Backpacking Stoves

Discussing 3 backpacking stoves, and weighing the pros and cons of each.

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for the Outdoor Lover: Under $50

Have an outdoor lover in your life? Not sure what to get them for Christmas? Check out this list of really cool yet affordable gear that is sure to satisfy adventurers of any level. These prices reflect the current regular price at REI.



                                                       Black Diamond Ion $24.95

This 80 lumen headlamp is one of the lightest and smallest on the market, and It only takes 2 AAA batteries (instead of the industry standard 3). But the coolest thing about it is the "power slide" function which allows you to control the settings without any buttons. Great for running because of the size and weight. It's still fairly new to the market so not a lot of people have them.

Buck 110 Classic $44.95

The Buck 110 Classic is a beautiful knife with a design that has stood the test of time. This is the knife your grandpa used to own and is sure to score big time for nostalgia and aesthetics. Made in the USA with 420HC stainless steel, it also comes with a black leather case that will attach to the belt.

                                                   
ChicoBag Bottle Sling $9.95

  

Some hikers just hate to carry a backpack. If you know someone like that then buy them a ChicoBag. It hangs over your shoulder like a satchel, and will fit most water bottles. In Phoenix they're a real hit with seniors, who come in REI frequently asking for them.

                                                 

                                                                                       Sawyer Mini $24.99

More of a specialty item but one that anyone will appreciate. The Sawyer Mini water filter will enable anyone to safely drink from water sources found in the woods. It is light, small, easy to use and guaranteed to 100,000 gallons. It's great for hunters and backpackers, and would make a good gift for any prepper in the family too.

                            Hydro Flask $24.95

The undisputed king of water bottles, a Hydro Flask will keep liquid hot for 12 hours and cold for 24. Great for morning coffee, hiking, camping, hunting, and just about any other activity you can think of. Owners are like a cult, and will swear by the Hydro Flask over any other piece of kit. Come in a variety of colors and sizes.    

                                                                            Brunton Torpedo 2600 $39.95   

Don't let the looks fool you, this is actually a sweet little gadget. Almost everyone carries electronics into the woods these days. With the Brunton Torpedo, you can keep your devices charged and not worry about battery life so much. The best part is you can charge it in your car on the way to the trailhead. This would be a good gift for anyone who uses a GPS or an MP3 player on the trail.

REI Flash 18 $34.50

A best seller and winner of Backpacker Magazine gear awards, the Flash 18 offers mobility and versatility. Great for travel, it packs down very small and can easily fit into any carry-on luggage. Could also be great for bike commuting.

                                                                          Darn Tough Socks $19.00

You've never truly lived until you have worn merino wool socks. These from Darn Tough are made in Vermont, and are widely considered the best socks money can buy. Any outdoor lover would appreciate them, and they last forever.

                                                      

                                                       Nathan Trail Mix $45.00

Runners come into REI all the time looking for hydration belts because so many of them hate carrying backpacks. This one from Nathan securely holds 2 10 oz. bottles and has a nice sized pocket for your giant cell phone, wallet and keys. Also nice for hikers who go light.

REI Personal Ice Box $24.00

Maybe my favorite item on the list, this cooler is great for easily carrying cold drinks. You can use it for fishing, picnicking, concert going, or hiking into your favorite swimming hole. It will hold about a 6-pack, and features a variety of pockets for stashing other gear. Also works great on road-trips.

Disclosure: I work at REI, but I created this blog post separately and independently of REI. These reflect the top 10 items that, based off my own opinion and experience, would make great gifts.

Top 10 Desert Hiking Tips.

Sarah in the Superstitions

Hiking in 100 degree heat with the sun pounding on you is hard, and everything you do in that heat is harder than normal. You have to be prepared for those extreme conditions, because extreme conditions can produce extreme consequences. Here are my top 10 tips to ensure your desert hiking will be as safe and fun as possible. 

1) Acclimatize - The more you hike in the desert, the better you handle the heat. My first couple desert hikes left me feeling sick and demoralized. If you plan on backpacking in the desert or doing any serious day-hiking (like hiking to the Colorado River and back in one day in the Grand Canyon) I would recommend plenty of desert day-hiking beforehand. Start small. 

2) Temper Your Ambitions - Like I mentioned above, everything is harder in the heat. Expect routine distances and climbs to push your limits. What you can easily accomplish physically in milder climates will be a challenge in the desert. You'll need to be in better shape than what you're used to.

3) Carry a Backpack - One of the strangest sights I see in the desert are people without backpacks... And I see it all the time. If you're not carrying a backpack then you are not carrying the essential supplies needed to safely traverse the desert. The problem is that nobody thinks anything bad will happen to them, but bad happens all the time. You gamble with your life every time you go out without gear. Around the United States, unprepared hikers are constantly being rescued from avoidable survival scenarios that are usually preventable by bringing some common-sense items. You need a backpack to carry those items! You need a backpack to carry water, which is muy importante in the desert. Check out The Mountaineers list of 10 Essentials for what else to carry in your backpack.

