So what kinds of things does a guide carry in their pack?
Well what about sleeping bags? Should I buy a synthetic or a down sleeping bag? There are plenty of reasons to choose either. It usually comes down to these few things. The location your headed to, weight, bulk, and price. I have gotten away with using a down sleeping bag in every climate there is, from brutal cold to extremely wet maritime environments like Prince William Sound in Alaska. the nice thing about Down is that it is very light and compressible, lasts much longer than synthetic fill and for the warmth to weight is far superior in performance. If you are headed someplace cold and dry like, the Rockies or Sierras it is the only choice!
The downside of down is that it will get damp over a long period of time in wet climates. When down gets wet it is pretty much useless. My approach is that if your not sleeping in it its in a waterproof stuff sack even inside your tent! Take advantage of sunny afternoons in camp to air out your bag. Dark colors help to absorb sunlight and "cook all of that moisture out". With good care and occasional washing your down bag will go a long way to keeping you warm and happy in the backcountry.
Happy trails and stay tuned for the next installment where we will talk about synthetic bags.
See you Under Western Skies!
Under Western Skies is a unique Adventure travel company based in Bozeman Montana. We are new to the business but not new to the industry with nearly 20 years in the field of adventure travel, guiding and outdoor education. Raft a remote wilderness river, learn to flyfish, go horsepacking, or explore canyons in the desert southwest. Where will your dreams take you? Let us help get you there! See you Under Western Skies.
Showing posts with label UWS Adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UWS Adventures. Show all posts
Friday, February 3, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
What does a guide carry in their pack?
Thats a good question! I have spent many years walking around in the backcountry and I will share a few tips with you that have shown through in trial and error.
There is no such thing as "waterproof"! You either get wet from the outside or you get wet from the inside via sweat and condensation. There are a slew of brands out there that cost an arm and a leg but really the most important things to look for are the zippers pockets and weight of the garment. All Gore-tex works the same and E-vent works slightly better. Marmot pre-cip is decent for the price and even REI has its own brand of waterproof breathable jackets and pants. If your looking for a jacket consider a pullover style. there really arent any zippers to break and it will still work even if they do. With rain pants look for 3/4 zip calf high or full zip. These make it so much easier to get them on and off just make sure you keep the zippers clean and apply something like Ziptech or a wax crayon to the teeth on the zipper. Do this occasionally for all of your gear and it will provide years of service.
Look for tomorrows posting about proper layering.
Until Then
See you Under Western Skies!
Andy
Thats a good question! I have spent many years walking around in the backcountry and I will share a few tips with you that have shown through in trial and error.
There is no such thing as "waterproof"! You either get wet from the outside or you get wet from the inside via sweat and condensation. There are a slew of brands out there that cost an arm and a leg but really the most important things to look for are the zippers pockets and weight of the garment. All Gore-tex works the same and E-vent works slightly better. Marmot pre-cip is decent for the price and even REI has its own brand of waterproof breathable jackets and pants. If your looking for a jacket consider a pullover style. there really arent any zippers to break and it will still work even if they do. With rain pants look for 3/4 zip calf high or full zip. These make it so much easier to get them on and off just make sure you keep the zippers clean and apply something like Ziptech or a wax crayon to the teeth on the zipper. Do this occasionally for all of your gear and it will provide years of service.
Look for tomorrows posting about proper layering.
Until Then
See you Under Western Skies!
Andy
Monday, December 5, 2011
We just posted the itinerary for the Escalante River Explorer! Its limited to two departures and 5 people each so give us a call or email for more details.
the itinerary is here:
ERE1
You can check out the video here:
Happy trails!
the itinerary is here:
ERE1
You can check out the video here:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Here is a video of the latest addition to the UWS adult trips line up. This is the Escalante River explorer a multi day trip with beautiful scenery cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Join UWS Adventures for a one of a kind southern Utah wilderness experience. Check it out and let us know what you think! For details give us a call at 1-800-563-8154
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