Free Topographical Map Creator
May 17, 2008
We just launched an integration between USGS geospacial data and Google maps to create a FREE topographical map creator. Perfect for hobbyists, geocaching, or researching your next hiking trip. It’s free and very easy to use. Search for your favorite and trail and PRINT!
Try it here: http://www.cascadegear.com/free-topo-map-generator
Would love your feedback to make it better!
Osprey Packs Exposure 66 Backpack Review
May 17, 2008
Osprey Packs Exposure 66 Backpack - 4000cu in
Product Description
Price: $218.95
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The Exposure 66 is Osprey’s premier large-capacity expedition pack for light and fast alpine climbs. Whether you’re headed to the Peruvian Andes or into the Colorado backcountry, this mountaineering backpack has everything you need. From the top down, the Exposure 66 accommodates your gear. Tie your rope into the floating top pocket, organize your screws on the internal daisy chain, secure your skis in the Hypalon carry straps, and safely stash your mountaineering essentials in the leashless tool holsters and shovel wing. In the Exposure 66 comfort is paramount. This pack’s StetchComfort foam laminate harness, straightjacket compression, and Exposure CM custom molded hipbelt ensure you always shoulder a comfortable load.
Product Reviews
awesome value
I used this pack for a winter ascent on Rainer last year, and I am already planning an ascent of Mt Blanc with the same pack…this pack does it all. This pack can carry all of the gear that I need and fits it firmly to my back; however, the best part about this pack is the weight, it is virtually weightless. For the money, nothing is better for fast, overnight ski ascents.
Great climbing pack
Fits great, like all Osprey packs. Belt is comfortable even without molding it. 50 lbs feels secure and does not shift around. Very light but well constructed. I will be using it for a trip to Ecuador.
osprey exposure 66
this is a great overall climbing pack. this pack holds all of my gear and has a great rope secure on the top of the pack. it holds pretty much everything i need for a full day of climbing and then some and the suspension is fairly the stable for the amount of weight i carry. this is a great pack for day trips requiring a lot of gear.
Osprey Packs Exposure 66 Backpack - 4000cu in
Price: $218.95
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Osprey Packs Atmos 50 Pack
May 17, 2008
Osprey Packs Atmos 50 Pack - 2800-3200 cu in
Product Description
Price: $198.95
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The lightweight Osprey Atmos 50 Backpack earned Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award. Despite being lightweight, this Osprey backpack has a strong suspension system and provides back ventilation so you can hit the trail in comfort. The ideal load for the Atmos 50 is b35 pounds of gear, clothing, and food. The suspension system features lightweight but sturdy materials, such as titanium struts, which provide excellent flex as you bound down the trail. Breathable mesh on the back panel ensures you won’t sweat buckets underneath your pack. In addition to the main compartment, this backpack has several pockets where you can stash energy gel, a jacket, headlamp, and other gear you want accessible. Put your hydration bladder (not included) in the internal bladder sleeve and drink up.
Product Reviews
Awesome Pack!
This pack is about the coolest thing going. It is really light weight and has great venting. I have been doing some hiking in the desert and this pack has been perfect. You can put an ton of gear in this thing. If you only have a little gear it compresses really nicely. This is the prefect day hiking or overnight pack. Nice work Osprey!
Osprey backpack
This backpack was exactly what i was looking for my trip to Europe. It handled the flight being checked in and was comfortable to wear taking trains and walking through random cities. I would tell anyone to get this if they are looking for a ruck that isn’t too big and still would like 4-5 days of gear along.
wonderful and comfortable
It almost weighs nothing! Fabulous ventilation system, incredibly comfortable while carrying up on trails! Suitable for 3-4 days backpacking; I adapted external water bladder in order to fit all gear into main compartment.
Osprey Packs Atmos 50 Pack - 2800-3200 cu in
Price: $198.95
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Osprey Packs Atmos 35 Overnight Backpack
May 16, 2008
Osprey Packs Atmos 35 Overnight Backpack - 1900-2300 cu in
Product Description
Price: $158.95
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Get out of the city for a day or for an overnight trip with your gear loaded into the Osprey Atmos 35 Backpack. The sturdy but lightweight suspension system will make 25 pounds feel like next to nothing on your back, and the breathable mesh back panel lets air circulate to keep you cool under your pack. A zippered panel lets you easily get at your gear in the main compartment, and a hydration sleeve holds your water bladder (not included). Stow anything from a jacket to a bike helmet to your snowshoes in the welded stretch woven front pocket. Removable sleeping pad straps and dual ice axe loops speak to this backpack’s versatility spend the night in the woods in summer or ice climb in winter with the Atmos 35.
