In case you didn't know - and you may be forgiven, as governments, train companies, and people in general seem to be surprised every year again - it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. As I live in Finland, winter, snow, ice and -20°C temperatures are not so much a surprise to me, but business as usual - roughly from the beginning of December till the end of April, longer the further north you go or the more global warming (cooling ?!) advances. What does that mean? It means to travel at an efficient speed in the backcountry, skis or snowshoes are a must - except you're a masochist who enjoys potholing in hip-deep snow. I shall have a look at the former today.


A loipe on the lake going off into the distance, on a fine sunny day.

Have a good look at that photo above. That is the freedom and beauty of winter backpacking. Crisp temperatures, the sun is out, likely not a lot of people around, the sound of birds in the forest, making your own trail where no one has gone before. Winter backpacking is epic. One just needs to kick the inner laziness and get out. Getting out is all that it's about. Gear helps. Like skis in winter.

I am sporting a pair of <a href="http://www.madshus.com/skis/glittertind-mgv-plus"target="_blank">Madshus Glittertind MGV+ Ski</a> in 195 cm lenght, including the <a href="http://www.rottefella.no/en/Products/BC/BC-Manual/"target="_blank">Rottefella Backcountry Manual binding</a> they are 1270 g per Ski or 2540 g for the pair. As far as I am concerned, that is fairly light and optimal for my needs. Speaking of needs, I will be skiing on prepared tracks and off-piste with these, through forests and in the fjells of Lapland. No Alpine stuff thus. Besides my (near) daily rounds on the lake and hill next door they will see seven solid weeks of action up north. So once the snow is gone - in May - I will report back on how they performed.



The Sidecut is 68-55-62 mm on these babies, the tip rise is a bit over 8 cm and they have a full length steel edge.


The Rottefella BC binding, chosen for its ease of use and being lightweight.


The MultiGrip Vario+ (MGV+) Wax-Free Base. I'm lazy, carrying and playing around with wax is none of my interests so I went for a wax-free base version.

To ski you needs boots. I decided to stay with Madshus and took a pair of <a href="http://www.madshus.com/boots/glittertind-bc"Target="_blank">Glittertind BC Boots</a>, as they're made for the backcountry and the skis I chose. They're 802 g a piece (Size 43), or 1604 g for the pair. While on the screen that looks heavy, in the snow on the skis they're not. Why? Because when I ski it is a kick-and-glide, kick-and-glide move where lifting feet is not an issue - you lift your feet so minimal that they weight is not much of a factor - even if making my own trail in virgin snow. They're also spectacularly warm with the Thinsulate inner. They have a lace cover which is breathable and keeps the snow at bay, very, very handy. In the front they have a little sort-of D-Ring, which works very well to hook my MLD Snow Gaiters in. For the skiing they're perfect, walking is a bit odd - but that could be down to me now being used to boots anymore. I like them.




The Glittertind BC Boots worn and open with a look at the inside, and mounted.

Now we're almost ready. What's missing? Poles, right. I use an old, hand-me-down pair of skiing poles from exel, which come in at 201 g per pole or 402 g for the pair, which ain't shabby. They have a fixed length of 150 cm and are perfect for me. No photo of these, sorry.


In the loipe I made the previous day. The Glittertind skis are slightly wider than normal cross country/ loipe skis, but I have no problems with skiing in it. I usually go for a kilometer or so on the loipe, and then make my own trail and head back (You can see my skiing trips on <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/profile.php?user_id=244271"target="_blank">my EveryTrail profile</a>).


Breaking trail. Frozen lakes are sweet.

In comparison, my fiancée's cross-country skis, a good ten to fifteen years old, weigh in at 864 g per ski (1728 g/ pair) and her boots (they're actually more like sneakers, very low cut) are 457 g per boot (914 g/ pair). They're lighter, but solely for the loipe - making your own trail with these is a pain in the butt and you have wet feet asap. No multipurpose.


Respect the Loipe - don't walk on it. I will hit you with my skiing poles if you do.

So that is my skiing gear. In the two and half weeks I have used them now I am super happy with them, but the long term test coming will tell more. May, I reckon, a review will go up. Yeah. The skis came recommended by <a href="http://thunderinthenight.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">Mr. Newton</a>, so I expect they will be Tuff Stuff!

