#backpackinggear

5 Items I'll Be Testing On Trips In 2019

Mat

Apr 29, 2019
7 min

5 Items I'll Be Testing On Trips In 2019

This month kicked off my 3-season guided backpacking trips as well as conditioning for this year's Allegheny 100 Challenge. With multiple skills and adventure group trips planned in the next few months in places like the White Mountains, Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, I'm looking forward to getting out with hikers in some beautiful locations and also putting some new gear to the test. Here are 5 items you'll find with me on the trips: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400

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Gear Review Video: Ultimate Direction FK Tarp & FK Bivy

Reach Your Summit

Dec 18, 2018
1 min

Gear Review Video: Ultimate Direction FK Tarp & FK Bivy

A look at two new pieces of gear from Ultimate Direction for 2018. The FK Tarp and FK Bivy. Testing out the tarp and bivy system during a solo overnight trip in mid-March on a self-created backpacking loop. A muddy morning wake up on the Appalachian Trail in May. My footprint, tarp, bivy and gear had a light coating of mud from a night of heavy downpours, but I remained dry the entire time. Here's another shot from that morning. Early morning for the second day of the Alleghe

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Mat

Nov 29, 2018
2 min

Gear Review: Sierra Designs Cloud 35

Earlier this year Sierra Designs put out a new line of sleeping bags that could become a new standard in the outdoor industry. The Cloud takes characteristics from their popular Backcountry Bed series, blending it with hints of top bag and quilt designs. This zipperless mummy bag features premium 800-fill power water resistant DriDown and comes in three flavors, 20F (1 lb 13 oz, $299) and 35F (1 lb 7 oz, $279) for men, and 20F for women (1 lb 12 oz, $299). The shell fabric fo

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Mat

Jul 18, 2018
8 min

Fastpacking 101

Have you ever found yourself pressed for time, but itching to get out on an epic adventure? Let me introduce you to fastpacking. Fastpacking beautifully blends backpacking and trail running for a one-of-a-kind journey. It allows us to get out for big miles, big views and a sense of accomplishment within a shorter period of time. One of the key elements to fastpacking is simplicity. If you are a gram counting, tooth-brush shaving avid ultralight backpacker then you may already

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Mat

Jul 16, 2018
1 min

Gear Review: Osprey Levity 45

A closer look at the ultralight Osprey Levity 45 backpack, new for spring 2018. #Osprey #backpackinggear #backpacking #outdoors #adventure #backpacks

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Mat

May 27, 2018
1 min

Allegheny 100 Training Hike: 39.3 Mile LKD Loop & Nine Trails Vest Test

This video is a combination of two trips. The first is a quick 6 mile rainy training hike on part of the LKD Loop where I was eager to test out a trail running vest pack I picked up, the Patagonia Nine Trails 15L. Near the end of this trip I show how the gear held up in non-stop rain. The second half of this video takes place on a 39.3 mile backpacking loop (named the LKD Loop) that I created and am offering to the public for National Trails Day 2018. My goal for the hike was

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Mat

May 13, 2018
1 min

25 Mile Day Hike Allegheny 100 Training: Appalachian Trail

In this video, I go over my gear selection, nutrition and hydration for a 25 mile day hike on the Appalachian Trail, followed by sharing the hike itself. This training hike is in preparation for the Allegheny 100 Challenge which I am participating in this June 2018. For additional info on the Allegheny 100 check out the link provided here: https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/upcoming-events/special-events/allegheny-100/ #Allegheny100 #outdoors #adventure #backpackinggear #Pat

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Mat

Apr 21, 2018
1 min

Gear List For 2018 Allegheny 100 Challenge

In this video, I go over the gear, clothing and footwear that I will be using for the 2018 Allegheny 100 Challenge. I go over each item in detail and why I will be using it. If you have any questions on any of these items or anything else please feel free to get in touch. For additional info on the Allegheny 100 check out the link provided here: https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/upcoming-events/special-events/allegheny-100/ #outdoors #adventure #Allegheny100 #backpackinggea

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Mat

Mar 22, 2018
4 min

Gear Preview: Osprey Levity 45

The much anticipated Osprey Levity is not a pack for everyone, but for those it is, it could be a game changer. The pack comes in a 60 liter and 45 liter version, both weighing under 2 lbs. It is the lightest framed AND ventilated pack to date from Osprey. Blending lightweight fabrics and attention to design, the Levity is sure to peak the interest of the outdoor community and ultralight backpacker's this year. I've been eyeing this pack since it was shown at Outdoor Retailer

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Gear Comparison: Osprey Exos 58 Previous Gen vs 2018 Updated Model

Reach Your Summit

Jan 29, 2018
5 min

Gear Comparison: Osprey Exos 58 Previous Gen vs 2018 Updated Model

This Spring Osprey is releasing an updated version of their popular Exos pack. A favorite among the ultralight and thru-hiking communities. For this year, there is also a women's specific version of the lightweight pack called the Eja (pronounced Asia). I've been using the previous generation of the Exos 58 for many trips and thru-hikes and love it. So when I set my eyes on the new release I had to check it out. In this post, I'll be going over the differences and similaritie

