For a lot of my camping, my “tent” is the bed of my Tacoma. I’m usually either parked for a few days at the crag or doing an alpine style push on something, and collapsing in the back of the truck 27 hours later. Recently, I went on a few backpacking trips and used the Black Diamond Lighthouse Tent, and I loved it!

The Lighthouse is a 2 person, 3 season tent, and one of the more roomier 2 person tents I’ve been in! When you set it up, it looks pretty darn tiny. However, after hopping in, you realize it’s got loads of space! The ceiling of the tent is 43 inches tall, so you can definitely sit up and move around in this tent.

You’d think that with being a spacious tent, it would also be heavier. Definitely not true with the Black Diamond Lighthouse. The tent weighs in at just over 3 lbs! Great for superlight backpacking, or anything where you’re wanting to shave off pounds.

Key Features of the Lighthouse

• DAC Featherlight poles- trim down on the weight even more, yet are still durable.
• Tent storage- BD has ingeniously separated the poles from the body of the tent in a unique stuff sack storage system. This way, you can keep the poles and the body separate, making it easy to divvy up gear amongst partners, or store different parts of the tent in different areas of your pack for maximum space efficiency.
• 1 Large front door, 1 small back vent
• Epic Fabric- Repels water while still being breathable.
• Floor- Made from SilNylon, so it’s truly waterproof

For lightweight backpacking in relatively good weather, this is the tent! Super light, durable, and, hey, a cool yellow color to boot! I’m a fan.

Check It Out! Black Diamond Lighthouse Tent

Climbing season! It’s here! Much like a kid at Christmas, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the days where it’s light enough that I can climb for 4 hours after my 5pm class, and it’s finally here! For my longer routes and all my crack climbing, I’ve been using my La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes.

The Mythos are the classic climbing shoe. Uber- comfortable yet high performance, these guys will get you up anything and you’ll still have your toes afterward. For both beginners and experts, this is a shoe you’re going to want to have!

Fit Info

The Mythos are notorious for stretching, as the are made of unlined leather, and I’d say mine definitely stretched. Be sure to size your Mythos down from your street shoe size (opposite of several other climbing companies, like 5.10, who say to size the same as your street shoe size). I’m normally a 37.5 in street shoes (and also my 5.10 Anasazis. Go 5.10 for being accurate with sizing!) and bought a pair of size 35 Mythos. the first 30 minutes or so were uncomfortable, but they’ve stretched out a ton and now fit just right. The Mythos are also significantly more narrow than any other climbing shoe I’ve tried on, especially through the ball of your foot. Again though, these shoes will stretch, so if you’re a bit on the wider side, worry not. Narrow footers, rejoice! The shoes expand to the needs of your feet, but won’t stretch past the tension you put on them, so they’ll stay narrow for you.

La Sportiva also incorporates their sweet Mythos lacing system into the shoes, keeping your heel locked down. It may take a bit of finagling before you get the fit just right for you, but it’s worth it. This keeps your heel down without having to create a shoe with a large and squeezing heel cup. This makes the shoe comfortable enough to wear all day on multi-pitch routes, yet snug and performance-oriented enough to use for those techie finger crack/slab climbing combos we find so often here in the Wasatch.

One side note about fit- I seem to have a small air bubble under the arch of my foot, and as I walk around after a bouldering problem or before I start a climb, that air squeaks out, making a lovely farting noise as I walk. It seems that I’m not the first person to get a case of the “Mythos Farts,” either. Doesn’t affect fit or performance at all, but it does seem to occur to several people who own the shoes…

Features

• Low profile toe fits easily into thin splitter cracks. Beware though- as you continue to jam those toes in, you’re wearing at your laces. Don’t be surprised if you’ve got to replace the laces once within the life of your Mythos.
• Vibram XS Grip outsoles- grippy grippy and perfect for smearing up Wasatch Slabs….
• Mythos lacing system- keep that heel locked down.

These are my go-to shoes for any multi-pitch route, smearing routes and all my crack climbing! For tech-heavy sport routes requiring very exact toe placements, I usually reach for my Five Ten Anasazis. My Mythos are definitely the most comfortable shoe I’ve owned. I’m psyched to see such a great hybrid of performance and comfort!

Check ‘Em Out! La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes

As a grad student, my summer break lasts all of a week and a half. However, over that week and a half, I’ve been cramming in lots of adventures, and all of them have involved my Deuter Guide 30+ pack.

