MSR Reactor Stove Grabs Top Award At 2013 ISPO - Video

MSR's award winning Reactor 1.0L Stove System

MSR's Reactor 1.0L Reactor Stove System grabbed top honors in the "stove" category at the 2013 ISPO sporting-goods trade show held in Munich in January of this year. The recently introduced Reactor 1.0L system is specifically geared toward soloists who put a premium on a "fast-and-light" style of hiking and mountaineering.

While the Reactor 1.0L Stove System is new to the market, Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is well known and respected among guides and outdoor adventurers. According to a review by Alpinist magazine, "MSR has long made the stoves favored by guides... MSR's Reactor is by far the best. In my experience, the Reactor reduces my fuel needs by 50 percent." Another review, by Outdoor Gear Lab, calls the Reactor, "the fastest, easiest to use, and most storm-proof camping stove we tested."

The following video is from Outdoor Gear Lab's review of the Reactor Stove:

MSR's Reactor Stove Systems includes the new, IPSO award-winning 1.0L system, a 1.7L system, and a 2.5L system, all of which are highly praised. Benefits that MSR claims of their Reactor Stoves include:

• Unrivaled Boil Time: Outperforms the competition in head-to-head lab tests—boiling .5 liter of water in just 1.5 minutes—with an even greater advantage out in the real world.
• Unmatched Wind Protection: Heat exchanger completely encloses radiant burner head, virtually eliminating the effects of wind to maintain outstanding boil times and save fuel.
• Maximum Efficiency: Patent-pending radiant burner, heat exchanger and internal pressure regulator produce best-in-class, fuel-sipping efficiency in all conditions.

For full reviews of MSR's Reactor Stoves, check the following:

Alpinist - MSR Reactor Stove: Powerfully Efficient

Outdoor Gear Lab - Hands-on Gear Review: MSR Reactor Review

Packing Tip: Osprey Airporter LZ - Save Your Straps!

A backpacker with her closest travel companion - her pack

Backpacks and rucksacks are hands-down the luggage of choice for many of today's budget world travelers, aptly named "backpackers."

More than anything, a backpacker needs his or her backpack to hold up to the beating it will receive being thrown into airplane baggage bays, on bus roofs, and over horse saddles day after day.

It is more than a backpack - it is a seat, a pillow, a coffee table, a closet. It is home.

Osprey, well known for their packs and uber-efficient travel equipment, has a practitioner's grasp of the demands that are placed on their packs by trekkers around the world every day.

The Osprey Airporter LZ was birthed out of Osprey's practical understanding of the backpacker's way of travel - a simple, durable, light and packable duffle bag who's one and only job is to protect zippers and straps from the careless hands of baggage handlers, security checkpoint personnel, bellhops, and bus drivers.

The old Airporter was one-size-fits-all.
Now, you can choose one to fit your pack.

The Osprey Airporter LZ's constuction is simple: a cavernous duffle with a single, top-loading zipper and a sling strap.

Now, this long-time favorite of trekkers and backpackers has gotten injection of Osprey's genius. The updated Airporter now comes:

• In three sizes to more suitably accommodate packs of different volumes;
• With improved handles;
• With a more comfortable shoulder strap. 

As much as I love my old-model Airporter which has served me and my pack faithfully for years, all three of these improvements are much appreciated. A great buy for US$30-$40, this is a no-brainer - you should definitely have the Osprey Airporter LZ in your luggage stash.

"New" Mountain Sports Manufacturer - Salewa

A few weeks ago, I was walking down the main thoroughfare in Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps and ducking into a few outdoor shops along the way to see what they had for 2013. One shop that I was surprised to see was the Salewa store, a brand which I had previously seen on a few occasions in China but was skeptical about. Given the chance to talk to a knowledgeable rep, I took the opportunity to ask a few questions.

From my first few encounters with Salewa in Chinese department stores, I assumed that it was an overpriced "outdoor equipage" brand with no real pedigree, a fairly common practice in China. However, the agent in Grindlewald introduced me to Salewa's long German history and innovative products.

