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Yukon Charlie’s Snowshoes: Icon Alpha Series

posted by gumptiongear February 16, 2012 0 comments


One of the great beauties of snowshoeing is that anyone can partake in the sport.  Since the Snowshoeing boom in the 1990s, the number of snowshoe models and brands on the market has blossomed, providing consumers with a variety of options.  Yet, one problem endures; while the sport remains relatively inexpensive, the ever increasing range of models has also come with an increasing price tag.

Founded in 1996, Yukon Charlie’s was built upon the vision of creating a snowshoe company that would fill the need for high quality snowshoes at a reasonable price.  So if you’ve got big powder drift dreams, but suffer from a less than illustrious sized wallet, the Yukon Charlies ICON series fits the bill.  Offering an array of snowshoe and snowshoe accessories at a stellar price point the Yukon Charlie’s brand allows any winter enthusiast to tackle the toughest winter terrain without depleting their savings account.
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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

L.L. Bean Summit Trekker Snowshoes

posted by gumptiongear February 9, 2012 0 comments

In life some of our most rewarding journey’s are also the most difficult. Far away from the neatly groomed ski runs rests snow covered regions that few will ever have the privilege of experiencing.  For those journeys into the unknown winter landscapes, the Summit Trekker from L.L. Bean offers an ideal all around snowshoe as proficient on long flat terrain as it is traversing deep untouched powder in the tranquil winter back country.
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Gear ReviewsGo HikeGo Outdoors

Easton Artica Hike™ Snowshoes

posted by gumptiongear February 7, 2012 0 comments

Historians trace the origin of snowshoes to Asia sometime between 4,000 and 6,000 B.C.  As recently as the 1950s, snowshoes were still constructed from wood and rawhide.  I share this historical note because as I stood surrounded by the white washed world of the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains and strapped on the Artica Hike from Easton Mountain Products one thought stood solemn in my mind….

Those poor souls of yesterday would have killed for a pair of these shoes!  Featuring ergonomic efficiency and a wide variety of technical innovations to keep your strides competent and comfortable, Easton’s Artica Hike™ is built to handle a wide variety of terrain.

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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Hi-Tec Alpine Start Parka

posted by gumptiongear January 17, 2012 0 comments

Whether your sitting fireside watching flakes of snow melt mid-air into the campfire, or simply heading out into the cold winter morning, you want to be warm and comfortable.  Luckily for you, Hi-Tec has crafted the Alpine Start Parka, a good quality down that maximizes the weight to loft ratio without the expense of higher fill power downs.

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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Columbia Melting Point™ Parka

posted by gumptiongear January 11, 2012 0 comments

We shall not cease from exploration, and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” – T.S. Elliot

There are moments in your winter journey you will be faced with a choice – turn back and return to the comfort of your roaring cabin fire, or push deeper. The Melting Point™ Parka  from Columbia makes that an easy choice, letting you continue onward into the backcountry with resolute confidence. Continue Reading

Gear ReviewsGo HikeGo Outdoors

Columbia’s Hoodster Mid Outdry Boot

posted by gumptiongear January 4, 2012 0 comments

You awaken from your deep slumber to find a blanket of fresh white snow gently covering the wooded backcountry. To celebrate this winter wonderland you’ve decided to dawn your snowshoes and explore. You take inventory of your gear: Jacket – Check; Cozy Beanie -Done;  Snowshoes – Yup. Now there’s the question of what boots to wear. No doubt you have a multitude of options when partnering your new snowshoes with boots.

Of course you could just slip into your summer hiking boots, strap on the snowshoes and head out. However, you’ll be more comfortable in a winter specific boot that provides better insulation and a higher cut than regular boots to keep the snow out. When we were searching for quality options the good people at Columbia® sent out a pair of their Hoodster™ Mid OutDry® for our field team to put to the test.

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Gear ReviewsGo OutdoorsGo Pack

The Women’s Acadia Backpack from Overland Equipment

posted by Gumption Scott December 27, 2011 0 comments

Are you a gal that swaps the populated sidewalks for dirt trails on the weekend?  If you do, then you need a pack that can hold everything you need while allowing you to move swiftly in total comfort. And wouldn’t it be nice if that pack was tough enough for your adventures without sacrificing a feminine touch of style?  Enter the Acadia backpack from Overland Equipment.

Where to begin…. there is much to tell! Continue Reading

BlogGear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Hi-Tec Crack of Dawn Hoodie

posted by Gumption Scott December 19, 2011 0 comments

Rays of sun break across the mountains gently rousing you from another night of sleep at base camp. All that remains from the camp fire is cinder and ash as the brisk morning air fills your lungs. Shedding the sleep from your eyes you reach for the Hi-Tec Crack of Dawn Hoodie letting the warm goodness of 700 fill down insulation warm your day.

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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Point6 Hiking Tech Medium Crew Merino Socks

posted by Gumption Scott December 16, 2011 0 comments

It has come to our attention that there are some out there still clinging to the folklore of false pretense surrounding wool socks. Like those clinging to the myths of the Minotaur, the Unicorn and the Lock Ness Monster some believe that wool is too hot, too bulky, too scratchy or just plain too old-school for a world of adventure.

If you find yourself in that camp then it’s our great pleasure to introduce you to Point6 and their 100-percent compact spun yarn.  You see, not all wool is created equal.  The Point6 compact spun yarn produces more merino fibers per inch thereby creating an incredibly soft end result that is never scratchy, itchy or bulky
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Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Columbia’s Reach The Peak™ Hybrid Down Jacket: Innovation in Warmth

posted by Gumption Scott December 15, 2011 0 comments

“Creativity, as has been said, consists largely of rearranging what we know in order to find out what we do not know. Hence, to think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted.” — George Kneller

New for 2011, the Reach The Peak™ Hybrid Down Jacket from Columbia is a prime example of the company’s new attitude. Released as part of their fall collection, this isn’t your grand-pa’s puff-ball down jacket of a bygone era. Nixing tradition, Columbia has utilized innovations in design techniques and material technology to reduce the bulk while still providing the warmth you need when your favorite mountain freezes over. Continue Reading