John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged sleeping bags · everything

www.wired.com

This Is Why You Should Try Ultralight Backpacking (2025)

A personal, practical case for ultralight backpacking that traces the movement's roots to Mark Jenkins' 1994 "Less is More," then lays out a working definition (10-pound base weight or less), the "Big Three" gear priorities (pack, sleep system, shelter), and a needs-versus-wants framework for cutting stuff. It argues ultralight is less about gear obsession than a mindset shift—eating separately from camp, cowboy camping, trying quilts—that ultimately makes the whole backcountry experience less burdensome and more enjoyable.

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www.costco.com

stag2.wired.com

What Is Down Fill Power (2026): Fill Weight, Synthetics

Down fill power measures the loft—cubic inches of volume—produced by one ounce of down, indicating quality rather than quantity; higher fill power means larger down clusters that trap more air and retain more body heat. However, fill power alone doesn't determine warmth; you must also consider fill weight (the amount of down used), baffle construction (which keeps down in place), and the space available for down to expand, since a high fill power jacket with minimal fill will be no warmer than a lower fill power jacket with more down. Understanding the combination of fill power and fill weight gives you a meaningful way to compare different down products for warmth-to-weight ratio, especially when shopping for sleeping bags where these differences become significant.

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gearjunkie.com

How to Prepare for Camping Season: GearJunkie’s Essential Guide

This GearJunkie piece is a practical spring-prep checklist for campers coming out of the off-season, walking through gear organization, tent and sleeping bag care (drying, patching, waterproofing), checking outerwear and footwear DWR, cleaning the camp kitchen and stove, backwashing water filters, tossing expired food, and restocking first aid. It closes with an FAQ on rain readiness, cleaning camp chairs, stove teardown/cleaning, and general gear storage, plus a nudge to start planning actual trips once gear is squared away. Worth keeping as a seasonal reference checklist rather than for any single deep-dive tip.

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