LETTER FROM BACKCOUNTRY EDGE PRESIDENT TIM KING:
Awesome Gear, Amazing Service! www.backcountryedge.com
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“Since 2004, Backcountry Edge has remained dedicated to our Awesome Gear, Amazing Service philosophy. As a small, family-owned business, we truly appreciate each and every customer and we work hard every day to continue earning your trust and support. Every member of our team is willing to go the extra mile to deliver a level of personalized service you won’t find everywhere else. If you have any questions, give us a call and talk to one of our gear specialists, or check out our website for loads of detailed product information, customer reviews and informative videos. For us, Awesome Gear, Amazing Service is more than just a tagline, it’s our promise. The next time you need quality backpacking gear or just some good advice, give us a try. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”
BACKCOUNTRY EDGE VIDEOS We’ve always believed that part of delivering Amazing Service is sharing all of the information available to help our customers make their gear selections. This includes writing thorough product descriptions, providing detailed bullet points and assembling specification charts that allow for effective comparison shopping. Over the past few years, we’ve also produced hundreds of informative videos to give a more multi-dimensional view of the products that we carry, describe new or unique technologies, and offer tips and how-to instructions. You’ll find video posted directly to corresponding product pages on the Backcountry Edge website or you can visit our YouTube channel to view every video we’ve ever produced. Join our growing list of YouTube subscribers to be alerted each time new videos are uploaded: www.YouTube.com/Backcountryedge
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- BEST OF -
SPRING/ SUMMER 2013
The “Best of Spring/Summer 2013” guide reflects our view of the season’s best backpacking equipment, apparel and footwear. The decisions about what to include were definitely not easy. Working tirelessly with the industry’s top brands during countless hours of line reviews, product demonstrations, trade shows and field trials, our gear specialists evaluated thousand of products before choosing the “Best of Spring/Summer 2013” on the basis of innovation, backpacking functionality or just plain overall value. We sure had fun making our choices and we hope you enjoy seeing and reading about our selections. Enjoy!
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See our complete list of brands at www.backcountryedge.com/brands 1-800-617-0643 www.backcountryedge.com
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S K C A P Mountain Hardwear SummitRocket 20 Vest Pack Another ultra-lightweight result of Mountain Hardwear’s collaboration with speed-alpinist Uli Steck, the SummitRocket 20 Vest Pack provides quick access to gear, fits like a glove to mirror your movements and keeps your center of gravity balanced during fast-paced summit attempts, alpine climbs, trail runs or adventure races. A smart OnThe-Fly compression system ensures a stable carry whether you have the pack stuffed to its limits or are traveling with the minimum essentials. ($120)
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scan m your sm e with artphone Gregory Contour 60 Cairn 58 Women’s (shown) The brand new Contour 60 and the women’s specific Cairn 58 have versatility that allows them to shine equally on fast-moving overnight outings and extended backpacking trips. Intuitive access features enable you to quickly put hands on whatever gear you need and a well-designed suspension system, as you’d expect from Gregory, effectively carries weight so you can concentrate on the adventure at hand. A raincover is even included so nasty weather won’t slow you down. ($279)
Mountainsmith Haze 50 Most ultra-lightweight packs accomplish their weightsavings by stripping away or going almost entirely without a suspension system and, not surprisingly, suffer under the strain of any significant weight. The streamlined Haze 50, however, checks in at less than 2 pounds but still easily hauls 35-40 pounds thanks to a legitimate backpanel. This little do-it-all pack is ideal for climbing, day hiking or fast-and-light backpacking. ($129.95)
