Image by Bryan Mullaney
Don’t let the unassuming, dare we say boring nature of trekking poles fool you. These seemingly simple walking sticks boost energy, lessen fatigue and ease joint pain when you’re on the trail. Whether you head out for an afternoon jaunt or a month-long thru-hike, your knees and back will thank you for those trekking poles in your hands. Read More …
Hiking on hot days stresses your body. High exertion and temperatures boost your core body temp, and your heart beats quickly to circulate blood next to your skin’s surface to cool you down. This robs your muscles of the blood they need, so your heart needs to crank even harder to keep them firing. If the humidity is high, your sweat can’t evaporate, further stressing your body.
What can happen when your boots don't fit properly; photo by Andy Anderson
We wouldn’t trade our topouts or summits reached for much, but there are times when there is little better than enjoying a good flick and acting slightly self-indulgent on the couch after a long day on the trail. When Hollywood decides to escape the studio and get into the backcountry to tell a story, we’re doubly satisfied. We polled the office for the favorite Hollywood movies shot outside of the studio. Here are the results:
Glare is produced when light bounces off a flat surface and, instead of scattering in several directions, this light travels horizontally. When this light reaches your eyes, it results in reduced contrast and washed-out color in what you see—and it’s squint-inducing, even dangerous (your depth perception can be affected). A body of water, snow, and an asphalt road are all notorious producers of glare. A polarized lens’ primary function is to reduce this glare. Read More …
It’s a conundrum that has plagued many a backpacker: should I roll my tent neatly, or stuff it in any which way? First and foremost, we’d say to go with what the manufacturer suggests. But anyone who has bought a tent lately knows that they rarely offer specific advice. Read More …
The difference between water purification versus filtration is that purification eliminates viruses, whereas filtration does not. Most purifying systems use a chemical component to destroy viruses in addition to regular filtration. Read More …
For this Trip of the Month, we decided to do something different: plan ahead. Spring is the best time to book a flight to the Southern Hemisphere so you can make turns between June and October. Our friends down south are tuning their boards, dialing in their bindings, and waiting for the winter storms that will inevitably slam their major mountain ranges. We’re here to hook you up with a mini-travel guide, so grab your skis or your board, and head way south for an unconventional summer vacation. Read More …