River Adventures
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Gear Review: Hala Atcha 9’6″
Specs: 2018 Hala Atcha 9’6″ (Length: 9’6″, Width: 36″, Thickness: 6″) MSRP: $1299 How it performs: Five stars in this department! The reason we love the Atcha is because it performs well on the river. It’s stable and responds well. We are not professional paddlers by any means, and this board suits are family well. Why we like it: See above. The Atcha has a retractable center fin, which is fantastic on land and in the water. We also love that Hala is a local brand based in Steamboat Springs. Above all, the quality of this board is top notch. Where to buy: Hala has a storefront in Steamboat at…
- Adventuring with Kids, Backpacking, Camping, Climbing, Gear Reviews, River Adventures, Road Trips, Simplifying
Gear Review: Black Diamond Mega Light Tent and Mega Bug
Whether we’re car camping or backpacking, our Black Diamond Megamid is the shelter I reach for first (apparently they changed the name to Mega Light Tent, but we’ve had this shelter for 20 years, and it was called Megamid until very recently I think!). At less than 3 pounds, it’s fairly light, especially for a shelter that comfortably sleeps four. I like gear that has enough bells and whistles to make things simple and comfortable, but not so many that it’s distracting and adds unnecessary weight. The Megamid fits the bill. (Edit: I said the Megamid comfortably sleeps four. If you’re backpacking and it’s pouring and you need to pull…