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When I became intrigued by the trout swimming in mountain lakes in the Northern Rockies, I realized the tenkara rod gathering dust in my gear room would be a great way to test the waters before outfitting myself with a full fly rod and reel set up. Tenkara is a Japanese method of fly fishing that focuses on simplicity and forgoes a reel in favor of a longer rod length, fixed amount of line, and uses as few fly patterns as possible. Presentation, mindful casting, and technique are emphasized more than trying to “equip” your way into catching more fish. I’d used a tenkara rod in Kentu

This was a great report and photos. Thanks for the read!

Hopefully that helps. Let us know how it goes!

THANK YOU!! Looking into that now :):)

I really like your idea of running distilled water through the filter before drying and storing it. I think I will try that after the next trip. BTW, in November we are moving to the North Georgia mountains, and I'm really excited about being able to backpack right out of my back door!

For the last several years, I’ve primarily backpacked in low-top trail runners with Brooks Cascadias and Altra Lone Peaks being the ones most often on my feet. I’ve used both waterproof and non-waterproof models and, after much experimentation, have pretty much decided that in three-season conditions non-waterproof works best for me in the terrain and conditions most common on my backpacking trips. While trail runners have been preferable to me for a variety of reasons – breathability and comfort being the foremost ones – I’ve found myself missing the ankle support provided by boots. Desp

Yeah, an open hook would've been nice . . . but I've also found that if those come undone it's easy to get your other laces caught up in them and trip (first-hand experience). No perfect solution I suppose and you're right that once they're on they're very comfortable. I'm hoping to pick up another pair on closeout once they release a new model.

Thanks for this review. I need a new pair of trail shoes and local stores never carry my size 6. I like to try shoes on before buying but may give these a chance, if I can return/exchange them for free if I purchase online.

Aaron, I plead guilty to not flushing out my katadyn BeFree after trips, but leaving it with the residual water in the filter element. I will consider myself chastised, and will try to do better!

Have you followed the traditional two pounds of food per day rule only to have it fail you time and time again? You’ll likely agree that there’s nothing worse than feeling “hangry” at the end of a long day on the trail without enough to eat for dinner. Carrying extra food and weight on your back is also not the best formula for getting the most enjoyment out of any trip. You followed the pounds of food per person per day formula, why didn’t it work? When you pack for your next adventure it can pay dividends to take a closer look at what’s included in your food bag. Before leaving for your trek