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Mat

Nov 26, 2017
1 min

Tips For The Trail: How To Sleep Warm At Camp In The Winter

A good sleeping bag will only get you so far. In addition to a bag, I share tips and methods I use for sleeping warm and comfortably during winter backpacking trips in the video above. #winterbackpacking #backpacking #backpackinggear #wintercamping #backpackingskills #travel

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Mat

Nov 13, 2017
4 min

Gear Review: Patagonia Ascensionist 35L

The Patagonia Ascensionist may have been designed with alpine in mind, but I have found it to be a great lightweight 3-season backpacking alternative for carrying gear. What intrigued me with this pack was its sheer simplicity. No frills, no fuss. This may not be a preference for other backpackers, but I find it to be a suitable option for my needs. Below, I'll share a look at this pack and a few adaptations I made to make it an excellent pack for many of my solo 3-season tri

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Mat

Oct 25, 2017
1 min

The Ten Essentials (And Beyond)

Packing the Ten Essentials for any trip is a good habit to have. Even if you are going for a simple day hike, kayaking in a nearby lake or snowshoeing in the rolling hills. This list can provide you with items that can help address accidents and emergencies, and also get you through an unexpected night or more out. In the video above, I'll break down the Ten Essentials with you and how each item helps. I'll also share a few other items I like to add to the list and carry with

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Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 1 Tent

Mat

Sep 28, 2017
4 min

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 1 Tent

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 1 is a super lightweight 1 person double wall tent with a weight listed at 1 lb 14 oz (tent, rainfly and tent poles). I weighed mine in a 1 lb 10 oz before adding tent stakes and stuff sacks. It is a true freestanding tent, though the sides can still cave in a little. Not to worry, Mountain Hardwear addressed this and built in loops on the side of the tent body that clip to the fly. With the fly attached and staked out, you'll be able to maximiz

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Mat

Aug 31, 2017
1 min

Gear Comparison Video: MSR TrailShot vs Katadyn BeFree vs Sawyer Mini Squeeze

The video above shares a look at three lightweight water filters suitable for many outdoor adventures as well as seeing each in use on the trail. #backpacking #travel #backpackinggear #watertreatment #adventure

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Lightweight 3-Season Backpacking Gear List

Mat

Aug 23, 2017
24 min

Lightweight 3-Season Backpacking Gear List

With new technologies and innovations gear is always evolving. As I looked back at a post I wrote a year ago, I noticed some of my gear has changed and some has remained the same. The 3-season gear list below allows me to hike light while remaining safe and comfortable. It comes in at a base weight (total pack weight, minus consumables like food, water and fuel) of under 10 lbs when my pre-trip research and logistics have been applied. This list may not be for all, so customi

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Gear Review Video: Sea To Summit Ultralight Hammock

Mat

Aug 1, 2017
1 min

Gear Review Video: Sea To Summit Ultralight Hammock

A look at the new 2017 Sea To Summit Ultralight Hammock along with an up close in depth setup. Hammock weight limit is 300 lbs. A warm, humid and rainfree night ahead allows for optimal ventilation with elevated camping under a green canopy. An upclose look at the buckle system. Simple, easy setup and adjustability. Screenshot from the video that is part of this blog post above. Overnight on the AT with a group. Hammock and full setup to the right. Also pictured Hennessy Hamm

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Gear Review Video: 2017 REI Co-Op Quarter Dome 1 Tent

Mat

Apr 28, 2017
1 min

Gear Review Video: 2017 REI Co-Op Quarter Dome 1 Tent

This video provides a look at the 2017 REI Co-Op Quarter Dome 1 lightweight backpacking tent. River camping at its finest. With the possibility of rain throughout the weekend, the spaciousness of this 1 person tent made the passing storms more tolerable. One of many days on the Appalachian Trail this year. This one, during a solo trip and also what inspired me to film my first YouTube video (video is part of this post above). Liveable, comfortable, breathable and reasonably l

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Mat

Feb 16, 2017
7 min

Choosing A Shelter

When it comes to shelters there seem to be an unlimited number of options out there, yet the tasks they are designed to handle are the same. To protect the backpacker from elements such as: wind, water and precipitation. They can also be a safe haven from the bugs. In this post I will go over different shelter systems available, considerations to be made when choosing, and the advantages and disadvantages of each shelter. The materials from which a shelter is designed can gre

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Mat

Feb 9, 2017
4 min

Choosing A Cooking System: Part 2

This is the second part of a two part series on cooking systems. In this post I will discuss cookware and utensils. The first part can be viewed by clicking here. As I mentioned in one of my lightweight backpacking posts (see:11 Quick & Effective Ways You Can Go Light), I used to carry everything under the sun. After lowering the weight of the big 3 (shelter, sleeping bag & backpack), my cookware was next as it too was partially at fault for my carrying a 50 lb pack around. L

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