Merrell Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers Boot Review
May 22, 2008
Merrell Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers
Buy Now at REI: $69.99
My previous experience with hiking boots left me with the acceptance that I would always have to sacrifice a measure of comfort for the protection and sturdiness that come with a serious hiking boot. I figured that it would take a series of boots for different situations for me to be ready for anything. Merrell’s Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers have completely reversed my thinking.
This boot is impressive from the second you put it on: the elastic lacing system and neoprene/lycra cuff give the boot a second skin feel to it—it’s as comfortable as a pair of socks. The cuff fits snugly around the ankle, preventing trail debris from ruining your hike. The Chameleon is aptly named as it adapts its function to whatever environment you walk through. It’s warm thanks to its Gore-Tex lining, but it keeps your feet cool thanks to its breathable mesh upper. The lightweight mesh upper doesn’t come at the cost of stability though, because the top is supported by a series of nubuck leather fingers with shoelace gussets holding the elastic lacing system. The leather fingers are reinforced with a series of bumpers inserted into them, which combine with the hefty outsole to provide a solid, secure feel.
Hiking to the peak of Mount Lassen, these boots handled loose gravel, packed dirt, and glacial ice with equal aplomb. Despite the wide difference in temperature from the bottom to the peak, the Chameleons never felt too hot or too cold. They provided plenty of support, and after the two-hour-plus hike, my feet were ready for more.
On another all-day hike, the Chameleons handled the varying terrain just as well, with the added bonus of being very useful on some minor climbing. The grippy rubber outsoles were more than capable of scrambling up a few boulders.
They are in the higher price range (about $100), but the Merrell Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers are well worth the investment. These boots will work well in just about any terrain or weather and have put up with all of the abuse that I have dished out so far. The Chameleon is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a boot for every occasion.
National Parks mean it when they say “Leave No Trace.”
May 22, 2008
National Parks mean it when they say “Leave No Trace.”
By Jake Kulju
From the snowy peaks of Denali National Park to the sun soaked bottomlands of Zion Canyon, an increasing number of national parks are requiring backpackers and campers to carry out their human waste. Sure, it sounds nasty—but no one is expecting you to get your hands dirty.
Before you start shaking your head thinking this is ridiculous, take a minute to consider how this affects our national parks. The Yosemite National Park web site states that many of its most popular backpacking areas are “often littered with stinking tubes” of human waste and instructs campers to carry their waste out with them and empty it into a pit toilet elsewhere in the park. Places like Mount McKinley, Mount Shasta and Mount Ranier have been receiving large numbers of complaints about both the sight and smell of human waste. National Park officials report that some animals have even altered their behavior to avoid the unfamiliar scents.
Waste management in the wilderness is really no joke. With nearly 300 million visitors to national parks each year, the issue is becoming very real.
“A lot of people are offended by the idea and would just like to have someone else take care of their waste,” said Garry Oye, a U.S. Forest Service regional program leader. “But as the world gets more crowded, particularly around the mountains and rivers, people are going to have to pack out their waste.”
Leading the pack, Philips Environmental Products, Inc. has developed a popular disposable human waste containment system called the Wag Bag. The product is literally a toilet in a bag and is being used by hikers, campers and climbers all over the country. Wag Bags are single-use, zip-close biodegradable human waste bags. Each bag comes in a kit that includes:
-WAG™ waste bag, zip-close storage bag, toilet paper and hand sanitizer
-Disposal bags contain Pooh-Powder™ which quickly turns waste into a stable gel for easy transport and safe disposal
-Odor neutralizers to eliminate unpleasant odors; decay catalyst initiates decomposition
The environmentally friendly technology of the Wag Bag turns liquid waste into a solid for hygenic and spillproof transport. Thankfully, the bags are made from puncture resistant material and are approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for use in Wilderness Areas. Each pack of twelve bags weights only three pounds.
Learn more about the Leave No Trace principles: http://www.lnt.org/
Osprey Packs Crescent 110 Pack - 6900 cu in
May 20, 2008
Osprey Packs Crescent 110 Pack - 6900 cu in
Product Description
Price: $398.95
Buy Now
Osprey’s largest-volume backpack is the Crescent 110 Backpack, an ideal choice for mountaineering and backpacking expeditions. Thanks to its beefy suspension, you’ll be able to comfortably carry 70 pounds of clothing, gear, and food. Osprey’s ReCurve suspension features sturdy aluminum stays that anchor into the hip-belt, a framesheet with cutouts to reduce weight, and aluminum rods that provide stability and shock absorption. The stays and rods slip into aluminum sleeves that attach to your harness and hip-belt so as to allow these stays and rods to independently flex and pivot as you climb, hike, and descend. A mesh back panel allows for breathability, and the foam-padded harness and thermo-moldable hip-belt evenly distribute your load. Pack your sleeping bag into the easy-access sleeping bag compartment, top load the rest of your gear, and shove small items into the Crescent’s various other pockets, including a zippered top pocket that converts into a fanny pack. Also, detach the included hydration sleeve and carry it as a daypack.
