Osprey Packs Kestrel 32 Daypack - 2000cu in
May 15, 2008
Osprey Packs Kestrel 32 Daypack - 2000cu in
Product Description
Price: $128.95
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The Kestrel 32 Daypack’s panel-loading design allows quick access to all your gear, and Osprey beefed it up with features you’d usually find only on larger overnight bags. A front stretch-Lycra pocket provides a quick place to stash your shell, and two hip pockets keep your camera, compass, and a snack readily available. An AirScape back panel provides support with stiff, molded foam instead of heavy, totally rigid aluminum stays. Osprey even gave the Kestrel 32 Daypack two ice axe holders and Stow-On-the-Go trekking pole attachments to carry all your walking and climbing accessories.
Product Reviews
Great Pack
This pack has just about every feature one could want in a daypack. Construction is solid and this thing is well thought out. The Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment system is pretty slick. No need to take the pack off to get out/put away your poles, and they tuck nicely out of the way under your arm. The med/lg fits me great at 5′9 170lbs, and it was very comfortable while mildly loaded on a recent trip to Phoenix from the East Coast. Great all-around daypack!
Great Pack
I’ve been looking for a daypack like this for a long time now. It has just about every feature you could want in a daypack for that price, and the Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment is a real neat feature. No need to stop and take the pack off to put away or get out the poles. Construction is solid, and the medium/large fits me well at 5′9 170. Was great on a recent trip to Phoenix from the East Coast. Can’t wait to get it out in the woods and put it thru its real paces.
Osprey Packs Kestrel 32 Daypack - 2000cu in
Price: $128.95
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Osprey Packs Switch 16 Pack - 1000cu in
May 15, 2008
Osprey Packs Switch 16 Pack - 1000cu in
Product Description
Price: $98.95
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Whether you ride inbounds at Jackson Hole or out-of-bounds in the Grand Tetons, you’ll appreciate the Osprey Switch 16 Backpack, which Osprey designed with the input of snow pros. The 1,000-cubic-inch Switch 16 opens hatchback style, and inside is a wet / dry gear divider so you can separate your shovel and probe from your clothing and food. Hip pockets hold a snack or camera. A pocket on the lid has room for your goggles and your helmet. Skis load diagonally and snowboards carry vertically. A hydration sleeve insulates your water bladder (not included), and Osprey’s SnowShed back panel doesn’t absorb moisture, so your back will stay dry.
Product Reviews
Not Great
The pack is small. There is no way a helmet will fit in the top lid compartment, no way. Website is extremely deceiving. Pack is relatively small. It does have 2 compartments inside however it doesnt really expand well. Better packs out there. This site’s support is second to none however. Returning this bag. Should of gone with one of the larger packs but too late now.
super ski pack
Upgrading from an old tried and true pack was difficult. This pack is awesome and has just enough room for everything. May be a little small for mid winter outings when you need a lot of extra warm gear but has been great for spring.
Love this pack
There are so many pockets and straps on this pack that it comes with a manual! Still, the features that I have used have been very handy, particularly the hip pockets for camera and phone. The big zip handles also make it easy to open and close with gloves on.
Osprey Packs Switch 16 Pack - 1000cu in
Price: $98.95
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Osprey Packs Talon 22 Backpack - 1300 cu in
May 15, 2008
Osprey Packs Talon 22 Backpack - 1300 cu in
Product Description
Price: $98.95
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Mountain bike the epic South Boundary Trail in New Mexico or hike slot canyons in Utah’s San Rafael Swell with the Osprey Talon 22 Backpack. This lightweight backpack holds everything you need for an ambitious day outside. Stuff extra clothes and a jacket in the top-accessed main compartment and your bike helmet in the stretchy front pocket. Your water bladder (not included) goes in the hydration compartment, and energy gel stashes nicely in your harness pockets. Osprey gave the Talon 22 Backpack a mesh harness and hip-belt as well as a padded back panel with air channels to keep air flowing underneath this pack so you stay cool.
Product Reviews
Osprey Talon 22 review
This backpack packs more stuff than I had expected. I’ve used it once now, and I like it. The hipbelt pockets I love for easy access to treats. The hydration slot works well. Adjustable sternum strap is wonderful. It would be nice to have some more organization/slots within the mesh top pocket, but it is good to have a smaller pocket. Has a loop to hook in walking poles or whatever in the one side pocket. I’m 5′1 and the pack fits ok. It’s not noticably too big. Having everything adjustable helps.
