Opinion about 3-in-1 jackets: less performance for the price?

The title might sound harsh but when it comes to 3-in-1 jackets, my personal feelings are strong. I just cannot find the reason 3-in-1 jackets exists. As I like gear and I try to go outdoors as much as possible, I often get questions from my friends and family. They are starting to go hiking… Continue reading Opinion about 3-in-1 jackets: less performance for the price?

An Ultralight down jacket is on the gear list of many outdoor adventurers. Although not as warm as heavier down parkas, most of us – with a proper layered system – will never need the warmth of a 600g+ Down jacket. If you are not going to do high summits or polar expeditions and you… Continue reading Your next ultralight down jacket: 10 options for fall-winter adventures

A classic layer system for three-season outdoor pursuits could be something similar to this: baselayer, midlayer, insulation layer and shell. This allows you to add and remove layers depending on the weather and level of exertion to keep you body at the perfect temperature. We’ve talked at length about ultralight down jackets as insulation layers.… Continue reading Midlayers for 2016: the most versatile pieces in a layer system

We set off early on a Saturday morning from Barcelona. 5 in a small car, 5 ready to spend a great weekend away from the concrete, the noise and the rush of the city. The park of Aigüestortes, in the north-west of Catalunya, is one of the most beautiful places in this region of Spain. Lakes,… Continue reading Photo trip report: Pic de Peguera, Aigüestortes park, Catalunya

Wood fire cooking: treat yourself in the wild

I don’t think there is any backpacking cooking method that tops a basic wood fire. Many people aren’t afforded the luxury of real wood fires when out in the wilderness due to fire bans and the like, but up here in the Pacific Northwest the world is still wet enough, even in the middle of a hot summer, that we can usually get away with a little open flame, permits and regulations permitting, of course.