Aoyuan Dawson Street near Brentwood Town Centre Skytrain

Aoyuan Dawson Street by Aoyuan International is a new vibrant community in Burnaby, South East of Willingdon Avenue and Dawson Street. The project includes signature residential towers, commercial and retail space over four phases on an 9.3 acre site. Aoyuan Dawson Street will include around 1,400 condominium units and 50 townhomes. This community has stellar location, just a 3 minute walk to the Brentwood Town Centre and Millennium Line Skytrain Station.

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Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket

What is in every backpacker’s rucksack? A warm, puffy jacket to put on in brakes and at camp. On my last trips that puffy jacket was the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket for me, and it already has become a favourite piece of kit.

Disclosure: This article has been supported financially and with gear from Rab. As you know: I’m keepin’ it real and tell you how it is - I maintain full editorial control of the content published on Hiking in Finland. Read the Transparency Disclaimer for more information on affiliate links & blogger transparency.

Time

The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket arrived in time for autumn backpacking trips with me, and has been along on two long backpacking trips this fall, and several photography assignments. It has seen over three weeks of use, and will see many more!

Function

Well, for me this is a jacket which stays in the backpack until I stop to make a break or arrive at camp, where it comes out and on. Depending on the weather and pace it also gets worn when on the move, but as I am running easily hot I find wearing a down jacket for hiking absolutely not good as I quickly am sweating too much then. But for outdoor and landscape photography it is great again - especially right now as the temperatures are only around -7°C and windy. But I digress. The main function of a down jacket is obviously to keep the wearer warm in cold weather.

Features

The features as Rab sees them:

• Pertex Quantum inner and outer fabric
• 750FP Ethically-Sourced European Goose Down
• Rab Fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax
• Micro stitch-through baffle construction
• Adjustable hood with laminated brim and flexible polymer peak
• Diverted hood baffle lines for an anatomical fit
• YKK reverse coil front zip with insulated zip baffle and chin guard
• 2 YKK reverse coil harness compatible hand pockets
• YKK reverse coil chest pocket
• Clean finish elasticated cuff construction
• Hem construction with dual drawcord adjustment
• Comes with a Stuff sack

Technical Innovations

In recent reviews this is usually a section where I write “Nope, no innovations here.” Well, not this time! We got a hood which lays flat when not on your head - really nice! The Responsible Down isn’t super-new anymore, though nevertheless it is good to see that this jacket uses Ethically-Sourced European Goose Down, which is Hydrophobic on top.

Quality

Rab wouldn’t be where they are today if they wouldn’t make high-quality kit, and the Microlight Alpine Jacket is no exception.

Weight

My red Microlight Alpine Jacket weighs 377 g in Size S, with the included Stuff Sack adding 12 g.

In use

One of my first ultralight garments was the Rab Microlight Vest, a great piece of kit, so when I saw the Microlight Jacket at the ISPO earlier this year I knew I wanted one and take it out into the hills. Since it has arrived this jacket has not disappointed and it has been used a lot since - as it has been fresh outside in recent weeks it was good to have a light and warm jacket to put on when I head out to shot videos or take photos.

The main use obvious remains for me as an insulation piece when I go backpacking. For that I need the jacket to fulfil three things: It needs to be light, it needs to pack down small & compact as it will be the majority of the time in the backpack, getting carried around, and the third thing is that it needs to be warm - or toasty as I like to say! As you can see from the photos here, on the accounts of being light & compact the Microlight Alpine scores very well, and I find it a toasty warm jacket, too. While many people like to use a down jacket as a midlayer, it’s that only for me if it really, really cold. I wear the Microlight Alpine usually at camp over a shirt and midlayer, and thanks to the DWR coating of the Pertex fabric it also withstands some rain and keeps the wind at bay.