If you're living in Finland and want to enjoy the snow, have a look at your local <a href="http://www.partioaitta.fi/tmp_partioaitta_site_1.asp?lang=1&sua=1&s=13775&q=y"target="_Blank">Partioaitta</a> shop, they have the whole setup I have. <a href="http://intersport.fi/"target="_blank">Intersport</a> and <a href="http://www.sportia-pekka.fi/"target="_blank">Sportia Pekka</a> as well have Madshus skis, and if none of these are close to you check from <a href="http://hjorth.fi/"target="_blank">Hjorth</a>, the Finnish Distributor, where you can find a pair. Those abroad should check the <a href="http://www.madshus.com/"target="_blank">Madshus</a> and <a href="http://www.rottefella.no/"target="_blank">Rottefella</a> websites for a dealer near them. In the USA REI has the above <a href="http://bit.ly/17xrvCk"target="_blank">skis</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/19VKuw6"target="_blank">boots</a> while <a href="http://bit.ly/131V0vk"target="_blank">CampSaver.com</a> should have them soon again (and for a very low price, too!)


Saw a Yeti here in Finland - imagine!

Lets start the year with a real blast, shall we? I'm honored to be able to introduce you today to Jotaro Yoshida, the owner of LOCUS GEAR from Japan. His cottage company exists now for a bit over a year, and it is thus time to sit down and have a chat with Jotaro. Help yourself to some wagashi and tea and enjoy!


Jotaro in front of the Apollo Shelter.

Jotaro, please briefly introduce yourself and tell us who you are. Since when are you backpacking, and how did you start? How often are you outdoors on a trip nowadays?

I was born in Kyoto, which is close to the river and wild fields. The environment as my playground raised me wildly. Since I was a little kid, I love to explore to find something mysterious, like the giant beetles in the fields and mountains. Not only by day but also all through the night with a small backpack, sleeping outside without any shelters and sleeping bag in the summer. And sometimes I went to dive in the river which is forbidden to swim. I remember I was a crazy kid who could not stop finding something straight away if I really wanted. And the sense is never changed, I guess.

Then, as I grew up and finished University, I became a businessman - until my early thirties. I had almost killed myself to stick in the area busily. I set up my own company with my partner that was for Computer Graphics and web design etc. However, maybe, my instinct was screaming "This is too much". So that the big turning point of my life came and I moved to Tokyo from Osaka. Some new friends I met in the new field took me back to nature. I started surfing and hiking. And nowadays I mostly like hiking, as much as I have time I go out not only far mountains but also near the area where I live now.


Jotaro having a discussion with Mr. ULG and Mr. Beyondx at LOCUS GEAR

Are you a UL or lightweight backpacker? If so, what is your typical baseweight?

I think I am a lightweight backpacker rather than “UL”. My baseweight is about 6kg. It depends on when, where and how long I go.

Please tell us where the name "Locus Gear" comes from, and what it stands for.

A few years ago, I heard the word [locus] by chance, when some friend used the word [locus] about the thing which some complex constructs should be transferred and re-constructed precisely you must dismantle once before. When I started making shelters I remembered it and fit with me. Also the meaning includes [loc-us] sounds good to me.


Mr. ULG, Glen Van Peski and Jotaro at Mt. Kobushi hut in the Chichibu range.

Locus Gear makes innovative lightweight shelters and tarps, and offers useful accessories for UL backpackers. Can you tell us how the idea to start the company emerged, if it was easy to quit your previous job and how you see the future of the company?

I must tell you at first I really like to make something with my own hands even while I was doing my computing job. I am quite familiar with three-dimensional objects since my early age. The most attractive one is pyramid, so, I studied them for a long time. That study is one of my life work, too. About my previous career, I strongly believe that nothing is wasted. Everything is connected into me. For example why I can use CAD and web software? This is because from my previous experience. And why I love Pyramid so much so long? I think, in my age, all experiences you made even look like the waste and/or mistake are just continuing career for everyone. And you will never know when it helps you by the time.


At the LOCUS GEAR workbench.

You offer some very innovative gear, like the Khafra and Apollo shelters - can you tell us a bit how you went about the design process of these two shelters, and where the inspiration came from?

