Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Backpack REVIEW
September 20, 2007
Removable carbon fiber stays make it one of the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpacks on the market.
by Will Rietveld | –
Backpacking Light reviewed the original Gossamer Gear Mariposa backpack in 2004. We were delighted with its light weight and load-carrying capacity, but noted that it needed a few refinements. The Mariposa has since been tweaked to near perfection. The new Mariposa Plus is essentially identical except it has a removable wraparound hipbelt and uses more durable fabrics. Therefore, my review of the Mariposa Plus, contained herein, pertains to both packs.
Read this article at BackpackingLight.comView All: Reviews > Gear
Snowshoe Buying Guide 2007
September 18, 2007
MSR Denali Ascent
FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Ascent is for demanding winter ascents that require equipment as tough as you are. These lightweight, technical snowshoes offer incredible performance on ice and snow-covered landscapes. The Denali Ascent’s are great on steep terrain with the Televator heel lifter that reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. Traction on
steep ascents is key and the Denali Ascent can handle most things with steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip. More Info
Buy $179.95
MSR Denali Classic Snowshoe
FREE SHIPPING - With the MSR Denali Classic, MSR has built their reputation on these time-tested snowshoes, which offer high-end features at an entry-level price. They come equipped with steel traction bars for outstanding grip and accommodate tails for added flotation. (Shown with flotation tails).Great Traction: Steel traction blades, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck offer outstanding grip. Versatile: 4″ and 8″ flotation tails (sold separately) make Denali Ascent snowshoes a 3-in-1 package, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of snowshoes. More Info
Buy $139.95
MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoe
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes are high-tech tools for winter backcountry adventures. They represent the evolution of MSR’s proven Denali design and construction method. The Evo’s are unmatched on steep terrain and uses their televator heel lifter that reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. These snowshoes also hold there own with steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.”
More Info
Buy $199.95
MSR Denali Classic and Ascent Tails
The MSR Denali Classic and Ascent snowshoe tails are ideal for extra flotation in soft snow or when carrying a heavy pack. The quick adjustment-easy to do in the field-allows one pair of shoes to adapt to a wide range of loads and snow conditions. Other Features: Material: Plastic Weight: 4 [11.0oz] 8 [1lb] Dimensions: 4 [8 x 9.5 in} 6 [8 x 13.5 in] Warranty: Lifetime Use: Extra flotation
More Info
Buy $29.95
MSR Denali Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Women’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Lighting Ascent snowshoe is designed for the woman in mind. MSR partnered with an orthopedic gait specialist to design the women’s ascent. You know ladies, you keep clicking into your other snowshoe when you take a stride, that’s because we walk different but women have to deal with snowshoes that are to wide for our stride. The Ascent’s unrivaled traction total-traction frame delivers unprecedented 360ø grip and on steep terrain the Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.
More Info
Buy $259.95
MSR Denali Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Lightning Acent for men are a new breed of snowshoe that are changing snowshoe design. The Ascent as Total-Traction frame that delivers unprecedented 360ø grip while being lightest snowshoe in its class. While on steep terrain the Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. The binding uses a step-on binding that fits a variety of boots and is fast, secure, and easy to use.
More Info
Buy $259.95
Tubbs Discovery Snowshoe Starter Kit
“FREE SHIPPING - The Tubbs Discovery Snowshoe starter kit series is perfect for first-time snowshoers ready to discover the backyard and local parks on gently-rolling terrain and primarily packed snow conditions. The Aluminum toe crampon help secure traction on rolling terrain. Tubbs use their quick draw binding on the Discovery series that is easily adjustable as well as fitting a wide range of boots and snowboards. The starter kit comes with snowshoes, 2-part indestructible aluminum poles with mitten-friendly grip and powder basket, and Water-resistant and breathable, full-length nylon gaiters provide protection by keeping snow out of boots.
