Tag: backpacking

Made in America: Kifaru International

Backpacking and backcountry snow sports can be an excellent way to stay active and enjoy nature. Whether it is a day trip or multi-day adventure, some gear will be required. Food, water, a tent and a stove are just a few of the items that might be needed. Start piling up the gear and it is not inconceivable that your backpack could weigh over 50-pounds. It doesn’t sound like much, but after hours on the trail, that 50-pounds might as well be 1,000-pounds. Lightening the load can be done by reducing the amount of gear and supplies, or reducing the weight could be achieved by starting off with lighter weight gear. There are certainly a number of companies producing lightweight backpacking gear; just most of them have left the U.S. to manufacture their product line overseas. Kifaru International of Wheat Ridge, Colorado produces an assortment of lightweight backpacking gear and unlike their competition, they are still manufacturing their product line on U.S. soil. Continue reading Made in America: Kifaru International

Map My Hike With New iPad App

Is the iPad really durable enough to go on long hikes? The folks at Backpacker magazine and Trimble Outdoors apparently think so, as they have announced the release of Backpacker Map Maker, a mapping and trip planning app for the Apple iPad. From the touch-screen tablet computer hikers and backpackers can find wild places, plot GPS points and plan their next adventure over seamless topographical maps.

“Our readers absolutely love maps. As avid backcountry explorers and GPS users, they like to view, create and annotate their topos, and with Map Maker, they can now harness the beauty and power of their tablets to experience maps in an extraordinary and dynamic way,” said Jonathan Dorn, editor-in-chief of Backpacker, and vice president, AIM Outdoor Group. “Map Maker is a portable, practical tool for hikers, a great way to relive their adventures, and the perfect complement to GPS Trails, our smartphone navigation app for in-the-field use.” Continue reading Map My Hike With New iPad App