The Patagonia Torrentshell 3 L RainjacketHiking while it’s raining is wonderful. The sound of raindrops hitting the forest floor with soft “tap tap taps” is delightful. The intimacy of nearby birds chirping and singing will have you walking slower while you endeavor to make no sound yourself.
This spring my go-to piece of rain gear to get me out no matter what the day brings is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket. |
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Winter Safety in the BackcountryOh, the winter backcountry is so compelling. It sings to you to get out and play in it. You might even compare it to Ulysses and the Sirens… there is beauty and attraction but there is an element of risk and danger as well. There’s no need to tie yourself to a mast or stay indoors all winter to play it safe. There are lots of ways to enjoy the winter backcountry on the equipment you love best while staying safe. It all begins with being equipped, prepared, practiced, educated and skilled.
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Trekking Poles are for EveryoneTrekking poles have come a long way since whittled walking sticks, and their benefits far outweigh any hesitation you many have in using them. If you are open minded to developing the habit of using trekking poles you'll gain hiking performance and increase your endurance.
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The Deuter Trail 30 PackRecently, I had the opportunity to carry the Deuter Trail 30 daypack to Lake of the Clouds on the westside of Rocky Mountain National Park. The pack carried great and I highly recommend the Trail 30 for your day hiking adventures.
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Comfortable, Portable Camp ChairsAt any point in human history, whatever tools or conveniences we had at our disposal to make our lives more comfortable were close to perfect, for the time. Thankfully, design evolved to help us along our way. Cold rocks and lumpy logs evolved into incredibly comfortable and portable camp chairs!
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Rain Gear ConsiderationsOne of the most exciting things about rain gear is the fact that if you are wearing it, most likely it's raining! In the arid, drought-stricken west, a rain shower, no matter how short lived, is a wonderful thing. However, once the summer monsoon kicks in with its unpredictable drenching afternoon downpours, rain can become your bane. A waterproof jacket or even a paper-thin windbreaker can save the day. That is to say, if we have enough foresight to take a shell jacket along with us!
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Microspike-Season in RMNPWhen winter snowfall transitions from fluffy powder to rock hard ice, each step can become treacherous. Freeze-thaw cycles, wind driven spindrift, even solar radiation on cloudy days create the perfect conditions for ice that can send us flying off our feet.
Knowing your intended use before you buy will help you make your decision. There are four basic traction designs. |
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How to Choose Your XC Skis for Rocky's BackcountryBeing out on a winter day on cross country skis is always exhilarating and wonderful. Wonderful that is, if the skis you have chosen match up to your expectations. With the right ski you will want to go time and time again. Here's what to think about to make each xc ski day wonderful!
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Murray's Top Snowshoe Picks for 2022The sound of your snowshoes compressing soft powdery snow underfoot along with the cheering chirps of mountain chickadees will only make you want to snowshoe farther and deeper into the forest. Yes, snowshoeing really is quiet, wonderful, and peaceful.
A challenge all snowshoers face is deciding which pair of snowshoes is right for you. Here are some initial tips for you to consider when making your purchase. |
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Next-to-Skin Base LayersThe key to staying warm in winter is to stay dry. This means your next-to-skin layer is truly the most essential. It must wick the moisture off your skin. This layer should also be quick drying. It shouldn't stay damp against your skin. If this first layer does stay damp you will have to use even more energy to stay warm. This first layer, the next to skin base layer, is critical to keeping yourself dry, warm, and comfortable even in the most extreme temperatures.
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Top Snowshoe PicksSnowshoeing is a wonderful winter extension of your love for hiking in the summer. All your favorite summer trails in Rocky Mountain National Park become easily accessible winter trails with a pair of snowshoes. Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park has so much to offer. It would be a shame not to experience it and with a pair of snowshoes you will want to go, and often.
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