They made the perfect day pack
so I just got the new Talon 22 pack and I’m blown away on how perfect this pack is. I have been looking for a good day pack for some time now and I found it! Every time I go somewhere I always seem to over pack, but this bag gives me enough room to get everything I need into it no matter what season, My 2 1/2 L Hydration pack with insulation on it fits perfect, and the pack even has a strap to hold it in place preventing the bottle from slipping down as you drink. First looking at this pack it doesn’t seem to have many pockets, but after you pack it for the first time you realize there are over 11 pockets to stash your gear. The pack fits very close to the hips. The pack also fits narrow on your back keeping the center of gravity closer to you and preventing the pack from shifting and throwing of your balance. A narrow pack also allows you better flexibility while walking or climbing tough terrain. I would highly recommend this pack to a friend for a day out on the trail. It will also make a good overnight bag fitting maybe 3 pairs of jeans 3 shirts and a extra pair of shoes with no problem. I have been looking for the perfect day pack for sometime now and I finaly found it in the Osprey Talon 22 5 stars from me
Works like it should.
I bought this pack for adventure racing. The weekend after I bought it I did a single day medical adventure race where you had to carry a lot of extra gear. The pack accommodated my stuff as far as space is concerned, and the design of the pack allows for easy carrying. The compression and load adjustment straps keep the load secure and close to your body eliminating bounce. The hydration bladder actually hangs from a hanger in the hydration sleeve, which prevents the bladder from bunching up at the bottom of the pack when it starts to empty. The back ventilation is comfortable, as are the waist belt and adjustable sternum strap. I have also started using this pack for mountain biking just because it’s more comfortable than my smaller hydration pack I’ve been using for biking. I’ve also been wearing this pack and flipped a canoe, and my gear inside the main area stayed largely dry. All-in-all, thoughtfully designed bag that is perfect for day hikes (maybe even an overnighter, although I haven’t tried that), long trail runs, mountain biking, and adventure racing.
Osprey Packs Talon 22 Backpack - 1300 cu in
Price: $98.95
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Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season
May 14, 2008
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season
Product Description
Price: $378.95
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At a super-light 4lb 8oz, the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 3-Person 3-Season Tent provides reliable shelter for you and two of your buddies. This double-wall, Silicone-coated tent from Big Agnes is perfect for trios who don’t want to carry any more weight than they need. The Seedhouse Tent has a 11sq ft vestibule to stash your gear out of the rain. How strong can a tent under 4lb be? With its excellent wind profile, strong DAC Featherlight NSL poles, a seamless bathtub floor, and waterproof fly, the Big Agnes Seedhouse Tent keeps you dry through any summer storm you encounter.
Product Review
Nice Tent
Great tent for two people. Cool looking design. Plenty of elbow room. The square footage versus weight was the best I could find…… 36 square feet / 4+ pounds. The 46 inch height is relatively decent, too. Easy to set-up. The all-in-one rain fly/vestibule had ample tie-downs to keep it taut for high winds. The color (sage) blended nicely with the forest / granite surroundings. The interior side and overhead pockets for small gear kept the inside clutter to a minimum. Without the rain fly, it’s a summer delight for viewing stars. Excellent quality / workmanship.
Seedhouse SL 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season
Great tent! Well designed, lightweight, easy to setup!
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season
Price: $378.95
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Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season
May 13, 2008
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season
Product Description
Price: $319.95
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Getting out of the elements is great, but loses its luster if you have to lug around a heavy tent. The Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 tent gives generous internal space and weather protection for you and a partner. Best of all, the Seedhouse does it while remaining under 4 lbs. A unique 3-pole system maximizes frame efficiency while maintaining strength with aircraft quality aluminum. The Seedhouse uses plastic clips to attach frame to body, providing maximum ventilation and ultra-quick setup. When speed and light weight are the most important factors, the Seedhouse rules the day.