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Boreas Sapa Trek Boreas touts its brand new Sapa Trek pack as a “simply organized adventure travel pack”. We agree with that claim but find it to be much understated. Constructed of lightweight, durable 210d ripstop nylon, the pack weighs just 3.5 pounds but swallows a large amount of clothing and gear. A removable frame allows you to reduce weight to just 2 pounds, 5 ounces. An innovative tri-zip opening maximizes access to the interior of this smart, versatile pack. ($219.99)
Kelty Red Cloud 90 (shown) Red Cloud 80 Women’s The iconic Red Cloud has been in the backcountry seemingly for as long as we can remember. A combination of loadhauling capability, durability, adjustability and affordability has long made it a go to for extended backpacking trips. A significant update to the lower sleeping bag compartment now makes it even easier to load and unload contents. Take note parents, a new youth-sized Red Cloud Junior is also available and is equipped with adjustability to grow along with your young adventurer. ($219.95)
Exped Lightning 45 (shown) Lightning 45 Women’s Weighing just over 2 pounds and offering a nearly 3000 cubic inch storage capacity, the Lightning 45 is built for fast-and-light pursuits. A well-designed ziz-zag compression system ensures that the contents of the single long compartment stay put. Lightweight nylon fabric is bolstered by tear-resistant Dyneema ripstop to shrug off backcountry beatings. A well-padded waistbelt and harness make the Lightning more comfortable to carry than many packs in this weight range. ($219)
1-800-617-0643 www.backcountryedge.com
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Deuter ACT Zero 50+15 ACT Zero 45+15 SL Women’s (shown) Designed for the experienced backpacker intent on hiking fast-and-light without sacrificing fit and comfort, the award-winning ACT Zero boasts an adjustable, load-hauling suspension system despite weighing in at right around 3.5 pounds. Boosting versatility for 2013, the removable lid now doubles as an ultra-lightweight summit pack and an integrated scree collar allows you to ditch the lid entirely to shave even more weight. ($185)
Osprey Xenith 105 Fans of the now retired Argon should be thrilled by the arrival of the Xenith 105. Like its predecessor, the Xenith is built to carry heavy loads as far you need them carried and to do it comfortably, but it does so while weighing a full pound lighter! The Xenith is full of other performance features that make it ideal for extended trips and you’re free to select the appropriate pack, belt and harness sizes to ensure a perfect, customized fit. ($379)
Granite Gear Leopard AC 58 Granite Gear has been on quite a streak as of late, churning out lightweight, feature-rich packs that cater to thru-hikers and ounce-counters. The new Leopard AC 58 takes that same blueprint and incorporates mountain-ready touches that enable it to tackle the most rugged of alpine adventures. The pack’s AirCurrent Suspension effectively carries weight and multiple pockets and gear lash points aid in the organization and hauling of gear. ($249.95)
ce istan d g ” “Lon -hauler load
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Icebreaker Men’s Relay SS Crewe Women’s Bolt SS Crewe The Men’s Relay SS Crewe and Women’s Bolt SS Crewe deliver excellent moisture-management, anti-microbial defense and next-to-skin comfort. The combination of New Zealand merino wool and Lycra provides movement-mirroring stretch and dries quickly. These versatile shirts are likely to spend very little time forgotten in your drawer as you’ll find yourself putting them to use as ultra-lightweight backpacking base layers and stand-alone trail running tops. ($69.99)
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Mountain Hardwear Men’s Way2Cool Short Sleeve T Women’s Way2Cool Short Sleeve T One scientifically-advanced t-shirt, the Way2Cool Short Sleeve T incorporates active Cool.Q ZERO cooling technology into its fast-wicking, fastdrying jersey fabric. Ideal for trail-running, fast packing or any warm-weather aerobic activity, Cool.Q ZERO, when activated by sweat, lowers the temperature of the fabric itself and, in turn, helps your body stay cooler! ($65)
Platypus GravityWorks 2.0L Bottle Kit We’ve been using the large-volume Platypus GravityWorks system on group outings for several seasons, but turned to more traditional filters for solo or two-person backpacking trips. The new GravityWorks 2.0L Bottle Kit changed our minds. No need to pump or treat with this ultra-lightweight system. Simply dip the “dirty” bag into your nearest water source and, as the name would suggest, let gravity take over. The system effectively filters 1.5 liters of water in just one minute! ($99.95)
