The worst month of the year has started, but happily at the end of it a week in the outdoors is on the menu.

News

Dave writes an open letter to the Ravenswood dog-walking lady.

I’m very happy to announce my Guided Trips for the Winter 2012/ 2013 season. If you’d like to learn how to backpack in a lightweight (UL) style in winter, navigate through the snow, sleep warm and comfortable in the wintry outdoors, then check out the Guided Trips page and contact me.

Jack shares some fine Sierra routes and passes on a webmap tools.

Last weekend was the 9th Ultralight German Community Meeting, and despite recent rumorings no Zombies were in attendance. Here are some more impressions, too.

If you’re also cycling in winter, you want to check out 45NRTH who makes warm, spikey and lightweight gear for those who ride their bike in the cold.

LOCUS GEAR relased their DPTE as a Carbon Fiber version.

There’s a new Scottish national walking trail.

Freelight now has a shop in Tokyo.

Trip Reports

Where the neighborhood ends.

Sabine continues her PCT in photos report.

Mike keeps mixing it up and combines Fatbike and Packraft for some great trips - like the Doom Direct.

The Inaugural ITS Tactical Muster.

Tom continues around Cradle Mountain Tasmania with Part 3: Lake Rodway to Dove Lake.

Chris and Anna made it to Canada - Congratulations!

Nick reports that Hyalite Canyon Ice is in so he heads out for some ice climbing.

James is on the first winter route of the season in Glencoe.

Something extraordinary from Forrest, A Cross-Country Ski Guide to Ross Island.

Aaron is finding Kishenehn. A recommended read.

Peter and the Mammoth March.

Roger leaves the beach and heads into the Beech.

Finally, one of the most creative trip reports comes from Mark: Scenes from Urho Kekkonen is a must read.

Gear

Carsten had the good fortune to try a Lightwave Firelight 450 down sleeping bag and he fell very much in love with it.

The ESEE Candiru 1.7oz Fixed Blade Knife, a knife for the Ultralighter? Possibly, but it also could be Timo’s Ultralight MYOG Fixed.

Chad lets us take a peek at his GooseFeet Gear Custom Down Pants.

Jake made some DIY Tyvek Rain Gear and now reviews after plenty of (ab)use.

Anna and Chris share their experience with three different Water Filters and Containers for Ultralight Backpacking.

Going ultralight but would like to sit like on a chair? An MYOG Chairless might be the solution.

Get up to 50% Off Winter Gear at Backcountry.com - Limited Time Only.

Warm and waterproof garments for cold days from the Bergfreunde.