Product Review
Well-Designed, Well-Made
I’ve taken this tent on a few trips since I purchased it on your website earlier this year and I’m quite impressed with it. I bought it because I don’t need the fly on most nights and it’s far nicer looking at the stars than a tent ceiling. I use it primarily as a luxury lightweight solo tent. It weighs 9 ounces more than the Seedhouse SL1, but the extra square footage is nice to have. While the inner mesh tent is free-standing, the fly does require stakes and guylines (included) to function properly. If I don’t plan on using the fly but think that there is a remote possibility of precipitation, I’ll go ahead and stake out the fly and then remove it. That way, I can throw on my headlamp at 3:00 A.M. and have the fly installed and cinched down in a little over a minute if necessary. The fly fits very well and helps the tent withstand significant winds with ease. The vestibule isn’t huge, but it will fit a few pairs of boots or a small pack. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the entry. It can be a little awkward getting in and out with the fly on, particularly if it’s raining. That’s a small flaw in such an otherwise excellent tent though.
Good as reviews
The Seedhouse Tent was ranked high by Backpacker Magazine for its weight and ease of set up. Holds true at only four lbs, with footprint and stakes. Good value.
Rain, Rain go away. Seedhouse leaked another day.
On a recent trip in New Zealand, the Seedhouse SL stood well in the wind and snow. The many guyouts held fast and the tent was sizable enough to accommodate a bit of gear. When the rains started, the tent worked as designed until the fly started to sag into the mesh wall allowing the fly to wet on me. So back to the guyouts pulling as taught as I could and the fly continued to sag. Three days of a deluge later, the fly was beyond guyout repair. Most of the water collected on the inside of the fly and ran down the mesh while the expensive ground cloth and the tent floor surrendered and joined the traitorous fly. My only savior was a hut on the next trail.
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season
Price: $319.95
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Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy
May 13, 2008
Product Description
Price: $299.95
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Pack your Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy for your solo peak-bagging adventure, backpacking trip, or bike tour. The waterproof breathable Three Wire Bivy doesn’t take up a ton of room in your pack, and it provides protection from rainstorms and biting bugs. This Big Agnes bivy comes with poles that provide you with 20 inches of head space so you don’t get that claustrophobic, I-can’t-breathe feeling. Close the bivy entirely in a storm or opt for the mesh window to deter mosquitoes and get air circulating. The DAC Featherlite poles are lightweight yet durable.
Product Review
WOW!!!
Best bivy Ive ever seen or used. Easy access, lots of space, and less condensation as far as I know than any other. If you love the outdoors as much as I do, you need one of these. Its worth the higher price!
Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy
Price: $299.95
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Big Agnes Parkview 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season
May 13, 2008
Big Agnes Parkview 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season
Product Description
Price: $289.95
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When roomy space is as important as low weight, make sure you’re camping in the Big Agnes Parkview 2-Person 3-Season Tent. Don’t let the specs fool you. Sure, it’s made with a 40D silicone-coated nylon fly and ultralight Scandium poles for a total weight of 5lb 3oz. But, with 36sq ft of floor space, two doors, and four internal mesh pockets, the Parkview 2 is a very cozy place to spend storm-bound days. Its main vestibule is big enough to cook under while the rear vestibule creates additional storage space.
Product Review
New Trailriding Tent
I use this tent when my boys and I go trail riding. It is lightweight and it breaks down small, so it s easy to tie back in the cantle bag. The tent goes up easily and has an extended roofline over the main vestibule. The poles almost assemble by themselves with the bungee inside. After putting it up the first time in the house, I was a little concerned about the tent not meeting the spec listed by the Big Agnes. However, the first time we staked it out it measured up to where it should be 90 x 60. Even at 6′0 and 250lb and my son at 5′11 and 190lb there was plenty of room for both of us. We have used this tent in severe thunderstorms, hailstorms and driving winds. We have never gotten wet. One night the wind blew so hard the rainfly was pushed into the tent and actually woke me when that side of the tent was hitting my head with the high gust of winds averaging about 35 - 40mph. Having a bad knee, the Parkview II with the 48in roof height is the easiest two-man backpacking tent for me to get into. Most of the others I looked at ranged from 40 to 42 inches. That extra 6in inches really helps a lot when getting in and out and when holed up inside for a day during downpours. Extra features we liked are the pockets on the side walls for holding items such as your headlights or keys. I liked it so well I bought another one for when my other son goes with us.
