I’m proud to be an ambassador for Ultimate Direction, especially since my outdoor adventures tend to defy easy categorization. I initially met Buzz Burrell, then Brand Manager of UD in 2014 on Longs Peak while completing the Longs Peak Radical Slam (which I’ve now done a few more times). Turned out, he was doing the Continue reading…
Note: this product was bought by me at retail. All opinions are mine. Interested in me reviewing your product? Pros: inexpensive, compact, fun, eye catching light used in an angle not always thought of as a blind spot to other road users. Rechargeable via a micro USB port. Cons: Probably too fun and colorful for Continue reading…
The Ultimate Direction SCRAM is a large-capacity running vest that’s been toughened up and given storage capacity for all-day missions, allowing you to take it anywhere to help in supporting you doing essentially anything. Pros: Classic Ultimate Direction Running Vest Design, tons of storage, tough materials, minimalist. Cons: Maybe too minimalist for some? Not perfect Continue reading…
I’m putting together the page(s) documenting my Sangres Fastpack (narrative full of feels pending still). The gear list is up! This took many hours longer than I would have thought, but I hope it helps you with your own wild and precious trips.
OFF TO ALASKA! I’ll guiding two intense trips with the man/myth/legend/my Boulder neighbor of walk-abouts: Andrew Skurka in Gates of the Arctic National Park/Preserve for the rest of the month of May.
At a Glance Pros: Comfortable, roomy, extremely well-designed Cons: stuff sack to use as bikepacking bag is a great idea, but may need to be further developed as a solid feature Weight: Tent Stakes/accessories: 121 grams Stuff Sack: 111 grams Tent Poles: 363 grams Rain Fly: 348 grams Tent Body: 337 grams Integrated Footprint (sold Continue reading…
At a Glance Pros: Easy to set up/take down, simple, lightweight, roomy Cons: Tarps in general don’t have the greatest protection from bugs like mosquitoes Weight: alone: 91 grams, w/FK Tarp + 6 stakes: ~544 grams Interesting To: Ultralight enthusiasts Best For: FKTs/Self-Supported Races, sub-24 hour missions Available: Fall 2019 Price: around $25 – $35 Continue reading…
Currently, I’ve been setting up my Surly Bikes ECR for Winter bikepacking. This usually means really variable conditions, with lots of slop on the road and invariably on me. For that, I want fenders. Fenders must be one of the most finicky accessories for a bike to set up correctly, and the thought of even Continue reading…
Note: there are many slightly different models of Zebralight H6xxx Mk IV (as well as other models) – they’re compared in this Google Sheet.
Pros: BRIGHT, dependable, replaceable batteries AND charging via USB supported, weatherproof, battery charge indicator Cons: Mounting system needs work, best to use something like the Magicshine Out-Front Bike Mount accessory Weight: ~194 grams /~6.8 ounces Battery Life/Runtimes: High 1.55 hours Medum 3.35 hours Low 5.55 hours Blinking 6.35 hours Interesting To: any cyclist that wants Continue reading…
In September, I started working with Andrew Skurka on his guided backpacking trips and was looking for a light hiker that would work well for this task. I was offered to try out the La Sportiva Spire GTX, so here’s my review. Update: Check out my review of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Continue reading…
The electronics gear kit list! Bringing any sort of gear – especially electronic gear, is a fine balance between the convenience of having the resource, and the burdens of carrying it all with you. Doubly so with electronic gear, as it all requires some sort of power source to charge it all up. Choose wisely. Continue reading…
Part One 5:00pm on Friday. Time to set off towards Estes Park. Although I would have like to take a more dirt route off the bat, the day was getting long, and I had some exploratory tracks to travel, so I took the express-way down Highway 36; it’s traffic known somewhat for its rep of Continue reading…
Imagine my delight, when an enormous box from Surly was delivered to my door, with instructions to do something cool with the contents: A medium Surly ECR, and a 24-Pack Rack! I was planning a trip to Breckenridge to say hello to my Brother who was becoming a year older, and I wanted to climb Continue reading…
Somewhat puzzling, I haven’t mentioned on this site officially that I’m now an Ultimate Direction Ambassador! I utilized the UD Peter Bakwin Adventure Vest on my little 14er Mountain Bike/Run shindig last year and it filled out the exact niche I needed: a pack that I could ride and run in, without being too bulky Continue reading…