Product Reviews
DURABLE, VERSATILE, HEAVY
Lots of bells and whistles, but very durable. There are a lot of ways to make it very comfortable. Make sure you adjust it to your frame, or you will feel the pressure points by the evening. I did not fuss around with the oven thing they advertise, just adjusted it to the load. It worked very well. It’s is a heavy bag though. If you are a minimalist you would probably pick up something else.
Osprey Packs Crescent 110 Pack - 6900 cu in
Price: $398.95
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Osprey Packs Crescent 70 Backpack - 4700cu in
May 20, 2008
Osprey Packs Crescent 70 Backpack - 4700cu in
Product Description
Price: $358.95
Buy Now
The Osprey Crescent 70 Backpack is a solid pack suitable for multi-day trips or weekend outings. The Crescent uses Osprey’s ReCurve suspension, which is burly and supportive with aluminum stays and extra struts that help distribute your load as evenly as possible. Dual density shoulders and a thermo-moldable BioForm CM hipbelt conform to your topography, because contrary to popular belief, humans don’t have any perfectly flat surfaces. A clever vertical zip access to the main compartment hides under the right compression flap, so you don’t have to dismantle everything to reach your spare underwear. An included hydration sleeve sits in its own pouch on the back of the big pack, and can detach to become a small self-contained hydration pack. Solid design, comfortable suspension and the obligatory cool zip-off accessories make the Crescent 70 an awesome Osprey offering.
Product Reviews
What 50 lbs ?
Talk about a great fitting pack! My initial hike was 13.5 miles in the Smokies, and I am very pleased with my purchase. The last pack I purchased was an external frame in 1987 which made it almost 20 years; now I have the last pack I’ll purchase. My crew all carries the same other-brand packs, and they likewise were impressed with my new Osprey.
Osprey Crescent 70
Wow, what a pack. After two backpacking trips of 4 days each in Maine and California, I was convinced this is the best backpack ever. The fabric is stout and easily defects spruce or manzanita trees. The design was very comfortable especially for an older (50) backpacker with back problems. The hip belt is a wonder, very comfortable and you can really cinch it down tight with the ergonomic straps. The detachable daypack and fanny pack got all sorts of use and the awe of people who saw them.
Killer Pack!
After using this pack for overnighters as well as multi-day trips, I’m convinced that this is one of the most comfortable packs that I’ve used. As an adult leader of a youth group, I seem to carry a lot more weight than I usually plan. This pack makes it easy to carry the extra items and weight. It’s comfortable to wear, easy to adjust and has plenty of straps to accommodate extra items that I end up carrying for the kids.I love the recurve suspension. On a recent trip I had to pack in 60 lbs in water for a water cache because we’re currently suffering from a drought. This pack made the job much easier and held up to the excess wear the extra weight caused.
Osprey Packs Crescent 70 Backpack - 4700cu in
Price: $358.95
Buy Now
Osprey Packs Luna 70 Women’s Backpack - 4300cu in
May 19, 2008
Osprey Packs Luna 70 Women’s Backpack - 4300cu in
Product Description
Price: $358.95
Buy Now
Ready? Your Osprey Luna 70 Backpack is. Tough enough for mountaineering, big enough for nearly a week out, and comfortable enough for both, the Luna makes good use of Osprey’s array of innovations. Osprey’s ReCurve suspension is burly and supportive with aluminum stays and extra struts that help distribute your load as evenly as possible. Dual density shoulders and a thermo-moldable BioForm CM hipbelt conform to your topography, because contrary to popular belief, humans don’t have any perfectly flat surfaces. A clever vertical zip access to the main compartment hides under the right compression flap, so you don’t have to dismantle everything to reach your spare underwear. An included hydration sleeve sits in its own pouch on the back of the big pack, and can detach to become a small self-contained hydration pack. With easy access, easy packing, easy adjustment and probably some other easy stuff, too, the Osprey Luna 70 is an easy choice for your backpacking trips.
Product Reviews
Carries like a dream!