I think the answer is already the above. In addition, the shape like Apollo and Khafra is the basis , simple, strong and the rules of the nature. So, I had no idea not to make my shelters like it.

Some comments I have heard about the Khufu shelter were that it looks very similar to the Mountain Laurels Design DuoMid. What is your response to such comments?

My honest opinion is “Why only DuoMid and ours?” I actually never see DuoMid except some pictures. I guess there will become more shelters like it if only more people realize it’s really functional.


Camping in the deep snow at Minakami with the Khufu Cuben.

Jotaro, we love to be let in on the work-in-progress stuff! Can you let us know what kind of new products you're working on at the moment?

Well, I feel like spilling my beans, however, there are some confidential projects. So I tell you a bit. Now we are making new SilNylon color fabric for 2011 version. And by spring, Locus Gear special edition Apollo with high end fabric will be selling in the popular magazine in Japan. Also, the most lightweight breathable Khufu (this is still prototype) will be shown in a few months. Then I really want to release Bivy (hopefully with eVent fabric) and special Backpack collabo. Version. This is my subject for 2011. There are some offers to work with us and custom requests gaining day by day. We must focus on, and deal with carefully one by one. It takes time.




How works the R&D at Locus Gear, do you have a need yourself that you try to fix, or do some of your clients inspire you for new products and ask you for solutions to their problems?

I am always thinking there is something I should improve. And many ideas are coming from my companies and clients by e-mail and/or Twitter. I check the voices every time.

What is the Locus Gear bestseller, and where do your customer come from?

Our customers are mainly domestic. But there is quite a lot of contact from outside, though I think Yen is too strong now. U-m, about sales there is not only one win. Our customers choose with their needs and style. For myself it is in the middle of progressing, it means always new is the best. And I would like to mention I am trying to sell our products worldwide. So that our web shop site will be revised.


Jotaro, Mr. Chiyochang (Moonlight-Gear) and Mr. ULG at the Chichibu range.

Are you in touch with other cottage manufacturers in Japan, the USA, Europe or other places?

Not so many. Not so many like us in Japan, either.

Glen Van Peski visited Japan not too long ago, what kind of experience was that?

This was a great meeting and hiking together for several days with having a really good time. I have got inspired by his philosophy and action. We keep in touch since then.


Mr. Yasulow, Mr. Tsuchiya, Jotaro, Glen Van Peski, Mr. ULG and Mr. BMP in the Chichibu range.

I know that Japan has a bustling UL backpacking community, there is a couple brick & mortar UL stores, UL online stores, your cottage business and a growing number of UL backpackers. How did that community come to be, and what can you tell us about it?

Well now the outdoor action is booming and becomes fashion in Japan. To me UL is not just about the weight but also the experience and the skill of the person. If you are very beginner, I do not persuade to reduce your packing weight at first. About business growth of UL, I can only say that “I hope so”. However, I feel the communication and the relations between UL hikers are surely tying. They are always sharing information and the experience to help each other. This is one of the good things.

What is your own favorite backpack, sleep system and shelter? Any other favourite piece of gear which you always carry with you?

My favorite backpacks are a Gossamer Gear Prototype (G5?) Pack, the GraniteGear Vapor Trail and the ULA CDT. My favorite sleeping system is a Therm-a-Rest Z-lite & Pro-lite (in winter), a Therm-a-Rest Trekker Pillowcase, Marmot Lithium or Mont-bell ULSSDH#2 and a Tyvek Bivy. My favorite shelter is the LocusGear Khufu Cuben. Another favourite piece of gear which I always carry are the LocusGear Carbonfiber Trekking poles. And I love Inov8 shoes.


Mr. Beyondx and Jotaro at the Oodarumi hut in the Chichibu range.

When and where was your last longer backpacking trip, and what was your baseweight? Are you planning to get out for a trip soon, and enjoy the winter season?

Before I started LocusGear, I went hiking for about 2 weeks for testing our products. Since then I really have no time to go out so long 5 or 6 days at the longest even I go somewhere every month. This first year for us was very busy and rush every day like a hurricane move. However, we are getting used to how we should run, so I want to go somewhere longer, maybe the Himalayas next year. I am sure that I will sleep in the deep snow this winter again.