More Info
Buy $149.95
Tubbs Storm Snowshoes - Kid’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The Tubbs Storm snowshoes for kid’s makes a snowshoe to suit every member of the family with the Storm snowshoe, geared toward pre-teen and young teenage snowshoer’s. The Sorm is a smaller verison of the adults that fit a wide range of kids boots styles from size 1 and up. The fixed toe cord will keep the snowshoe and your children’s boot close for a good fit and natural stride without the snowshoe consistently unhitching itself on the trail. Other Features: Crampon Material: Aluminum Deck Material: Arctex Heel Lift: No Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz Person Weight: 7lbs - 130lbs Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, recreational”
More Info
Buy $69.95
Tubbs Discovery Snowshoes
“FREE SHIPPING - The Tubbs Discovery Snowshoe starter kit series is perfect for first-time snowshoers ready to discover the backyard and local parks on gently-rolling terrain and primarily packed snow conditions. The Aluminum toe crampon help secure traction on rolling terrain. Tubbs use their quick draw binding on the Discovery series that is easily adjustable as well as fitting a wide range of boots and snowboards. Other Features: Crampon Material: Aluminum Deck Material: Arctex Heel Lift: No Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz Person Weight: 21[80-150 lbs] 25 [120-200 lbs] 30 [170-250 lbs] Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, recreational”
More Info
Buy $88.95
MSR Denali Tyker Snowshoe - Kid’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Tyker snowshoes are durable, easy-to-use children’s snowshoes intended for kids who weigh up to 90 pounds (41 kg). They feature steel crampons and molded traction bars for great all-around traction, as well as secure, mitten-friendly bindings. Other Features: Crampon Material: Steel Deck Material: Plastic Heel Lift: No Weight: 1lb 15 oz Dimensions: 6.5 x 17 in Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, having fun in the snow”
More Info
Buy $59.95
Tubbs Flurry Snowshoe - Kid’s
“The Tubbs Flurry snowshoe is ideal for kids who weigh up to 80 pounds. It features the durable Tubbs Jr Binding which is easily adjustable, supportive and mitten-friendly. The binding system easily fits a wide range of boots and styles and can up to a youth size 2. To help keep your kid’s in the snowshoe instead of coming off half way up the trail the Flurry as a fixed toe cord. The aluminum crampon provides traction and security while our trapping through the woods. Other Features: Crampon Material: Aluminum Deck Material: Arctex Heel Lift: No Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz Person Weight: Up to 80lbs Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, recreational”
More Info
Buy $49.95
Tubbs Venture Snowshoes
“FREE SHIPPING - The Venture snowshoes are perfect for exploring your local park or trail system. With the new ReAct binding system that is built for ease of use and easily keeps the foot in place with the control wings that keeps the heel centered, while sinlge pivot on upper customizes fit and control. Because yo come across different types of terrain the SureTrac aluminum toe crampon has six points of contact for responsive traction. The front tooth as a split claw design for better traction on ascents and descents. The binding as full rotation that allows the boot, binding and crampon system to engage independently of the snowshoe frame for maximum crampon penetration. The Venture snowshoes are a perfect way to start snowshoeing.
More Info
Buy $159.95
MSR Denali Evo Snowshoe
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Evo’s are built on the strengths of MSR’s groundbreaking Denali Classics. Like the Classics, they’re modular, accepting tails for increased flotation, and feature steel traction blades for outstanding grip. But they also include a stand-up binding for easier entry/exit as well as tapered tips and tails to help you walk with a more natural gait. The Denali Evo’s Accommodates Large Boots with the enlarged boot hole that allows for use of snowboard and/or ski boots.
More Info
Buy $169.95
MSR Denali Evo Snowshoe Flotation Tails
The Evo Flotation modular tails work with both the Denali Evo and Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes to provide extra flotation in deep snow or when carrying a heavy pack. Add 6 inches of length to your snowshoe.Weight: 12.2 oz. (346 g)Size: 11.4 x 7/29cm x 18cm
More Info
Buy $29.95
How to Choose the right Snowshoe
September 18, 2007
How To Choose A Snowshoe
By Sharon Page October 24, 2006
Snowshoeing is a great way to exercise during the winter and is easy to do. Buying snowshoes is also a lot easier than buying a pair of ski’s or a snowboard. There are quite a few snowshoe models on the market all with different bells and whistles but with the same basic principle that snowshoes are made to float on the snow rather than sink.