4) Bring More Water - Unless you've hiked in the desert in summer, it may be hard to imagine just how much you can sweat, and how thirsty you constantly feel. I've found that bringing double the water I normally bring is just enough. Last Saturday I finished 4 liters on a 7 mile hike. Trust me, you'll need to drink much more water than normal. In the Grand Canyon we started off 3 out of 5 days with 2 gallons of water each, and we drank it all by the end of those 10 mile days. Also, keep in mind that water is really going to dictate where and how far you hike. If you bring 4 liters and notice that you've finished 2 already, then its time to turn around and head back to the car. The bottom line is that venturing out into the desert with an inadequate water supply can easily lead to an evac by search & rescue, and even death. Be prepared.

5) Wear Proper Footwear - Hiking in the desert isn't a walk in the park. The ground can be jagged rocks for miles on-end. Or it can be loose rock and sand that can slip tread and sprain ankles. Furthermore, any variety of cacti will poke the hell out of you at every opportunity. Wearing sandals in the desert is inviting pain and courting death. Wear shoes that will protect your feet from the flora and won't disintegrate from the sharp rocks. If you wear running shoes, consider gaiters to prevent debris from getting into the shoe. Finally, if you're going on a long trip, make sure your shoes are up to the task. The last thing you want is for your shoe to fall apart in the middle of the desert, I've seen it happen.

6) Seek Shade - Heat stroke is a serious risk, and keeping your body from overheating is going to take effort on your part. If you come across shade, take your pack off and sit in it for a few minutes. Drink some water. Let your heart slow down. Let your body cool a little bit. I usually plan my breaks around shade instead of distances. I'll say to myself, "The next shade I come to, I'll take a short break". Trust me, it really helps taking a break in shade versus taking a break in the sun, which can be totally miserable and can sap your energy even further.

7) Sun Protection - This one seems like a no-brainer. Keep sunscreen in your pack. Wear a hat to keep the sun off your face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or drape a bandanna from the back of your hat to protect your neck. A buff works great at protecting the back of the neck and your ears. Another good idea is sun protective clothing. The Columbia Silver Ridge or REI Sahara line of hiking clothing offer sun protecting, moisture wicking clothing that are great for the desert. Wear polarized sunglasses. I have forgotten sun screen multiple times, and got burned for my stupidity. Now I keep a tube in my day-pack at all times. 

8) Keep Track of the Forecast -. I like to use 100 degrees as a good mark of when to start and when to stop. If it's 100 in the morning when I plan to start then I stay home, because it will only get hotter. If it's 100 in late afternoon when I plan to start, then I'll go, because it will only get cooler. Hiking in 110-120 degree weather is too dangerous, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but 100 is doable as long as it's the peak temperature. You can beat the hottest times of the day by hiking near dusk and dawn. Just remember, your tolerance for the heat will be different than mine, so knowing what temperatures you are comfortable with will be key for planning trips.

9) Electrolyte Replacement - I learned this lesson the hard way. For most climates, eating salty snacks like trail-mix and GORP is enough to replenish electrolytes lost during the physical activity of hiking. Since the amount you sweat significantly increases in the desert, supplementing your snacks with an electrolyte replacement can be vital, especially on rigorous days. Besides a whole mess of symptoms ranging from vomiting and dizziness to diarrhea and muscle cramping, electrolyte imbalance can lead to death. Check out brands like Nuun and Hammer that make tablets that easily dissolve in water.

10) Respect and Common Sense - Nothing is a substitute for common sense. Remember that playing in extreme environments can produce extreme consequences. Trust your gut and respect the land. You can't beat the desert, but you can travel through it by foot safely and comfortably if you use your brain. If you're out of water and come across a puddle: better fill up. If you are confused about the best way forward: turn around. If you start feeling weak or dizzy: take a break in some shade and drink water. If you see a sign at the trailhead warning you not to do something: don't do it. You aren't Cody Lundine and this isn't a movie. If you don't respect the desert it will punish you unmercifully. 

 *This post was adapted from a post I did last year called Desert Walker.

The 10 Essentials

Desert Backpacking

I remember a steep climb under a relentless sun. It was miserably hot. Shade was nearly non-existent. My feet hurt from the rocks and stones that littered the trail, and my clothes were drenched in sweat from the climb and the heat. I rounded a bend, and saw a large man sitting in the middle of the trail. He was sweaty and dirty and wore a look of distress on his swollen face. One of his feet was bare, the other wore a flimsy looking black flip-flop.