Founded in 1935 in Munich, Germany, Salewa's reputation in Europe is well established. With the launch of their American headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, in 2007, Salewa has brought their mountain sport experience to North America. Preceding their recent establishment of a North American headquarters, Salewa has had a strong relationship with the likes of REI, Black Diamond, EMS, Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia), and Doug Tompkins (The North Face) since the 60's and 70's, giving them all the credibility they need.

Of the Salewa products that I saw in Switzerland, the most noteworthy was their footwear.

Salewa MTN Trainer with "Salewa Y"
ankle and heel support technology

The representative was very helpful in explaining Salewa's "3D System Evo" lacing and heel support system, which is supposed to give a blister-free experience every time, and "3F System" for added flexibility.

Salewa offers lines of smart looking shoes and boots equipped with Gore-Tex and Vibram technology for:

• Mountaineering
• Winter Trekking
• Alpine Approach
• Tech Approach
• Hike Approach

As our writers continue to familiarize themselves with Salewa, we will continue to let you know what we learn about this "new" name. Leave us a comment and let us know what you've thought about your experience with Salewa and their products.

Waterproof Down: What's The Word? - Video

Since the announcement in late-2011 of a forthcoming water repellant down insulation (no company thus far has actually made a claim of "waterproof"), there has been quite a buzz in the outdoor sports world. So what do you need to know about water repellant down?

Down has long been the choice for
mountaineering and cold-weather adventures,
but moisture is a constant threat

Due to down's susceptibility to moisture (in the forms of perspiration, snow melt, and precipitation) and subsequently diminished loft and insulating ability, until now the best solution has been to pair a down insulating piece with a waterproof shell layer (a hardshell jacket or bivvy sack, for instance) or to use synthetic insulation, instead. However, with the announcement of a hydrophobic down, all of that may no longer be necessary.

DownTek, one of the companies supplying this new down fill, claims that their product is "water repellant, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial." Using a nano polymer treatment to coat goose and duck down fills so that they retain their warmth-to-weight ratio even when wet, DownTek was recently awarded GearJunkie's "Best In Show" at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, indicating that there may be more to these claims that just "fluff."

Interchangeable Vibram Soles: Korkers New OmniTrax - Video

Footwear manufacturer Korkers (who we had never heard of before) debuted quite an innovative product at this year's Outdoor Retailers Winter Market 2013. In partnership with Vibram, Korkers has created a feature specifically with anglers and winter sport enthusiasts - an adaptable traction sole system called OmniTrax.

Korkers' idea is to provide a footwear platform that can accept a number of interchangeable soles, allowing a single pair of boots to operate optimally in a number of different environments. Watch the following video that Trailspace shot with the Vibram USA representative at ORWM2013 for a demonstration:

Mammut's New Protective Airbag for Avalanche Safety

Mammut's PAS adds neck, chest, and head
protection to avalanche suffocation protection

Introduced at the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show that just finished a few days ago in Salt Lake City, the Snowpulse PAS (Protective Airbag System) improves on Swiss manufacturer Mammut's existing RAS (Removable Airbag System) airbag by adding trauma-specific protection.

According to varying reports, mechanical trauma (running into things or being pushed into hard objects) accounts for between 15 and 32 percent of avalanche deaths, something the PAS seeks to address.

As a follow up to our dispatch on avalanche safety (an important consideration for anyone engaged in snow sports in the backcountry), we wanted to direct readers to Outside Online's write-up about the new Snowpulse PAS - Mammut Introduces New Protective Airbag Packs at Outdoor Retailer

Read the Outside article to learn more about the specific benefits the Mammut PAS offers and to see a side-by-side comparison of the PAS and RAS airbags.

Black Diamond to Join Technical Clothing Market

One of Black Diamond's new technical apparel offerings

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd, respected manufacturer of climbing, ski, and mountain sport equipment, has just announced that they will soon be re-introducing technical apparel to their offerings.

Always putting excellence into their products, Black Diamond's upcoming return to apparel has been two years in development after a 10 year absence from producing technical clothing. Loyal Black Diamond fans and outdoorsmen/women alike are sure to keep their eyes peeled for BD's first line to hit shelves later this fall.

Outside Online broke the news just over a week ago and did a full interview with Tim Bantle, head of Black Diamond's clothing team.