When choosing a snowshoe the most important thing to decide for yourself is what you want to do and what type of terrain you plan on snowshoeing on. For example are you going to stay on trails, snowshoe in the park or heading off trail with long accents and descents.
Helping select the right snowshoe:
Flotation
Snowshoes come in different sizes that are based on your weight so that you can find the perfect balance of flotation and maneuverability. Also besides your weight if you plan to carry a backpack that is also considered part of the weight you carry on the snowshoes. The heavier a person is the bigger the snowshoe needs to be so that the snowshoes have a wider surface to float on the surface of the snow.
If you find that you are between sizes because you are carrying a backpack then on some snowshoes you can add a flotation tail so that you get the surface area needed without going up an extra size.
Materials
Most snowshoes have a aluminum frame with a waterproof decking. There are a couple of snowshoe manufactures that use plastic as the overall material of the snowshoe. A aluminum frame with a waterproof decking is lighter weight than plastic and generally get a wider surface area for flotation. Plastic snowshoes last longer and have a less chance of breaking on the trail.
Binding
The binding on a snowshoe is important for toe to heel support so that you get a combination of comfort and control. If you plan on staying on the trails you will find with most snowshoes intended for trail use that it will be a fixed binding with an easy adjust to get in and out of the binding. For off trail use the binding generally will be a binding that rotates with your boot so that you get the control descending steep terrain and save energy. Off trail bindings will also have a heel lift to reduce fatigue on long ascents and makes climbing easier and more efficient.
Crampons
Traction is really important on any snowshoe, especially when you are on steep ascents. Most snowshoes have some sort of crampon for extra traction and support on steep and icy conditions. With on trail snowshoes the crampons are generally fixed and placed under the foot for maximum grip throughout the stride. With off trail snowshoes the crampons will pivot with your foot and dig into the snow or ice as you descent or ascent.
Your Activity:
Trail Adventure
Primarily packed snow, gently rolling terrain. This is the snowshoer who wants to go on local trails or the park. The snowshoes are made for packed trails and all round trail use.
Day Hiking
Packed and powder snow conditions with moderate to steep terrain. The snowshoes are designed with a more beefy binding and crampons than can be handle both on and off the trail terrain.
Backcountry
These snowshoes are designed for deep powder, untracked snow and steep terrain. The materials are made to take the conditions they are going into and will have more micro adjustments for more control on steep terrain.
What is Backcountry Skiing - Gear Recommendations
September 18, 2007
What is backcountry skiing?
Imagine pointing your skis down the face of mountain covered with pure, untouched virgin snow. It is that very feeling that draws experienced skiiers into the sparsely populated backcountry. In backcountry skiing, snow packs aren’t groomed by anyone other than Mother Nature, and the land is untouched by human hands. There are no runs, no trails, no ski patrol, no lift. Simply the backcountry skiier and the mountain. Backcountry skiing is an extreme winter sport, and it can be dangerous. There is the risk of avalanche, communication may be limited in extremely remote areas, and skiiers may experience some level of exhaustion from the climb. The reward, however, is skiing where no one has gone before, and the sheer beauty of the outdoors.
Backcountry Skiing Gear List
Here is a list of gear commonly used by backcountry skiiers.
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Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
At 0 degrees Marmot’s Never Summer sleeping bag is a good all round bag with 600 full down. The hood area uses Nautilus 6-baffle hood that has 6 chambers of down around head for better down control and fit. The hood cord is positioned for easy access with a velcro free face muff. The footbox uses a classic trapezoidal foot box with a heater pocket for heat pockets if, if you ever need it.