Big Agnes Parkview 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season
Price: $289.95
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Choose an Awesome Backpacking Stove
May 12, 2008
In some parts of the US, it’s possible to go backpacking without ever using a backpacking stove. As long as you have a steel pot that you don’t mind getting blackened on the bottom, it’s easy to cook over coals or an open fire. However, sitting in the glow of a campfire at the end of the day during a backpacking trip is becoming an increasingly uncommon experience. Due to the danger of forest fires, many national parks and wilderness areas prohibit fires altogether. Without a campfire, a stove becomes a necessity. Fortunately, there are many different types of backpacking stoves available today. Unfortunately, the sheer variety of stoves available can be confusing and make it difficult to select the appropriate model for your needs. This article will help cut through the confusion by describing the different models available and the pros and cons of each.
When choosing a backpacking stove, it’s important to consider how you will you use it. For example, will you be cooking elaborate meals, or cooking for large groups? Or, does your cooking technique consist of nothing more than boiling water? How cold does it get during the winter where you will be using the stove? How much money are you willing to spend? Each type of stove is better suited to some purposes than to others.
There are several different kinds of stoves available: Canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves, alcohol stoves, and wood stoves. Canister stoves use butane, isobutene or propane as fuel. They are basically fuel canisters with a burner on top. Canister stoves are good because they are easy to use, easy to light, and boil water quickly. Also, they don’t produce harmful fumes when they burn, and they are almost leak-proof. The downside of canister stoves is that the canister is not refillable. You have to buy a new fuel canister, and on a long distance hike it may be difficult to find a store that has a refill when you need one. Canisters are also slightly bulky, so carrying extras is an unappealing option on a long trip. Also, canister stoves experience poor performance in below-freezing weather-which is exactly when you need a reliable stove the most! These are best for people that like to cook elaborate meals, want a stove that’s extremely easy to use, and don’t plan to hike in extremely cold weather or to attempt any long distance thru-hikes.
Liquid fuel stoves are another alternative. They usually have refillable canisters, and can burn white gas, kerosene, even gasoline. Many liquid fuel stoves can burn more than one kind of fuel. With a liquid fuel stove, the fuel canister is attached to the burner by a hose. They are more complex to operate than a canister stove-instead of simply flicking a switch, you must use a pump to create enough pressure for the fuel to start moving through the hose. Also, although these stoves do function well in cold weather, they must be primed first to heat the burner and the gas line. Multi-fuel stoves are better than canister stoves for people that intend to do a long-distance hike, and for people who plan to backpack internationally. The cons of a liquid fuel stove include more time spent operating and maintaining the stove and the possibility of fuel leaking or spilling in your pack.
Alcohol stoves are stoves that use some type of alcohol for fuel. They are often used by thru-hikers because they are extremely light-weight and can burn almost any type of alcohol. Anything from rubbing alcohol to methyl alcohol to moonshine can be used to run an alcohol stove. Potential fuels can be found at truck stops, gas stations, grocery stores, hardware stores and liquor stores. Alcohol is great for the eco-conscious because it burns clean and doesn’t use up fossil fuel resources. The downside of using alcohol as fuel is that it does not create as much heat as petroleum-based fuels do. It takes longer to boil water, and on many alcohol stoves there is no way to control the heat or turn the stove down to a simmer. Also, alcohol is heavier than petroleum-based fuels are, although the stoves themselves are much lighter. If like to make your own gear, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to make your own alcohol stove. Many different designs are available on line. Alcohol stoves work in cold weather, but not nearly as well as other types of stoves, and they must be primed first. These stoves are best for ultra light hikers, people who like building things and don’t have a lot of money to spend on a stove, thru-hikers concerned about being able to resupply in a small town, and people who are concerned with using only renewable resources when they hike.
