Dedicated to my Ojiichan, Minoru Nagaike (1930-2016)
Whether you’re headed to the snowy peaks as an experienced winter adventurer or you’re just beginning to explore the snowy wonderland for the very first time, here are my top picks for the 2016 season. Gift them, have them gifted to you or gift them to yourself but these essentials should be on every outdoor …
NEMO Nocturne 15 - $380-400 SPECS Weight: 2lbs, 5oz regular, 2lbs, 7oz long Temp. Rating: 15F/-9C Comfort Rating: 26.5F/-3C Bag Length: 72in regular, 78in long Unpacked Dimensions (shoulder x hip x knee): 64 x 60 x 64in regular, 66 x 62 x x66in long Packed Dim.: 18 x 9in / 46 x 23cm Fill Power/Type: 750-fill, …
Cotopaxi Sueño Sleeping Bag $349.95 SPECS Weight: 2lbs 13oz / 1.27 kg Temp. Rating: 15F / -9C Length: 82in (208cm) Unpacked Dimensions (shoulder x hip x foot circumference): 62 x 56 x 47in (157 x 142 x 119cm) Packed Dim: 9 x 17in (23 x 43cm) Fill Power / Type: 800 water-resistant duck down Zip …
Tentsile Flite Tree Tent – 7.4lbs / 3.5kg, $350 Not quite a hammock and not quite a tent, the Tentsile Flite is a novel design that blends the convenience and excitement of both. An avid hammock sleeper, I was pretty stoked at the opportunity to try out this Instafamous “tree tent” and intrigued by it’s …
Kammok Roo + Python Straps $128 The popularity of hiking and outdoor recreation has risen drastically in the past decade, bringing in a whole new generation of wilderness wanderers. Factors leading to this growth might include the idea that people of urban areas are feeling a greater need to “escape”, the fact that outdoor recreation …
Feature photo by Ryan Thompson North Peak Mid eVent - 18oz, $200 The Ahnu North Peak eVent is built for tough-trail performance and top notch comfort with fashion sensitive appeal. Waterproof leather and outer mesh make this boot a good fit for cross country day hikes or overnight backpacking trips while keeping your feet dry and …
NOBULL Trainer – 9.3oz, $130-160 NOBULL’s original canvas trainer piqued the interest of some, but their SuperFabric Trainer’s are the real bread and butter that have raised popular appeal. Though simple in design and construction, the Trainer is built tough with a seamless, one-piece exterior made to withstand it all. NOBULL sticks to its name with this no-frill …
Monolith Mid UltraDry - 26oz / 742g, $160 The Monolith UltraDry is Vasque’s jack-of-all-trade boot ideal wear for day hikes, light backpacking, or just for the hiker who prefers a lighter foot. Featuring a tough upper of leather and abrasion-resistant mesh, the Monolith is ready for rocky trails and Vasque’s proprietary UltraDry membrane keeps feet dry and …
Inhaler II Mid GTX – 26oz / 732g, $160 The Inhaler II GTX is designed for speed on the trails. Whether you’re trying to cover ground on the PCT, make your destination by sundown, or outrun wild beasts, the Inhaler claims it will get you there in FKT (Fastest Known Time). Featuring GORE-TEX technology, you’ll stay …
[Originally written for and published in part by Innovation and Tech Today in collaboration with Billy Brown, Spring 2016 edition] It’s the 21st century and wearable technology has become seriously mainstream, impressively futuristic, and far more inspiring than “hover boards” with wheels. But with the rising popularity of these fitness trackers and smart watches …