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Backcountry Backpack
If you plan on doing alpine summits or some backcountry exploring, the Stratos 32 backpack by Osprey is the ideal backpack. It has everything you need for a day on the crags or fastpacking to your next peak. The AirCore mesh backpanel and suspension will take the pressure off your back. For all your essentials the Stratos has plenty of pockets, from the front and side stretch woven pockets to pockets on the hipbelt. |
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Insulated Sleeping Pad
Backpacker’s magazine gave the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pad their Editors Choice award in 2004. If you are looking for a good night’s sleep the Air Core are insulated with Primaloft that as been treated with an anti microbial. Big Agnes use an I-beam construction technique that is functionally superior to the typical welded-through construction of other air mats. |
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Camp Stove
For over 15 years, the WhisperLite hiking stove has been the leader in backpacking stoves for its reliability and simple design.Shaker Jet technology makes cleaning as simple as shaking the stove. Made to last with durable stainless steel and brass. |
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Headlamp
The Petzl Tikka XP headlamp provides a powerful, even and adjustable white light, with long light duration. A single light source in a compact headlamp for multiple uses. With 3 lighting levels (maximum, optimum, economy) and a blinking mode, to adapt the light to the activity at hand why would you need anything else. |
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Cooking Equipment
The BlackLite Classic Cookset is perfect when weight reduction is priority number one, take this minimalist cookset that includes 1.5- and 2-liter pots, a lid that fits either pot, PanHandler, stuff sack and Packtowl to separate the pots. |
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Water Purifier
The Hydro Photon Adventurer Purifier is the ultimate tool to take on outdoor adventures for safe drinking anywhere in the world. The SteriPen uses ultraviolet light to destroy DNA microorganisms making them unable to reproduce and cause illness. There is no pumping, no test strips, no timekeeping, no aftertaste and no clogging and it weighs only 4oz. |
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Backcountry Trekking Poles
If you are looking for a dependable, adjustable, packable pole at a great price then the Life-Link Teton Backcountry Trekking pole is worth taking a look at. Weighing just over 1lb they are easy to carry when not in use and will not weigh you down on long hikes. |
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First Aid Kit
The Adventure Medical Trail kit is one of AMK’s most popluar selling kits because of its compact and compartmentalized design, versatile component package, and attractive price.CPR items: 8×10 and/or 5×9 Trauma Pads Wound Care: Wound Closure Strips, Sterile Dressing, Strip & Knuckle Bandages Fracture/Sprain Items: Elastic Bandage w/ Velcro Medication: 2 Extra Strength Tylenol, 1 antihistamine, 2 Motrin, 1 sting relief pad. |
Ice Climbing 101 and Gear Recommendations
September 13, 2007
What is ice climbing?
Ice climbing is an extreme winter sport quickly gaining popularity in the United States. Ice climbers ascend ice formations such as frozen waterfalls, ice flows on craggy mountain faces and glacial icefalls. Climbers may also look for routes in steep, compact snow, and high mountain ice. While related to rock climbing, ice climbing differs in that climbers need to gauge the variable slope and texture of the ice and choose their gear accordingly. The two main pieces of gear are ice axes and crampons. The climber kicks the crampon into the ice, then swings the axe into the ice above him.
Ice Climbing Gear List
This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but as a starting point for tackling ice climbing as your new winter hobby.