So after a day of being carried around, being put on in breaks throughout the day, the down jacket comes on as soon as I arrive at camp. If it is raining I will put the Microlight Alpine on and put my hardshell over it, though even when it has Hydrophobic Down I don’t want to wet out the down jacket. I’ll potter around camp with the jacket on, usually taking photos and videos till late at night when the conditions are good, and then get to sleep. That’s where the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket can perform it’s third crucial task: Rolled together into the hood it makes for a comfortable pillow. I stopped carrying a pillow several years ago and now always use a puffy insulation garment for that task, and the Microlight Alpine makes for a comfortable and warm pillow to rest my head on.

The Microlight Alpine has not one, not two, no, it has three zippered pockets. Hallelujah! I love zippered pockets. There’s so many down jackets which have no zippered pockets - and while that saves weight I always find that a shortcoming. Zippered pockets mean you can not lose the things you put in them (if you remember to close the zipper!) and especially if I am out taking photos or videos that is so useful. In them pockets I can store my remote, filters, cables and other things, without needing to worry that they drop out when I scramble around to look for a better perspective.

Now the Microlight Alpine has a hood, and it is a good and warm one. It has a brim and peak and both are really well implemented in my opinion, they let you see everything but keep possible snow or rain out of your face. The only thing which I find not super is that the adjustment cords are on the inside of the jacket, I prefer these on the outside as it makes it easier to adjust them. On the inside there is also a fleece lining around the area of your chin and neck, which feels much better against the skin as a cold zipper.

Could be better

Well, I always could do with an even lighter jacket - maybe one which is filled with 1000 cuin down and is made from a 7D fabric?! Seriously though, I find it slightly annoying that the adjustment cords for the hood and hem are on the inside of the jacket, which for me means I need to adjust them with the jacket open. On the plus side, if you do this at home when you get the jacket, and not at -10°C in a freezing cold wind, you probably will be fine! Sometimes it also feels that the jacket needs a wee bit long to loft (that the down decompresses) but I don’t think this has a huge impact of the warmth - at least I always felt warm as soon as I put it on.

Bottomline

Throughout the last ten years I have used many down garments, though I often tend to come back to those favourites when I can. The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket has already become such a favourite - it is toasty warm, packs compact and is light. It looks good on photos which for my work is pretty important, too. The three zippered pockets are wonderful, and if it is only to have my hands out of the cold wind. When I head out on a photo shoot this is an essential piece along from autumn till spring, and it will find it’s way into my backpack year-around when I go out backpacking where it also performs well as a pillow. It has the freedom of movement to also allow me to go ice climbing and ski-touring in it, so I will try that this winter with it, too - after all, it is made for the alpine!

More photos in the Flickr Album.

Where to buy it

At a recommended retail price of 230€/ $250 it is priced similarly like other jackets in this category, but you can regularly find it with a good discount here and there. If you need a new down jacket and want to support me, buy via one of these affiliate links and I will get a small commission from your purchase, at no extra costs for you. In North America you can but the Microlight Alpine at Backcountry, Campsaver and REI, while in Europe you can get it at Alpinetrek.co.uk and at Bergfreunde or check the Widget underneath to find another Retailer:

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this article to help finance the website. Read the Transparency Disclaimer for more information on affiliate links & blogger transparency.

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Terraces 3 in the heart of Langley

Terraces 3 by Brydon Projects Ltd. is a new luxury townhome development in the heart of the city of Langley. The 56 three-bedroom townhouses bring modern living to the family home, featuring personal roof top patios and 9’ ceilings. These homes come equipped with forced air heating, rough-ins for air conditioning, quartz countertops and stainless steel whirlpool appliances. Just steps away from schools, recreation, shopping, dining and entertainment, these homes are built with the family in mind. 

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Norquay Nine

Norquay Nine by Bosworth Ventures is a new boutique townhouse development located at 2396 East 34th Avenue in East Vancouver. This project brings 9 exclusive townhouses to Norquay Village for the modern family, featuring large windows and modern finishes. All units include carefully considered floor plans, contemporary designs, spacious balconies and luxurious kitchens. Norquay Nine offers stellar location, just a short walking distance to shops, schools, services, transit, and community centers.