I’ve had limited exposure to Deuter packs. The only other pack by Deuter that I’ve used is their massive NOLS pack, intended for huge loads and long periods of time. The Guide is a smaller, sleeker 30 liter pack (plus an extension), full of features. From the side zip to the ice tool holders, the guys and gals a Deuter have clearly put a lot of thought into the design of this pack.

Fit Info

The SL means that the pack is a women’s specific fit- shorter torso and slightly narrower overall. However- I’m usually a Small frame in BD packs, Arc’teryx packs and Marmot packs, and this SL torso was almost too short on me. If you’re normally on the border between a Small and Regular torso length, I’d say size up with this one.  Shoulder straps are set closer together, and are more narrow than on their regular packs. After wearing mine for a multi-day  backpacking trip and for several days at the crag, I’m impressed at how well this pack carries. Super comfortable with moderate loads! I’ve yet to toss more than 40 lbs in it, but if you’re carrying that much weight, you’re probably looking at a larger volume pack anyways…

The hip belt is conical and contoured up for women’s hips. It also comes with a Vari-Flex his belt  system, which allows the hip belt to pivot with you as you move over varied terrain. This distributes your load evenly, and adds to the carrying comfort of the pack. The hip belt is also removable, in case you want to go super-light one day.

Key Features of the Guide 30 SL Pack

• Compression straps- Make the pack smaller when you’ve got smaller loads. 2 on each side, bottom ones are a hybrid ski strap/compression strap.
• Hydration compatible
• Ice Axe loops- Different than the previous years of the Guide and most packs. No longer do you have to muck with threading your Axe upside down, and then pulling it up to secure it. The ice axe loops on the pack are more like keeper loops- picks of the axes feed into small loops and are secured both at the bottom and the top of the pack.
• Crampon storage- Top of the pack. You’ll need to toss some straps on the top yourself, but it’s reinforced and the right size for storing them.
• Side access zipper
• Rope carrier- Easy rope storage on the top of your pack.

My Overall Impression

I like it! Carries well, narrow profile, and enough cool features to make it interesting without being overwhelming. I’ll definitely be using mine for many adventures. There’s a few areas I think could use a bit of work, though.

• Top of the pack- Small! I’m used to stashing my day’s food, headlamp, cell phone, keys and my emergency kit in the top of my packs. That won’t all fit in this one. Also, the top of the pack is permanently attached to the pack by a piece of fabric. When you’ve got the pack completely full, the top of the pack doesn’t sit properly on top of it, because the fabric section limits how far you can pull the top over.
• Ski Holders- They’re sweet, and double as compression straps. However, when the pack is full, a pair of Karhu Berthas (100 underfoot) won’t fit in the straps. Too wide.
• Compression straps- How many people use a Ridgerest when they backpack? I’d be willing to say a large majority of people out there do. Why is it, then, that ALL pack manufacturers make their straps on the side just small enough that it’s a 30 minute wrestling match to get your Ridgerest onto the side of your pack? Certainly not just an issue with my Deuter Pack. Black Diamond, Arcteryx, Marmot, Gregory, they’re all guilty too. Would it hurt to make that strap 2 inches longer to eliminate all that frustration?

Our Retailers haven’t started carrying the Guide 30+ SL yet… But check out the Guide 35 for an idea on design and check back soon!

Backcountry. com has added another adrenaline-junkie, action sports, get rad online retail site to their quiver called HuckNroll.com. The new – strictly MTB site – launches today and has everything any XC, DH shredder needs including: frames, full bikes, helmets, gloves, armor, gogs, jerseys, pedals …. you get the drill.

Although many folks in the bike industry cringed at the birth of this site and said it would never survive, we’re going for it anyway. HuckNroll.com is stacked with dudes (and chicks) that live for laying rubber on dirt who will be able to offer pro customer service and online chat help, as well as proving pure stoke for the sport.

With brands like Shimano, Race Face, Truvativ, Avid, Easton, Gravity, Fox Racing, Troy Lee Designs, POC, Sombrio, Dakine, Endura, Zoic, Santa Cruz, Intense, Titus, Look and Rocky Mountain – need any mountain biker look further for killer gear.

HuckNroll.com joins Backcountry.com’s other bike-related sites: Chainlove.com (MTB ODAT), Bonktown.com (Road ODAT) and Realcyclist.com (Road Retail) to add another root of strength to its biking family.

