Living in Seattle, there’s no shortage of outdoors enthusiasts; they’re everywhere. So it always amazes me when I run into someone claiming to be an avid backpacker who’s never moved beyond his $20 Walmart bag. While that type of “value bag” may work for someone who does the bulk of his camping in his backyard, … Continue reading »
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Hoka Mafate Crashes the Party!
The Hoka Mafate is crashing the minimalist running party. With the book “Born to Run”, evangelizing about running barefoot by emulating the Tarahumara Indians. The author, McDougall, indicates that the Tarahumara Indians have fun running and do it their entire lives with minimal injury. Crashing the party are two avid, intrepid French outdoorsman, strolling in … Continue reading »
Backpacker Selects Weeklong and Weekend Packs!
The 2010 Backpacker Gear guide recently selected the Osprey Aether 70 and the Osprey Ariel 65 as the heavy duty workhorses for weeklong backpacking endeavors. The long main compartment zipper provides convenient accessibility to your gear and the harness system provide a soothingly comfortable fit. Select your backpack at a comfortable MPGear price. Also making … Continue reading »
Free National Park Entrance Days!
This weekend, June 5-6, the National Parks will waive entrance fees to over 100 National Parks. Now is the time to load up those new backpacks and hit the trails.
This Man May Already Be Sleeping In Your Bag!
Europe has created a sleeping bag test criterion that is slowing making its way across the Atlantic. Taking effect in several European countries, this criterion provides four temperature results: Upper Limit: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep without excessive perspiration. Comfort: the temperature at which a standard woman can expect to sleep … Continue reading »
Nemo Nano Elite Tent Reviewed by Gear Junkie
T.C. Worley, of the Gear Junkie, posted a glowing review of the Nemo Nano Elite Tent. The tent was spotlighted, among other things, for its outstanding performance and popularity among adventure racers. You can read the review in its entirety here. And now that you’re eager to buy, you can purchase the tent (with a … Continue reading »
Expresso, Espresso, Australia!
Hey, mates! Heading down under this week to Australia. Should be a fantastic trip. There is one thing I worry about when heading overseas, and that is the coffee. So to ensure that I get me fix of the black gold, cupped lightning, liquid energy, morning thunder, I’ll bring my, never go anywhere without it, GSI … Continue reading »
MPGear Staff Picks – Stoves
A little guide illustrating some of the main differences between liquid fuel and canister stoves. Continue reading »
Backpackers Cookware Delight
MPGear has three material styles of hiking cookware on sale, all from MSR. First, there is the ultralight titanium cookware system, the Titan Mini cookware. Second, for those backpacking aluminum lovers, the Blacklite Classic Cookset. Lastly, for those who need durable, heavy use backpacking pots, MPGear has the stainless steel Alpine 2 Pot.
Nemo Cosmo Air – Stylish and Comfortable
Remember the show Seinfeld? Of course you do. Surely, then, you’ll remember a wacky, yet lovable character on the show named Cosmo Kramer. Nemo’s Cosmo Air has nothing in common with Cosmo Kramer, but it was fun to think about Kramer for a moment, wasn’t it? Oh, that crazy guy… You know what the Cosmo … Continue reading »
Mother’s Day Tent Sale!
The Mother’s Day tent sale at MPGear has just been activated. If you are looking for a tent for your wife, your mother, or your family, now is the time to get shopping. For a limited time, and you do realize that Mother’s Day is only a couple days away, MPGear has reduced the price … Continue reading »
Those Folks are Tent Smart at Nemo!
The Nemo design team has incorporated a modular vestibule setup option for their new lightweight backpacking tents, the Espri 2P and the Espri 3P. This provides the backpacker with a choice of fly and tent vestibule options, tent vestibule modularity. Many hikers span their time in the backcountry over three seasons, hiking overnight, on multi-day … Continue reading »
Wider is Better! Zipp 101!
Discerning Triathletes and roadies alike can now take advantage of Zipp’s two decades of aerodynamic technology development. The newest lightweight wheelset from Zipp, the 101 aero aluminum wheelset is the first fully toroidal aluminum rim. Wind tunnel tested, Zipp has created a wheelset with a proprietary profile curve that extends across the braking surface. This … Continue reading »
Trail Weight, Packed Weight, Fly Weight, What?
One of the most frequently asked questions the folks at MPGear hear is, what is the difference among the three weights listed for one tent: trail weight, packed weight, and fast fly weight. Tent manufactures, such as Big Agnes and MSR supply this data to the diligent consumer to aid in good product research. If … Continue reading »
Barefoot Running – Here comes Zola Budd!
Zola Budd placed barefoot running on the world stage when she competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Her barefoot run became a side note when contact was made between her and fellow competitor Mary Decker. Today, barefoot running is gathering momentum thanks to the best-selling book by Christopher McDougall, “Born to Run”. Born to Run … Continue reading »