SteriPEN Ultra The new Ultra marks the latest evolution in SteriPEN’s innovative line of water purifiers. Operation is intuitive and simple. Dip the Ultra in your water bottle or glass, push the button and stir. An unmistakable frowning or smiling LED icon lets you know if and when purification is complete. A rechargeable battery has a life of up to 8,000 treatments and can be easily charged via a computer, an outlet or portable solar chargers. ($99.95) AVAILABLE IN APRIL
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- BEST OF WATER TREATMENT -
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A. Rab Men’s Zephyr Jacket Women’s Solar Jacket The hooded Men’s Zephyr Jacket and Women’s Solar Jacket are so lightweight, well-fitting and abrasion-resistant, you’re going to want to wear them on every backcountry excursion you take. Double-weave fabric is used in the shoulders and upper sleeves where heavy wear and tear is anticipated from pack straps and climbing slings. To maximize breathability and keep weight to a minimum, single-weave fabric is used in the torso. ($100)
B. Marmot Men’s Nanowick Jacket Women’s Nanowick Jacket (shown) Using lightweight nylon fabric with a durable water resistant finish, Marmot has created in the Nanowick Jacket an ultra-packable wind-and-water resistant shell that breathes well enough to delight trail runners, hikers, cyclists and cross country skiers. A full-length zipper and a zonal, wicking DriClime mesh lining in the areas of the torso that sweat the most increases comfort during highaerobic activities. When not in use, the jacket stuff down to the size of an orange inside its own integrated pocket. ($125)
C. Salomon Men’s S-Lab Light Jacket Women’s S-Lab Light Jacket (shown) Whether worn on breezy, cool trail runs or thrown in your pack as an emergency shell, the athletically-cut Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket is there when you need it and “barely there” when you don’t. Though not truly windproof or waterproof, the jacket does provide resistance against both and, even though it has a full-length zipper for easy on-and-off, it weighs just 2.5 ounces. Runners take note, reflective features also make this jacket a good choice for nighttime roadwork. ($80) AVAILABLE IN APRIL
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E R A P P A MSR Reactor 1.0L Stove System Back in 2007, MSR released its revolutionary Reactor Stove System, a fast-boiling, fuel-efficient, windproof canister stove. The one complaint of finicky backpackers was that it was a bit too bulky for their needs. Cue the arrival of the new Reactor 1.0L Stove System. Weighing just 16.7 ounces, the radiant-heating stove and its integrated 1.0 liter anodized aluminum cooking pot nest into a single 4.9” x 6.5” unit. ($169.95)
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E. Patagonia Men’s M10 Jacket Ultra-lightweight (7.9 ounces) and incredibly packable, the waterproof/breathable Men’s M10 Jacket has undergone rigorous testing at the hands of Patagonia to ensure that it lives up to the demands of climbers, alpinists and backpackers. There aren’t a lot of extra bells and whistles here, just trustworthy 3-layer protection bolstered by a helmet-compatible hood, welded seams and watertight zippers. ($379)
F. Outdoor Research Foray Jacket Looking for a 3-season-worthy waterproof/breathable jacket that balances weight and performance? The Foray Jacket may be the answer. Constructed of lightweight, durable GORE-TEX Paclite fabric, this jacket withstands the onslaught of heavy rain while delivering maximum breathability. Innovative side zippers maximize ventilation and allow you to pass the waistbelt of your pack underneath the jacket so you maintain maneuverability without sacrificing weather protection or breathability. ($199)
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D. Mammut Men’s Cyclone Pants The dilemma we have with the Men’s Cyclone Pants is deciding when to take them off. We’d just as soon wear them every day whether we’re backpacking, climbing or traveling. The pants are durable enough for mountaineering but stretch inserts in just the right places provide freedom of movement for faster-moving pursuits. The fabric feels great and delivers UPF 40+ protection against harmful UV rays. ($119)
