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As it turns out, I was not the first journalist to visit the lab thinking I would write the ultimate water filer review. The problem is, it can't be done objectively. The single best lab in the business, in the world, is MSR's lab. In many cases they know more about other manufacture's water...

I assume when you say "staff" you're referring to the only one who rides a bike. LOL I genuinely don't have any beef with e-bikes. I think they're pretty fun. This one kind of hurts my head. I can't decide if I like it or want to set it on fire.

The bonus with the TrailShot is the ease in which you can either drink from it or fill other containers. I also have to say, MSR's water lab in Seattle is one of the most incredible experiences I've had as a journalist. I assumed their lab included a couple dudes designing and testing water...

Most of the larger bag purveyors will have their bags tested in Manhattan, KS at the one commonly used cold chamber with the most frequently used thermal mannequin. I think Therm-a-rest is the only company with their own cold plate large enough for bag testing. I've been there and it's pretty...

Having used both, and tested dozens of filters over the last 2 years including a few days at the MSR water lab in Seattle, I'd chose their TrailShot over everything else for a compact personal filter. More utility. Second would be the Katadyn. Trailing would be the Sawyer just based on their...

I was a certified boot fitter for ages and shaped ski boots, made custom footbeds, the whole nine yards. We used to say the hardest feet to fit are attached to a brain that doesn't want to be fitted. LOL. Not to say you're this guy, but anytime people would sit in my chair and say how hard their...

I've used this combo as well for over a year. From Nepal to Peru it's been stellar. I just used it last weekend on a backpack trip with temps cold enough to freeze my bottles. The Talus TsII is 2 pounds, 5 ounces and pretty toasty. Bag ratings are always subjective and influenced by a variety...

I go back and forth between my love and hate or RTTs. If I had to measure the split, I'd say I dislike an RTT more than I like it. And I have used and evaluated well over a dozen of the best in the biz. I tend to prefer a ground tent for most situations. I did try an OzTent and felt in some...

I cry way too easily. I'd have frozen tears stuck to my cheeks before we even started. SalsaJJ, Nice work. I'd love to head up there for a winter campout. I call big spoon.

I just can't get my damn schedule to work out to go to Ride Camp. Next year. I just loaded up my Mukluk for a trip I'm taking to Silverton on Thursday. The premise of my trip is -- mega luxury. I'm taking a bomber tent, comfy pad, and had to add a rear rack and dual fork-mounted Anything Cages...

This. I have two. Best hats I've ever owned by far.

I love Thule. I genuinely do, but when I saw that it instantly reminded me of those days long gone of poor kids with Polio leg braces. Poor bike. The same concept but affording the use of Anything Cages would be my suggestion.

I love this bike. I love the idea that SalsaJJ's legs are long enough I can sit on the seat and he can sit on the rear rack and reach the pedalsl. The other E-bike. :)

My lycra wearing status was confirmed in my own head when I read that as a challenge. LOL. 25 years of high level racing has made me annoyingly competitive. At any rate, yes, the fatbike with different wheel sets is a great way to go. I love my Mukluk carbon for that reason.

Not really practical. Most bleed kits are pretty big and complicated. In reality hydraulic brakes seldom crap out in the bush. Oddly enough, my one and only backwood brake failure was with mechanical discs.

It's not the chaffing. It's pressure at the juncture of the line and the brake lever itself. That's where most lines and housings fail. And it does happen, you bet.

It largely depends on the bedding. If it's super thick synthetic filled stuff, it might be snug. I can leave my down layers in there just fine, but prefer not to. I guess you pick your poison. You can have lots of room to store your bedding or have a thin profile tent. Most tents are giant bricks.

A few years ago I had $6,000 burning a hole in my pocket and I couldn't decide if I wanted to buy a KLR, or a BMW 650 Dakar with the "uber reliable" Rotax engine. I got the latter with fewer than 8,000 miles. Within the next 3,000 miles the engine crapped out. Go figure.

I'm a pretty friendly guy overall, but I admit the waving thing gets a bit tiresome. If it went away I'd be pretty okay with that.

The KLR is likely one of the most traveled platforms ever built with two wheels. I would argue far more KLRs have lapped the globe than fancy 1200cc bikes. Even more impressive, many KLR riders to ride to the ends of the earth are not generally "motorcycle people" and not fully aware of how to...