Wood stoves are basically small firepans. Some of them come equipped with a fan to feed the fire, others use holes for ventilation. They are usually heavier than other types of stoves, but you don’t have to carry any fuel in your pack. Woodstoves are great for hikers who want to follow Leave No Trace principles yet miss the smoky smell and crackling flames of a real campfire. Wood stoves can be shipped or carried on a plane in checked baggage-an important advantage over stoves that use petroleum-based fuels, which are not allowed. Also, this is the only type of stove that you can use to make S’mores! A final advantage is that this stove works great even in freezing weather. Drawbacks include not being able to use the stove in places where wood is scarce, less control of heat than with a canister stove or a liquid fuel stove, and they may not be acceptable in places where fires are banned. Wood stoves can be purchased online, or you can make one yourself. To reduce bulk, look for a design that is either collapsible or fits in with your cooking pot.
As you can see, the type of backpacking stove that you will choose depends on several factors: the type of fuel you want to use, the types of trips you intend to take, and the type of food that you want to cook. Once you know what type of stove you want, make sure to do some research on the different brands and designs available. All backpacking stoves should have the following characteristics: lightweight, easy to pack, and as fuel-efficient as possible. When you have a model in mind, try to read some reviews and consumer reports before you actually make a purchase. This will ensure that you get the best value for your money and the best stove for your needs.
Big Agnes Storm King Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down
May 12, 2008
Big Agnes Storm King Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down
Product Description
Price: $239.95
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Ideal for winter camping, the Big Agnes Storm King 0-Degree Down Sleeping Bag weighs only 3lb 6oz (regular size) and has a roomy rectangular shape which is extremely comfortable to sleep in. To make the Storm King so lightweight, Big Agnes filled the top baffles of the bag with 650-fill down and didn’t use insulation on the underside of the bag, which would get compressed (and therefore would be useless) when you sleep. Instead, on the bottom of the Storm King is a rectangular pad sleeve that holds your sleeping pad securely in place. *Compatible with Big Agnes’ 20in-wide rectangular pads.
Product Review
Everything I expected
This is a very well made bag. I really can’t believe how comfortable (and warm) it is. I have never used a sleep system of bag and pad before (besides large air matresses while car-camping), and I love the weight savings you get from the bottomless bag. They are right about everything; you carry less weight, get more comfort, and get more warmth with their system. I highly recommend the Big Agnes bags!
Read the small print
You can’t use this bag when it’s below 20F so what’s the point?
Handy bag
I like being able to slide a sleeping pad right in part of the bag, no more sliding off the pad. I still wonder how its going to work in cold weather with no fill on the bottom. But for now i like the bag.
Big Agnes Storm King Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down
Price: $239.95
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Big Agnes Ethel Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down - Women’s
May 12, 2008
Big Agnes Ethel Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down - Women’s
Product Description
Price: $219.95
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Stay warm and don’t feel constrained when you sleep in the Big Agnes Women’s Ethel Sleeping Bag. Big Agnes tailored the Ethel Sleeping Bag specifically for women by giving it additional girth in the hip area and extra insulation in the foot box and core area. A durable, water-repellent nylon shell protects this 0-degree sleeping bag stuffed with 600-fill down. Down retains your body heat to keep you cozy all night. Stuff your fleece jacket into this sleeping bag’s pocket to make a pillow. A sleeve on the bottom of this sleeping bag enables you to slide your Big Agnes sleeping pad into it you’ll never wake up lying next to your pad again. Your pad acts as your ground insulation, so get the Big Agnes 20-inch rectangular pad to go with your Ethel.
Product Review
Excellent sleeping bag for cold sleepers
I am a cold sleeper with very cold feet and unless I get my feet warm, I cannot fall asleep. My husband bought a Big Agnes a year ago and loves it. So I decided I shall try it and chose the Ethel.We went to Tahoe, the last weekend of August and admittedly the temperature during the nights was comfortably cool, around low 40’s. The Ethel was so comfortable that I overslept on both the days. I don’t recall sleeping that well in any of my previous camping trips. I also used a thermarest pad. A pad is a must for the Ethel bag. I couldn’t feel the hard ground at all. The bag was quite roomy for me and I got the smallest size that they have. I got the left zipper bag, since my husband has the right zipper. We zipped both bags together and that worked out pretty well too. The only problem with that was, mine is a smaller size and he has a regular, so the zip wouldn’t go all the way. Since the temp was quite tolerable, we were able to try that and it worked out quite good. Over all, I’m quite happy with the Ethel and am waiting to try it out in much colder conditions.
Big Agnes Ethel Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down - Women’s
Price: $219.95
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