Posts

Categories

Pitching instructions & tips: Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL

By Andrew Skurka / June 20, 2016 /
Posted in

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

By Andrew Skurka / June 19, 2016 /
Posted in

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

By Andrew Skurka / June 15, 2016 /
Posted in ,

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

By Andrew Skurka / May 18, 2016 /
Posted in ,

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

By Andrew Skurka / May 17, 2016 /
Posted in

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

By Andrew Skurka / May 10, 2016 /
Posted in

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

By Andrew Skurka / May 2, 2016 /
Posted in

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

By Andrew Skurka / May 2, 2016 /
Posted in

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…

Long-term review: Altra Lone Peak 2.5 shoes

By Andrew Skurka / April 3, 2016 /
Posted in ,

July 2016 update: The Lone Peak 3.0 has been released. Read my review. June 2016 update: After 556 miles of wear, I retired the Lone Peaks. Photos are at the bottom of this post. Last August I was sent the Altra Lone Peak 2.5 shoes for long-term review. I seldom used them in the first four…

Assessment: Big game hunting in Colorado’s GMU 29 and GMU 371

By Andrew Skurka / April 2, 2016 /
Posted in

The application deadline for Colorado’s big game hunting lottery is on Tuesday. For certain game management units, seasons, species, and sexes, the draw is your only chance. Otherwise, less coveted over-the-counter tags can be purchased starting July 26. For 2016 I’ve decided that I’m going to to hunt a new area for elk and deer, instead of GMU 29 or GMU 371, as I have…