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BRILLIA

Brillia by Benest is a new condo development located at 2628 Duke Street in Vancouver. The 29 unit project features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes, fully equipped with smart living features such as voice controlled Google Home throughout, Nest thermostats and smart LED lights. The units include refined finishes including various colour schemes and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with European-inspired modern kitchens. Brillia amenities include a landscaped rooftop featuring BBQ areas, a children’s playground, and communal space, a fitness studio, secured underground parking and storage, electric vehicle parking, and car share stalls. This project brings peace of mind and convenience through warranty coverage, 24-hour security, and wheelchair accessibility.

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Scaling Gear: 1P to 3P

You used to go hiking on your own, but nowadays you have a partner and kids and they want to come along outdoors? No need to break the bank and buy more gear - this equipment works well for the Solo Backpacker that wants to take a friend along - or two!

Ten years ago I was mostly backpacking on my own. Even when out with friends, we usually each had our own tarp or shelter, an own stove, and so on. Then I met my wife, we had two kids, and now we once or twice a year go out camping as a family. As the kids are still small it are easy affairs with short hikes, lots of snacks and play time, and pretty much only in warm, comfortable weather. Many of my readers are in a similar situation, and as gear nerds the question comes up: “Which equipment can I use for myself on a Solo trip AND also use when out with the family?”. Over the past seven years I have done plenty of research, trial and error, and this are my findings on how to scale gear from 1 Person to 3 Persons or more.

My Home is my Castle

When I’m out on my own I value space in a shelter. That’s dry space, protected at a minimum from rain and wind, and possibly even from bugs and moisture from the ground. Shelters which adapt well from one person to two or more are Pyramid shelters in my experience. The main benefit is that even large, spacious Pyramids can be very light - like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid, the Locus Gear Khufu or the Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar. If I use these on my own they are a little palace with all the space I want, though if my wife, a friend or a child is along we also both, with our backpacks and equipment, still fit comfortably into these shelters. Now if we’d go backpacking with the whole family we would need to size up - either to a larger Pyramide (like the UltaMid 4) or to two shelters where one adult sleeps with one child. These shelters have the option to get an inner for insect and ground protection, which is useful if the mosquitos and other bugs are out. The biggest advantage to these kind of shelters is that they are very light in comparison to other options - a Pyramide can be around 500 g if made from Silnylon, and even lighter when made from Cuben (or Dyneema Composite Fabric as it is known nowadays). Lighter, but usually with less protection, are only Tarps. These offer beautiful views in good weather, but also their openess can be discomforting to those who are not used to sleep truly outside, so I wouldn’t recommend them for starters.

An alternative to Pyramide-Style Shelters are tents. These are heavier, but come with an inner and outer, so insect protection is included, and one has a clean floor, too, which is useful when one has small kids which like to put everything into their mouth. Also, happily many tent manufacturers have realized that not all tents have to be blizzard-proof winter bunkers. As a Helsport Ambassador I really like the Lofoten Superlite Camp 3 which is also the tent I used on my last two week-long backpacking trips with my best friend. This tent can sleep three and weighs around 2 kg, which is really great. It also has a large porch where gear can be stored and food be cooked, and in bad weather one also could play there. While maybe a bit too heavy when backpacking alone (there’s so many great 1P Tents available athat are around 1 kg or less heavy) if you want a tent which can accommodate more when needed, a tent like the Lofoten Superlite Camp 3 is a really good option.

Happy Meals

Stoves are tricky, especially if more than two persons are trekking together. I own several stove systems and on the trips with my best friend we always use together one of these gas stoves, where the pots have a volume of up to 700 ml. This has worked perfectly for us the last seven years, and of course when I’m on my own using one of these it is perfectly fine, too (then I can boil the water for a coffee and Porrige in one go!). Also when out with three or four I think such a “Solo” Stove works well for a group up to four, as in that case one just boils two times - first the water for the kids, then the water for the parents. This obviously only works when one uses Dehydrated Meals, which in my experience again is fine for kids, too (especially if they get a tasty treat afterwards). Not having dishes to clean is wonderful, and eating out of the bag can be novel and fun for small adventurers.

