Cottage Backpacking Gear Companies for 2012:
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Written by Guthook at Guthook Hikes!


Airing out my WM Lynx last winter after a chilly night in the White Mountains


My pals at Gossamer Gear sent me one of their brand new Kumo Superlight backpacks the other day to take for a test drive. It's not like I need a new backpack, nor can I afford new backpacking ...

Written by Guthook at Guthook Hikes!

This is a slightly modified version of a post from my blog about my thought ...

Written by Guthook at

Guthook Hikes!

As I mentioned in my Winter Layering System post a few weeks ago, my clothing system for winter hikes is based on a simple ...

Backpack Comparison Chart
by Roland


Whiteblaze members frequently ask questions about different pack models. The chart below displays the models, commonly ...

Cheap Gear – How to Dirt Bag and Deal Shop Like a Professional.

By SGT Rock
Last Updated 9 June 2006

***Note there are a lot of links in this article that are outside of the WhiteBlaze site, I hope to keep them updated**

When planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, the average hiker starts putting together a kit by going to the local outfitters, looking at the Internet, or picking up a catalog and then builds a shopping list. After a few minutes of doing this however, the sticker shock for gear can set in and even put the unwary shopper in the hospital if they are not careful. The fact is the latest high tech gear can be VERY expensive, and even the little things that you may need backpacking can add up if you try and buy everything new. Add to that the fact that there is sometimes a belief (or maybe just an urge) that you need to start out on an adventure by completely outfitting yourself from the ground up (or rather from the boots up) in all new gear and clothing in order to have the “hiker” look and feel in all areas. If you are independently wealthy or have nothing better to do with your money stop reading now and go ahead and go to the nearest outfitter and let them load you up. But if you are looking to save some money for better things, then read on…
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Written by Guthook at <a href="http://guthook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Guthook Hikes!</a><font size="3"></font><br>
At the same time that I'm looking at winter sleeping bags, I've been keeping my eye out for insulated down jackets to fill out my winter insulation system. A good down jacket is key to the cold weather of Northeast winters because it doubles as primary insulation while in camp or at breaks, and as added insulation inside a thick sleeping bag. Currently, I only have a very heavyweight down jacket that is plenty warm but not light at all, and a lightweight down jacket that is pleasantly light but not warm enough for what I'd like. Neither of them have hoods, which I would like for added warmth.
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