"You look prepared" he said matter-of-factly as I walked up, no doubt noticing my bulging backpack and guessing (correctly) that it was full of gear.

 "You have to be out here" I replied while I pondered his predicament. No pack, 1 bottle of water, and flip-flops for shoes. I recalled all the warning signs at the trailhead imploring hikers to be prepared, and wondered why this man had ignored them.

 "You wouldn't happen to have any duct tape so I can fix this flip-flop do you?" he asked, obviously embarrassed.

"Actually, I do" I replied, as I took my pack off and fished out my FAST kit. I had a little roll, maybe 4 or 5 feet worth, but it was enough to fix his destroyed flip-flop. I gave him the roll. I didn't mind giving it to him. I have been carrying duct tape in my pack for 3 or 4 years, and have never had to use it for repair... But I carry it because one day it might save my ass.

It pays to be prepared in the wilderness. Even on a day hike, you should at least bring the essentials, because you never know what's going to happen. A broken flip-flop may be a poor example, because you shouldn't be hiking in flip-flops anyway, but if I hadn't come along with duct tape that guy could have found himself in a survival situation. Just last week a man and his two sons died from exposure on a day-hike after the weather turned foul. In one afternoon the sky went from blue to heavy rain, and temps dropped from the 60's to below freezing. They couldn't see in the downpour and sudden cloud cover, and lost their way. They weren't packing the essentials. Tragically they froze to death overnight. 

What are these essentials you may be asking? The 10 Essentials are a list of essential systems you should always take hiking, that will increase your chances for survival if something goes wrong. Chances are many of the items comprising your 10 Essentials will never get used.

10 Essentials

1) Navigation - Map and compass, and the ability to use them properly. Even day hiking in areas near town that I know relatively well, I always bring a compass. In the backcountry, a topographic map is a must. I'm not saying you have to be an expert at orienteering to go backpacking (as I most certainly am not), but you should at least know some basics. And remember, while a GPS is a great tool, it should never be relied on for your sole means of navigation, because electronics fail, and batteries run out, and in the case of a GPS, you wont always have a signal. If your'e interested in learning orienteering (map and compass) check out your local orienteering or hiking club. Outdoor outfitters often teach classes too.

2) Sun Protection - Sun glasses, hat, sun screen. I always bring these items, but rarely use sunscreen. I never hit the trail without a hat on.

3) Insulation - An extra layer of warm clothing (fleece or a down jacket), beanie and gloves. Temps can change rapidly and unexpectedly in the wilderness, especially at higher elevations. Even in the summer when its hot, you should bring a jacket in your pack. Chances are you wont ever use it, but it could save your life if you had to stay overnight in the wilderness. Even on day hikes I always at least carry a fleece in my pack. When I go backpacking, no matter what the season, I carry a fleece (or a down vest), a beanie, thermal underwear, and a pair of gloves.

4) Illumination - Headlamp, flashlight, etc. I always carry my headlamp, even on day hikes. If for any reason you find yourself on the trail past sundown, you at least have the means to see in the dark. Your headlamp or flashlight can also be used for emergency signalling.

5) First-aid kit - My first-aid kit goes with me hiking, backpacking, and camping, and on almost every trip I dip into it at least once. You can buy pre-packaged kits from you local outdoor outfitter, but if you want to make your own, The Washington Trails Association has a pretty comprehensive list of items. One random item I always bring that often gets overlooked is tweezers. I've used them to pull out ticks, and just last weekend saw someone on the trail using them to pull cactus spines out of their arm. Over the years I've given out band-aids, moleskin, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, and burn cream (to name a few) to people on the trail who either didn't bring a first-aid kit, or who didn't bring an adequately supplied kit.

6) Fire - More specifically, the means to start a fire: Lighter, waterproof matches, fire steel, etc. If you've ever watched Dual Survival, or any of the survival shows on TV,  you'll know that fire starting is one of the top priorities in a survival situation. I keep a small box of waterproof matches in my FAST kit, witch always goes with me. Of course, unless you plan on smoking a joint on the top of the mountain, you probably wont use your lighter on a day hike. But remember, the 10 Essentials are designed to help you deal effectively with an emergency situation. If you find yourself stranded overnight, a fire will not only keep you warm, but can also be used for signaling, and it's a big morale booster too.

7) Repair Kit - Duct tape, safety pins, needle & thread, and cordage, to name a few. Again, the chances of you having to use these items are small, but if the need should arise, you'll be glad you have them. I carry all those items I listed. Duct tape is an important one because it fixes almost anything. Just think about what gear you are taking, and how they could fail, and plan accordingly.