So using a Solo Stove System like the MSR Windboiler, Jetboil MiniMo, GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Complete Stove or Primus Lite+ works great on Solo trips and with up to three more friends. After that, or if one really wants to cook (and do the dishes!), it is better to use a larger stove and pot combo. Or, if one is fortunate to be hiking in Finland and is staying at a campsite with a fire place, one could just bring a large Titanium or Aluminium pot which can be used over the fire to boil water for all or cook.

Warm Nights

Getting an additional sleep system (so a mattress and a quilt or sleeping bag) for your partner or kids is necessary - unless you’re an Ultralight Backpacker which owns a combination of quilts and sleeping mattresses for different seasons. In that case the really warm winter quilt + mat go to the partner or child, the second warmest setup goes to a child, and you yourself use the lightest summer setup - and if it is a wee bit colder, just wear a warm fleece pants & jacket and you’re fine. As I’m such a gear nerd that I own several mattresses and quilts this method has worked really good for us and we could avoid buying quilts and mattresses for the kids thus far - especially since they are only a night or three out per year, I wouldn’t want to invest money into gear that gets used so little and possibly gets to small in a year or three. It’s much better to have them use the adult setups - this saves money for nice treats or trips (or most likely, both!).

Other Gear that can be scaled

We each own our own water bottles but we share one water filter. I don’t want to spend 60€ on an additional filter - and truth be told, the Katadyn BeFree has such a high flow rate that it’s fast enough to fill up four bottles in a 5 Minute break.

Now backpacks can not really be “scaled” BUT you can own a backpack which easily can fit more gear - as you likely will make the hike for your partner and/ or kids as comfortable as possible and carry some of their equipment. A rucksack with an expandable rolltop closure - like in many Hyperlite Mountain Gear backpacks - and a good compression system - like the ULA Ohm - makes it easy to have one backpack which works well with smaller solo backpacking loads and larger two, three person loads. This is something to keep in mind if you’re buying a pack - will you need to carry just your gear, or also the gear of another person on occassions?

In conclusion

Much of the gear presented here works very well for both a two or three person trip AND a solo hike - the latter likely at a slight weight penalty as you might be using a 2 Person Shelter for sleeping instead of a 1 Person one, a more voluminous backpack (which again comes in useful if you go on a long solo hike or add in packrafting gear), a larger stove system or filter. But on the plus side, this means whenever your friends, family or kids want to go out with you backpacking to find out Why you like being outdoors so much you have the kit to take them along and show them. And that, in the end, is really worth it to carry a few grams more for the rest of the year 😊

How much did you spent on your last piece of outdoor gear? And how much did you support your favourite blogs in the last months? If you enjoy The Week in Review & other articles buy me a coffee - I work Full-Time on Hiking in Finland to bring you inspiring trip reports, in-depth gear reviews and the latest news from the outdoors. You also could subscribe to the rarer-than-ever Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube for more outdoorsy updates!

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The Thurlow in Downtown Vancouver

The Thurlow by Intracorp is a new project bringing natural luxury and sophistication to the West End of Downtown Vancouver. This 32 storey tower features 96 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units, with plenty of indoor and outdoor amenity space. Homes will have stellar views of English Bay, Stanley Park, Downtown Skyline and the North Shore mountains. The Thurlow is just steps from the water, seawall, high-end fashion district, cultural centres and the Vancouver business district.

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Elevate at Sunstone

Elevate at Sunstone by is a new project in the village of Pemberton, just 20 minutes North of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. Elevate will feature modern and open-concept townhomes,  integrating into the natural setting, including green space, community gardens, bike paths and nature trails. The 52 homes, ranging from 2 to 3 bedrooms brings West Coast contemporary design to outdoor living, with expansive decks with unobstructed views of Mount Currie.