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Ice Climbing Axes
The Camp USA XLA 210 Ice Axe chopped weight and raised the bar with the XLA 210. At just 210 grams, the XLA 210 is a contender for the lightest mountaineering axe in the world. The pick, shaft and adze are constructed from the same light and durable 7075 aluminum alloy used in the XLC series crampons. Comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Ice Climbing Harnesses
The Petzl Calidris climbing harness is a very comfortable harness for long mountain adventures, but also very versatile due to its adjustability. With doubleback buckles on the waist-belt and mini DoubleBack buckles on the leg loops the Calidris is a good choice for an all year round harness. |
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Ice Climbing Belay Devices
The Petzl Reverso belay device is for the leader or the second, descender. For use with ropes from 8 mm to 11 mm used single or double. Separation of ropes for easier clipping of alternate running belays and avoiding crossing of the ropes when abseiling. The attachment point for direct attachment to belay (auto-braking belaying of one or more seconds). |
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Ice Climbing Helmets
The Petzl Ecrin ROC climbing helmet is fitted with 2 adjustment wheels for a perfect fit. Supplied with 2 foam headbands (choose thick or thin foam according to size). Thanks to the numerous holes in the shell, it offers perfect ventilation. When the wind and cold really bite keep your knocker warm. |
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Ice Climbing Carabiners
The Petzl William Triact carabiner is an wide opening automatic locking system that is well suited for use in belaying. The large size is great for anchoring of several ropes and slings. Even with gloves the William Triact carabiner is easy to use. |
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Ice Climbing Shoes
The Vasque Super Alpinista is a peak bagging boot for mountaineering that does not require the warmth of a double boot. The carbon fiber insole makes the Super Alpinista lightweight but stiff enough for the demands of ice climbing or mountaineering. The upper boot is made from Exo-Therm Composite Leather with an EVA midsole for comfort and support. The foot bed is insulated so no cold spots come through. |
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Ice Climbing Crampons
The Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro crampons are the most versatile crampon, excelling in snow, ice and on mixed terrian. The horizontal frontpoints penetrate hard ice, edge well on rock and Serrated teeth for better climbing performance. |
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Ice Climbing Quickdraws
Whether you’re switching crack systems twelve pitches up or assaulting a snow mushroom, the Black Diamond Neutrino draw is a superlight, all-season performer. Using the Neutrino carabiner and 12cm dogbone you can keep weight to a minimum so if you plan on doing an alpine route or a big waller the Neutrino quickdraw should be part of your rack. |
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Ice Screws
The Petzl Laser Sonic Ice Screws are a lightning fast ice screw with rotating hanger /crank handle. For optimized penetration into the ice the aggressive teeth bite into the ice with 1 1/2 rotations and polished surface enables easy, smooth placement. The clip-in point retains horizontal play on its axis and the ergonomic grip for the hand during placement is large and easy to hold. |
Patagonia brand backpacking and hiking gear
September 13, 2007
Patagonia Brand Review
Company History
(Adapted from “Patagonia: A Company History and Evolution of Clothing and Designâ€)
The first iteration of the Patagonia brand got started in 1957, when founder Yvon Chouinard went to a junkyard to purchase blacksmithing tools. Chouinard’s vision was to forge re-usable pitons for rock climbing. He sold them for $1.50 each. For the next few years, Chouinard forged pitons during the winter months, and spent the rest of the year climbing in Yosemite, Wyoming, Canada or the Alps. He supported himself by selling gear out of the back of his car, scraping by on fifty cents to a dollar a day. According to Patagonia’s official company history, “Before leaving for the Rockies one summer, (Chouinard) bought two cases of dented, canned cat tuna from a damaged-can outlet in San Fracisco. This food supply was supplemented by oatmeal, potatoes, and poached ground squirrel and porcupines.â€
However, the impoverishment was not to last long. In 1965, demand for Chouinard’s gear was strong enough that he could no longer hand-forge his products. Chouinard entered a partnership with Tom Frost, and together they redesigned, improved and manufactured Chouinard’s original line. By 1970, Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the United States. It was also around this time that Chouinard entered the outdoor apparel market.
At the time, outdoor fashion trended mostly toward khaki and gray. Climbers often sported tan cut-off chinos and thrift store white shirts. Chouinard bucked the trend a bit with a regulation rugby shirt, also acquired second-hand. The fabric was rugged and the collar practical. Chouinard had unintentionally added a new product line to Patagonia.
As the brand grew, so did its technology. Patagonia is often credited with introducing the concept of “layering.†This approach relies on an underlayer of clothing to wick away perspiration, a middle layer for insulation, and an outer shell to repel moisture and block wind. By the 1980s, Patagonia was a well-recognized brand, both fashionably and functionally. It continues to develop environmentally-friendly fabrics, consumer-friendly styles and sport-friendly gear and apparel.
Product Line Highlights
Patagonia Lightweight
The Patagonia Lightweight works well as a fall/spring layer. Lightweight material keeps you warmer than the silkweight does, providing great insulating properties. It’s a little bit heavier then the Patagonia Silkweight line. The knit on the Patagonia Lightweight is open enough to allow maximum breathability and yet has enough insulation to keep you warm for active use on cooler days.
