GoLite is going out of Business?

Yes, it is true GoLite is going out of business.

GoLite offered some of the best products at great prices. When you first start backpacking, you would never think about buying a $300 tent or sleeping bag. But after your first couple nights on the trail you begin want something nicer, warmer and lighter.

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Gregory Baltoro Backpack Review

The Gregory Baltoro is one of the heavier backpacks available on the market at 6lbs, but makes up for its weight in extreme comfort. When I purchased this pack, I was on the search for a backpack that could handle weights over 50lbs comfortably for longer trips in the backcountry.  Not only will it this back carry the weight, it will last the test of time. My wife has owned her Gregory Deva, which has a similar design and has lasted over 10 years with no signs of major wear.

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JETBOIL – FLASH COOKING SYSTEM Review

My first experience with the Jetboil products was in Isle Royale National Park. A group of hikers, that  my wife and I met on the trail had the Zipboil by Jetboil. After watching the Zipboil in action, I was sold and had to purchase one.

Jetboil offers several different models made with different metals and sizes.  The model I found most effective for my needs was the Jetboil Flash. The Flash comes with a pot with a “max fill” line at 16 ounces, but with a maximum capacity of 32 ounces.  I’m a huge morning coffee person, so having the extra capacity for hot water allows me to make more coffee while packing up camp.

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Sven 15 inch folding saw review

The Sven folding saw is compact and durable, making it perfect for backcountry use like cleaning up campsites and gather firewood. The total pack weight is 10.7 ounces (303 g) and folds into its aluminum frame for a total length of 17 inches. Don’t be fooled by its size, this little saw can cut through 8 inch diameter log quickly if you really tried.

Being located in Sven-saw-old-cutMinnesota, the majority of our campsites and hiking trails allow you to burn campfires. Depending on the group hiking the Superior Hiking Trail its always a question if we should bring the Sven.  If there is a planned trip which requires my canoe, the Sven Saw is a necessity.

Of course you always have the compact chain link saws and cable saws. But when you compare to the effort and cutting abilities, the Sven always comes out on top.

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SallyeAnder Soaps – “No-Bite-Me” review

Recently, my wife purchased the SallyeAnder Soap “No Bite Me” for hiking and camping in the backcountry. I am always very cautious when using a soap that will be in contact with water in the backcountry. After a little research, I found that this bar of soap is made from natural ingredients and claims to be river and stream safe.

The reason for switching to this soap is for the wonderful scent. But in addition to the scent, it helps keep you bug free.  On the packaging it claims that it provides up to 4 hours of bug protection.  The last time I used the soap it varied between 2-6 hours of protection, but the environment conditions could have played a large part in keeping the bugs away.

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Glacier National Park Review

Glacier National Park has over 1 million acres and 700 miles of hiking trails for people of all types to explore. Glacier National Park is located in Northern Montana with the closest airport in Kalispell, Mt.

If you are planning to do some hiking in Glacier National Park there are many trails that are suitable for day hiking that will allow you to see the beauty of this national park. But if you are planning on backcountry camping you are going to need a permit. To apply for a permit visit Glacier National Park website and complete the necessary documentation. Planning a last minute trip is not advised, it will force you to plan around available backcountry campsites, which can lead to long days or undesired routes. When planning your route make sure to consider your transportation. Glacier National Park runs a free shuttle service on the Going to the Sun Road that is convenient for backpackers and day hikers that are trying to travel between the west entrance to the east entrance.

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BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE REVIEW

When I first heard about the BioLite CampStove, I thought this was going to be my one and only stove for all of my trips. I quickly learned there were several downfalls with this wonderful stove that would limit its trips.

The key feature of the BioLite CampStove is the ability to produce electricity by using thermoelectric technology. The power generated by burning fuel is used for a fan that pushes air through the fire, increasing the heat and efficiency. Any remaining power is used to recharge the internal battery and any attached USB devices.

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Solstar By LEVIN: Portal Solar Battery Charger

Levin charging on the Golite Day PackLEVIN produced a product that is suitable for most long-distance hikers who are concerned about their pack weight. This battery bank, like many others out there, has the capacity to charge most phones twice. However, in my case with the Galaxy S5, I was only able to obtain 1.5 charges before depleting the battery bank with no sun exposure. On the plus side, I was able to charge my phone quickly. Continue reading Solstar By LEVIN: Portal Solar Battery Charger

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Whitetail Woods Regional Park

This morning I had a chance to visit the new Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Dakota County Minnesota.  The park is located 25 minutes south of Minneapolis off of Interstate 35.

The park is designed for the average family to enjoy a day in the park and to get closer to nature.  With approximately 10 miles of easy wide dirt paths, they are very well signed,  making it almost impossible to get lost. There are two trailheads,  first is just past the entrance and the second is in the center of the park next to the lake. Continue reading Whitetail Woods Regional Park