Do you think ultralight backpacking will become more popular and break into the mass market, or will it continue to be something for a small group of people?

The technology is definitely progressing and the gear is automatically becoming lighter because of this reason. In the near future there will be no border and difference between UL hiker and other backpacker, so that I think the business is expanding widely.


Snowshoeing in the deep snow at Minakami.

Jotaro, ありがとう (domo arigato) for taking the time to answer my questions =) Is there something you would like to add?

I really appreciate to give me this opportunity to tell you about what I think and feel. We are just a baby to start walking with many warm eyes. Day by day I find that someone in/from somewhere in this world is interested in us, mentioning about us, and contacting us. This is the most wonderful moment, as a small gear manufacture and a person, I can feel connecting with you. Thank you so much.

Happy new year!



News & Various:

Katabatic Gear has a new, serious winter quilt - the Blackwelder 0°F. I have a huge smile on my face seeing this beauty.

Dave tells the truth about trees. A must-read, this is a hilarious, excellently written post that will put a smile on your face.

Valcas1 explains how to make a DIY Wood Gasification Stove.

If you feel that life is too short to do a crappy job that you hate, Chris has some valueable advice on How to get Working Holiday Visas. Think "Work-for-a-while-in-an-exotic-country-and-then-go-hiking-there".

David wrote two excellent MYOG article appropriate for the winter. One deals with DIY anti-balling plates and the second with ice axe modifications.

Birds are your kind of thing? Check out Terje Sylte's blog, and his recent photos of eagles. Great stuff.

Fraser picked six photos for his Photographic Review 2010. They're so awesome that Wordpress put his blog on their frontpage. That should be reason enough for you going to see them.

Helen reviews the book "Dances with Marmots".



Trip Reports:

Eric realized it is never too late. Recommended see, awesome photos.

Clint and his friend Seth made an epic climbing trip to the Revelation mountains. Excellent photos, excellent writing, this is a recommended read!

Maunawili Falls was Joshua's last hike of 2010, and it was a pretty one. Where there's wildlife and waterfalls a great time is always held.

Around Scotland went to visit the Tatras. Stunning scenery in great photos, make sure to check them out.

Dan and family visited Lapland, USA.

Cedar & Sand visited Moab.

Hike. Ski. Hike. Ski.

Hiking in Kauai means lush, green forests, wildlife, beautiful flowers, high mountains, beautiful beaches. Stunning photos!

John visited the AZ Hot Springs via White Rock Canyon, a very nice trip report with pretty photos.

Mike took some stunning photos on his second Howden le Wear walk, make sure to check them out!

James went on his last climb of the year.

Jill found out that snow makes everything tougher.

The Kebo Mountain Area in which Kelley and John were for a walk is very pretty in its winter dress.

Roger walked along the Danish - German border, 74 km from Padborg to Skelde Kobbelskov.

Dave continues to write about his trip on the Boundary Trail.

James spent 2010 on the hills.

Nibe walked the North Sea Trail from Den Haag to Katwijk and back, and their outdoor bar offered nice cool drinks.



GEAR talk:

Chris Townsend lets us know his Top Ten Favourite New Items of Gear for 2010.

Sheepleg introduces us to the perfect cookset for couples, the GSI Microdualist.

Martin wrote a great review about the Western Mountaineering Hooded Flash Jacket.

Mark takes a critical look at the First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie.

Fraser finally got a pair of snowshoes, and proudly shows off his new Redfeather Hike snowshoes (as well as some Fizan Compact poles =).

Ryan's take on gear is to "Keep It Simple, Make It Last". A good principle.

Steven, better known as "Man-with-ice-blocks-as-hands", reviews the The North Face Montana Mitts.

If the Montbell Thermawrap Parka is something you have had your eyes on, check out what Thomas has to say about it in his review.

The Velo Hobo reviews the GorillaPod. If you still look for a multi-use tripod for your camera, check it out - I love mine!



/edit: Too much things on my mind means I start to forget stuff. The Scotland by Chris Townsend book goes to Sam, congratulations! Please contact me via Email with your address and the book will be on its way soon! Thanks for all who commented =)