top of page
Search

FRV Loop Revisited October 2022
Total Miles: 40 miles Total Elevation: 5,367 ft Duration: 2 Days The FRV Loop is a unique backpacking loop located in the Farmington...
Mat Jobin
Jan 14, 202313 min read
625 views
0 comments


Comparison: Altra Lone Peak 4.5 vs Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Shoes
The Lone Peak by Altra has quickly become a trail favorite for thru-hikers, section hikers and weekend warriors, and it's easy to see...
Mat
Dec 19, 20195 min read
5,147 views
1 comment


5 Items I'll Be Testing On Trips In 2019
This month kicked off my 3-season guided backpacking trips as well as conditioning for this year's Allegheny 100 Challenge. With multiple...
Mat
Apr 29, 20197 min read
151 views
0 comments


Gear Review Video: Ultimate Direction FK Tarp & FK Bivy
A look at two new pieces of gear from Ultimate Direction for 2018. The FK Tarp and FK Bivy. Testing out the tarp and bivy system during a...
Reach Your Summit
Dec 18, 20181 min read
230 views
0 comments


Allegheny 100 Training Hike: 39.3 Mile LKD Loop & Nine Trails Vest Test
This video is a combination of two trips. The first is a quick 6 mile rainy training hike on part of the LKD Loop where I was eager to...
Mat
May 26, 20181 min read
14 views
0 comments


22.5 Mile Day Hike Allegheny 100 Training: New England Trail
In this video I share a 22.5 mile training hike I take on the New England Trail, in preparation for the Allegheny 100 Challenge which I...
Mat
May 15, 20181 min read
24 views
0 comments


25 Mile Day Hike Allegheny 100 Training: Appalachian Trail
In this video, I go over my gear selection, nutrition and hydration for a 25 mile day hike on the Appalachian Trail, followed by sharing...
Mat
May 13, 20181 min read
44 views
0 comments


Gear List For 2018 Allegheny 100 Challenge
In this video, I go over the gear, clothing and footwear that I will be using for the 2018 Allegheny 100 Challenge. I go over each item...
Mat
Apr 21, 20181 min read
90 views
0 comments


Gear Preview: Osprey Levity 45
The much anticipated Osprey Levity is not a pack for everyone, but for those it is, it could be a game changer. The pack comes in a 60...
Mat
Mar 22, 20184 min read
248 views
0 comments


Gear Comparison: Osprey Exos 58 Previous Gen vs 2018 Updated Model
This Spring Osprey is releasing an updated version of their popular Exos pack. A favorite among the ultralight and thru-hiking...
Reach Your Summit
Jan 29, 20185 min read
5,216 views
0 comments


Tips For The Trail: Creating A Routine
When I'm out backpacking, whether I'm solo or with a group, I like to follow a well-defined routine when I arrive at camp. By creating...
Reach Your Summit
Dec 7, 20175 min read
125 views
0 comments


Gear Review: Patagonia Ascensionist 35L
The Patagonia Ascensionist may have been designed with alpine in mind, but I have found it to be a great lightweight 3-season backpacking...
Mat
Nov 13, 20174 min read
3,318 views
0 comments


The Ten Essentials (And Beyond)
Packing the Ten Essentials for any trip is a good habit to have. Even if you are going for a simple day hike, kayaking in a nearby lake...
Mat
Oct 25, 20171 min read
53 views
0 comments


Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 1 Tent
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL 1 is a super lightweight 1 person double wall tent with a weight listed at 1 lb 14 oz (tent, rainfly and...
Mat
Sep 27, 20174 min read
1,527 views
0 comments


Lightweight 3-Season Backpacking Gear List
With new technologies and innovations gear is always evolving. As I looked back at a post I wrote a year ago, I noticed some of my gear...
Mat
Aug 22, 201724 min read
188 views
0 comments


Gear Review Video: Sea To Summit Ultralight Hammock
A look at the new 2017 Sea To Summit Ultralight Hammock along with an up close in depth setup. Hammock weight limit is 300 lbs. A warm,...
Mat
Aug 1, 20171 min read
35 views
0 comments


Gear Review Video: 2017 REI Co-Op Quarter Dome 1 Tent
This video provides a look at the 2017 REI Co-Op Quarter Dome 1 lightweight backpacking tent. River camping at its finest. With the...
Mat
Apr 28, 20171 min read
209 views
0 comments


Choosing A Shelter
When it comes to shelters there seem to be an unlimited number of options out there, yet the tasks they are designed to handle are the...
Mat
Feb 16, 20177 min read
11 views
0 comments


Choosing A Cooking System: Part 1
This is the first of a two part series on cooking systems. In this segment I'll discuss different heat sources (fire, stoves), fuel and...
Mat
Jan 26, 20179 min read
56 views
0 comments


How-to Video: Make Your Own Cat Food Can Alcohol Stove
An alcohol stove can be a great addition to your backpacking, bikepacking or kayak touring kit. Depending on the type of alcohol stove...
Mat
Oct 28, 20164 min read
14 views
0 comments
bottom of page