Also, to help launch the site check out the video – http://www.hucknroll.com/mountainbike/dc/739/HUCKNROLLCOM-NAME-AND-CLAIM-SWEEPSTAKES.html – and enter to win $2,900+ in gear including a Intense Cycles Tracer VP Mountain Bike Frame.

The winning ways continue for Suunto Athletes as Matty Reed and Conrad Stoltz each added another win to their season totals. Reed won the Pan American Championships in Oklahoma City and Stoltz won the XTERRA Cup Series race in Michigan over the weekend.

On Saturday, Reed used a hot start to propel himself to the victory. He was second coming out of the water and then charged to the lead on the bike. Reed then used a dominant run to pull away from the field.

The win is the third for Reed this season. He won the Miami International Triathlon in March, Ironman California in Oceanside in April and was leading the St. Anthony triathlon last month before getting a flat tire.

Fellow Suunto athlete Conrad Stoltz is now two-for-two in XTERRA Cup Series races after winning at Fort Custer State Park on Sunday. Stoltz used his power on the bike to pull away from the field and never looked back. The win comes after last month’s season-opening victory in Las Vegas and puts Stoltz on top of the series leader board.

Stoltz will try to make it three wins in a row next week in Alabama. Reed and Stoltz both train and compete with Suunto’s t6c wristop, heart rate monitor belts and PODs.

Looking to keep your kids toesies comfy and covered in sustainable Merino fibers? Check out the latest offering from TEKO for the little ones. I dig Merino wool-blends for their moisture and odor management and I’m sure my kids will also appreciate the benefits of this natural fiber. Well, maybe I’ll appreciate their non-stinky feet after a summertime hike.

TEKO introduced two new socks for kids made with Merino wool. Here are the details.

Summit tekoMERINO™ KID’s Midweight Hiking

• The Summit Series offers a more relaxed fit and chlorine-free, undyed, organic tekoMERINO™ wool next to the skin. Teko kid’s socks have all the performance features that our adult socks have.
• Great for backpacking and extra warmth while hiking.
• Medium cushion throughout the entire sock
• Seamless toe
• Arch band
• Y-heel gore
• Style #3994 Kids sizing Small: shoe size 9-11.5 Medium: shoe size 12-2.5 Large: shoe size 3-6
• MSRP: $10.95

tekoMERINO™ KID’s MiniCrew

• Organic, chlorine-free tekoMERINO™ wool wicks moisture.
• Teko kid’s socks have all the performance features that our adult socks have.
• Seamless toes, arch brace, articulated Y-heel.
• Strike-zone cushioning in footbed.
• Comfort-stretch zones.
• tekoMERINO™ Wool: From Argentine farms that have been practicing environmentally-sound techniques for hundreds of years. The wool is shrink resistant and dyed with non-toxic dyes.
• tekoPOLY™ Recycled Polyester reinforced heel and toe for durability.
• Machine wash, tumble dry (or air dry).
• Style # 3902 Kids sizing Small: shoe size 9-11.5 Medium: shoe size 12-2.5 Large: shoe size 3-6
• MSRP: $10.95

More Info: Visit TEKOSocks.com

As ski season began winding down and climbing season winding up, I told myself I would finally buy a pair of approach shoes, instead of using my chacos for most approaches to climbs. I ended up settling on the Scarpa Women’s Quest Shoes.

The Quest Lady (women’s specific version of the Quest), is a great all around approach shoe. Similar to Scarpa’s Expresso and Zen shoes, the Quest is intended for slightly more technical needs than the Zen and is all leather, unlike the Expresso.

The Quest’s sole is a “climbing dot” sole, and looks very similar to those on other comparable approach shoes (La Sportiva Cirque Pros or B5s, for example). This climbing dot sole provides great traction, but unfortunately, not great durability. As with any approach shoe with this sole, it’s not going to last long if you’re wearing it as an every day shoe. Save it for when you really need the traction, and your rubber will perform the way you want it to.

Scarpa Quest Approach Shoes

• Solid leather upper. The Quest is all leather, unlike the Expresso, with has some synthetic material mixed in as well.
• Rubber toe randing. The randing on the Quest comes up higher than on the Zen, and the toe has a more defined edge. Perfect for edging your way up on a mellow climb.
• Rock shoe last- The Quest is built on a modified rock climbing shoe last, giving you that forward propulsion you feel when you put these shoes on. This lasting makes it easy to get on your toes and edge in these shoes.
• Climbing dot sole- Grippy grippy! I’ve been traipsing all over Little Cottonwood Canyon Granite in these guys, and I’m really impressed with how much traction they provide.