Product Reviews
Light, Versatile, Durable, Comfy Backcountry Pack
I have owned the Atmos 35 for over a year, and must have used it over 50 times (without ANY wear). The comfort afforded by the airmesh backpanel has the ability to make loads of almost 30 pounds feel like nothing. I started by using it for dayhikes, and there was more than enough room for my stuff, but the compression straps keep it tight and snug against your back. The hipbelt pockets are a great for snacks, camera, etc. The axe loops and ripcord clips can be used to carry trekking poles very securely. I moved on to overnight trips, and to my surprise, found that there was enough room for everything — including my Mountain Hardwear Raven 2 tent! The packed performed EXTREMELY well on several overnight trips. I have used my Atmos for longer mountain biking excursions when I need more room than my camelback could offer. Indeed, I found it to be more comfortable than the tiny camelback, despite being capable of holding about 20 times as much, even on a long bumpy ride. Now, into my second winter, I am finding that the pack works impeccably for snowshoeing (I found a way to strap snowshoes using side pockets and axe ripcord clips!), and its close conformance to the body make it great for backcountry nordic and touring applications. I went on a trip to the White Mountains two weeks ago involving 12 miles of x-c skiing in the woods while carrying snowshoes and lots of other gear. I could have asked for a better-functioning pack for that trip. I also found the pack to perform incredibly well during alpine climbs in the Presidential Range. Everything about this pack rocks. Those used to the traditional tube pack may be perturbed by the curved backpanel, but believe me — the space of 35 liters is there — you just have to get used to packing a little differently. The attention to detail is all there, the materials used are so light and so durable. My 2 pound Atmos doesn’t have a scratch after a year of HEAVY use. Oh, and I should mention — it is still the most comfortable pack I’ve ever put on my back!
OSPREY IS THE BEST
osprey packs are so super comfortable and look so cool. search no more. this pack is a perfect size for even long backpacking trips if you are using ultra light weight gear. and did i mention that this pack is SO COMFY!?
Osprey Packs Atmos 35 Overnight Backpack - 1900-2300 cu in
Price: $158.95
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Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack - 2800cu in
May 16, 2008
Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack - 2800cu in
Product Description
Price: $158.95
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The Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack includes all the features you need for overnight backpacking trips where you’d rather travel light than bring the kitchen sink. The Aerospace back panel provides plenty of support for 30 to 40lb loads without the need for heavy aluminum stays. Osprey added stretch Lycra front and side pockets in case you can’t get all your gear into the Kestrel 48 Backpack’s 2800cu inches of cargo space. Rain clouds on the horizon? No worries. This fully featured pack even has an integrated rain cover to keep everything dry while you make your way to camp.
Product Reviews
Osprey backpack Kestrel 48
This is my first backpack. I tried it once so far and was very pleased with it. The construction is vey well thought and looks to be of excellent quality. The online chat service from this site helped me make my decision and I thank them.
Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack - 2800cu in
Price: $158.95
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Osprey Packs Kestrel 38 Backpack - 2300cu in
May 16, 2008
Osprey Packs Kestrel 38 Backpack - 2300cu in
Product Description
Price: $138.95
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The Osprey Kestrel 38 Backpack includes all the features you need for a plush day of backpacking or climbing, and it holds just enough gear for an ultralight overnight trip. The Airscape back panel pads your back and keeps you cool while a peripheral steel rod increases support for heavier loads. Osprey used low-profile stretch-Lycra front and side pockets to create extra space when you can’t get everything inside the Kestrel 38 Backpack. This bag also includes an integrated rain cover for wet-weather hikes and Osprey’s Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment system to free your hands for a bit of scrambling.
Product Reviews
Very, Very Good Pack
Boughta a Kestrel 38 a while back. It is everything Osprey says it is and more!! I have the medium/large and it has 2300 cu. in. For me it is a bit too large for a short to mid day pack, but if you are going to use it in the summer time and you have all of the lightweight other small gear, it is a wonderful 2-3 night backpack. Or a great off season day pack? I loaded it up past the recomended weight capacity and it did not know the difference one bit. I expect this pack will keep on impressing me each time I use it? Very well thought out with the options Osprey added, and probably the best well made pack I have ever owned? including a couple of older Osprey’s that I have!! This Kestrel 38 pack amazes me with the options it has and the quality of the materials and functionality compared to it’s price? I would easily pay twice what they are priced at to get a pack this good. Absolutely no regrets.Buy One.
Osprey Packs Kestrel 38 Backpack - 2300cu in
Price: $138.95
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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
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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