At a glance The Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 Headlamp is a handsome, sleek hiking/backpacking/trail running headlamp with an impressive amount of lighting settings, all within a well-engineered package, weighing in at only a little over a hundred grams. The battery is modular, with the light itself and buttons on a swivel housing, connected Continue reading…
At a Glance What Comes in the Box? The box itself is quite small for the size of the headlamp, which I appreciate, as it shows a little thought when it comes to package waste. Inside, you’ll find the headlamp itself with strap. The headlamp does feel surprisingly hefty for its size as it’s not Continue reading…
Head on over to OutdoorGearLab’s updated Ultralight Sleeping Bag review roundup, where I go over some of the best ultralight sleeping bags available and help you pick out the best sleeping bag for you!
Note: these sunglasses were generously supplied to me by Vallon. At a Glance The Watchtowers are Vallon’s entry into cycling sunglasses, which they’ve specifically designed for gravel/adventure-type riding – which is why they tapped me to give them some test rides and see what I think of them. I took these shades on what I Continue reading…
Head on over to OutdoorGearLab’s updated Ultralight Tent review roundup, where I go over some of the best ultralight tents available and help you pick out the best tent for you!
At first blush, the La Sportiva Karacal and Jackal II look like very similar shoes, the only difference seemingly being the upper design. But that’s not true. What are the differences and why would you pick one over the other? What’s the Same? There are similarities between the Karacal and the Jackal II: the outsole Continue reading…
My favorite La Sportiva mountain running shoe is the Mutant, but for my last FKT attempt of the Colorado Trail, I picked the Jackal II. Why? Here are six reasons: Lower Weight The Mutant coming in at 320 grams (in size EU 42/US 9) is not a heavy shoe, but the Jackal II is only Continue reading…
The gear you bring for an adventure like the Sangre de Cristo Range Traverse can be critical to the success of the trip itself. The momentously mountainous route asks much from you to be ready for anything. With a low point of 7,073′, a high point of 14,304′ and an average elevation of 11,857′, temperature Continue reading…
LighterPack For your convenience, I’ve put all the gear I used in a LighterPack: Below I’ll go over in more detail on the majority of the gear I used. Anything not covered below is listed in the LighterPack, and/or described in the video above: Clothing Being September and with a cold front moving in at Continue reading…
I’ve finished up my hands-on test and review of well over a dozen different men’s base layers from more than half a dozen brands. Results are now live on OutdoorGearLab. Thanks to all my friends and collaborators who helped with testing and photography!
I recorded the above video somewhat on a whim – but it goes through some of the gear I use on my fastpacking trips. The way I pack is covered here, and what I bring to eat is covered here. I have gone through my entire kit for a few projects I’ve done, like my Continue reading…
I’ve used incredibly bright lights, but the Monteer 6500S Zeus by Magicshine.us is in a completely different class! Pushing out a max of 6500 lumens, this light not only betters any other bicycle light I’ve ever used, it rivals many car headlights! I’ll be using and testing this light in the coming weeks and sharing Continue reading…
My survey of eleven different sun shirts is up at OutdoorGearLab – have a read: Best Sun Protection Shirts for Men of 2021
I was picking something up at the La Sportiva Factory Retail Store (the new Karakal!) after climbing, and finally had the opportunity to try on the new TX Guide Leather. I’ve been really interested in the new TX Guide since seeing them at OR, but even just holding the display shoe in my hand, I Continue reading…
La Sportiva recently released a new take on their reputable Ultra Raptor trail runner: the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX. Building upon the battle-tested base of the current Ultra Raptor model, it adds a few new features and flourishes: mid top ankle cuff, Gore-Tex upper, a new black and grey colorway, and it comes in Continue reading…
Scrambling! Joyously moving on easy rock routes. In Boulder, we have a King’s ransom of big rocks to fumble about on and there’s a lifetime of routes to tick. The Flatirons are one of Boulder’s most iconic natural wonders. It’s somewhat impossible to roll into to town and not take a moment to look out Continue reading…
A few weeks ago, I returned to my bike from a grocery store to see that someone had stolen my beloved Magicshine Monteer 1400. A great light – and a great run for the light. Usually such accessories don’t last so long with me due to harsh use, rather than theft. I was pretty sure Continue reading…
I’m checking out some gear from NiteIze! See my spotlight on some of the lights they put out for more of an introduction. In this post, I look at two bags I’ve found useful for cycling trips: