Want to lighten your load? Want to get back to basics and travel the world as simply as possible? Hiking in ultralight mode is about more than just saving weight, it’s a philosophy! Hiking with nothing but the bare minimum requires a whole different approach: you have to weigh everything you take, both literally and figuratively. Which tent should you choose? What sleeping bag? … [Read more...] about Ultralight Backpacking Basics
Hydration
Why Does Running in Cold Weather Make Me Pee More?
How to Cope with Cold-Induced Diuresis Let’s see if this sounds familiar. You decide to jump into a race during the winter as part of your training program. You prepare the same way you would for a summer race. But after you arrive at the race site in the morning and begin your warmup, you find yourself visiting the loo more often than usual—or, worse, you find yourself … [Read more...] about Why Does Running in Cold Weather Make Me Pee More?
Gear Review: TO Race Vest and AK Mountain Vest
Ultimate Direction released updates to all its Signature Series running packs this year with some exciting new changes, including front-side trekking pole holders. I gear tested two of the models, the lower-capacity TO Race Vest 3.0 and the higher capacity AK Mountain Vest 3.0. Fresh off some trail running in the Rockies, here’s my assessment of how they stack up. TO Race … [Read more...] about Gear Review: TO Race Vest and AK Mountain Vest
Gear Review: Water Bottles and Filters for Running Adventures
As noted in my previous review articles on Ultimate Direction and Salomon running packs, there are a variety of water bottles that come with these packs—small or large, soft or hard—as well as different sizes and types of hydration bladders. Just because a particular water bottle or hydration bladder comes with the pack you buy doesn’t mean you have to stick with that option. … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Water Bottles and Filters for Running Adventures
Gear Review: Salomon Running Packs
Today runners have more choices than ever when it comes to choosing running packs for long, self-supported runs. In the previous article in this series, I reviewed several Ultimate Direction running packs. Here, I continue my review with a focus on Salomon running packs. I’ve put these packs through some serious testing, from run commutes to long trail runs. Here’s my take on … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Salomon Running Packs