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Optimus Vega Delivering the convenient efficiency of a canister stove and the 4-season performance of a liquid fuel stove, the Vega offers versatility for all types of backcountry and alpine conditions. A remote canister design grants the Vega maximum stability and its ability to convert fuel in frigid temperatures outshines most other canister stoves. If that’s not enough, the stove weighs a mere 6.3 ounces and collapses down small to take up as little space as possible in your pack. ($94.95)
1-800-617-0643 www.backcountryedge.com
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A. Big Agnes Fishhook UL 2 Leave it to forward-focused Big Agnes to again push the envelope on tent design. The truly one-ofa-kind Fishhook UL 2 is a “zipperless” 3-season backpacking tent that utilizes lightweight clips and innovative, strategic overlapped patterning to eliminate a common failure point, reduce noise and save on weight in the process. Looks like Big Agnes has another winner on its hands. ($399.95)
B. Kelty Gunnison 2.2 Kelty gave its beloved Gunnison series of backpacking tents a cosmetic upgrade for 2013. Other than a new “paint job”, the designers pretty much left the tent alone and that’s just fine by us (and a bunch of other loyal backpackers, we suspect). Offering 2 doors, 2 vestibules, internal storage features and dependable durability at a wallet-friendly price, the Gunnison 2.2 is a whole lot of tent for the price. ($199.95)
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D. Marmot Eclipse 3P Catering to backcountry travelers seeking a lightweight shelter that doesn’t skimp on elbow room like so many other backpacking tents, the Eclipse 3P offers freestanding geometry, full weather protection and lots of livability. With a trail weight less than 5 pounds and a roomy interior, the Eclipse 3P can comfortably house 3 or serve as an ultra-spacious 2-person tent. ($439)
E. Sierra Designs Zilla 3 We’ve seen a ton of innovation from Sierra Designs over the years and the Zilla 3 didn’t initially jump out at us because it doesn’t make any attempts to break new ground. What it does do, however, is deliver solid 3-season backpacking performance at a trail-friendly weight and an affordable price. Two doors, two vestibules, livable spaciousness and durable construction for less than $200 is more than enough to make this tent a stand out. ($199.95)
“Room to sprawl”
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C. Mountain Hardwear SuperMega UL 2 An ideal choice for ouncecounting alpinists, thru-hikers and touring cyclists, the SuperMega UL 2 tent offers streamlined weather protection for up to 2. A 2 pound, 2 ounce trail weight that can be reduced further by pitching just the rainfly and a customized footprint (sold separately) makes this tent a tempting choice for anyone looking to shave weight and free up space in his or her pack. ($450)
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A. Big Agnes Bellyache Mountain SL 15 Degree Big Agnes has been building innovative “bottomless” sleeping bags for many years, but 2013 marks their first stab at fully insulated bags. Judging by the Bellyache Mountain SL 15 Degree, it appears that they are pretty good at doing “traditional” too. Employing 700-fill DownTek insulation to deliver lightweight compressibility with built-in weatherproof protection, the bag is an ideal option for 3-season backpacking. (starting at $299.95) B. NEMO Nocturne 15 Degree Women’s Rhapsody 15 Degree In a world of copycat designs, the Nocturne 15 Degree and Women’s Rhapsody 15 Degree bags aren’t like anything you’ve ever seen. A truly unique Spoon Shape is ideal for side-sleepers or anyone who moves inside his or her bag during the night. Water-resistant fabrics and treated 700-fill DownTek insulation combine to make these 3-season bags compressible, lightweight and ready for whatever nature decides to throw at them. (starting at $399.95)
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SLEEPIN C. Kelty Ignite DriDown 20 Degree (shown) Women’s Ignite DriDown 20 Degree Delivering high-performance at a price that won’t derail your budget, Ignite DriDown 20 Degree sleeping bags are built for value-conscious backpackers. An inherent weakness of down insulation is that it loses much of its ability to maintain warmth when it gets wet, but DriDown and its hydrophobic finish on each individual plume of down stays dry longer and better retains loft and an ability to maintain warmth than untreated down bags. The end result is a 3-season worthy bag that can tackle any and all conditions. (starting at $199.95) D. Marmot NanoWave 55 Degree Not every trip demands maximum warmth. For summer or warm weather backpacking trips, we’d gladly trade some warmth for compressibility and packability, especially if it saved us a couple of bucks. This makes the NanoWave 55 Degree bag a go-to choice when temperatures rise. Weighing just a pound-and-a-half and packing down ridiculously small, the bag is everything you need and nothing more. (starting at $69)
