Backpacker Editors' Choice 2008

READERS COMMENTS

Methinks Mr. Reason needs to have his lithium dose adjusted.
Posted: Jan 05, 2009 John Barton

If there is one thing I can count on Backpacker for it is their complete disregard for product testing. SPOT is a a piece of JUNK (!!!)...except....if you're standing in an open meadow with nothing overhead. Oh yeah, make sure you hold it horizontally and not on your belt vertically as the antenna is meant to work horizontally. Since Backpacker can't seem to do a valid test, read any number of online tests which claim this technology is simply not worth the $150 for the unit, $150 for the service, the weight, and the what, 50% chance (at best) that it will work for you. I don't even want to mention the poor functionality, the lack of clear functions (blink little light, blink!), etc.

One other thing about Backpacker, GOOD GOD GUYS, figure out what light and ultralight actually means and break your habit of reporting about nothing other than the mainstream vendors (The North Face, Mountain Headwear, Kelty, etc.) as there are plenty of great cottage industry manufacturers out there who make better and lighter stuff (i.e. Backpackinglight.com, gossamergear.com, titaniumgoat.com, ula-equipment.com, mountainlaureldesigns.com, owareusa.com, etc.). SHEESH!
Posted: Jan 01, 2009 The Voice of Reason

Hey Hector, I've been thinking about visiting El Junque for years (Trailside did a show there way back when). I'll propose it for upcoming editorial. Thanks for the reminder. And Feliz Navidad hombre!
Posted: Dec 22, 2008 Steve H.

When are you guys going to include el Yunque National Park. The rainforest @ Puerto Rico in your articles. Some countries go through endless summers and this place is one of them. Right now is 79 degrees F. Thanks a lot for your support.
Posted: Dec 21, 2008 Hector J. Gonzalez

For the -50 sleeping bag I agree, go for a Wiggys bag, made in the USA and guaranteed for LIFE. Plus their -50 bag is really two bags; a summer 40+ overbag that fits over the winter bag of your choice. I like mine a lot, but it's only a 0 degree.
Posted: Dec 18, 2008 Jason

People, people, people. Some of us have taken a negative turn or are at least a bit spoiled. I, for one, have grown to appreciate the Editor's Picks. There is a ton of gear out there, some good, some poor and some great and BP helps weed through it. Back in the dinosaur ages when I started backpacking in scouts (I'm 44), a waterbottle was a metal canteen or bota bag. High tech was when my younger brother spent an entire weeks worth of lawn mowing to buy a plastic waterbottle. It left a bad aftertaste, but was the cutting edge. Things have come a long way in a short while. In the space of a few years, the quality ON ALL FRONTS is much better. The rising tide floats all boats. Backpacker has helped encourage the improvements in quality. Of course, if a product does well their marketing department will sell the manufacturer add space. How else could a magazine stay in business. Now, I appreciate that they have people of different shapes, sizes and geography test the products. But the real test -- as far as I am concerned -- is when I use ANY product in the field or even at home. If I go back to it time and time again, it is a winner. I bet the editors of BP expect you to understand that these are their recommendations, not commandments. Oh by the way, you can now find a better waterbottle in EVERY convenience store and pop machine for the price of the soft drink, vitamin water or gatorade and they don't leak. Also, I'm not a novice. I have proven Editor's picks for myself on my successful Rainier climb, Mt. Hood, Northern Michigan, Honduras and the ultimate test of fixing the plumbing with the aid of a great headlamp.
Posted: Dec 11, 2008 Steve

To person who wants -50 degree sleeping bag. Look into Wiggy's. It doesn't pack down. But it will keep your ass warm. literally.

Posted: Dec 06, 2008 Nicole

Wanted...A 50-degrees below zero sleeping bag?! Any help...
Posted: Dec 01, 2008 COLD...burr

Anyone know where I can get a new set of knees-free?
Posted: Nov 29, 2008 WindChaser

I have the SPOT and the EL-8 everlite and they both rock. Next on my list is the Baltoro 70.
Posted: Nov 18, 2008 Monte

Used it on several hikes and outdoor adventures. Very easy to use, and gives everyone back home a peace of mind. Bought it on a recommendation from http://www.MyLiveTracks.com - now running a holiday promotion for $80.
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 Dan Johnson

Wow, I came here to read real reviews about this light to help make up my mind and you band of roving jackals just use this to talk about unrelated pansy @$$ BS.

What a freaking waste.
Posted: Nov 01, 2008 KrakaHead

I hate to tell some of these guys but Backpacker is not ALL advertized product bias.
This isn't the Faux news of outdoorsmanship.
Something that might not be worth a crap in my jungle guide work might work great on the AT in NC or Virginia.
I live in the jungles of Costa Rica and have purchaed many items the editors have recommended for YEARS... Many years. Like when Herman survivors were the best boots !
Ford sux !
No Chevy sux!
No Mopar rulez.
Give it a break. Opinions are like.........like......like.
Many people posting " comments"
Posted: Oct 31, 2008 Doug Ward

How can you recommend HyperFlow water filter? It is hard to believe that you used this filter for six months with no problems. You must have gotten one (that MSR supplied that was a special model just for you) that is one of a kind there are plenty of blogs on the internet telling of all the problems they had with the filter. And I can say form experience with the filter it is not worth two cents it clogged on me after filtering about 4 liters of water. Ihave to rate it a no buy
Posted: Sep 19, 2008 don norton

For those wanting to visit a national park and not rent a car, it is possible to shuttle from Denver to Estes Park and then to take a local (free) shuttle into the park from most of the downtown area up to great trailheads. For more information, contact Rocky Mountain NP information office at 970/586-1206. The shuttle is a relatively new service and the town of Estes is trying to get the word out that it is a town with options for those traveling without a personal vehicle. Services are primarily offered in the summer.
Posted: Aug 12, 2008 Judy Visty

BP should do an article on how to access hikes from airports (shuttles, buses, etc) so you can fly into an area and go backpacking without the cost of the car. There are usually shuttles to ski areas, aren't there? I flew to Seattle to hike Glacier, and am going to fly to Portland and hike Mt. Hood.
Posted: Aug 02, 2008 Gleyshull

To the 3 guys above, WAKE UP! Welcome to America where everything is about cars, money and nothing else. So if you want to go somewhere without having to rent a car AVOID that country and if you don't like poeple that those everything for there own benefit, just Google outta here.
Posted: Jul 30, 2008 Wake up guys

Just wondering. I would love to see an article about best places to visit without having to rent a car. I am planing a trip and hate the idea of renting a car just to have it sit. The Tetons are great but what is out there? I need idea to get from the airport to the trail head. I wanted to go to Kings Canyon but am having no luck finding a way outside of renting a car, to get from the airport to the park.
thanks
Posted: Jul 24, 2008 Logan McCay

Do NOT follow the spam link! It sells something unrelated to this sleeping bag review. (I'm intentionally not describing what in order to avoid helping their Google rank)
Posted: Jul 23, 2008 abc

I'm not the original poster Mr Obvious - But wake up this whole site is about promoting the products that fill their ad spaces, You should see all the ads of the products that "won". There is no objective reviews on this site. AS for the gear of the year award winners - Lets just say backpacker magazine has a case of you scratch my back I'll scratch yours, mr. manufacturer. That my friend is what you should be crying about. Wake Up!
Posted: Jul 21, 2008 get real

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