Overall, I’ve been very impressed with my Quests so far. Check back later for a report on season-long durability.

Buy Now! Scarpa Quest Shoe

Cyclists in search of the ultimate sweatband need look no further than Sweat GUTR(TM), described by senior coach Jake Rubelt of Carmichael Training Systems as “one of the few things that you can buy these days that really makes your riding and racing experience better.”

Sweat GUTR is the only sweatband that is completely saturation-proof. It is lightweight, fully adjustable, comfortable, easy to clean, and built to last. The band captures and channels dripping sweat, preventing it from running into your eyes and blurring your vision. The sleek design of the Sweat GUTR allows for improved air flow, while the sides of the band are vented for added flexibility and comfort.

“The sweatbands are great,” says Australian Defense Force cycling coach Mick Rand. “The guys I’ve trialed with have all given them the thumbs up.”

Duane Morrow, the first-place finisher in the wheelchair division of the 2007 Nashville Country Music Marathon, said Sweat GUTR is a “great product for all athletes, but especially for those of us on wheels!”

“I could tackle technical descents with confidence,” raves Cat 1 racer Malcolm Sawford.

Rite Aid professional cycling team member Peter Penzell says Sweat GUTR “actually works. (It’s) very comfortable and thin, simple yet effective. I would recommend it to anyone.”

The Sweat GUTR is available in two styles: a frost-colored band with a blue logo and a smoke-colored band with a white logo. The MSRP for the Sweat GUTR is $19.99.

More Info: Visit ProNetCycling.com

As you gear up for summer adventure, checkout the latest women’s footwear from Patagonia. These multi-sport shoes are built with a streamlined, feminine design, women’s specific 3DM triple-density 15% recycled EVA midsoles for women’s-specific cushioning and support.  All styles also feature a 30% recycled rubber Vibram outsole for excellent traction with a minimal footprint. 

Patagonia Bly

This low-profile boot was named for Nelly Bly, who made a 72-day trek around the world in 1889. Women as daring as Ms. Bly will appreciate a durable suede leather upper that fends off tough scrapes, and a polyester (40% recycled) mesh lining that breathes through sticky situations.

Buy Patagonia Bly Shoes – MSRP: $110

Patagonia Pinhook

Like lizards and desert lupine, the ventilated Pinhook thrives in canyon heat. The shoe has a suede and breathable mesh upper that won’t wilt in high temperatures; its polyester (40% recycled) mesh lining increases airflow.

Buy Patagonia Pinhook Shoes – MSRP: $100

Patagonia Kenosha

You’ll have this uncluttered suede and mesh multi-sport shoe on and off pronto. The adjustable straps on top and at the back provide a secure fit; An abrasion-resistant rubber rand adds protection.

Buy Patagonia Kenosha Shoes – MSRP: $90

Buy Now: Search for Patagonia Women’s Shoes

Just as promised, though a bit later than the original March 1 release date, Alpinist Magazine is up and running again, with issue 26 now available on the shelves. 

After naming Michael Kennedy new Editor-In-Chief on March 16, Height of Land Publications (owners of Backcountry Magazine and Telemark Skier Magazine) announced an April 15th release date for Alpinist 26.

After picking up 26, it seems that Height of Land Publications has been true to it’s claim of maintaining the high quality photos, minimal adds and large format that Alpinist has come to be known for. Issue 26 has some great articles about the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers, old school Everest Climbing, and the high caliber climbing stories its readers have become accustomed to seeing in Alpinist.

Check out the Alpinist Website for more info.

Looks like a great heart rate belt for those who spend time at the gym and the trails. Most gym equipment utilizes Polar’s frequencies, which has left Suunto out in the dark at the gym, but not so with the new Dual HRM belts from Suunto. Here are the details:

Building off the already successful comfort belt, Suunto’s Fitness Training line takes another step forward with the release of its new Dual Belt. The world leader in manufacturing sports precision instruments has created a new textile heart rate strap that works with gym cardio equipment and the Suunto wrist watches.

