The Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 is a very lightweight, compact backpacking tent (3 lbs. 6oz., 16 in long packed). It is a freestanding tent and does not require trees or other structure for pitching. In researching this purchase, I found that the tent received great reviews across the board, unlike many high-end backpacking tents that seemed to have a common flaw or two.

After having the chance to test the tent out, I am glad to say that I can offer a very positive review of my own. As noted, the light weight and small packed size of the tent allow very easy packing, whether in a backpack or car.

Setup

The Seedhouse SL2 could literally not be easier to set up. There is double Y shaped pole, that practically puts itself together. Laying the tent body flat, the pole hooks into 4 rivets at each corner, and then onto a number of plastic hooks up and down the tent’s exterior. The tent comes with a number of small, lightweight aluminum stakes that I didn’t even need a mallet to slap into the ground. Overall, setup took less than 5 minutes.

Interior space

As an ultralight 2 person tent, the Seedhouse SL2 has a somewhat limited interior, and may not be the best option for larger persons. However, I found the fit plenty roomy for my wife and I who are both average height/weight. It was definitely a comfortable fit for the two of us, but became decidedly cramped and uncomfortable when our dog decided to come in for a visit. The tent offers a small pocket over the door for storing items such as books, glasses, etc and we also had enough room to store shoes/pack/etc. at the foot.

Build/Exterior

One great aspect of the SL2 is that it is essentially a tub floor with a mesh body, providing plenty of ventilation and great views of the stars. For colder, or inclement weather the tent comes with a full rain fly that covers the entire tent, providing plenty of protection. Although, I have yet to face any harsh weather during this beautiful summer, I am confident that so long as the fly is staked out and taught it will fully protect from the elements.

Cons

The only real drawback of this tent that I’ve experienced thus far is the door is slightly difficult to use, particularly with the fly on, as there are two separate doors in which the zippers did not align. The door is also angled upward, which could allow rain to seep in, if opened during a storm. However, I’d prefer not to be heading outside in a storm anyway, so I’m not that concerned about this small flaw.

One final note—the SL2 is a backpacking tent and I would not recommend using it as an everyday camping tent. Designed to be as light as possible, the tent felt rather flimpsy and susceptible to quicker wear and tear. I would definitely worry about the all-mesh exterior, particularly with a dog that didn’t quite understand and thought he could walk right in and out. At over $300, the SL2 is decent investment that I plan to use strictly for what it was made for –backpacking and other ultralight applications. I will be using a cheaper, larger, more heavy-duty tent for car camping. I’d also recommend purchasing the footprint that retails around $50, to protect the tent floor from quick wear and tear.

Big Agnes is a local Colorado company, located in Steamboat Springs. They offer a limited lifetime guarantee of their products. The Seedhouse SL2 retails around $319, but be sure to shop for sales; I found it on sale at Backcountry.com for $225.

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My fiancé had been watching my pathetic display of loyalty to this stinky, disintegrating day pack and decided to take action. For my birthday, he surprised me with a new CamelBak: the L.U.X.E. “It’s the women’s-specific version of the M.U.L.E.,” he said, grinning. He could tell from the way my face lit up that he’d done well.

After only one ride, I understood why the L.U.X.E. is dubbed “the women’s mountain bike pack by which all others are judged.” Here are five reasons why you’ll love it:

• Curved, narrow shoulder straps. I have a smaller torso than most guys, so I appreciate the LUXE’s close-set shoulder straps. Even better, the straps are designed to follow the contours of a woman’s body (i.e.: they don’t squash your chest).

• Higher sternum strap for greater stability, with a woman’s body in mind.

• MP3 player pocket located just behind the neck for easy access. The fleece-lined pouch is also perfect for a digital camera, and is protected from the elements by a weatherproof zipper.

• Cargo Space. Like the M.U.L.E., the L.U.X.E. has a 100-ounce bladder and 500 cubic inches of cargo room. With two zippered pouches for dry storage and two open compartments for easy access, I have space to carry all I need for a full day’s ride in any climate.

• Cool color scheme. The black/beetroot is just plain sexy (also comes in blue/silver and brindle/silver). CamelBak added reflective piping on the outer pack for greater visibility at night.

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Smearing is pressing the sole of your shoe against a flat, featureless part of the wall, relying on the friction from your shoe’s rubber and the wall to hold you up. It’s a very important technique for climbers to learn, and unlike most of the other tactics known to climbers, a large part of smearing depends on what gear you have.

That said, I’ve got to give some love to the Mythos. After a season of scrambling feet, it’s great to have a climbing shoe that is great for smearing. La Sportiva’s Mythos shoe is a sticky-soled, comfortable climbing shoe that’s useful on any surface.