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First Light by Westbank in Seattle

First Light by Westbank is a new 48 storey residential project in the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington. The elegant tower will integrate architecture and art, using light and glass to modernize and liven all aspects of the building. The 459 units, equipped with a cool and natural design will include floor to ceiling, triple-paned windows with stellar Olympic Peninsula mountain and ocean views. Amenities include a private luxury car share program for residents, 24 BMW electric and conventional bikes, 3000 sqft wellness center on the 46th floor, pet services and a 47th floor residents salon for gatherings, celebrations and meetings. First Light features a floating rooftop pool with one of the best sunrise and sunset watching vantage points on the West Coast.

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1488 Alberni

1488 Alberni by Landa Global Properties is a new twin tower development in the heart of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. The towers, at 43 and 48-stories, are designed to reflect the architectural style of Vancouver, with classic brick façades and period embellishments. This project will have approximately 358 luxury condominium units, as well as 133 market rental apartments ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom homes. The Alberni towers’ stellar location is just steps from Stanley Park, beaches, the Seawall, transit and entertainment.

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1818 Alberni

1818 Alberni by Landa Global Properties is a new 21-storey all residential building in the heart of Coal Harbour. The modern design, offering just two homes per floor, brings spacious and luxurious living to downtown. This project features 26 high end residential units, 24 affordable market rental housing units, 3,906 sqft of ground level retail space, and 3 levels of underground parking with 109 spaces. 1818 Alberni has stellar location, just steps from Stanley Park, the Seawall, beaches, restaurants and Robson Street shopping.

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Osprey Exos 48 Review

Autumn is my favourite backpacking time and in October I was fortunate enough to go backpacking in the Pyrenees. Along for this one week long trip through three countries was the Osprey Exos 48, a lightweight pack which carries extremely well.

Disclosure: This article has been supported financially and with gear from Osprey. As you know: I’m keepin’ it real and tell you how it is - I maintain full editorial control of the content published on Hiking in Finland. Read the Transparency Disclaimer for more information on affiliate links & blogger transparency.

tl;dr

The Osprey Exos 48 is a lightweight backpack which carries loads up to 15 kg very comfortable. I found the 48 l of Volume enough for a week long backpacking trip with all my camera gear and Drone and think it would be an ideal backpack for people who look for a lighter backpack which doesn’t brake the bank. For all the details watch the video and read the review.

Time

I received my Osprey Exos 48 in January 2018 and have used it on a several day trips and a week long backpacking trip in the Pyrenees of Andorra, Spain and France. Overall it has been used for close to two weeks.

Function

The function of a backpack is to carry your gear in comfort from A to B. The idea behind a lightweight backpack is that it isn’t weighing 2+ kg empty, but significantly less, making the hiking part of a trip more comfortable. The backpack also should protect your gear from the elements and allow fast & easy access to important pieces of gear which you need on the go.

Features

Straight from Osprey’s Website, here are the features of the Exos 48:

• AirSpeed™ ventilated trampoline suspended mesh backpanel
• ExoForm™ mesh hipbelt and harness
• Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment
• FlapJacket™ top cover for use without lid
• Internal hydration sleeve + Compatible with Hydraulics™ and Hydraulics™ LT Reservoir
• Light weight peripheral frame
• Removable sleeping pad straps
• Single ice axe loop
• Removable top pocket with mesh pocket and key clip
• Sternum strap with emergency whistle
• Stretchy front + side pockets

Technical Innovations

There’s for me no technical innovations in this pack, though as the Exos came out several years ago it was one of the first lightweight backpacks with a ventilated back panel, and also the Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system was innovative back then.

Quality

It is a very well made pack that surely will keep you happy for many, many hiking & backpacking seasons to come, and the 48 l Volume pack is great if you’re looking for one backpack which does it all - from day trips to one week long hikes in the backcountry.

Weight

My Osprey Exos 48 in Back length L weighs 1.185 g empty, and the removable lid is 120 g.

