2006 Outside Buyer’s Guide Gear of the Year | Outside Online recommends the Black Diamond Skylight — the perfect two-and-a-mutt tent. 4.2lbs (1.9kg)
We would compare it against the double wall MSR Hubba Hubba at about the same weight.
Merino wool is back “in”
I heard Chris Townsend on a podcast recently championing wool over synthetics. Especially when worn under a garment. Especially on longer hikes.
On one of his reviews of hiking socks:
Smartwool Hiking is my first choice with the well-priced Fox River Trailmaster a very close second.
Townsend routinely wears a different sock on each foot in order to compare them.
gear – Swiss Champ knife
Amazon.com: Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife (Red): Sports & Outdoors
I’m still lugging the 1lb ! (.45kg) biggest Swiss Army pocket knife made.
Heavy — but at least I’ve got the biggest tool in the woods!
32 stainless-steel tools with a lifetime warranty. Essential to me are the corkscrew, tweezers, nail file, pliers, and large knife (which should lock, but does not).
What’s your favourite camping knife? Leave a comment below.
gear – Petzl Tikka LED headlamp
One of the great innovations in my lifetime was the Tikka headlamp. Good illumination for reading, astonishing battery life, and so lightweight I actually carry 2 in my pack. Of course there are many good competitors.
Tip — install fresh batteries at the start of the trip.
Amazon.com: Petzl E43P2 Tikka LED Headlamp
GoLite gear
In 2006, the first place we go to look at gear is GoLite.com
GoLite Innovative, functional, and lightweight outdoor clothing and lightweight equipment
Their very professional website offers some excellent articles in their newsletter archive.
Nike & iPod Running Gear
I often listen to books on tape on my Rio MP3 player while exercising.
When the going gets tough, I switch to my favourite high energy music for a jolt.
The next step?
Lance Armstrong has already endorsed a unique wireless connection between your Nike shoes and an iPod. It has a number of cool features including a Power Song button which jumps to the motivation track the instant you need it.
Newsvine – Nike, Apple Team Up on iPod Running Gear
barefoot hiking
Fivefingers are “shoes” designed to provide support and protection for your tender feets while still keeping the sensation of traipsing around barefoot.
Ted McDonald (aka “Barefoot Ted”) recently ran the Boston Marathon in Fivefingers.
2Dolphins.com Blog: Fivefingers For Your Ten Toes
Who wants to try wearing them on a multi-day hike?
gear – Terra Nova Laserlite tent
I love the MSR Hubba (maximum) 3.5lbs (1.6kg).
But the recent record holder for lightest commercial 2-skin tent is the Terra Nova Laserlite (maximum) 2.75lbs (1.25kg).
How much lighter can they go? Silicon-injected nylon is very, very lightweight.
Product details — terra-nova.co.uk tents
gear – the MSR Hubba tent
Rave for the Hubba tent. Why carry a bivy?
This coffin-sized, 1-person sanctuary weighs (maximum) 3.5lbs (1.6kg) and yet is fully functioning protection. I wouldn’t trade it for a bivy or tarp.
Product details on the MSR Hubba at MEC.ca
backpackinglight.co.uk
minimum weight – maximum fun
The best hiking podcast as of this date is hosted by Bob Cartwright of backpackinglight.co.uk
Cartwright posts a new 30min+ podcast it seems almost every day. You can subscribe from iTunes as I did — but it is worth checking the backpackinglight.co.uk podcast page too. They archive some of the best podcasts and include links to related blogs and websites. It is well done.
Complaints? I find the podcasts often too long. And very UK-centric.
Still, they have set the bar for future audio and video hiking podcasts. Congratulations to Cartwright and the rest of the team.
besthike.com 