“The Dual Belt represents a big step toward technology integration and ease of use for the customer,” says Suunto Training Category Manager John Lally, “Suunto is committed to supporting heart rate training and guidance in a multitude of training environments; from the trail to the treadmill Suunto Dual Belt delivers the most accurate information to users looking to improve their fitness.”

The new chest strap utilizes two different transmission technologies, analog transmission and ANT digital radio transmission. ANT digital radio transmission is used with the Suunto training line (t3c, t4c and t6c), as well as the unique proprietary group heart rate monitoring device, the Fitness Solution. Analog provides open transmission that allows communication between the belt and cardio equipment at gyms. Now with the Dual Belt users can see real-time heart rate data transmitted to gym cardio equipment as well as on their wrist.

“With the new Suunto Dual Belt users can now receive heart rate guidance from heart-rate-ready gym cardio equipment in addition to Suunto t-line heart rate monitors and Suunto Fitness Solution in group exercise classes,” says Lally.

The Suunto Dual Belt still provides a snug and comfortable fit. It’s made from textile material and utilizes unique traction straps to keep it in place. The seamless length adjustment and central closing mechanism also provides maximum comfort for a one size fits all strap.

Battery life for the new Dual Belt is 200 hours. MSRP is $99.90.

The on and off rain here in SLC as of late hasn’t stopped me from getting out, thanks to my Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket.

As with all their jackets, the Arc’Teryx Beta LT Jacket comes with all sorts of sweet features. Before going into the little details though, lets talk about the fabric for a bit. The Beta LT is constructed using 320N Gore-Tex Pro Shell 3L material. This material consists of 3 layers (where the 3L comes from)- a internal Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane, 320N face fabric and a GORE Micro Grid Woven backer layer. This last layer, the Micro Grid, is the key difference between Arc’teryx shells and others on the market. It’s highly abrasion resistant and yet extremely breathable. This is the layer that really keeps that water off your back without feeling like you’re wearing a plastic bag.

Now, on to the cool little details that make an Arc’teryx Shell truly top of the line.

• The Beta LT is a hip length jacket, with a drop back hem, meaning your butt gets extra rain coverage from this jacket! The one hand pull cord makes it easy to cinch up the bottom of the jacket when the weather gets fierce.
• Pit Zips! Crucial for venting in fast changing weather.
• Vislon WaterTight zippers- on the front, pockets and in the pit zips, these zippers ensure that your shell is 100% waterproof, 100% of the time.
• Pockets- you’ve got 2 external hand pockets. 1 laminated pocket inside 1 of those external hand pockets, and 1 laminated internal chest pocket. Plenty of space for GUs, other snacks, an iPod, whatever you want to toss in there.
• Moulded zipper garages- when your zippers are all done up, there’s literally a little fabric “garage” for the zipper to pull in to, keeping your jacket as streamlined as possible.
• Hood- stowable (you’ve got a zippered compartment to compress it into) and helmet compatible. I could fit mine over both my Petzl Elios climbing helmet and my Smith Variant Brim ski helmet.
• Weight- a size medium is a measly 12.3 oz.

A few drawbacks to the Beta LT Jacket

• As with all Arc’teryx products, it’s on the expensive side. $500 dollars for a shell is expensive, no matter how you look at it.
• Because you’ve got that burly 3 layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell construction, the Beta LT doesn’t compress down as small as other shells, like a Marmot Pre-Cip might. However, it offers far superior water protection, so it’s worth the extra space in my book.

Buy Now: Search for Arc’teryx Beta LT

A monster weekend on the Triathlon schedule turned into a major success story for Suunto Athletes. Andy Potts won his second race in a row at the Wildflower Triathlon in California, Conrad Stoltz won the first XTERRA race of the season in Las Vegas and Emma Snowsill won the season opener for the Dextro Energy Triathlon- ITU World Championship Series in South Korea.

Suunto Athlete Andy Potts claimed victory at the Avia Wildflower Triathlon in Lake San Antonio, California. Potts stayed near the top of the field in the swim and the bike, before turning in a stellar run time to pull away from the group. The victory was the second in a row for Potts who won the St. Anthony’s Triathlon last week.

For the third year in a row Suunto Athlete Conrad Stoltz won the XTERRA West Cup in Las Vegas. Stoltz hung tough on the swim, battled into second on the bike before taking the lead for good on the run. Stoltz is off to a good start in his attempt to defend his XTERRA US Pro Series Championship title. Las Vegas was the first regional championship of the season for the new 8-stop nationwide XTERRA Cup Series.