I LOVE this pack. This is the first women’s pack I’ve ever owned and I’m never going back.YEARS of sore hips are a thing of the past as I now wrap my womanly hips in a decadent, curved waist belt. The shoulder straps are narrower and actually fit my shoulders. My Osprey hugs my back thanks to its curved suspension system which results in a much more stable, better distributed load. There is even a kind of ‘pocket’ right behind my head which enables me to look up without banging into my pack. The shoulder harness & waist belt are both detachable, interchangeable & come in several sizes so getting the perfect fit is easy no matter what your shape & size. The detachable daypack is a really nice feature which I use often. There is a separate sleeping back compartment & side zips so you don’t have to pull everything out from the top of your pack in order to reach something in the middle or the bottom. The lid is also removable for use as a day pack and has two compartments, one for maps & small items and another for a hydration system. The construction of Osprey packs is absolutely bomber. The fabric can withstand the harshest lashing slide alder can dish out and the zippers are virtually indestructible. The buckles are high quality and never fail.I’ve packed 6 days worth of gear including climbing gear into this pack and it carries like a dream up to about 65lbs. At 70+ I could feel the suspension struggling but then so was I! No one who fits this pack should be carrying that much anyway. At around 6lbs, you can find a lighter pack but I find that this pack fits me so well the extra weight goes unnoticed. (apparently the 2006 models are lighter) My one and only complaint about the Luna is that there are no hook and loop closure ice axe holders. It does work well putting the ice axe in the compression straps but I would rather have a separate strap so it doesn’t fall off every time I need to get in there. Fitting this pack is simple. They come in XS to L sizes for both the pack and the hip belt. The shoulder harness comes in XS - L so you can mix and match. If you have narrow shoulders and wide hips for example, you can get a small shoulder harness and a medium hip belt. The newer models come with heat moldable hip belts which should make it even more comfortable. For comfort, space, fit and practical use this pack really can’t be beat. It’s a bit pricey compared to other packs but worth every penny and then some.
Osprey packs
I absolutely love Osprey packs. They are truly one-of-a-kind and live up to their potential. I’ve used Osprey packs before and now that I have one to call my own, I’m stoked! My favorite thing about these packs is the hip belt and how comfortable it is. It doesn’t leave rashes and it sits on your hips just right.
Luna 70 is a great pack.
I’ve used my Luna 70 twice now on overnight trips, and I ve been very happy so far. The pack is comfortable and I don’t feel all sore the way my old pack made me feel after a long day. One thing that is important to do is to learn how to adjust your pack for a perfect custom fit. The pack is highly adjustable and little tweaks can make a big difference.For example, the chest strap rode too high up on my collarbones at first, but the instructions show how to move the harness up and down with the hook-and-loop attachment. I adjusted it taller and the chest strap fits great now. There is also an adjustment they recommend where you fit the metal stays to your back, which I haven’t tried doing yet. Admittedly, the pack felt great the first time I used it before I ever adjusted it, but it felt even better with adjustment.The pack has a lot of nice features: a hydration reservoir holder, the front side zip for easy access to all parts of the main compartment, among others. The top of the pack becomes a hip pack for day hikes (though a little small for a day hike up a fourteener.) I also like the pockets on the center of the pack for keeping snacks and maps. The only thing that confuses me about packs these days is that the sleeping bag compartment is at the bottom of the pack. I tried using it recently for heavy items instead which I think weights the pack better. I would love to see a sleeping bag compartment near the top, but perhaps there are good reasons for not doing so.Overall, I ve been marveling at how well-engineered the pack is, and all the little details they paid attention to. It really is a very well crafted pack, and I’m looking forward to trying it out on some longer trips.
Osprey Packs Luna 70 Women’s Backpack - 4300cu in
Price: $358.95
Buy Now
Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack
May 19, 2008
Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5000-5400 cu in
Product Description
Price: $278.95
Buy Now
Carry up to 60 pounds comfortably with your Osprey Aether 85 Backpack, an ideal option for multiday backpacking or mountaineering trips. The Aether 85 features Osprey’s lightweight AirScape suspension system, which includes aluminum rods to stabilize your load and keep the weight close to your body for efficient carrying, as well as a foam and mesh back panel for comfort and breathability. This pack has a contoured head rail so you have maximum headroom, even when your pack is full. The padded IsoForm harness has no sewn seams, so you won’t experience rubbing or chafing, and the thermo-moldable hip-belt can be custom fit to your hips. Pack your sleeping bag in its own compartment and top load your clothing and other gear. Stretch woven front and side pockets hold water bottles, snacks, a light jacket, and anything else you want accessible. Loops on the side hold your skis or trekking poles, and an internal hydration sleeve lets you carry your bladder.
