Category Archives: Backpacking Gear

How to Avoid Slipping When Hiking Downhill Trails

Backpacking Gear, Senior Moments,

Senior Moments 

The trail shown in the lower right of the picture above is hard-packed dirt covered with loose sand and pebbles.

A common fall or slip for backpackers is on downhill trails similar to the one pictured above. These kinds of trails can be difficult for anyone, especially for us older folks whose reflexes aren’t as quick as they once were.

What is probably more important than the kind of footwear we wear is our hiking technique, although footwear can play an important part. Proper technique and footwear will minimize slips and falls. Continue reading How to Avoid Slipping When Hiking Downhill Trails →

Nunatak Arc Specialist Quilt: 15 Year Review

Backpacking Gear,

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?

Backpacking Gear,
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

Backpacking Gear, General Talk
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

Backpacking, Backpacking Gear
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 →