In use

So I have used the Exos 48 on my seven day backpacking trip through Andorra, Spain and France where I carried around 17 kg of weight at the start of the hike, that was with water, food for 7 days and around 6 kg of camera gear. It’s a lot of weight and as someone who really doesn’t like to carry heavy loads seeing that number is scary. However, the reality was that it was not so bad. In part the ExoForm shoulder straps and hipbelt are responsible for that, because they are so damn comfortable that even such a heavy load was acceptable to carry. With every meal consumed the pack also got lighter and hence it got easier and more comfortable to carry the backpack. The difference between the Levity and Exos I have shown in an article in the spring and now, after a lot of use of both packs, I have to say that I find the Exos for my needs the better pack, even if it is 400 g heavier.

What makes it better for me is not just the additional volume of the pack (that 3 l extra of the Exos means I can carry my camera gear a lot easier inside the pack!), but especially the Stretchy Side Pockets of the Exos which are making it for me more useable. My friend Martin bought the Levity 60 after he read my review in the spring, but also the production model of that pack had not very stretchy side pockets (something that I complained about in my Levity review) and so I usually had to give him his water bottle and stow it away again. That’s not a problem if you hike with a friend, but if you hike Solo then it means stopping, taking the pack off, getting your water, packing it back and then putting the rucksack on again. With the Exos I can get everything in the side pockets while I move, which I really love.

I also feel that the little bit of extra volume of the Exos makes it more versatile pack for most people. The 48 l pack can be used on day hikes and on one-week long backpacking trips, and also people who just start out with lightweight backpacking and own more bulky & heavier gear will find it easier to get it in the Exos and carry it in more comfort. I also liked that there were two lid pockets - that meant for me more organization as I could stow less important things like my Passport and keys, which I still want to keep close, in the Mesh pocket, while the more important stuff - phone, wallet, map, spare battery - goes in the top pocket. Funnily enough I’m flexible enough to also open and close the top lid pocket, which allows me to access the things in there with the backpack on my shoulders.

The Airspeed backpanel, compression straps, Ice Axe loop and other features of the Exos work well, and the pack also is highly water-resistant - at least during rain and snow all the content stayed dry, also without a rain cover. The material is durable and one doesn’t need to treat the pack super-carefully, and the shoulder straps accept the Peak Design Capture Clip just fine (it’s a tight fit, but it goes on there).

Could be better

I’d take the flap off which protects the drawcord closure of the main compartment when one doesn’t want to use the lid pocket. That probably will make the pack around 25 g lighter, and it won’t get in the way when one uses the lid.

Bottomline

At 1.185 g in Size L the Osprey Exos is a fantastic backpack for people who come from a more traditional approach of backpacking & who are lightening up their load or for ultralight backpackers who want to have a backpack which carries really comfortably. The thick ExoForm shoulder straps make carrying loads of up to 15 kg an enjoyable affair, though the lighter the pack the more comfy it will be. I feel the ideal weight is around 12 kg with kit, food and water for this pack, so if that’s your usual weight with consumables you probably really will enjoy this pack. I liked the spacious and easy to access stretchy side pockets, the front pocket can swallow a lot of gear, and the two lid pockets helped me with keeping my stuff organized. I didn’t miss Hipbelt pockets at all, and could have done without the lid flap and Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment thingy as I rarely use poles and always will use the lid, but other than that I found it an amazing pack. Add in that it’s fairly easy to find it for around 150€ or less and you’ll understand why it is such a popular backpack!

Where to buy it

Get the Exos at your favourite local Osprey Retailer or online at Bergfreunde and Alpinetrek.co.uk in Europe. In North America order it at Backcountry.com (currently 25% off!), REI, CampSaver.com, Moosejaw and Summit Hut. This are Affiliate Links.

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Capital Park Residences

Capital Park Residences by Concert and Jawl Properties is a new vibrant community in Victoria’s Inner Circle, offering over 100 condominium homes and townhomes. This project features two apartment buildings, along with a collection of townhomes, plazas, courtyards, office and retail space. These homes are large in size and contemporary finished, within an expansively landscaped setting. Homes include generous roof terraces, fenced backyards and front porches, giving the convenience of condominium living the perks of a single family home. This community is closely located to beaches, hiking and scenic waterfront, as well as urban shopping and entertainment.

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Don't Buy New Gear (but if You MUST...)

