011, a group of multimedia artists spent 25 days hiking the 219 mile long John Muir Trail. The intent was to capture their experience on the trail and bring it back to the general public in the form of a gallery exhibit including photographs, video installations and hands-on displays that allow visitors to truly get a feeling for the beauty and majesty of the trail without the burning lungs and blisters. Alongside the exhibit will be a feature length documentary chronicling their adventures on the trail.

This is the first glimpse into their epic journey, accompanied by the single, ALMOST THERE by Opus Orange.

themuirproject.com

JMT: The Muir Project key players/hikers: Jason Fitzpatrick (Co-Director/DP), Ric Serena (Co-Director/DP, ricserena.com), Jennifer Serena (Still Photographer/Producer, jenserena.com), Durand Trench (Location Sound Recordist), Zee Hatley (Camera Operator), Paul Bessenbacher (Music Composer) and Bernard Chadwick (Musician & Installation Designer) and David & Kelly Finlay (Colorado-based teachers)

Color Graded by Bob Curreri bobcurreri.com/

Equipment Used:
Nikon D3S (for stills and timeplase)
Nikon D7000
Nikon Lenses shared between D3S and D7000
Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8
Nikkor 105mm/f2.8
Tokina 17mm
Canon 5D MarkII equipped with EF 24-105 f4
Canon Vixia HF10
Kessler Pocket Dolly 27″
GoPro HD
Sound Devices 302 mixer
Sound Devices 744 recorder
Stereo pair of Sennheiser 8040′s
2 Sennheiser 416′s
Aquarian Audio hydrophone
Goal Zero Elite Solar Panel and Battery

Music Accreditation
song: “almost there”
artist: opus orange
courtesy of emoto music
opusorange.bandcamp.com

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.

Happy New Year 2012

Contributor — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:26:41 +0000

Happy New Year 2012

From TheBackpackerTV

Louie Schwartzberg is an award-winning cinematographer, director, and producer whose notable career spans more than three decades providing breathtaking imagery for feature films, television shows, documentaries and commercials.

This piece includes his short film on Gratitude and Happiness. Brother David Steindl’s spoken words, Gary Malkin’s musical compositions and Louie’s cinematography make this a stunningly beautiful piece, reminding us of the precious gift of life, and the beauty all around us.

As a visual artist, Louie has created some of the most iconic and memorable film moments of our time. He is an innovator in the world of time-lapse, nature, aerial and “slice-of-life” photography – the only cinematographer in the world who has literally been shooting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week continuously for more than 30 years.

Louie was recognized as one of the top 70 Cinematographers for the On Film Kodak Salute Series. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Louie is credited by many with pioneering the contemporary stock footage industry by founding Energy Film Library, a global company with a network of 12 foreign offices, which was acquired by Getty Images in 1997. Motion picture clients of his cinematic artistry include Sex in the City, The Bourne Ultimatum, Die Hard 4, Syriana, Crash, Men in Black and classics such as American Beauty, Koyaanisqatsi and E.T. among others.

Louie went on to found BlackLight Films, a creative production company specializing in producing original theatrical feature, large format films, HD and TV programming.

In 2004, BlackLight Films completed production of the theatrical feature film, America’s Heart &Soul, distributed theatrically by Walt Disney Pictures. In 2006, BlackLight Films completed a series of HD shorts, Louie Films, for the launch of Buena Vista Home Entertainment’s Blu-Ray DVD releases. In 2007, the company produced a 1-hour special, Chasing the Light, which aired nationally on PBS.

Past projects include the 35mm film Seasons of the Vine for Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park and a 26-half hour series, America!, for The Hallmark Channel.

Louie has won two Clio Awards for Best Environmental Broadcast Spot, an Emmy nomination for Best Cinematography for the Discovery Channel Special, Oceans of Air, and the Heartland Film Festival’s Truly Moving Picture Award for Walt Disney Pictures’ feature film release America’s Heart & Soul.

Louie completed production on a feature length nature documentary, Wings of Life, to be theatrically released worldwide, under Walt Disney Pictures’ new production banner, Disneynature. The film was released in France (March 2011) under the title Pollen and won the Roscar Award for Best Cinematography at the 2011 Wild Talk Africa Film Festival.

Louie spoke at the TED 2011 conference in Long Beach, CA and has been a regular presenter at the annual Bioneers Conference in San Francisco. Currently, Louie is in production with National Geographic to produce Hidden Worlds, a 3D Imax film.

How to Deep Fry Donuts and Corn Dogs

Admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:09:09 +0000

I’ve seen some creative recipes in the backcountry. But never have I seen deep fried donuts. Can’t wait to try this out in the backcountry.

A deep frying method for donuts and corn dogs on the trail by wawhiker using peanut oil with a backpacking cook kit. Visit wawhikers blog site for more cool stuff.

Admin