The Mythos scores on two huge areas-grip and fit:

Grip
The Vibram XS grip is outstanding, as well-it’s like I’m a completely different climber. Footholds that were inconceivable are now child’s play, and I’m finding myself able to smear on most surfaces.

Fit
The upper consists of a stretchable leather that molds to your feet instead of squeezing it into the shoes’ shape, and the flat-toes fit makes it an extremely comfortable shoe. As if that weren’t enough, the laces wrap around the heel to minimize shoe slippage while you’re on the wall, making it ideal to wear on the wall or while you’re waiting for your next climb.

It’s a great all-around option for those of us who can’t afford shoes for every type of climb-comfortable enough not to scare off a beginner, but sticky enough to please the veteran.

VIsit La Sportiva for more info, or take my word for it and pick them up here.

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I’ve gotten running form and workout nutrition down fairly well, but other things are a little tougher for me to adapt to. Style things. Things like running spandex, or those short shorts, things like those water bottle fanny packs that hardcore runners wear.

I don’t know that I’ll ever be rocking the spandex, but after my little heat-induced revelation, I learned pretty fast that I’d need hydration on the run. So I sucked up my pride and bought the coolest-looking waist hydration system that I could find-the Solitaire HHS by Ultimate Direction. It features a singular bottle instead of those mini bottles scattered around the perimeter and it even has a nice little pocket above the bottle to store little snacks like Gu and Jelly Belly Sport Beans. The 24 oz. Bottle is stored in the back and comes out of either side for easy access. Convenient water at a minimal cost to my style-how could I go wrong?

Any number of ways, apparently. Starting out my run, I was hugely disturbed by the bouncing weight at the small of my back. Fortunately I didn’t have to put up with it for long, because the bottle fell out before I got 100 feet away from my car. I stopped, trying to avoid eye contact with the other people on the trail, and put it back in. It promptly fell out again. And again. After a very frustrating half-mile, I ditched the belt and tried to run with the bottle in my hand…until the top started leaking water everywhere, sending a spray of water in a frustrating arc every time my arm swung forward. I’m not sure which is more embarrassing to do in public: to fling water everywhere or to yell at a half-empty bottle. I can tell you that both were pretty bad.

To make matters worse, my best friend, who had opted to go with the geekier (but far more effective) Ultimate Direction Thunderbolt model with the smaller bottles disbursed throughout the belt, smugly finished his run fully hydrated.

Luckily, I snaked a mini bottle from him and survived my run.

It was a shame because I’m usually a big fan of Ultimate Direction with their neat-o Kicker valve. I have their Wasp hydration pack, and I’ve been hugely pleased with it, so I’m not ready to give up on them yet. I’m going to try the hand-held Fastdraw Extreme next time. Wish me luck…

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By Jake Kulju

If you’re like me, you hate it when your headlamp or flashlight starts dimming from weak batteries—especially when you’re on a camping trip. Having adequate lighting is an essential need when in the wilderness, especially on backpacking and canoeing trips that require map navigation. Toting spare batteries with you is just another thing to carry and dig around for in your pack, not to mention the possible leakage and environmental threats that they pose.

Thankfully Everlite™ has developed EL-8 solar powered LED headlamp. The unit requires no conventional disposable or rechargeable batteries and satisfies the “greenies” who like running off the grid and escaping the polluting bonds of alkaline batteries. Everlite’s slogan “Plug Into the Sun” is as catchy as it is accurate—each hour of sun charging gives approximately two hours of bright white LED light.

Compact, light and easy to pack, this 5-LED headlamp is powered directly off a 0.73-watt solar panel. But don’t worry—the panel weighs a paltry 3 ounces and comes with adhesive hook-and-loop patches so it can be attached to your pack or tent to soak up some rays.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Up to 12 hours of continuous use on one charge
• Optional adapter cords let you charge cell phones and other electronic devices like mp3 players and GPS locators from the solar panel
• Operating modes include bright, photocell, dim and blinking
• Light blinks at low battery status
• Li-Ion battery is light, powerful and rechargeable for eco-friendly and reliable lighting
• Battery charge indicator lets you know how much power you’ve got left
• Headlamps weighs 6.3 oz—less than half a pound
• Retail price is around $50, a deal for such an innovative product

The bottom line on this awesome Everlite product is a simple, light-weight, powerful 5 piece LED headlamp you can take anywhere that doesn’t require conventional batteries, can charge your GPS and cell phone and is good for 12 hours of light, should you need it.

Check it out at www.newlite.com.

Jake Kulju is an outdoors writer and guidebook author. Visit his web site at www.jakekulju.com.

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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.

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Product Description

Price: $398.95
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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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Product Description

Price: $278.95
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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
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Product Description

Price: $268.95
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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
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Product Description

Price: $248.95
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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
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