Dave Dean
Articles by Dave Dean
2004 articles · Page 1 of 167
The Cycle Touring Exclusive Brooks Limited Edition B17 Saddle: A 2024 Deep-Dive Review for Long-Distance Riders
A rigorous, field-tested evaluation of the Brooks England Cycle Touring Exclusive Limited Edition B17 saddle — covering its handcrafted construction, anatomical fit, break-in protocol, real-world endurance performance over 4,287 km across 11 countries, and how it compares to the standard B17, B17 Special, and B17 Carved.
Why Groin Strength Is Non-Negotiable for Hikers and Backpackers — Evidence-Based Training, Gear Fit, and Injury Prevention
Groin muscles (adductors) are critical yet overlooked stabilizers in hiking and backpacking. This evidence-based review details their biomechanical role, quantifies injury risk reduction with targeted training, evaluates how pack weight distribution affects adductor loading, and provides actionable strength protocols using real-world gear metrics from Osprey, Deuter, and Hyperlite.
Mountaineering Isn’t Sweet: The Unvarnished Reality of High-Altitude Ascent
A candid, data-driven exploration of mountaineering’s physical toll, logistical brutality, and psychological strain—featuring real gear specs, physiological metrics, accident statistics from UIAA and Himalayan Database, and firsthand accounts from Everest, Denali, and the Alps.
Do Backpackers Make Lifetime Gear Investments? The Truth Behind Durability, Cost, and Cultural Shifts
An evidence-based exploration of whether backpackers truly invest in lifetime gear—examining real-world usage data, material science, brand longevity claims, repair economics, and generational shifts in consumption ethics among long-distance hikers and budget travelers.
Rottefella NTN Backcountry Bindings Reviews: Performance, Fit, and Real-World Field Testing Across Five Seasons
An in-depth, field-tested review of Rottefella's NTN (New Telemark Norm) backcountry bindings — covering the NTN Freedom, NTN Race, and NTN Xplore models. Includes torque specs, boot compatibility data, weight measurements, release behavior analysis, and comparative testing against G3 Targa, Voilé Hyperlink, and Dynafit ST Rotation.
Zonkeys Are Pretty Much My Favorite Animal: A Field Journal from Kenya, Israel, and the Backroads of Genetic Wonder
A firsthand cultural and biological exploration of zonkeys—the rare, striped hybrids of zebras and donkeys—documenting their origins, conservation paradoxes, ethical debates, and surprising roles in rural economies across Kenya, Israel, and the U.S. Southwest.
Being Caribou: Essential Caribou Facts for the Curious Traveler and Wildlife Observer
A scientifically grounded, field-tested guide to caribou biology, migration patterns, cultural significance, and conservation realities—designed for travelers seeking authentic Arctic and subarctic encounters beyond tourist circuits.
What Backpacker Editors Are Digging This Month: Baselayers Galore
This month, Backpacker’s editorial team tested 27 merino wool and synthetic base layers across alpine treks, desert backpacking trips, and urban commuting. We break down performance metrics—including moisture-wicking speed (measured in grams per minute), odor resistance after 120 hours of continuous wear, and thermal efficiency at -5°C and 35°C—highlighting top performers from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Patagonia, and emerging brands like Cotopaxi and Ridge Merino.
Menu Maker: How Backpackers Can Build Nutritious, Affordable, and Lightweight Meal Plans for Long-Term Travel
A practical, field-tested guide to designing backpacking menus using real-world data—covering calorie density, shelf life, cost per 1,000 kcal, pack weight, and brand-specific comparisons for staples like oats, lentils, peanut butter, and dehydrated meals.
Boulder, CO Bear Peak via Shadow Canyon: A Rigorous, Rewarding Hike with Real-World Gear Insights
A detailed, field-tested review of the Bear Peak via Shadow Canyon trail in Boulder, Colorado — including elevation gain, route navigation, seasonal conditions, and performance data for key gear like Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoes, Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 pack, and Garmin Instinct 2 Solar.
Grand Prize Banff: Finding Farley — How a $10,000 Backpacking Challenge Transformed Budget Travel in the Canadian Rockies
A deep-dive analysis of the 2023 Grand Prize Banff 'Finding Farley' challenge: its origins, real-world logistics, participant economics, trail conditions, gear choices, and lasting impact on affordable outdoor access in Banff National Park.
Strategies to Achieve Line Efficiency: Practical Tactics for Budget Travelers and Backpackers
Line efficiency—the ability to minimize time spent waiting in queues while maximizing movement, access, and value—is critical for budget travelers. This article details field-tested strategies using real-world data from hostels, transport hubs, border crossings, and attraction ticketing systems across 27 countries.