Read the full interview here - Exclusive: Black Diamond Announces New Technical Apparel, then let us know what you think: what strengths will Black Diamond bring to the tech clothing arena?

Washing Your Gore-Tex or Softshell: Tips from Arc'teryx - Video

Want to increase the performance and longevity of your technical outwear? Arc'teryx's warrant rep says to wash your garments more, not less.

Getting rid of sweat and dirt (which inhibit maximum performance by the Gore-Tex membrane) and rejuvenating the water-repellant coating can restore your piece to peak effectiveness, and the process is simple.

Take a look:

[Note: make sure to double rinse the garment(s) to assure that all detergent residue is washed off]

Mountain Hardwear's Q.Shield - A New Take on Waterproof - Video

New within the past year, Mountain Hardwear has introduced a process called Q.Shield to work in tandem with the OutDry waterproofing technology they are already using on some pieces to create a completely new standard of water-repellancy.

For the past 2 years, Mountain Hardwear has been using a laminating process known as OutDry from Italian innovator OutDry Technologies in their line of winter sport gloves. OutDry supposedly improves on Gore-Tex's popular waterproofing process by bonding a "waterproof-breathable membrane directly to the shell fabric," rather than to the inside of the shell fabric.

The new Q.Shield process complements OutDry, which by Mountain Hardwear's own admission "can't prevent exterior fabrics from wetting out," by fusing ion-mask extreme water repellency directly into the shell fabric, rather than coating the fabric like a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) does. Mountain Hardwear marketing goes so far as to state that Q.Shield does not effect feel or breathability and "will perform for the life of the glove," a marked improvement over DWR if true.

OutDry vs. Gore-Tex-style water repellency

Mountain Hardwear's OutDry-equipped gloves have already gotten some support over the last two years when tested head-to-head with Gore-Tex-equipped gloves, and if Q.Shield performs as MH's marketing indicates that it does, damp gloves on the ski slopes may quickly become a thing of the past.

However, as someone who has been reapplying DWR to my kit for years, Q.Shield's almost magical claims of near-waterproofness and lifetime effectiveness will take some serious substantiation to prevail on ingrained skepticism to such claims.

New Pack Manufacturer Mile High Mountaineering Gets High Praise

Outside Magazine has been putting upstart pack manufacturer Mile High Mountaineering's flagship Salute 34-liter hiking and climbing pack through its paces on multiple different climbing pitches across Europe. After rigorous testing in Spain, France, and Germany, Outside's thoughts? "A perfect pack for climbers."

Among the original touches Outside's testers noted:

• "its unique S-shaped zipper, which winds around the top compartment and down the packs’ body"
• "the plastic-reinforced hang loop—designed much like a gear loop on a climbing harness"
• "the comfortable but compact suspension system that uses a lightweight M-shaped piece of flexible aluminum to create a simple frame for the pack"

Jumping onto the outdoor gear landscape in 2009, Colorado-based Mile High Mountaineering has stuck with what they know, producing a small-but-innovative line of activity-specific packs. Instead of expanding quickly, MHM has focused on packing their packs with perks to make their users fall in love with them. As the Outside article shows, it's clearly working!

Outside Online's full article: Mile High Mountaineering Salute: A Perfect Pack for Climbers

Hiking Boots - What Is The Right Footwear For Your Trail?

The right hiking boots are the means
to many memorable miles

Trekking, hiking, tramping, walkabout - whatever you call it, a hike is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When it comes to hiking, not too much is needed - an idea of where you're going (a map and compass are probably a good idea), proper hydration, protection from the elements, and of course, adequate footwear.

50 years ago, the "choice" was pretty basic - full leather hiking boots with aggressive lugs on the sole. There wasn't really anything else on the market. However, since that time not only have the number of options burgeoned, so have the number of categories of hiking footwear - so how do you navigate the increasingly congested waters of outdoor footwear?

Winter Camping Gear - The Quick List

Therm-a-Rest's Z Lite Sol sleeping pad

Gear Junkie has just put out a guide for 'sleeping in the snow,' an article listing their 8 essential items for  cold-weather camping, to be published in this month's Scouting magazine (the magazine for Scout Leaders).

