Montane Minimus – Ultralight Rain Shell

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Every once and a while you come across a piece of gear that screams quality and functionality. When I find such items I share them here, on my blog, with you. Trust me when I tell you that there are hundreds of products that I get asked to review that do not make it onto [..Read More..]

Nite Ize Inova Swipe-to-Shine Microlight

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I’ll be totally honest with you, I do stay up to speed on flashlight technology. I have several reliable, small LED flashlights that I use as part of my EDC or for backpacking and they work so well for what I need that I have been able to essentially ignore this space. One of the [..Read More..]

The Amazing Flex O Loc Key Ring

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I’m always on the lookout for gear improvements. Whether it’s a better backpack, shelter, jacket, or even something as small as a keyring – I’m comparing and analyzing. As it turns out, so are many of you! About a month ago I posted a photo on Instagram (shown below) in order to share my EDC [..Read More..]

In Search of Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassadors

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Are you an enthusiastic advocate for ultralight or lightweight backpacking, eager to pass along your outdoor skills and experience to other hikers? Do you volunteer your time with hiking clubs or conservation organizations? If this sounds like you, then I encourage you to apply to the Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador program. Read on for details… [..Read More..]

The Xband Minimalist Wallet

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I’ve written several times about my fascination with minimal wallets and my compulsion to slim down the items that I carry in my wallet. So it should come as no surprise that I am back at it again, this time with a truly unconventional looking wallet. Weighing in at only 4.7g (0.16 oz) the Xband [..Read More..]

CleverHiker.com: Interview with Dave Collins

I recently had some time to talk with Dave Collins from CleverHiker.com about his new project and I figured I would do a quick write-up to cover our discussion. Dave is a determined and passionate hiker with a vision to help spread the benefits of lightweight and ultralight hiking techniques. He is currently looking for [..Read More..]

Ten Outdoor Gift Ideas For Under $50

The Leatherman Squirt PS4: Hands down one of my favorite mini-tool options for backpacking and every day use. It has just the right combination of features, it’s extremely well made, and light enough to carry without ever knowing your have it with you. If you’re not sure about getting one – just get one! REI [..Read More..]

The New & Improved Butterfly Wallet

Thought I’d share a quick update on one of my all time favorite pieces of ultralight urban gear, the Butterfly Wallet. Several months ago I shared my thoughts on the original Butterfly Wallet that I had been using for some time and many of you liked what you saw. A lot of you bought one, [..Read More..]

A Real Test for Odor-Proof Bags

I use LiteTrail NyloBarrier odor-proof bags to store my backpacking smellies in when I’m out on the trail. I use the PCT bear bag hanging technique most of the time to make sure that bears can’t get to my goodies and so far it’s been completely successful. How do I know if my odor-proof bags [..Read More..]

Winners: Flat Cat Gear Cookset Giveaway!

The official weight of the entire Flat Cat Gear Snow Leopard Cookset including the Snow Peak Hybrid cook system, was 257.6 grams according to my digital scale. Based on all of the entries that were submitted I’ve selected the two closes guesses. So without further delay the winners are… In 1st place and the winner of [..Read More..]