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G. Sierra Designs Cal DriDown 13 Degree It’s difficult to find anything to nitpick about on the Cal DriDown 13 Degree sleeping bag. Insulated with hydrophobic 800-fill DriDown insulation and equipped with a form-fitting jacket-style hood, the bag weighs just 1 pound, 12 ounces and packs down to a space-saving 8” x 14”. In other words, the Cal bag is well-prepared for backpacking in any conditions and all but the most frigid of temperatures. (starting at $499.95)
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F. Rab Neutrino 400 Neutrino 400 Women’s (shown) Thanks to premium 800-fill power goose downinsulation and super-lightweight, water-resistant Pertex Quantum shells, Neutrino 400 sleeping bags achieve an EN temperature rating of 25 degrees while weighing in at just a pound-and-ahalf. If that’s not enough to appeal to performance-demanding backpackers, Rab throws in a waterproof compression stuff sack to ensure that the bags take up as little space as possible inside your pack and remain completely protected from the elements. (starting at $379) AVAILABLE IN MAY
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E. Therm-a-Rest Antares 20 Degree With 40 years of experience building sleeping pads, Therm-a-Rest has an extensive background on how sleepers sleep and that experience is evident in its brand new line of “sleep system” bags. Utilizing zoned insulation (700+ fill goose down) and Synergy Link mattress connectors to keep the bag properly connected to your pad (sold separately), the Antares 20 Degree manages to deliver thermally-efficient 3-season performance at a backpacking-friendly weight of just 2 pounds. (starting at $349.95)
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A. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm The warmest offering in Therma-Rest’s award-winning line of ultra-lightweight inflatable mattresses, the NeoAir XTherm has a 5.7 R-value that other uninsulated, inflatable sleeping pads simply can’t match. Couple that cold-weather performance with innovative horizontal baffles and you’ve got a backpacking pad that delivers warmth and comfort in every month on the calendar. (starting at $149.95)
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B. Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SL One glance at the Insulated Q Core SL and you’ll know you’re seeing something different from the norm. Utilizing a unique “quilted” design and incorporating an internal layer of synthetic insulation, this compact, ultra-lightweight (Regular length is a mere 17 ounces) inflatable pad combines warmth (R-value of 4.5) and comfort that is suitable for year-round backpacking. (starting at $139.95)
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C. Kelty Recluse 2.5 Insulated The mummy-shaped Recluse 2.5 Insulated inflatable sleeping pad features the comfort and small packed size expected of an inflatable pad and includes a layer of insulation that grants it an R-value of 2.5. With this combination of features and an integrated hand-pump to make inflation easy, the Recluse is ideal for 3-season backpacking. ($99.95)
E D. Exped DownMat Lite 5 Exped has long been the sole manufacturer utilizing down insulation to bolster sleeping pad warmth. To the delight of weight-conscious backpackers, the new DownMat Lite 5 utilizes that same technology to deliver year-round performance (R-value of 4.1) but does so at a lighter weight, a smaller packed size and a more affordable price. A pump is included to keep damaging moisture out of the interior of the pad and save you and your lungs from the task of inflating the pad by mouth. (Starting at $89)
E. Klymit Insulated Static V Many sleeping pads are built with a specific season or end user in mind. In the Insulated Static V inflatable sleeping pad, Klymit has built a pad that is lightweight and packable enough for ounce-counters, warm enough for cold-weather warriors and comfortable enough, thanks to its unique Vchamber design, for just about everybody. Best of all, perhaps, it’s available at an affordable price. ($89.95)
1-800-617-0643 www.backcountryedge.com