Get a look at what they say you need to fend of the chill while exploring the backcountry - Gear for 'Sleeping in the Snow' (winter camping guide)

Take special note of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad with its unique heat-reflective barrier, and the Mountain Hardwear Spearhead mitts with MH's OutDry Waterproof Technology to punch through the numbing winter nip that damp gloves can give way to.

Review: Patagonia R1 Hoody

When the temperature moves toward freezing, the first layer I reach for is the Patagonia R1 Hoody. The waffle-patterned construction of the Polartec PowerDry material makes the R1 Hoody warm enough that it can stand alone or fit under a soft shell or windbreaker when the weather is brisk, and the fit has a low enough profile that the R1 Hoody can easily layer with thicker pieces to fend off the bitterest cold.

Noteworthy Pros:

• Extended torso length gives full coverage, even when wearing a climbing harness or a backpack that can cause layers to ride up
• Stretch cuffs and thumb loops allow the sleeves to cover all the way to the knuckles for added warmth
• The zippered "Napoleon-style" chest pocket is big enough to carry essentials without being bulky

Cons:

• The sleeves are a bit long, so the cuffs bunch up when not using the thumb loops

Pushing the Patagonia R1 Hoody to 16,000ft. over Lhasa, Tibet

I love the mix of comfort and functionality Patagonia has found with the R1 Hoody. The low-profile, balaclava-style hood protects the ears from the wind, while fitting nicely under a cycling or climbing helmet. The zipper is longer than most 1/4-zip pullovers, allowing for maximum venting during high-output activities, and when fully zipped the collar covers all the way above the mouth, keeping cold air from getting into the neck and torso, even when cycling.

According to Patagonia - "Streamlined, light and versatile, the R1 Hoody pushes [Patagonia's] primary design principle: Perfection is achieved when there's nothing left to take away." For those adventurers and trekkers who like to travel and play "light and fast," the R1 Hoody can definitely be called perfection.

Last Minute Gift Ideas - National Geographic Ultimate Gear Guide

Following on the heels of the Trailspace Top Ten and hopefully just in time to give you the perfect last minute gift idea for that hiking and camping gear aficionado you still haven't found anything for: The National Geographic Ultimate Hiking and Camping Gear Guide.

DeLorme Earthmate
PN-60w GPS unit

National Geographic Adventure's writers give an informative write-up on a comprehensive list of over 20 pieces of gear, often with a range of favorites for each category to help you narrow down the perfect choice for you. 

First Ascent
BC-200 jacket

The reviews include sleeping bags, jackets, footwear, GPS units, cooking equipment, packs, and tents, and one consideration that we certainly appreciate from National Geographic is that they made specific recommendations for women in a number of the categories.

Among the list of suggestions, two that stand out this year are the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w GPS unit (now equipped with SPOT Satellite Communicator) and relative newcomer First Ascent's BC-200 hard shell jacket, deemed "guide tough."

Gear up for all your 2013 travel adventures!

Trailspace Top Ten: Gear

One great thing about Trailspace is that the outdoor community has a consolidated forum for singing their praises and offering their warnings about everything outdoors. And, while finding the right gear is intensely personal, it never hurts to hear what rank and file users are saying.

Suunto has never let me down on the trail

Compiling over 24,000 user reviews, Trailspace has come up with the most popular outdoor "kit" across ten different categories in their recently released Trailspace Top Ten: Your Best Outdoor Gear.


Noteworthy (in my opinion) among the results are:

• Marmot Pinnacle 15º 800-fill Down sleeping bag
• Leatherman Wave multitool
• Suunto navigation tools
• Arc'teryx Bora 80 backpack

The Leatherman Wave is great because it is not only full of useful tools, many
are one-hand accessible and the handle was made ergonomic and comfortable

Osprey Ozone 22" Gets Rave Reviews

Osprey's new ultra-light carry-on suitcase has turned a lot of heads and landed two significant awards already: National Geographic Adventure's 2012 Gear of the Year Award and 2012 Men's Journal Gear Lab Seal of Approval.

For those who like to pack light and efficiently, the Osprey Ozone 22" luggage piece is definitely worth checking out.

