The MSR HyperFlow Will Pump You Up
May 29, 2008
MSR leads the way in water filtering technology.
By Jake Kulju
When you are out in the wild, one of the most important things you need is water. Campers, hikers, bikers and climbers all need fresh, drinkable water to stay healthy and happy while in the outdoors. Back in the day this meant staying upstream from the cattle herd, but nowadays it is a lot more complicated.
From parasites to pollution, drinking untreated water is just plain a bad idea.
The most newsworthy method of water purification these days is the MSR HyperFlow water filter. Water filters have been on the market for decades, but haven’t captured the hearts of every outdoors enthusiast. While many serious backpackers forego any thought of using a filter due to size, speed and maintenance issues and opt for chemical treatments, the HyperFlow is quickly changing minds. This light, tight little filter is about the size of a portable bike tire pump and—get this—it pumps out a voluminous 3 liters of filtered water per minute. The competition doesn’t even come close, especially when you factor in that it weighs less than half a pound: 7.4 ounces.
The technology of the HyperFlow’s filter cartridge is responsible for its amazing size and speed. The cartridge is a bundle of hollow, porous tubes housed in a wire-mesh pre-filter casing. Water is forced through the open tubes and filtered through small pores at lightning speed. The system clears water of contaminants as small as 0.2 microns, which includes giardia, cryptosporidium and E. coli (the most common infectious contaminant). Just when you think it can’t get better, you learn that it lasts through 1,000 liters of filtering. Wowza.
So, to recap: the MSR HyperFlow water filter weighs less than a cup of water, pumps 3 liters of water per minute, packs up to the size of a portable bike pump and filters contaminants down to 0.2 microns. At less than $100, you can’t afford to not get it. Now that this technology is out blazing through water, we can’t wait to see what comes next.
In case you still aren’t sold on the HyperFlow, look at it this way: with less than 30 pump strokes you can have a liter of potable drinking water from a filter that is smaller, lighter and faster than anything else on the market. The pump also includes a locking nozzle and a cap that fits over standard water bottles.
Call us when you convert. We know you will.
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 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
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!
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
Buy Now
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
Buy Now
Preparing Your Feet for the Long Trail
May 8, 2008
By John Vonhof
Put together a group of people planning for the long trail and ask them about preparation and you will likely get the stock answers: packs, sleeping gear, food, clothes, and footwear. Not too many will answer “Feet.”
Without proper preparation, you will likely spend time on the side of the trail, trying to fix your feet or modify your footwear in order to continue. Whether your long trail is several hundred miles, or several thousand, preparing your feet is essential. With summer hiking almost here, let’s look at ways we can prepare our feet.
Time on Your Feet
It is important to spend time on your feet—in the shoes and socks you will wear on your hike. You can get by with minimal feet time for a short trail, but the long trails require a strategy. Put in enough hours to help your feet adapt to the stresses to which they will be subjected. If you train by doing six-hour hikes, you will be really good at doing a six-hour hike. Learn from successful ultrarunners who know the importance of at least one long training session per week and add a long session to your week’s routine. As you get closer to your start date, make the sessions longer and more closely resemble what you will encounter on the trail.
The weight of your pack and the change it means to your gait will have a stressing affect on your feet. Just as important is learning to do back-to-back training days. Teaching your feet how to adapt to long sessions, on consecutive days, will further your odds of success.
Strengthen Your Feet and Ankles
Long distance hikers need strong ankles, feet and toes. Maneuvering over bad trails and roads, and going cross-country, with a loaded pack, is easier when your feet are used to such stresses. A turned ankle will ruin your day and possibly your trip.
One key to strong feet and ankles is conditioning. The body needs power and strength. Legs are strengthened for climbing hills and backs and shoulders for the stress of wearing a pack. But conditioning means more than getting your body in condition. It also means getting your feet into the best shape possible for continued hiking.
