Lower Drakensberg Grasslands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Lower Drakensberg Grasslands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Under the shadow of the Wall of Spears, Dragon Mountains, or Drakensberg, the alpine grasslands ebb and flow like the bushveld so commonly found there. Wildlife abounds in the big sky country of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the night sky is one of the most dazzling that can be found on Earth.

This gallery is a series of shots from the Drakensberg lowlands around the area in which I lived for three months. The nearest towns would be Winterton or Bergville, but most of my time was spent in the bush or in unmarked farmland. Enjoy. Continue reading Lower Drakensberg Grasslands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

GEAR REVIEW: Titanium Goat Ptarmigan Bivy

GEAR REVIEW: Titanium Goat Ptarmigan Bivy

Wrapped up during a very winding night above 9k feet in the San Jacinto Wilderness.
Wrapped up during a very winding night above 9k feet in the San Jacinto Wilderness.

Technical Specs

The Ptarmigan Bivy
The Ptarmigan Bivy (Photo: Titanium Goat)

Weight: 6.4oz – 7.4oz

Size Tested: 76″ chest, 48″ foot,
87″ total length.

Construction: 30d waterproof
nylon (bottom), Impetus 1.1 (Top)

Store: Titanium Goat

Mileage before Review: 702 miles

Longest Test: 702 miles

***Cottage Shop***
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GEAR REVIEW: Montbell Tachyon Anorak

GEAR REVIEW: Montbell Tachyon Anorak

In the High Sierra under the moon
In the High Sierra under the moon

Technical Specs

Montbell Tachyon Anorak (photo from Montbell)
Montbell Tachyon Anorak (photo from Montbell)

Weight: 2.82

Size Tested: XL

Construction: 7-Denier ‘Balistic Airlight’ Nylon
coated in Polkatex DWR

Store: Montbell

Mileage before Review: 2500+ miles

Longest Test: 2155 miles

***Thru Hike Tested***
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GEAR REVIEW: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody

GEAR REVIEW: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody

Warm at 11,500 in the High Sierra
Warm at 11,500 in the High Sierra

Technical Specs

Lounging at Guitar Lake
Lounging at Guitar Lake

Weight: 13.85oz

Size Tested: XXL

Construction: 850 fil down, Coreloft
synthetic insulation. Airetica nylon.

Store: Arc’Teryx

Mileage before Review: 2000 miles

Longest Test: 2000 miles
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GEAR REVIEW: Mountain Hardwear Compressor Jacket

GEAR REVIEW: Mountain Hardwear Compressor Jacket

Matè on the summit
Matè on the summit

Technical Specs

Decent Wind Protection. Torres Negras, Patagonia
Decent Wind Protection. Torres Negras, Patagonia

Weight: 21.15oz

Size Tested: XXL

Construction: ThemalQ Elite insulation.
20D ripstop nylon

Store: Mountain Hardwear

Mileage before Review: 450+ miles

Longest Test: 300 miles
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Mountain Hardwear Compressor Jacket”