8) Extra Food - Often times on day hikes, I see people carrying a bottle of water in their hand and nothing else. I always at least bring a couple granola bars or trail mix or beef jerky. Obviously, a human being can go a long time without eating, but that doesn't mean you'd want to. Eating food can be a morale booster, plus it will help keep you warm at night if you eat before bed.

9) Hydration - Nothing is worse than running out of water miles from your next source. I know because I've done it. Always bring extra water on your day hikes. If climbing the mountain is steeper than you anticipated, or the temps are higher than reported, you'll be glad you did. If you are going backpacking, then you need a way to treat the water you find in the wilderness. A filter is the most popular method. You can also treat it chemically, or with UV light. There's lots of options, so do your research.

10) Shelter - Tent, bivy sack, emergency blanket. When you're backpacking this is a given most of the time, although here in Arizona a lot of people cowboy camp, but even they should have some form of shelter just in case. I keep an emergency blanket in my FAST kit that always goes with me, even on day hikes. It might seem ridiculous to carry shelter on a day hike, but if you are caught in a storm like that poor man and his sons were, shelter from the rain could be the difference between life and death. Hypothermia kills. 

If I could add anything to this list it would be this: Rain Gear. For me that means always bringing a rain jacket, even on day hikes, even in the desert. For backpacking, I bring a rain jacket and pack cover, always, no matter what. Frankly, I don't want to be wet and I don't want my gear wet. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it's dangerous. Keeping yourself and your kit dry should be a top priority in the wilderness.

Disclosure: I am by no means a survival expert. I had been thinking about writing this for some time because I frequently see people on the trail carrying practically nothing, and when I heard about that guy and his two sons dying on a day hike, it finally compelled me to sit down and write. This information is nothing new. I didn't invent the 10 Essentials. I am just passing it along in case someone doesn't know.

References:

http://news.yahoo.com/illinois-father-two-sons-freeze-death-during-hike-193245919.html

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html?gclid=CJ_m8fqL-7QCFUjZQgodSDMAIg&s_kwcid=TC|13029|10%20essentials||S|e|19595601845&ef_id=ULmYdwAAUUeBV3Nh:20130122040944:s

Ode to Campfires

Nothing beats a good campfire, especially when you're worn out after a long day on the trail. My Uncle Steve is a master fire builder, and is the person who taught me the tricks of the trade. One of those tricks is to start small. People have a tendency to start too big, but you need tinder in the beginning. Tiny twigs, old man's beard, pine needles, and even wood shavings all make good tinder. Once the tinder is nice and hot and burning good, you can start adding the kindling. But remember, if you throw in the bigger stuff too fast, your fire will die.

My Uncle Steve tending the fire.

This lesson is especially true in wet conditions. On the Olympic Coast I day-dreamed of the campfire. It was always wet and windy and cold. I remember our second night, all of us were soaked to the bone by the time we reached our camp, and all the wood available was soaking wet. The principles of starting a fire in the rain is the same, but it takes more time, and a heavy dose of patience. Start small, but keep it small longer than usual. Keep feeding it tiny twigs until you have a small ball of burning red coals, and then slowly start adding bigger stuff (still feed small stuff as well). If the fire is dying, get on your hands and knees and blow into the coals. Build a wall around your small fire with your kindling and larger wood. The fire will dry it out over time, and it will also help shield the fire from wind and rain. It can take a lot of time to start a fire in wet conditions, but it's definitely doable. My cousin Luke and I spent hours once trying to start a fire in the backcountry after days of rain. But our efforts paid off, and eventually the fire was so hot, anything we put in it, no matter how wet, caught flame. You'll have to constantly tend it, constantly blow on it, and constantly feed it, but it will be worth it in the end.

Steve starting small in the rain.

Building a good fire is sometimes challenging, but for me it's a lot of fun. If you arrive in camp early, building and maintaining a good fire is a fun way to just pass the time. It can also be a big morale booster, especially at the end of a long, cold, hard day. Just don't forget your lighter or waterproof matches, or at the very least Swedish Fire Steel. When I backpack I bring two 2 sources of flame, usually a small lighter and a box of waterproof matches (as a back-up) in my first aid/survival kit. Lately I've ditched the lighter in favor of Swedish Fire Steel, which when combined with good tinder will produce flame. I always bring tinder as well. Something that will easily catch a flame and burn long enough to ignite the organic tinder I add. You can find all kinds of fire starting materials at REI or any other outfitter. I just take a few cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly. You can make them easily at home, and they are cheap and lightweight, and will immediately ignite from a spark.

Chillin' by the fire.

I leave you with my favorite campfire ever. I think Its my favorite mainly for the location, on Gem Lake in the Seven Devils. We had the lake to ourselves. It was so clear and still, and beautiful. We sat on that log and cooked trout for dinner that we caught from the same lake earlier. It was an amazing evening in the backcountry.