Strengthen your feet and ankles with several exercises:
- Stand on one foot on a pillow or similar soft and unstable cushion and try to maintain your balance, first with one foot and then the other. As your ability to balance increases, move into short controlled up and down knee bends.
- Balance with one foot flat on the ground and the other leg bent back at the knee, as if you were in the normal support phase of a running stride. Start at 30 seconds at a time and practice until you can hold your balance for several minutes. When you have mastered this step, close your eyes and do the same thing. Repeatedly losing your balance and then recovering gradually strengthens the ankles even more. Doing this exercise with your eyes closed retrains you to quickly react to changes as your nerve endings detect a twist or turn when the foot hits the ground.
- Stand on one leg and slowly rise all the way up onto your toes and then slowly lower your heel to a flat foot. Balance yourself as necessary. Start with 25 repetitions and work up to 50 daily.
Healthy Feet Are Flexible
Healthy feet should be flexible. You can increase flexibility with simple stretching exercises. They include walking barefoot, using bare feet to pick up one marble at a time, scrunching a towel with bare toes, and writing the alphabet with your toes.
Keep Your Toes Happy
Toenails that are too long can rub against the front of your shoes and catch on your socks, which can lead to a black toenail, wear holes in your socks, and cut into other toes. Toenails should be trimmed regularly, straight across the nail—never rounded at the corners. Leaving a bit of nail on the outside corner of the big toe will help in preventing an ingrown toenail. After trimming toenails, use a nail file to smooth the top of the nail down toward the front of the toe and remove any rough edges.
Skin Care
Use a moisturizer, like Skin MD Natural, on your skin to avoid hardened skin and callus buildup. Pay special attention to the heels, the balls of the feet, and the bottom of the toes—especially the small baby toes.
Understand your Calluses
Calluses are controversial. A callus is thickened skin caused by recurring pressure and friction—usually a sign of ill-fitting footwear. Many people feel calluses help protect their feet from blistering. Others have blistered underneath calluses and know that these deep blisters are almost impossible to drain and treat. My suggestion is to work at reducing your calluses with creams and file them as smooth as possible.
Think Comfort
In order to cover many miles, day after day, your footwear needs to fit well. That means wiggle room in the toe box, a heel that grips, supportive and cushioned insoles, and shoes or boots are comfortable. Do not skimp on socks. You should use only moisture wicking socks that have a flat toe seam. Toss them when they become threadbare on the bottom.
Work Our the Kinks
Work out the kinks before you hit the trail. Find the best shoes and socks for your feet. Learn how to trim your toenails and reduce calluses. Select the proper insoles that provide support to relieve any pre-existing foot problems. Strengthen your feet and ankles. Know how to patch blisters and what should be in your foot care kit.
Feet that are conditioned and cared for will reward you with many good miles. We can all remember a hike where we were unprepared and our feet gave us problems. With a little effort, we give ourselves a better chance at success on the long trails.
By John Vonhof - Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes; 4th Edition, 2006, Wilderness Press. Subscribe to the free Fixing Your Feet Ezine and Happy Feet blog at www.fixingyourfeet.com.
Backpack Sizing Charts
May 7, 2008
Fitting your backpacking is super important, as once you load it down the shape and fit will tweak and mold around you after you tramp some miles with it. Below is a collection of leading backpack manufacturer’s sizing charts.
- Kelty Backpack Sizing Chart
- Black Diamond Backpack Sizing Chart
- Arc’teryx Backpack Sizing Chart
- Mountain Hardwear Backpack Sizing Chart
- The North Face Backpack Sizing Chart
- Granite Gear Backpack Sizing Charts
- Osprey Backpack Sizing Charts
- Marmot Backpack Sizing Chart
- Gregory Backpack Sizing Chart
You need test your new pack out! Go ahead an order online but make sure you take it for a good shake down loaded up with as much gear as possible before you commit to a long distance hike with it!
Granite Gear Backpack Sizing Charts
May 7, 2008
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