Olympic Gold Medalist and Suunto Athlete Emma Snowsill claimed the inaugural Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series race in South Korea. Snowsill used a late surge in the run to claim victory. Suunto also served as the official timing and date partner of the race which was the first of eight in the Championship Series.

Potts, Stoltz and Snowsill all train and compete with Suunto’s t6c wristop, heart rate monitor belts and PODs.

As an outdoor enthusiast, I spend most of my time and free cash getting cool new toys like cams and harnesses. For this reason, I’m not super familiar with nice cars. I spend most of my time trashing my Toyota Tacoma, filling with with climbing gear, dogs and muddy people. So, I don’t really have a great breadth of knowledge regarding upscale vehicles. However, I recently came to a conclusion. It seems that a few brands within the outdoor industry seem to parallel nice car brands. Arc’Teryx was the first one that came to mind. Expensive, they’re much like the ferarris or a porsches of the climbing realm. They make very high quality equipment. Yet is it necessary to spend all that money to get a functioning product? No. But, ooo, man, does it feel nice to sit in luxury for a bit.

This was the case with my Arc’Teryx R280 Women’s Climbing Harness. Certainly the most expensive harness I’ve had my hands on, I was curious to see if the price difference ($135 new as opposed to a measly $45.95 for a basic Black Diamond Harness) was worth the comfort difference.

Basic Info

• All around harness
• Self locking buckles
• Fixed leg loops
• Weight: 10.1 oz
• Sizes XS thru XL

Pros of the Arc’Teryx R280

• Packable- The R280 gets practically as small as my Alpine Bod Harness, and weights near nothing. The plastic molded gear loops can be snapped on and off, so you can truly use this harness as a lightweight alpine harness. Mine squished down to the size of my two fists combined.
• Comfortable- Warp Strength Technology distributes the pressure of a fall or simply sitting in the harness throughout the entire waistbelt as opposed to simply throughout a single piece of one inch webbing with lots of padding (how harnesses are typically constructed). Despite being thinner than most harnesses, the change in the way this harness distributes weight makes it just as comfortable, if not more so.

Cons of the Arc’Teryx R280

• Pricey! Definitely the most expensive all-around harness I’ve seen.
• The drop seat attachment to the back of the harness isn’t as secure as some I’ve seen. A little time hiking with a pack on over the harness, and I’d managed to accidentally undo my leg loop keeper straps, accidentally dropping my seat.

Bottom line- Arc’Teryx makes a great, lightweight harness that has redesigned the way weight is distributed on your body. It was incredibly comfortable to climb in, and packed down very tiny- much smaller than I could get any other harness of equal comfort to compress down. Occasionally, it is nice to have a little luxury in your life!

Check it Out! Arc’Teryx R280 Women’s Climbing Harness

The Adaptor Coolmax Travel Liner is smooth and sleek.  The soft synthetic is a moisture managing fabric designed to get the sweat off you to keep your body theromregulated.  It is an awesome plus that using Adaptor Coolmax Travel sleeping bag liner legthens the life of your sleeping bag.

If you are unfamiliar with Coolmax, the fabric is awesome.  It feels silky and soft, and I have never met anyone who didn’t like the feel.  The Sea to Summit Adaptor is rather thin, and designed intensionally so.  There is loads of versatility in this liner.  If you are crashing on a friends couch, or staying in a sketchy hostel and do not want direct contact with the sheets, or to actually line the interior of your sleeping bag.  The Adaptor Travel Liner is not a blanket for warm, but  can add a few degrees to your sleeping bag comfort rating.  It is a technical liner for moisture control, and that is where bags and any soft good loose heat first.  It also takes the beating of repeated washings, so you don’t have to put your bag through it.

While the liner has four season adaptability, I would recommend a thicker liner for winter conditions.  I had this liner in use full time and I did not care for it in the really cold months. When I would wear wool base layers the Coolmax would get stick to my baselayers and would wake up all wrapped up.  I have found the Adaptor Coolmax Travel liner truly shines in the hot and sweaty climates.  Regions like the tropics where it humid is nearly impossible to sleep dry, that is challenge where the Adaptor Coolmax Travel Liner rocks it.  I would throw this liner in between my sheets or on the hammock in Costa Rica and it was a lifesaver.

