Posts by Andrew Skurka
Complete failure: I gave “waterproof” Gore-Tex hiking shoes a second chance
My skepticism of waterproof-breathable fabrics (like Gore-Tex) and products that utilize them (like rain gear and “waterproof” footwear) is no secret. For a history, read: Why I’m hard on Gore-Tex, the King of Hype Breathability: an explanation of its importance, mechanisms, and limitations Core 13 Clothing: Rain Jacket & Rain Pants Occasionally, however, it’s healthy…
Map & Compass: Find & transfer bearings in the field & on a map
This is the second of a 7-video instructional series from Sierra Designs. This one, as well as the first, are dedicated to map and compass, which is a subcategory of navigation. If you haven’t already, learn to adjust for declination and to orient a map. Got it? Good, let’s move on to a more advanced…
Notes for next time: Pacing, training, course beta + more || Silverheels 100
Hard, high, and lonesome: Silverheels 100 race report || 1st place, 23:17
Intended pacing strategy for Silverheels 100
The Silverheels 100 starting gun fires tomorrow morning at 4 AM, and I will be there. With a field of only about 40 and without an obvious ringer, this appears to be the lowest pressure and least competitive ultra that I have done. Furthermore, I’m no longer intimidated by the distance, the weather forecast is…
Teaser: Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack
In news coverage this week from the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow, you may hear about two Sierra Designs products with which I’ve been deeply involved: the High Route Tent 1FL and the Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack. The High Route Tent 1FL (HR1) was my brainchild and is nearly old news if you regularly read this website. A 110-unit early…
GPS sport watch settings & displays for backpacking
Performance assessment: High Route Tent 1FL meets Glacier National Park
Last month Dave Chenault and I used the Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL* while attempting the Glacier Divide Route, a rugged 125-mile traverse of Glacier National Park that is largely off-trail and above treeline. We experienced some of the exact conditions for which the HR1 was designed: on the first night we had marble-sized…
Reviews & commentary: Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL
I’m biased about the Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL, since I sketched its original design and then field-tested extensively each prototype. Do others think I have a future as a tent designer? I’ll be updating this page as we find out. Customer reviews at SierraDesigns.com For reviews by “regular” users, go here. Highlights: Once I…
Notes for next time: Gear, logistics, & snow travel || Glacier Divide Route
For my next trip on the Glacier Divide Route, what should I remember from this past one? Logistics The drive to Glacier National Park from Colorado is intimidating — about 15 hours, depending on the final destination. But it wasn’t terrible, and it’s eye-opening to know that I can reach Glacier in 1.5 days even if I’m…