Patagonia Midweight
The MidWeight is the heaviest of the Patagonia baselayers. The materials used in the midweight fabric are the same as those used on the lightweight, just heavier and denser. This, in the long run, will keep you warmer. It’s not uncommon for people to use the Patagonia MidWeight as long underwear in the winter. This layer can be worn for anyone who works outside, along with people that enjoy being active outdoors in the winter. The MidWeight is great for winter running, skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, etc.
Patagonia Silkweight
Patagonia’s Silkweight is the lightest of the three technical base layers. It’s made of a silky fabric that is ultra-light, breathable and quick-to-dry. It works great for spring and summer as an outerlayer if doing any activity, such as hiking, running, etc. The silkweight is a great defense against moisture keeping skin cool and dry in the summer. The Patagonia Silkweight also works great as an underlayer too for winter activities like snowboarding, skiing, or even winter running.
Patagonia Jackets
No matter which line of Patagonia jackets you are in the market for, be it the Storm or Regulator line, Patagonia takes great care into the assembling of all their products and pay close attention to detail. All the Patagonia jackets are extremely well made. Their jackets are made for the elements, when a product is going to be tested in every type of weather imaginable and be used for anything under the sun, it had better be exceptional quality. That is what the consumer of a Patagonia Jacket is paying for, the big “q†word, QUALITY. Patagonia gives great attention to each piece, finishing all their seams, making bomb-proof (in so many words) long lasting articles that by the time the life of the product is up it has already paid for itself again and again.
Patagonia Capilene
The Patagonia’s Capilene® products can be worn alone or as base layers to give the wearer next-to-skin moisture control with a quick drying material. The Patagonia Capilene products are universally versatile in that they are perfect for activities that carry the consumer through the heat of the summer to a winter blizzard. There is a range of Patagonia Capilene base layers (Silkweight, Lightweight, and MidWeight) to give the user the appropriate weight and fabrics most fitting for the intended use.
Backpacking and Hiking Gear Deals & Coupons
September 13, 2007
25,000 Miles of Long Distance Hikes in the US
September 12, 2007
Long distance hikes are what I consider trails that are 1,000 miles or longer. Here are a list of the known and organized hikes in the US, with a link to their wikipedia address and organization or association website.
Continental Divide Trail: 3,100 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Divide_Trail
CDT Alliance
Appalachian Trail: 2,000 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_trail
Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association
Pacific Crest Trail: 2,600 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Crest_Trail
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Buckeye Trail: 1,450 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckeye_Trail
Buckeye Trail Association
Great Western Trail: 4,445 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Western_Trail
Great Western Trail
American Discovery Trail: 6,800 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Discovery_Trail
American Discovery Trail Society
Pacific Northwest Trail: 1,200 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest_Trail
Pacific Northwest Trail Association
Florida Trail: 1,400 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Trail
Florida Trail Association
North Country National Scenic Trail: 4,600 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Country_Trail
North Country Trail Association
Ice Age Trail: 1,200 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Age_Trail
Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation
East Coast Greenway: 3,000 Miles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Greenway
East Coast Greenway Alliance
Yo-Yo’ing the Continental Divide Trail: Francis Tapon
September 12, 2007
Francis Tapon is working on a yo yo (hiking the trail from start to finish, and then turn around and end at the start) of the Continental Divide Trail. Although a large percentage of the trail is undeveloped, it is approximately 3,100 miles in one direction, for Francis Tapon, it’s 6,200 miles. Running from Mexico to Canada through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
He is hiking with under 7 lbs (Tapon: CDT Gear List), not including water and food weight. His pack is a Gossamer Gear G5 (7.9 oz), inside gear ranges from GoLite clothing, Mountain Laurel Design Tarps, and some other creative gear solutions.
He is the author of:
Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America
References:
Check out his Podcast on BackpackingLight.com
http://www.francistapon.com/
Marmot History and Background
September 12, 2007
Marmot’s History
In a dorm room at the
In the Spring of 1974 Dave, Tom, and an additional friend, Tom Boyce, rented a building near downtown
The following fall, while climbing in
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