Sleeping pads get used for more than just sleeping. Especially in the middle of seven straight rain days.
Camping as a kid my sleeping pad options were pretty simple. Do I want a black foam pad or a blue foam pad? These days, there are hundreds of different options to choose from, and they all seem to be designed for some very specific task, so getting the right one can actually make a difference. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision: Read More …
Fixing this crushed wheel in the parking lot with wrench, screwdriver, hammer, spoke tool, and two beers.
Downhill races are hard on bikes. I think I’ve seen everything: broken cranks, blown tires, taco’d wheels, and just about anything else that can go wrong. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then check out Matti Lehikoinen’s crash at Leogang. His mechanics had his bike back in working condition in about the time it takes to ride the lift to the top, and it was running smoothly enough to let him qualify for 4th the next day. We mortal riders don’t have a team mechanic or a van full of enough spare parts to build three new bikes, but anyone who races should at least have the parts and tools to get their rig running after a bad off.
Perhaps you’ve noticed a lot of confused people down at the waterfront lately—the poor fools think they’re supposed to surf standing on flat water with a big canoe paddle in hand. What’s their deal? Fortunately, before you look silly pointing out their folly, someone straightens you out: those folks are bobbing around on stand-up paddleboards, and they’re actually having a great time doing it.
We were confused too at first, but once the sport caught our attention, we set out to do some learnin’ and figure out what stand-up paddleboarding is all about. Read More …
Hey, Dad! (a.k.a. Grampa)
At the Beacon, we don’t discriminate. Just as we did for our Mother’s Day Gear Gift Guide, we’re doing the same for Father’s Day.
Here’s a list of 10 gear gifts that you can get Dad for under $50, including shipping.
Since it’s early in the week, ship it USPS Priority … but if you procrastinate, you’ll have to go with 2nd Day or Next Day Air.
Have a better idea? Post them here. You could also take Pro Athlete Andrew McLean’s lead and make a wish list on Backcountry.com.
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 …
Choosing Your Water Weapon (Paddle)
Photo by Tommy Chandler
As the boat is the most important purchase in kayaking, the paddle certainly should not be an afterthought. As paddle sizing is dictated by your size, boat size, and type of paddling you will do, selecting the appropriate paddle that suits you and your budget will take a little research. We’ll start with a key feature associated with all kayak paddles and basic terminology of paddling techniques. Read More …
Photo courtesy of Jody McCurty, #1,266 on the Leaderboard
Kayak Basics: What Floats Your Boat
Sure, every kayak floats. (If it doesn’t, that’s going to be a major issue). But there are so many available in every shape, size, and price range, that it can be a bit mind-boggling for the paddling newbie to muddle through the choices. Here we’ve compiled a simple breakdown of kayak types and features to steer you in the right direction—because you wouldn’t want to take a touring kayak through Class IV rapids, nor would you want to take a nimble little recreational boat on a multiday flat-water paddling trip. 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 …
biv·ouac
1 : a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter
2 a : encampment usually for a night b : a temporary or casual shelter or lodging
Minimalists, who are a hearty bunch, prefer an almost ascetic style in their backcountry shelter setups, and while we may not all ascribe to the quick, light, and often, solo ethos, the minimalist way can be exhilaratingly liberating. Whether you’re planning to make record time on a trail or want the security of an emergency backup shelter, a bivouac is an essential piece of gear for every backpacker. That said, here are a few that we like ranked from ultra-minimalist to more rugged expedition grade designs:
Last week we got you dialed on the different types of ropes; read on to learn about rope ratings, how to choose the right rope length, and how to properly care for your rope. Read More …
Trail running is hard. Seriously, hard—anyone who tells you it ‘just comes easily to them’ has access to illegal drugs we haven’t encountered here in Utah. But those who know the joy of pushing through the burn will tell you that you can do quite a bit to make running far more comfortable and enjoyable—specifically, you can select the right pair of trail running shoes. Read More …
Shoes to packs, hit the trails.
Backcountry house-hunting, simplified.
Stay dry out there.