Product Reviews
Excellent Expedition Pack
I bought this in February of 2007 for use on a 10-12 day backpacking trip at the Philmont High Adventure Base in New Mexico. We hiked at elevations from 6500 to 11,700 feet with loads from 40 to 50 pounds. I carried anywhere from 35 to 45 ponds in this pack. When I had the pack on it felt like it was part of your body. When you were hiking it felt like you were carrying a lot less. I have had and tried quite a few packs and in my opinion this was probably the best fitting one that I have ever had. The price was excellent compared to other packs of this capacity and the pack weight was just about 5 pounds. This pack in my opinion is a keeper for the serious backpacker.
Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5000-5400 cu in
Price: $278.95
Buy Now
Osprey Packs Ariel 75 Backpack - Women’s
May 19, 2008
Osprey Packs Ariel 75 Backpack - Women’s 4600cu in
Product Description
Price: $268.95
Buy Now
5pm Friday: you punch the time clock and dash for the hills. The Osprey Ariel 75 knows you only have the weekend to get away, so it’ll make sure you don’t waste any time worrying about your pack. The Ariel’s separate sleeping bag compartment and mesh pockets will keep you organized and the straightjacket compression system will make sure you can adjust your pack to be the size and shape you need. Gear loops on the outside of the pack are ready for last minute and oddball-shaped items. The Ariel’s real advantage, however, lies in its Ethereal suspension and women’s specific design. This means superior comfort, fit, and support, all in a pack under 5 lbs. Just in case you do need to leave the big pack behind for a bit, the Ariel’s top pocket and waist belt combine to form a super-comfy hydration ready fanny pack you can use for that last push to the top.
Product Reviews
GREAT!
This is a GREAT pack! it is the perfect size for weekend trips. I have done solo weekend trips with this! The suspesion system is great and the hip belt is really comfortable. Make sure you measure your torso and get the right size for that. I had back surgery and this makes carrying a heavier load unnoticeable and distributes the weight very nicely over my back. It fits my tiny shoulders great as well. Love this!
Osprey Packs Ariel 75 Backpack - Women’s 4600cu in
Price: $268.95
Buy Now
Osprey Packs Aether 70 Pack
May 18, 2008
Osprey Packs Aether 70 Pack - 4000-4400 cu in
Product Description
Price: $248.95
Buy Now
The Osprey Aether 70 Backpack is just the pack for a multiday backpacking journey or mountaineering trip. Thanks to the Aether 70’s AirScape suspension system, which includes aluminum rods to stabilize your load, you can comfortably carry up to 60 pounds in this backpack. Osprey also gave this pack a foam and mesh back panel the foam pads feel comfortable on your back and the mesh breathes so you don’t sweat to death under your pack. A padded IsoForm harness has no sewn seams to rub or chafe your chest, and you have the option of getting the thermo-moldable hip-belt custom-fitted to your hips. Load your sleeping bag into its own zippered compartment and top load your other gear into the main compartment. Side pockets hold water bottles, or you can put your bladder (not included) into the Aether’s internal hydration sleeve. Use the side loops for your skis in winter and your trekking poles during other seasons.
Product Reviews
awesome pack
I’ve used a number of different packs over the years and this one is definitely my overall favorite. It has all of the features you need and none of the ones that you don’t. Solid construction, EXTREMELY comfortable, all the right straps and what have you for carrying winter gear such as skis/board, shovel, poles, etc. A seasoned adventure racer said osprey is his favorite pack on the market and I see why. oh… you gotta love the convertible top into a hip pack for those summit hikes once you get to the base.
flexible
i purchased the aether 70 to climb mt rainier this summer. it has a number of really useful features. 1. it is LIGHT but still good capacity 2. It has a removable waist pack that is essentially useless as a waist pack but makes the entire rig without it, even lighter. 3. It has a separate lower compartment for sleeping bag or can be configured without the lower separation. 4. It has a waist belt that can be molded at any dealer to fit your exact hips with your clothing, pants, jackets etc, and can be re-molded 3 times. It’s got it all.
very comfortable!
this is my first new pack in quite some time. i am very pleased. all of the weight sits on the hips. the back pad is great, most comfortable and well ventilated. shoulders never feel any weight. i have found that if you use the water bladder carrier inside the pack the load changes as you drinks. recommend putting the bladder on top or on outside for extended or all-day trips. it is also not necessary to have the waist belt heated and molded. it is comfortable from the start and molds on it own in a few short trips.
