READERS COMMENTS

As an avid backpacker and Backpacker magazine subscriber, I would very much like to hear Mr. Joe Zinn's gear reviews! Though I have logged quite a few miles in my 26 years (including over 200 last summer with my 2-year-old), I have found that I always consult my father with any major gear purchase, and his experience has never steered me wrong. There really is no substitute for that kind of experience and knowledge! Backpacker would be lucky to have gear reviewers like that!
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Kim Nelmark

Joe, I agree with your comments. If backpacker wants a gear tester, I will put it through the test – ultra-marathoner and UL backpacker. I still subscribe to the magazine. However, most of the gear is too heavy and unnecessary. I'm always looking at modifying any gear to its basics/form/function. Is backpacker serious about testing gear or looking for the next “backpacker-idol”.
Posted: Mar 09, 2010 James Wilie

Just out of curiosity, do you want a gear tester or a pretty boy model? A first glance your publication would indicate the latter. I am a 53 year old Colorado native who has been hiking since I could walk. In my life I have logged well over 30,000 miles on and off trails in the Rocky Mountains and the deserts of the Southwest.

Please do not misunderstand me, I do enjoy Backpacker. I have even found some of the innovations in the equipment advertised useful. At the same time much of the gear advertised is useless crap that an experienced backpacker would not burden their backpack with.

I realize that product advertisement generates the revenue that pays the bills but it would be nice to see some articles written by credible backpackers pertaining to simplifying the outdoor experience.

For me, some of the greatest satisfaction I have received over the years is the self confidence that came from my experiences. This in turn allows one to be relaxed while in wild places and truly enjoy Nature and the experiences she offers. Too much gear, too many man made trinkets, are not only distractions from this experience, they some times create an environment that denies it.

OK I'll climb off my soap box now. If the staff of Backpacker is ever interested in a 53 year old mountain goat who who has absolutely no interest in U Tube, nor the time for any other cutesy social site, but would be more than willing to put outdoor gear to the test, please let me know.

joe zinn


Posted: Mar 06, 2010 joe zinn

It would be nice if backpacker.com would reply. Some of this stuff we have to know ASAP.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 outdoorfr3ak

Does the written review have to be shorter than 50 words, or just in the gerneral area?
Posted: Mar 02, 2010 Jonathan D.

so when is backpacker comming to a town near me? let's get going , get out more. lifes to short.
Posted: Mar 02, 2010 edward maxbauer sr,

If you are under 18 but meet all the other requirements and will hike a lot more than 250 miles in the time period and have done reviews can you have your parent enter for you and have you do the testing??? Cause I am only 16 but really want to enter and would do the job well.
Posted: Feb 23, 2010 outdoorfr3ak

Do you plan to test women's clothing for REAL bodies, including large bustlines? Not every female athlete is built like a 6' stick. Thank you.
Posted: Jan 20, 2010 reader

yes.
yes.
and yes.
Posted: Jan 18, 2010 kristin, gear editor

Is it open to residents of Canada?
Posted: Jan 10, 2010 Mike MacKichan

do yall do this thing every year? I would love to do this after I finish school.
Posted: Dec 07, 2009 jonathan anderson

do you have to be 18 or over?
Posted: Nov 18, 2009 james

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