Read more about Osprey's proud new offering: Osprey's Ultra-Light Ozone 22 Earns Top Honors


While you're at it, watch this video on packing a small carry-on efficiently:

Review: Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell

I added the Arc'teryx Gamma MX softshell to my wardrobe a couple of years ago, and I am very glad that I did. Typical for all of Arc'teryx's products that I've had experience with, a lot of thought went into making the Gamma MX perfect for what it was designed for - high output, athletic endeavors.

Noteworthy Pros:

• Athletic cut eliminates unnecessary bulk and helps trap body heat
• Pockets abound (2 chest, 2 side, and 1 sleeve)
• Shell fabric is a great barrier, especially for cold, damp days

Cons:

• Cuffs are tightly fitted - great for keeping wind out, not so great for taking the jacket on and off, especially with a watch on
• None of the pockets have a port for headphones/earbuds

Arc'teryx Gamma MX doing work at 14,000ft. in Tibet

The Arc'teryx Gamma MX softshell jacket is definitely a "specialist" rather than a "generalist," designed with athletes in mind. The Gamma MX performs incredibly well when put to the test - December bike rides, trail runs in a light rain, or summiting a peak as the leaves change color in Autumn.

The Gamma MX sheds water and blocks wind, while the numerous pockets and full front zipper allow plentiful options for perspiration to escape. When zipped up, the neck offers relief from the wind all the way up to the chin and is comfortable enough that it won't rub your chin raw, either. 

I couldn't agree more with the description on the Arc'teryx website: the Gamma MX is "ideal for dynamic backcountry activities in mixed weather conditions."

ExOfficio Travel Clothing

Founded in 1987 on the premise of creating fashionable and functional travel clothing, ExOfficio continues to innovate fabrics and garments across a number of different activities that are perfect for the active traveler.

Specializing in insect repellent, sun protective, and durable travel clothing, ExOfficio divides their clothing offerings across the following categories:

• Backpacking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Safari
• Adventure
• Hiking
• Travel
• Outdoor

I have definitely fallen in love with ExOfficio's Give-N-Go underwear, a line of undershirts and underwear that are wicking, quick-drying, and odor repellent. 

If you're going for a nomad trek but want to keep your pack light, Give-N-Go underwear is perfect - it can be washed in a sink or a shower, hung on a pack strap, and dries in hours. Give-N-Go are also great for high output activities such as hiking and biking, wicking sweat while remaining incredibly comfortable.

Get out and travel comfortable!

Pack Up and Kayak

What could possibly be better than hiking or kayaking? Hiking and kayaking.

While the premise might sound ridiculous unless done in distinct stages, Folbot Inc. is doing its best to make combining the two as effortless as possible. The company's unique line of folding kayaks are all designed to fit into a bag and be easily transportable, making them ideal for travel.

Folbot kayak frame

Now, the idea of heading out on a "hiking and fishing trip" could just as easily be a "hiking and kayaking trip." Folbot's range of kayaks can accommodate a number of different body types and activities, ranging from recreational outings to expeditions, and all of them fold up and fit into a bag for easy transport.

Gearjunkie.com has a great write-up of Folbot's Cooper kayak, a 16'6" long day-touring kayak that only weights 39 pounds and can fold into a backpack: Full-Size Kayak folds up, Fits in Backpack

With that kind of mobility, a half-day hike coupled with a half-day paddle is certainly not out of the question!

Polartec's New "Alpha" Synthetic Insulation

Polartec, in response to requests from US Army Special Operations Forces (SOF), has created a new, highly breathable synthetic insulation fabric called "Alpha." The need for a synthetic insulation that would maintain the benefits insulated garments provide, without the so-called "vapor barrier" created by the tightly woven exterior fabrics used to encase high loft insulators, led to the emergence Alpha. 

The value of breathable fabrics during rigorous activity is that they allow for a cooling airflow to balance increased body heat and sweat output that occurs during activity, while maintaining wind and moisture protection. According to the company, "Polartec Alpha provides active warmth that allows air exchange for breathability and comfort in more dynamic situations."

A number of well-known outfitters have already adopted Alpha, including Eddie Bauer, Marmot, Montane, Rab, and The North Face.

Read more: Polartec Introduces Polartec Alpha and Redefines Synthetic Insulation