Lake Tahoe Camping with Privacy: Book Review

  • October 13, 2019
  • by Inga

With Lake Tahoe Camping With Privacy: Your Guide To The Most Private Campsites Near Tahoe, Truckee, Sly Park, Union Valley Reservoir, And Beyond, the Wilke’s have added to their collection of information about private campsites in the Sierra. I found their other book, “Eastern Sierra and Death Valley Camping with Privacy,” to be very helpful …

MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit: Gear Review

  • July 30, 2019
  • by Inga

The MSR PocketRocket 2, representing an update of a long-running popular stove, the original PocketRocket, has been out for a couple of years. I recently had a chance to test it to compare to my original PocketRocket as part of a convenient MSR Mini Stove Kit. Light backpackers love items that nest together efficiently and …

The One one-person tent from Gossamer Gear

  • June 21, 2019
  • by Inga

Gossamer Gear The One tent is a one-person tent that hits all of my requirements in one small package. I’m picky about one-person tents, more so than with a two-person tent. Most two-person tents I’ve tested inherently feel bigger and have enough headroom, if only because they are obviously wider. One-person tents, however, can look coffin-like …

Therm-A-Rest Down Pillow

  • October 30, 2018
  • by Inga

The Therm-a-Rest Down Pillow is a versatile down shell that can be wrapped around an inflatable pillow or clothing to provide a good night’s sleep. The pillow is stuffed with 650 Fill Hydrophobic down and has a cinchable cord that contains the inner padding of the user’s choice. I readily admit that a pillow is …

Favorite Backpacking Snacks

  • September 18, 2018
  • by Inga

Is it just me or has there been an explosion of healthy snacks in the last couple of years? When I think back to the days when we thought Power Bars were revolutionary, I realize how many wonderful choices we have now. I had the opportunity to test some new products this year and thought …

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite inflatable mattress

  • August 13, 2018
  • by Inga

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite inflatable mattress is a marvel of warmth in a small package. I was still using the very first NeoAir model, which was revolutionary when it came out but only had an R-Value of 2. The NeoAir XLite has an R-Value of 3.2. It doesn’t sound like much but it was noticeably …

Sierra Designs Women’s Nitro 800, 0 degree sleeping bag

  • August 12, 2018
  • by Inga

I’ve been testing the Sierra Designs Nitro 800 sleeping bag all summer and can report that it’s a very warm bag that is lightweight and comfortable. I love my other bag, the zipperless Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed, but when the temps dip down into the teens and 20s, I prefer the added warmth of a mummy …

Gossamer Gear 60 Mariposa Pack Review

  • April 21, 2018
  • by Inga

For a lightweight pack, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa feels beefy. The shoulder straps and hip belts are thick and sturdy. You can feel the slim metal frame that provides support when you grasp the top of the pack. A foam pad provides additional structure and support to the back and doubles as a removable sit …

Gossamer Gear Lightrek 4 (LT4S) Trekking Poles

  • February 11, 2018
  • by Inga

I never knew I needed ultralight trekking poles until I had the Gossamer Gear LT4S Trekking Poles. Not only are they feather light but they have a substantial cork-like grip that is exceedingly comfortable. Once you start weighing gear, it’s hard to go back. I’ve been trying to lighten my load, but I’m mostly focused …

Wild Planet tuna packets for backpacking

  • November 13, 2017
  • by Inga

Tuna packets are a popular foundation for backpacker lunches, providing needed calories and protein. The Mylar packages are relatively convenient in the backcountry, being single serve and shelf stable. I’ve regarded them as a treat due to their weight but as I’ve tired of other lunch options they have become a more important component for …

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