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B. Salewa Men’s Rapace GTX There’s no arguing that Salewa crafts a beautiful boot, but looks alone aren’t everything. The nimble Men’s Rapace GTX hiking and backpacking boot does far more than look good, employing a unique design concept that offers flex, fit and support. A multi-fit footbed system further enhances fit and a GORE-TEX membrane beneath the full suede leather upper promises complete weather protection. ($279)
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S P M A L HEAD
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Petzl Nao Our favorite headlamps offer adjustable settings to deliver maximum brightness, a choice of spot or floodlight beams and optimized burn times for varying conditions. Until the Nao, however, no headlamp ever made on-the-fly decisions for us. Reactive Lighting automatically analyzes the distance to the object in front of you and adjusts quickly to give off the appropriate illumination (from 7 to 355 Lumens). Incredibly, the changes are indiscernible to your eye and all you notice is that you’re getting the lighting you need. ($175) 16
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A. Asolo Flame GTX We love the Asolo Flame GTX boot’s balance of supportiveness and flexibility. Leather construction and a full GORE-TEX bootie provide reliable waterproof/breathable performance while high tenacity nylon offers a comfortable fit with an easier break-in period than you’d get in an all-leather boot. The boot isn’t built for heavy-hauling but it’s more than rugged enough for long day-hikes or fast-andlight backpacking under loads of up to 30 pounds. ($235)
C. Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 GTX Women’s Breeze 2.0 GTX The lightweight, waterproof Breeze 2.0 GTX hiking boot delivers reliable all-day performance. Hybrid Airmesh nylon and Nubuck leather construction offers a comfortable, supportive fit straight out of the box and a full GORE-TEX XCR bootie ensures that your foot stays dry. A TPU support plate protects the bottom of your foot from roots and rocks while EVA rubber and an athletic last deliver comfort and agility on technical terrain. ($159.99)
E. TrekSta Men’s Evolution II Women’s Evolution II Ready for any terrain and varying surface conditions, the Evolution II is a versatile option for hiking, fast packing or trail running. The unique NestFIT last and highly breathable upper mirror the contours of the human foot and toes, eliminating unnecessary gaps and pressure points and resulting in a comfortable, natural fit. An innovative IceLock sole guarantees confident traction even in snow and ice. ($125)
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D. Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 A true hybrid performer, the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 has a low-cut and lightweight flexibility that makes it suitable for trail running but also sports an aggressive outsole and stability that enables it to serve as a fast-packer’s hiking shoe. The mesh upper is breathable and quick-drying and a rubber toe cap provides protection against rocks and roots. A speedlacing system keeps weight to a minimum but also ensures a snug, “stay put” fit. ($130)
F. adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Fast R Women’s Terrex Fast R Count on adidas Outdoor to put its athletic know-how to good use in building footwear for the backcountry. The Terrex Fast R has a burly outsole that features Continental shoe rubber (yes, like you’ll find on tires) to deliver durability and exceptional traction, but the shoe also incorporates a lightweight, breathable upper that provides comfort and flex uncommon in a shoe this sturdy. The low-cut isn’t for everyone but is sure to appeal to fast-packers, trail runners or anyone who shies away from the weight and rigidity of a boot. ($160)
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Black Diamond ReVolt The failing of rechargeable lighting options is that you’re out of luck (and in the dark) if the charge conks out while you’re out on the trail. The ReVolt headlamp addresses that issue with a “hybrid power” design that allows for the use of traditional or rechargeable (included) batteries. It also delivers premium performance with a 110 Lumen output, a maximum burn time of 300 hours (on alkaline batteries) and an array of lighting settings. ($59.95)
1-800-617-0643 www.backcountryedge.com
