Staff Picks

Cody's Choice Products

 

Jet Boil Java Kit

 

This stove goes everywhere with me, from international travel to car camping to multi-day ski tours.  Not very many stove/pot combinations can boil a cup of water in a minute and turn into a java press, while still weighing in at 15 oz.

The best thing about this personal cooking system is its efficiency.  Thanks to its integrated heat exchanger (or fluxring®), the Jet Boil can boil 12 liters per 100 gram jet power micro-canister, boasting a 75%-80% efficiency.  Plus, the stove, fuel canister , and java press all nest in the 1 liter pot, so it can disappear in your pack.

 

G3 Targa Ascent

 

I ski a pretty big tele set-up with big mountain skis and 4 buckle tele boot.  The problem is, that equates to nearly 20 pounds of resistance per stride.  Do the math and you end up burning yourself out before you make your descent.  My world changed on my first tour in La Grave, France.  Words cannot describe the look on my face when I realized how much easier it is to skin when you are not fighting your compression springs and bellows.  I could actually keep up with a couple of rando racers on Dynafits.  Plus, the optional ski crampons increase your level of security on hardpack or windblown snow.  Oh, and did I mention they ski like Targas.

 

Jason's Favorites

 

Cascade Designs Z-Rest

 

Although it may not be the most comfortable sleeping pad ever made, the Z-Rest is ultra-light, and ideal for longer, more remote trips where a punctured inflatable pad is not just an inconvenience, but may be impossible to deal with. Plus, the panels can be folded down (unlike the RidgeRest) to form a back panel in a frameless ultra-light pack, or cut down to make sit pads for backcountry skiing.

 

Black Diamond Spot

 

There are a lot of ultra-light LED headlamps to choose from, but the Spot is unique because it can project a beam of light with a focused 1 watt LED bulb; something most of the others can’t do. This is great for things like looking up into a tree canopy at night to see wildlife, or trying to figure out why your rope won’t pull free when you get stuck on a route in the dark.

 

National Geographic Topo! Mapping Software

 

I haven’t had to buy a map in over four years since I got this software. That’s a lot of money saved because I really like maps.