Category: Hunting
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MSR Windburner review
The executive summary is pretty basic on this one: the MSR Windburner replicates and exceeds the fuel efficiency, wind resistance, and convenience of the category-defining Jetboil while offering vastly improved build quality. Or, more crudely, it’s an actually wind resistant Jetboil that isn’t a janky piece of junk. I’ve been impressed with the fuel-sipping efficiency…
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It is September yet
Today is the opening day of Montana’s archery hunting season, for deer, elk, moose, and so forth. Unlike years past, I was out (in the rain) this morning as the sun rose, bow in hand, hoping I could get within 20 yards or closer. I’ve been practicing since spring, and while I was hoping my…
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Outdoors and Lifestyle
Apgar permit office, 10 minutes after opening, July. Visiting Outdoor Retailer a few weeks ago brought it home to me just how huge a percentage of the outdoor industry is given over to what I’d call lifestyle gear and pursuits. As a dedicated elitist asshole since my teenage years I find it hard to say…
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Managing condensation: a shelter case study
The new Sierra Designs High Route tent, which manages condensation via interior air volume and venting, at the expense of vaguely compromised weatherproofing. Photo by Andrew Skurka. Condensation is a fact of life when camping in the backcountry. Under certain circumstances condensation will occur in any shelter. The art is in mitigating and avoiding condensation,…
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Seek Outside Unaweep Divide review
Disclaimer: no way around it, I’m biased as hell about this pack. Seek Outside gave it to me for free, and it is based in small part on feedback I gave on previous Seek Outside packs. Beyond that, I like the folks at Seek Outside a lot, and they’re always a pleasure to talk to. …
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The BD Hot Forge Hoody is awesome
I’m highlighting this medium-light down jacket both because it provides a great example of how to do such a thing well, and because persistent shoppers can still find it well under 200 dollars in certain sizes and colors, which is a bargain. Black Diamond declines to specific the amount of fill in the Hot Forge…
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Bear aware, maybe
Last week a Forest Service law enforcement officer, Flathead native, and longtime recreator in bear country was killed by a bear near West Glacier. According to rumor, and the local paper, the bear was probably a Grizzly, and the gentleman collided with the bear while going quite fast down a gentle, tightly forested descent on…
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How to aquaseal your trail shoes
Adding aquaseal to one’s trail shoes should be standard practice to maximize useful life, otherwise known as trying to keep the upper hole-free until the tread is worn down to nothing. If you walk in rough terrain, and especially if you get your shoes wet frequently, this is not always easy to accomplish. Depending on…
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Closure options for large packs
A good, simple, light closure for a big (top circumference in excess of 40 inches) pack is somewhat difficult to do well. Volume in a big pack can fluctuate significantly, and pack height above the frame needs to be controlled so it does not go bobble-headed and flop around. Additionally, weatherproofing and easy access for…
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BD Alpine Carbon Cork 2013 v. 2016
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles have been the rugged hiking pole of reference for quite some time. They are lightish (~8 oz per pole), stiff, very durable, and quite compact. They are what I recommend to those who prefer long-term investments, hike off trail, are hard on gear, or value having one…
Bedrock & Paradox 
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