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Black Diamond Alpine Ergo Cork Delivering top-of-the mountain performance at a competitive price, Alpine Ergo Cork trekking poles feature hybrid aluminum/carbon construction and textured, ergonomic cork grips. New and improved FlickLock Pro external locking mechanisms make adjustments easy and better stand up to the wear-and-tear of backcountry hiking and mountaineering. ($139.95)
LEKI Micro Vario Ti There’s been a move in trekking pole construction over the last several seasons to reduce weight and maximize collapsibility. In some cases, the end result was a pole that sacrificed on strength, durability and/ or adjustability. Extremely lightweight, ultra-collapsible, adjustable and equipped with the same performance grips found throughout LEKI’s line of high-end trekking poles, Micro Vario Ti poles don’t skimp on any of these. ($169.95)
MSR SureLock UL-3 There may be more feature-rich options available, but SureLock UL-3 poles deliver in the key areas that most concern us. The poles weigh just 14.4 ounces but strike confidence with their 7000-series aluminum construction. The intuitive SureLock push-button locking system delivers unparalleled ease of adjustment. Sometimes simplicity and reliability drown out the sounds of bells and whistles. ($119.95)
AVAILABLE IN APRIL
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Suunto Ambit Touted as “the GPS for explorers”, the award-winning Ambit features innovative FusedSpeed technology to provide precise and accurate readings. It is also a full-featured sport watch, digital compass, barometer and more. Data can be uploaded, reviewed and, if you choose, shared with the online Suunto community on Movescount.com. Put simply, the Ambit is an all-in-one electronic tool for outdoor adventurers. ($500) 18
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- BEST OF TREKKING POLES-
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OTHER GEAR
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A. Adventure Medical Kits SOL Escape Bivvy Unlike standard emergency bivvy shelters, the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Escape Bivvy is made from a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric that eliminates condensation buildup while reflecting your body heat back to you. Weighing a mere 8.5 ounces and packing down small, the SOL Escape Bivvy stows easily in your pack or survival kit so it’s handy if and when you need it. ($49.95)
C. Big Agnes Helinox Camp Chair Tucked inside its zippered storage sack, the Helinox Camp Chair measures 14” x 4” x 5” and weighs just 2 pounds. Despite those modest dimensions, the breathable mesh seat and durable DAC aluminum frame supports up to 320 pounds. While perhaps not an essential item for backpacking or camping, the chair is so comfortable, you just might bring it along anyway. ($89.95)
B. Buff UV Buff At first-glance, the multi-functional UV Buff may just look like a seamless fabric tube. That assessment isn’t entirely untrue but it also sells the Buff short. Made from wicking Coolmax fabric and blocking 95% of the sun’s harmful rays, this shape-shifter quickly changes from a bandana to a balaclava, a face mask, a neck gaiter and more. In fact, except for in the very coldest of weather, it just might be the only headwear you need for backpacking, hiking, paddling, running or any other outdoor activity. ($23)
D. Kelty Folding Cooler A cooler is a cooler, right? We certainly thought so until Kelty showed us the fully-featured Folding Cooler. Available in three size options, the lightweight, collapsible cooler does everything you’d expect in keeping contents cold but, unlike traditional coolers, it packs down flat when not in use so you have room in your trunk, garage or closet for other gear. (starting at $45.95)
1-800-617-0643 www.backcountryedge.com
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Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot Cots are the stuff of cabins, campgrounds and spare bedrooms. At least they were before the LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot appeared on the scene. An innovative, patented “bow-frame” design makes set up easy, offers a 24” x 72” sleeping base and supports up to 325 pounds despite weighing just 2 pounds, 12 ounces! If you weigh less than 175 pounds, you can use the cot with fewer support sections and reduce weight to less than 2 pounds. With a packed size of 15” x 6”, the LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot just might find its way into your backpack. ($229.95)
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Watch our video to lear n more
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