The most absurd shopping week of the year is starting, and I think you should not buy anything.

(Look who is talking, right?!)

Lets be realistic: Unless you started with the hobby of backpacking, climbing, packrafting or trailrunning just last weekend you likely own already everything you need. And if you were hiking for the first time in your life this month - well, the garments and pack you wore are just fine for the next three hiking weekends at least. So in stead of investing your hard earned €$£ over the next weeks into things you very likely don’t need, invest it into something good. Support a NGO like Protect our Winters or 1% For The Planet, go eat out with your friends or family, or use that money to go on a trip (Here you can find some inspiration). Hell, you even could become a Patreon of this website and support my writing, photography and videos!

Saying no to bargains and shiny new gear is hard (as you can see above, I have had a hard time in the past). If you absolutely have to shop I’d appreciate if you use any of the following affiliate links. These have ZERO extra costs for you and I get a wee commission from your purchase. There’s a wide list of possibilities, from shopping at your favourite flavour of Amazon, to more specialised stores like evo and Alpinetrek.co.uk where you can shop for high-quality equipment & garments and support me at the same time. So, in no particular order, if you get the shopping bug and want to do something good to me without any extra costs to you, use these links for your Black Friday/ Cyber Monday/ Holiday shopping:

• Amazon.com
• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.de
• Alpinetrek.co.uk
• Backcountry.com
• Bergfreunde.de
• Booking.com
• Campsaver.com
• Cotopaxi
• evo
• Garage Grown Gear
• Good To-Go
• GORUCK
• GearTrade.com
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear
• Jaybird
• Lifeproof
• My Trail Co
• On Running
• Patagonia
• Peak Design
• Pictureline
• REI.com
• Sierra Designs
• Stio
• Trek Light Gear
• Trivago
• ULA Equipment
• Ultimate Direction
• AirBnB

Thank you!

How much did you spent on your last piece of outdoor gear? And how much did you support your favourite blogs in the last months? If you enjoy The Week in Review & other articles buy me a coffee - I work Full-Time on Hiking in Finland to bring you inspiring trip reports, in-depth gear reviews and the latest news from the outdoors. You also could subscribe to the rarer-than-ever Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube for more outdoorsy updates!

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U-Eight at UBC Okanagan

U Eight by Mission Group is UBC Okanagan’s final U-District community project, bringing a variety of contemporary and open-concept studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes. This project is built with students in mind, featuring in-suite laundry, full kitchens, and a bathroom for each individual bedroom. With a shortage of housing on campus, U-District aims to tackle the growing need and demand for student housing by providing a great location, design and amenities for students. 

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The Week in Review 287

Through red shrubbery/ up the empty mountain/ good I sleep

How much did you spent on your last piece of outdoor gear? And how much did you support your favourite blogs in the last months? If you enjoy The Week in Review & other articles buy me a coffee - I work Full-Time on Hiking in Finland to bring you inspiring trip reports, in-depth gear reviews and the latest news from the outdoors. You also could subscribe to the rarer-than-ever Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube for more outdoorsy updates!

Outdoor News

Excuse the long-ish break, I was outdoors and had technical problems. Now’ I’m back home for a while and will catch up with blogging and videos!

Chris Townsend is remembering Peter Hutchinson, the man behind Mountain Equipment and PHD.

Alex finally shot an image he had been visualising for a long time. Congratulations!

There are not enough women at the E.O.F.T. - time to talk about this issue! [German]

Keith wrote about depression in his last book, and now he penned down 15 Steps to Help with Depression.

You now can buy Martin’s book Hoamatroas. [German]

How to go bouldering outdoors - but right.

It’s getting cold outside - time for Merino Wool Baselayers!

Get 20% Off One Full-Priced Item With Code: TAKE20NOVEMBER at Backcountry.com.

Get up to 30% off at the REI Gear Up Get Out Sale till 19th November, and members can save also 20% off one full price item.

Win the Black Diamond Recon Stretch Pants and Jacket.

And in this competition you can win googles, a helmet and some cool shades from Julbo!

