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aj baker

Gear

Black Diamond Demon Duffel Pack

Routeburn Track Day Two

I just arrived at Wye Creek, home to some of the best sport climbing near Queenstown, New Zealand. It’s about a 45 minute approach and a relentless uphill battle. We’re half way up to the crag and my climbing partners are now sweating like crazy, trying to grab a drink of water, a snack and some different pants because it’s kind of hot to finish the approach. The only problem? They have no idea where they packed the goods and they can’t see everything inside their bag. Out comes the rope, their harness, their rain shell and then finally, the snacks, at the bottom of the bag. For moments like these, the Black Diamond Demon Duffel is a lifesaver.

AJ Baker
AJ Baker
445 0
Adventures Backpacking

Day 1 on the Routeburn Track: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut

Hiking the Routeburn Track New Zealand

After making my way through Christchurch and Queenstown, I was finally heading out on the Routeburn Track! It had rained that night and my dreams of tramping this Great Walk were almost trampled by threats of high wind. I’d met my new backpacking friend, AJ, climbing the day prior and he asked if he could join me on the track. Though my whole mission was to wander around solo, I opted for some company.

Worst case scenario, we’d part ways. Best case scenario, it would be a blast. AJ and I woke up bright and early to a drizzly and gloomy morning. We were going to catch a TrackNet bus from Queenstown to the Routeburn Shelter where we would begin our tramping.

Paulina Dao
Paulina Dao
381 5
Gear

#ManlyMonday Mammut Tatoosh Rain Jacket

Welcome to the random Monday installment of manly men reviewing manly gear. This Monday, AJ Baker, our resident outdoor guide, talks about the manly Mammut Tatoosh Rain Jacket.

Mammut Tatoosh Jacket Review

Right before my trip to New Zealand I decided on the fly that I needed a new rain coat. I was walking through the men’s clothing section at REI. Saw the Mammut Tatoosh on the clearance rack so I decided to give it a go.

AJ Baker
AJ Baker
345 0
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