Category Archives: Backpacking Gear

Nunatak Arc Specialist Quilt: 15 Year Review

Over the past 15+ years I have purchased two sleeping bags and three quilts. I still have and use both sleeping bags. I only have one quilt remaining in my gear closet — the Nunatak Arc Specialist.

My first quilt purchase was a used warm-weather piece and cost me $65. It had synthetic insulation and was not very warm. I bought this to test out and determine if a quilt would work for me. It did and I gave it away; to buy a quality quilt.

At the beginning of 2009 I bought my Nunatak Arc Specialist for $457, which I am still using.

In 2010 I bought a super ultralight quilt with a Cuben Fiber (a.k.a. DCF) shell from Enlightened Equipment. It was one Tim Marshall’s first quilts when he was a one-man show working out of his house after he came home from his “real job.” (Today Enlightened Equipment has over 50 employees and operates out of a 50,000 square foot facility). Given that Cuben fabric does not breath, Tim created an adjustable ventilation foot-box that worked well. But, alas, Cuben doesn’t last long and I had to retire it. I knew this before I bought it.

Of all my sleeping solutions, the Nunatak Arc Specialist is my absolute favorite. 

Continue reading Nunatak Arc Specialist Quilt: 15 Year Review

Backpacking Quilts for Side-sleepers?

Nunatak Arc Specialist quilt fully opened.

Yes, backpacking quilts can work well for side-sleepers, but it depends on personal preference and the specific design of the quilt. 

For side-sleepers, the key consideration is the design of the quilt and how it accommodates different sleeping positions. Some backpacking quilts come with features like straps or snaps that can be used to secure the quilt around the sleeper, providing a more secure fit and prevent drafts. These features can be adjusted to allow freedom of movement for side-sleeping.

But first, for those who are not familiar with backpacking quilts, an overview of these specialized backpacking sleeping systems needs our attention. Continue reading Backpacking Quilts for Side-sleepers?

Backpacking Art

US Commemorative Stamps Honoring Pioneers in American Industrial Design (2011)

No, this isn’t about pictures or paintings related to backpacking or the outdoors, but aesthetic industrial design. Equipment or clothing that is functional and whose form is pleasing to look at. Its form follows its function. The technology may even elicit a pleasant emotional response. 

Normally clothing might be considered fashion more than industrial design, but the clothes we wear in the wilderness in extreme conditions are really technology. So I’ll include clothing.

This post will consider these elements and design in backpacking gear and see if there are any outstanding examples of these principles.

Continue reading Backpacking Art

Exped Air Pillow: 10 Year Review

neither the pillow or mattress are inflated in this picture, which is why the cord looks so long

This has been my go-to backpacking pillow for over 10 years. I am a side sleeper, so a pillow is required for me to get a good night’s sleep.

An air pillow is a compromise of sorts and at first I just hated this pillow because it was difficult to make it stay in place and during the night would slide off my air mattress. Back in 2012 it flew away during a windstorm, but I later recover it.

Continue reading Exped Air Pillow: 10 Year Review

Backpacking Gift Ideas (miscellaneous gear)


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Navigation 

Next to Camping & RV Gift Ideas >>>


Reviews

Binoculars for Backpacking?

My Backpacking Watches

Headlamps

Sony RX100 Compact Camera

Winter Gear

Gift Ideas

This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.

 


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Navigation 

Next to Camping & RV Gift Ideas >>>


 

Backpacking Gift Ideas (navigation)


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking First Aid, Hygiene, and Repairs    

Next To Miscellaneous Backpacking Gear >>>


Reviews

How Accurate is a Cammenga Lensatic Compass?

Set Up Your Compass Faster & More Accurately With A Map Protractor

Gift Ideas

This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.

 


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking First Aid, Hygiene, and Repairs    

Next To Miscellaneous Backpacking Gear >>>


Backpacking Gift Ideas (first aid, hygiene & repairs)


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Clothing  

Next To Backpacking Navigation >>>


Reviews

Preventing Blisters with Leukotape: a 10+ year review

What’s in Your First Aid Kit?

Ez Dose Pill Packs

Repairing Gear With Tenacious Tape

Gift Ideas

This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.

 


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Clothing  

Next To Backpacking Navigation >>>


Backpacking Gift Ideas (clothing)


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Food & Storage 

Next To Backpacking First Aid, Hygiene & Repairs >>>


Reviews

Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat

Long Term (10 year) Product Review: Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes

Winter Footwear

Gift Ideas

This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.

 

 


Patagonia Clothing

The majority of my clothing is made by Patagonia. This preference goes back forty years or so. The products are quality made, last a long time and do what the manufacturers says they will do. A simple formula for success.

Understanding Layers Using Patagonia Clothing as a Guide


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Food & Storage 

Next To Backpacking First Aid, Hygiene & Repairs >>>


Backpacking Gift Ideas (cooking utensils)


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Stoves

Next To Backpacking Food & Storage >>>


Reviews

GSI Backpacker’s Mug

Sea to Summit Alpha Cookware for Backpacking or Camping

Gift Ideas

This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.



^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Stoves

Next To Backpacking Food & Storage >>>


Backpacking Gift Ideas (food & storage)


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Cooking Utensils 

Next To Backpacking Clothing >>>


Reviews

Canisters, Ursacks and Bears, Oh My!!

Mountain House Meals

Ez Dose Pill Packs

Gift Ideas

This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.

 


^^^ Go Back to Table of Contents ^^^

<<< Back to Backpacking Cooking Utensils 

Next To Backpacking Clothing >>>