If all you want is to travel then enter here and go to Tirol for five days and hike a glacier!

Finally, if you are more into backpacking then this Photo contest where you can win a pack and sleeping bag might be more up your alley.

Trip Reports

Jeremie’s Fall to Fall Journal is AMAZING - a must read & see.

Paulina was at the Calpine Fire Lookout.

Max takes us fishing on tributaries.

The “No Wainwrights” Lake District Backpack.

Winter is coming.

Ryan takes us along on his Altiplano Traverse.

Mark took Enni on an Overnighter in Nuuksio.

A Classic Tokyo Hike: Mt. Takao to Mt. Jinba.

Climbing in Squamish, British Columbia.

Stephen returns to the GR10.

Sweet and Sauerland is a three-day bikepacking loop in the midwestern German region of Sauerland, and if you need a reason to take your bike to Germany this could be it!

Mark wrote a Beginners Guide to Multi-day Dirt Rides.

A family hike to the Großer Widderstein. [German]

Chad gives an update on his JMT thru-hike.

Remnants of Rosa.

Impressions from the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Climbing the Forbidden Mountain of the Caucasus.

Packrafting in Russia. [Spanish]

And Erika went out for a Hochtour-Hike & Fly to Obergurgl. [German]

Gear Reviews

I reviewed the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Uberlite.

Agnieszka shares her favourite gear from her CDT thru-hike. [Polish]

Dennis tests the hamaka Hyperlight Hammock. [German]

Derek reviewed the Hammock Gear Netted Hammock.

Drew reviews the Arc’teryx Norvan LD Trail Shoes.

Andrew takes a look at the Altra Tusher boots.

Part 2 of the The Ultimate Alaska Backpacking Gear List looks at equipment like trekking poles, quilts and shelters.

Dan, Kim and Janine share their Outdoor Gear of the Year.

Gear Talk with Jason Klass is BACK! This time Jason looks atthe Supercat Alcohol Stove.

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MODE at the River District

MODE by Wesgroup is a brand new addition to South Vancouver’s 130-acre River District. Set alongside Vancouver’s waterfront, this project features 1, 2 or 3 bedroom homes, townhouses, and live-work homes. MODE is centrally located by the Town Centre Plaza, just steps away to banks, cafes, restaurants, a grocery store and more. This project brings modern design and features to 25 acres of greenspace, abundant indoor and outdoor entertainment features, giving you the comfort of West Coast Living with a contemporary feel. MODE is superbly located, just 10 minutes to Richmond, 13 minutes to Marine Gateway, and 20 minutes to YVR. 

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Urbana at Central Green

Urbana at Central Green by Mission Group is a new residence with 55 modern studio to three bedroom homes in the heart of Downtown Kelowna. Urbana is part of Central Green, a residential master-planned community at Harvey Avenue and Richter Street, just minutes away from Pandosy Village. Experience living steps to beaches, shopping, dining and a 5-acre park. Urbana brings heritage-inspired modern homes to a neighbourhood rich with history.

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CF Richmond Centre

CF Richmond Centre by Cadillac Fairview and SHAPE is a 27-acre mixed-use, master planned community which will feature over 2,000 residential units in 12 towers, 150,000 sq ft of amenities, and 500,000 sq ft of retail area. This project will bring shopping, dining and entertainment all within a walkable and connected living experience to the heart of Richmond. CF Richmond Centre will also feature open-air street fronts, bringing an exclusive living experience to the city. The homes, ranging from studios to townhomes, will include sophisticated designs, city views, large terraces, and high end features including air conditioning and upscale appliances. Together with Minoru Park, City Hall, and SkyTrain’s Canada Line, this will be the cultural heart of the city.

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Galleria Concord Gardens

Galleria by Concord Pacific is a new transit community located at No.3 Road and Capstan Way in Richmond. This project in inspired by art and technology, and includes spa-inspired bathrooms, Miele appliances, and a unique art facility area for children. Located just steps away from a 2-acre neighbourhood park, Galleria brings contemporary living to a park-side setting. 

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