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Giveaway: Win a Flex Capacitor Pack & The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide

By Andrew Skurka / February 21, 2017 /

Sierra Designs is putting on a giveaway that you’ll want to get in on, through this Thursday (Feb 24). Enter to win a Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack and a signed copy of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide. Enter here at SierraDesigns.com Update. This contest has closed.  Congrats to the winners: Laura H. of Denver, and…

Reader question: Is the Flex Capacitor Pack appropriate for a thru-hike?

By Andrew Skurka / February 13, 2017 /

From Lisa K.: For two reasons I wanted to share my answer to this reader question. First, I have not yet addressed the appropriateness of the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack for thru-hiking, and I probably should. Second, it gives me an opportunity to discuss the specific needs of thru-hikers in regards to backpack selection. Appropriateness for thru-hiking…

Upcoming changes to Flex Capacitor sizing & hipbelt

By Andrew Skurka / January 17, 2017 /

Sierra Designs will receive a new shipment of its Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack at the end of February. The pack has been well received by customers and the media, and we’re optimistic about its future. A few changes have been made to this next round of production. I’ve mentioned these changes in several places, but figured I…

Worth consideration: Flex Capacitor Pack named “Top Gear Pick” of 2016 by Gear Junkie

By Andrew Skurka / January 3, 2017 /

Last week Gear Junkie named the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack a “Top Gear Pick” of 2016. Read their recap and their full review, and/or scan other products that made their cut. If you’re in the market for a new pack, or if you regularly recommend models to others, I genuinely believe that the Flex Capacitor is…

Review: Naked Running Band || Low-profile 2-oz waist pack

By Andrew Skurka / November 29, 2016 /

It’s rare that I depart empty-handed from the house for a run. Often I have a cell phone, water bottle(s), calories, headlamp, toilet paper, and spare clothing like a windshirt, headband, and liner gloves. For longer runs I like tight shorts like the UA HeatGear Sonic Compression Shorts, since they cause me less chafing than lined…

Long-term gear reviews: Product insights after a 100-day Appalachian Trail thru-hike

By Garrett Workman / September 26, 2016 /

Intro by Skurka. After his recent 100-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, Garrett contacted me with some gear reviews, some about products I have written about previously. I thought his insights were valuable, due to his extensive use and to his unbiased viewpoint, and asked his permission to share them. If you have questions for Garrett, leave a comment.…

New release: A pack for the future

By Andrew Skurka / September 25, 2016 /

The Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack is now available for pre-order. Expected ship date is October 4. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you’ve been hearing about the Flex Capacitor for months. If you need to get caught up, here is some recommended reading and viewing: Seven reasons it stands out…

How-to || Pack a backpack: Load distribution, organization, waterproofing, & canisters

By Andrew Skurka / September 20, 2016 /

When packing my backpack, I have two primary goals: Minimize its effect on my center of gravity, and Keep oft-needed items easily accessible so that I can hike uninterrupted. I’ll start by discussing these goals in-depth. Then, I will address special considerations like bear canisters and backpack styles. Center of gravity When not wearing a…

Interview with Ursack CEO: Yosemite food regs, lobbying, & new products

By Andrew Skurka / September 20, 2016 /

Among bear-resistant food containers certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), the Ursack S29.3 AllWhite is easily my favorite. It weighs just 8 oz, or 80 percent less than my BearVault BV500, which has the same volume. It’s also $10 less. And, Unlike plastic or carbon fiber canisters, it’s soft-sided and collapsible, and as comfortable to…

Room for improvement: Self-critique of the Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack

By Andrew Skurka / August 31, 2016 /

Recently I highlighted seven standout specs and features of the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack. Today, I’ll do nearly the opposite: identify its imperfections. Since I co-developed the Flex Capacitor with Sierra Designs, naturally I want to see strong sales of it. But I also want prospective buyers to understand its optimal applications and…