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

When I'm out backpacking, whether I'm solo or with a group, I like to follow a well-defined routine when I arrive at camp. By creating and following one, I am able to enjoy extra time on the trail and not worry about forgetting tasks or gear at my site. Having extra time on the trail allows me to cover more ground, ensure that I am not racing the daylight to make camp before dark and adds to my experience of the trip overall. Accidentally leaving behind gear at my site can ha

Winter got off to a late start here in New England for 2015-2016, but nature's unpredictability is one of the traits we truly get to enjoy in the northeast. For me, that trait adds to the adventure. It forces you to be in the present moment, enhances thinking, develops your skills and makes you more humble than before. But winter can also be just as intimidating for some and is not for everyone. Temperatures drop, day light gets shorter, winds can be brutal (as I write this,