Osprey Packs Aether 70 Pack - 4000-4400 cu in
Price: $248.95
Buy Now
Osprey Packs Atmos 65 Pack
May 18, 2008
Osprey Packs Atmos 65 Pack - 3800-4200 cu in
Product Description
Price: $238.95
Buy Now
Given the popularity of the award-winning Atmos 50, that Osprey introduced the Atmos 65 Backpack this season is no surprise. The lightweight Atmos 65, which comfortably holds more than 40 pounds of gear, is equally suited to either an overnight or a weeklong backpacking trip. Osprey gave this backpack its AirSpeed suspension, a sturdy but lightweight system with a beefy but forgiving aluminum frame as well as strong and flexible titanium struts. This pack will move with your body as you bound up the trail, scramble on rocks, and leap across streams. The breathable mesh back panel lets air circulate so you don’t sweat to death underneath your pack. This pack has thicker harnesses than the Atmos 50 to accommodate a larger load. An ErgoPull hip-belt lets you disperse the load evenly over your hips so you don’t get pressure points. The Atmos 65 has a sleeping bag compartment, an internal hydration sleeve, and several external pockets for gear you want to keep accessible.
Product Reviews
Great Pack!
The overall design is great and well thought out. The ventilated harness system worked great on my recent snowshoe trip to help keep my back from sweating. Very light with many versatile design features. The only complaint that I have is the length and location of the straps for your sleeping pad. The two points at which the straps are sewn are so close together, and the straps are just barely long enough, that is difficult to secure a full length ridge rest to the bottom of the pack. Although I suppose I could just buy a longer set of straps. Otherwise I have not yet found any other negatives.
Best pack I’ve used…EVER!
A perfect fit! I am 5′11′ 185lbs. with a mid size torso. The large Atmos 65 is the most comfortable pack I have put on. I loaded down with 40lbs. or 18 kilos and trekked my way through downtown Manhattan for a good 2 hours. Airspeed system added some much needed relief from sweat and really made the pack feel snug. Never felt off balance or over-burdened. Recommend not packing a bladder in the pack or the airspeed pocket, it will increase sweat. Recommend Rick Steeves pack cubes for org. 3 large ones fit perfect in pack.
Atmos 65 Pack
Great pack with great features! It just didn’t fit. Tried large (in store) and then tried medium. Shape and curves of backrest makes it very size specific.
Osprey Packs Atmos 65 Pack - 3800-4200 cu in
Price: $238.95
Buy Now
Osprey Packs Aether 60 Pack
May 18, 2008
Osprey Packs Aether 60 Pack - 3500-3900 cu in
Product Description
Price: $218.95
Buy Now
Get away from civilization for a long weekend with your Osprey Aether 60 Backpack. You can carry about 50 pounds in this sturdy backpack just in case you’re the type who brings the kitchen sink. The Osprey Aether 60 suspension system includes aluminum rods that steady your load and a comfortable foam and mesh back panel that breathes so you won’t drip sweat underneath your pack. You have the option of getting the Aether’s IsoForm hip-belt custom-fitted to your hips. Put your snacks, headlamp, and toothbrush in the removable top pocket and load your sleeping bag and other gear into the main compartment. Your hydration bladder (not included) goes into the back-panel hydration sleeve, and dual exit ports let you choose where your hose goes. Side loops hold your skis or your trekking poles.
Product Reviews
Aether 60 Pack
I used this pack for a 4 day 3 night backpacking trip. Just enough time to get a feel for it. The pack was well balanced and east to carry. The hip belt and shoulder straps were easy to adjust and worked well. I was carrying about 35 lbs which seems to be a good weight for this pack. If I were going to carry much more I might opt for the Arc Teryx Bora series packs. At the end of the trip the Osprey looked brand new. It is well made and I think it will hold up well over the years.
It does more than you think
This pack has served as a great alternative to those frameless mountaineering packs for multi-day climbs. It’s carried up to 40 pounds well, my helmet fits in the lid, and the straps can hold crampons and an ice axe. It does have extra stuff you don’t need, like that stupid stretch panel and the straps for holding a tent on the bottom, so I just cut them off and saved a couple ounces. This pack is well designed, super comfy, and strikes a perfect balance between weight and carrying capacity: Over three pounds lighter than the Arc’teryx Bora but does the job just as well and a lot more comfy than most climbing-oriented packs but weighs less than a pound more. Perfect! (Note: you may have to put bike lube in the alum. stays to stop them from creaking)
Osprey Packs Aether 60 Pack - 3500-3900 cu in
Price: $218.95
Buy Now
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