Features of the Adaptor Coolmax Travel Liner:

• Lightweight (9 oz)
• Quick drying, moisture regulating fabric
• Comes with its own stuff sack
• Preserves your sleeping bag, making the beating of funk and washing
• One color: blue
• Same cut as a mummy sleeping bag

Buy now form Backcountry.com!

The last thing I want when I am sleeping in a snow cave is feeling chlosterphobic in my sleeping bag or sleeping cold.  I am looking for a warm, comfortable nights rest and the Marmot Couloir has you covered.

The Couloir has been refined to be one of my favorite four season bags on the market.  Every time I have pulled this bag from it’s stuff sack, people watch in amazement as the 800+ fill loft continues to expand.  I love the loft!  The 0 degree Celsius rating is very conservative.  I have slept is this bag comfy and warm at -10.  In the warmer months I simply unzip the bag and drape it like a blanket.  I am not typically a warm sleeper.

Marmot sleeping bags are put through the ringer at the Thelma Center in Norway for testing, and the work shows.  Marmot has kept the big picture, while not over looking the small things.   The trapezoidal footbox surrounds your feet and ankles naturally, you won’t wake up with a tangled end or your feet smashed in the corner.  The sleeping bag is designed after the human form, comfy from the feet all the way to the shoulders.  Many mummy bags are looking to cut weight by making a narrower cut bag.  The Marmot Couloir weighs in at just over 3lbs and is worth ever ounce.  Even after the drawstrings are secured I do not feel chlosterphobic in this bag.  The loft is light and the seams are non restrictive, so I do not even have to think about anything, or make adjustments, just sleep.

One my pet peeves with down goods is the loathed zipper snag.  One hard snag and you can ruin a down jacket or bag.  The Marmot Couloir has reinforced the nylon so it is virtually impossible to snag the bag.  The zippers are smooth and consistent.  I have had mine 2 years and it has not worn out and I do not get any draft coming through the hood or zipper line.

While the Marmot Couloir comes in just the one curry color, it is available in a Dryloft version (if you are in wet climates) and in a long version.  I have heard complaints from people saying their bag looks dirty when they are new.  It is the loft filling in under the translucent nylon, the bag is most likely not dirty.  I highly recommend this bag for is durability, performance to weight ratio, as well as comfort.

Features of the Marmot Couloir:

• 800+ fill down
• Trapezoidal footbox
• Anatomically designed, wide shoulders, easy to grab zips
• Hood and hood muff to prevent drafts
• No snag zippers
• One pocket on the interior of the bag
• Storage sack and stuff sack included

The Marmot Couloir is a quality bag, and it will be a loss when it is removed from the market.  Buy one and take care of it.  Unless you live in the Couloir, the issue where it is going to show signs of wear is repeated washing.  I would recommend buying a liner (then you can just wash the liner and preserve the bag, I really like the Sea to Summit Coolmax liner) or wash it with a Nikwax down wash.  Nikwax is inexpensive and makes for long life.  Abrasive detergents can work their way into the nylon and weaken the barrier.  Enjoy and buy now from Backcountry.com! …now all you have to worry about are avalanches and cave ins…

As school has been winding down for the semester, I’ve finally had some more free time! So far, I’ve spent most if it climbing or doing yoga in my Verve Sapho Capris.

Verve, a climbing specific clothing company developed in 1988 by climber Christian Griffith, makes some killer tanks, shorts and capris all oriented specifically for climbing. Check out the Verve Lorelli Top that Sarah’s psyched on here. Just as Sarah mentions, Verve’s products are all sewn by “Verve Grannies,” out of Boulder, CO and each piece of clothing has an initial letting you know just who made your clothes. Pretty cool, huh?

Verve Sapho Capri

• Comes in 2 materials- cotton or rayon. I own the rayon ones, and love the way they stretch and move with my body.
• No polyester in materials= no pilling as you continue to wear them. Awesome.
• Scooped waist is just the right amount of “scoop.” Comes down about 2.5 inches below my belly button, so its enough to keep the material out of the way, but still comes up high enough to keep everything covered!
• Draped legs- the Sapho capris widen a fair amount between the hips and your knees, so you’ve got lots of room to move.
• Sizing- Verve makes the Sapho capri in sizes XXS through L. At around a size 2, I am an XS, and the waist fits perfectly, and the legs come down to just below my knees.

Currently, none of our vendors carry Verve products, but you an still buy directly from the Grannies at Verve direct on their website.