Posts by Andrew Skurka
Imperfections: A self-critique of the Sierra Designs High Route Tent
It’s not perfect, and — depending on your trip conditions, personal preferences, and recreation budget — it may not be the most appropriate shelter for you. In a perhaps refreshing change of tone, I’d like to discuss real and perceived flaws of the Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL, and in some cases explain why they…
Pitching instructions & tips: Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL
The Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL has a unique but straightforward pitch. After one or two backyard practice rounds, you probably will be comfortable with the basic configuration, especially if you have previously pitched an A-frame tent or tarp, or a pyramid tarp with a square- or rectangular footprint, or both. Of course, practice makes perfect.…
Biggest Loser: Putting the High Route Tent on a diet
The Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL is not a featherweight. That’s the cost of a full-sided, extremely liveable double-wall tent that is made of 20d and 30d coated nylons, not a Dyneema Composite Fabric (aka Cuben) at twice the price, or 7d and 15d nylons at a fraction of the durability and waterproofness. The specs on our…
Review: Salewa Lite Train Trail Running Shoes
Since sharing my early impressions about the Salewa Lite Train last month, I’ve logged many more miles in them, 140 and counting. For product specs, more photos, shoe comparisons, and less informed insight, refer to my first post. Now, though, it’s time for a full-on review. The Salewa Lite Train retails for $130. They are available…
Early impressions: Salewa Lite Train Trail Running Shoe
Update (June 15, 2016): Also read my full review. Earlier this year Salewa launched its “Mountain Training” category with three distinct models for trail running and hiking. The Lite Train is the most minimal of the bunch, but most definitely still shares hallmarks of Salewa footwear, like robust design and impeccable construction. I will eventually write…
Sold on spring marathons
Somewhat reluctantly, I registered for the Colorado Marathon in early-January. If it had not been means to a Boston qualifier, it probably would not have been on my radar. Months of training on flat bike trails, country roads, and high school tracks? No thanks. Or so I thought. Now, two weeks removed from the race,…
Teaser: Sierra Designs High Route 1 FL Tent
In August 2014 I drew the first sketches of the Sierra Designs High Route 1 FL Tent. In the ensuing 18 months, we made up four prototypes, and I tested the design extensively in southern Utah and the Rockies. In designing the High Route Tent, I wanted a single shelter that I could use on all of my solo…
Colorado Marathon: Smooth Move, Pacing & more Notes for Next Time
Previous “Notes for Next Time” posts (like this one and this one) have proven helpful to me, and popular with you. Why make the same mistakes twice, or risk forgetting something that could help us achieve better results on a second attempt? Here are my takeaways from last weekend’s Colorado Marathon: Training Tempo efforts offer the…
Race Report: Colorado Marathon || 2:44:42, 5th overall
Last year’s racing season opened with a dirty wake-up. But I’m ecstatic about its start this year, with a strong finish at yesterday’s Colorado Marathon: My time of 2:44:42 (6:16 minutes/mile pace) was faster than my goal of high-2:40’s Race execution was textbook: running partner Steve Clark and I were relaxed and steady through about Mile…
