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Spring 2023

Features

Departments

  • William Blackmore
    Culture: People

    Mounting Risk

    The Blackmore’s western journey. There’s a lot of history here in Bozeman. The names of streets, wilderness areas, and mountain peaks become part of our daily vocabulary, often without second thought. But long before…
  • Burning mansion
    Culture: Humor

    Burning Down the House

    The sky is dark. It’s midnight, under a new moon; were it not for the shimmering stars overhead and a wan glow from town below, this grassy hilltop would be in utter blackness. There’s just enough light to make out shapes,…
  • Paddleboarding creek, spring runoff, taylor fork
    Activities: Boating

    The Channel Less Traveled

    Paddling small streams in spring. Every Bozeman paddler knows about the big three, but few of them venture outside the popular put-ins and take-outs. That’s not to say the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone don’t provide…
  • Elpel outdoor classroom with kids making fire bushcraft survival
    Training: Tips & Tricks

    OWLS

    An education in nature with Tom Elpel. Although you’re heading into the woods, you’re with Tom Elpel, so leave the camping gear at home. Your knife will suffice. Author, builder, educator, conservationist, and all-around…
  • Blackmore Mountain, Gallatins
    Nature

    Rock & Roll

    A field guide to southwest Montana’s signature stones. Sitting at the confluence between the central and northern Rockies, Bozeman has a varied, complex geological history—which means you’ll find lots of different types of…
  • Montana shed hunting, antler hunting, ATL, deer antler
    Culture: Humor

    A Season on the Edge

    One man's quest for a trophy shed. I’ve been shed hunting a long time, and it takes a lot to get my blood pumping these days. The average rack just doesn’t do it for me anymore—I pick up four-pointers like matchsticks…
  • Master of none, jane of all trades, jack of all trades, outdoorsy woman
    Culture

    Master of None

    But oftentimes better than a master of one. I am a jack-of-all-trades and a master-of-none kind of outdoors woman. It doesn’t matter the activity, if it’s outside, count me in. I’ve snowboarded, climbed, hiked, backpacked…
  • Rafting Vs. Kayaking face-off
    Culture: Humor

    Face-Off: Kayaking Vs. Rafting

    A water fight for the ages. Over the years, choices in watercraft have expanded tremendously. No longer are we limited to the hand-carved canoes of yore, however cool they may be. Design and material innovations have…
  • Great Blue Heron Claire Emery
    Culture: Arts & Culture

    Spring Poems

    Warblers by H. G. Moser Visual silence, sitting on my back patio searching the willows along the creek, wondering when the warblers will return Yellow-rumped warblers (we used to call them Audubon’s) and the yellow…
  • Craig Mathews fishing Madison River West Yellowstone
    Activities: Fishing

    My First Time: Craig Mathews

    Big trout, new patterns, and a life on the water. Craig Mathews is no stranger to the fishing community. In 1980, he founded Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, and went on to pen nine books, including The Yellowstone…
  • Chanterelle Mushrooms, foraging
    Activities: Miscellaneous

    Montana Mushrooms

    Foraging for Rocky Mountain treasure. “Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself?” —Henry David Thoreau Self-sufficiency, even in little ways, is satisfying. And when…
  • Yellow-headed blackbird
    Nature

    The Sensual Season

    Outdoor sign language, part three. “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” —Robin Williams Spring is a veritable cornucopia of sensory excellence. From beginning to end, nearly feverish change marks the…
  • Bike tire tracks in mud, muddy trail
    Activities: Mountain Biking

    Gettin' Dirty

    Making the most of mud season. “But in the mud and scum of things, there alway, alway something sings.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson We all know the feeling: as the air warms and the snow melts, you get those springtime…
  • Hiking in burnt forest shed hunting
    Culture: Season Opener

    Passing the Torch

    Forging new paths into old places. “Leave it as it is… keep it for your children, your children's children, and for all who come after you.” —Theodore Roosevelt The trail to Teapot Camp peters out after the second creek-…
  • Whitefish ceviche
    Culture: Food & Drink

    Whitefish Ceviche

    Whitefish Ceviche with a Leche de Tigre marinade. Contrary to the popular beliefs of trophy-trout fisherman, Montana’s native whitefish are not “trash fish” at all—they’re tender and delicious. Whitefish delivers a mild,…
  • Venus, planet
    Training: Astronomy

    A Venusian Spring

    The celestial apparition shining in the west. Let’s face it: it’s never spring on Venus, where the surface temperature under those heat-trapping, sulfuric acid-laced clouds is a toasty, lead-melting 850 degrees Fahrenheit…
  • pillory, Montana and Wyoming corner crossing case, Fredric Eshelman, public access
    Culture: Humor

    Pillory: Corner-Crossing Opponents

    Rattling back at self-serving snakes-in-the-grass. If you’ve been following Wyoming’s corner-crossing debacle, you’re aware that the defendants are facing a $7.75-million civil lawsuit. If not, we’ll fill you in: that’s…
  • Couple camping in tent
    Gear: Equipment

    Simul-Slumber

    Taking it tandem for a better sleeping experience. Snuggling in together after a tasty meal by the fire, watching the stars, sharing pillow talk while slowly drifting off to sleep... as far as we’re concerned, that’s the…
  • Mother's Day Caddis Hatch, Rainbow trout with legs, evolution
    Activities: Fishing

    Bait & Switch

    A moment in evolutionary time. The Mother’s Day caddis hatch—you’ve heard about it, maybe you’ve seen it. It happens on or around Mother’s Day in western rivers. Certain things have to line up just right for it to go off.…
  • Bozeman Dooathlon dog poop scoop competition
    Culture: Humor

    Just Doo It

    The IDD comes to Bozeman. Runners, mark your calendars and grab your latex gloves. The International Dog Dooathlon (IDD), a family-friendly multisport race, makes its debut in Bozeman this spring. In this annual event,…
  • Cleaning, picking up trash Hyalite, cleanup bozeman
    Culture: Conservation

    Spring Cleaning

    Taking care of our outdoor spaces. Every spring, the melting snow reveals budding wildflowers and green grass, but also something less appealing. Litter and waste that’s been buried for months appears on the surface, where…
  • Tick on grass
    Activities: Hiking

    Ticked Off

    An arachnid assault. After a never-ending April drizzle, lingering snowstorms, and persistent cold, I welcomed an invitation from a friend in early May. “I know the perfect spot for a spring hike,” he told me. And so we…
  • Dream Vs. Reality alpine starts
    Culture: Humor

    Dream vs. Reality: Alpine Starts

    Escaping Boz-Angeles. After three beautiful spring days in a row, you’re itching to get out. The weather looks great for the weekend, so you’ve made plans with a friend to explore a new drainage in the Spanish Peaks. It’s…
  • rock climber montana lingo
    Culture: Humor

    Climber’s Catalog

    Understanding some very strange jargon. Learning how to talk with a climber can be as hard as ascending the route itself. Seriously, how can an activity that demands clear and concise communication be filled with so many…
  • Eastern Montana rock outcropping
    Road Trips

    Go East Young Man, Go East

    Exploring Montana’s Indian Country. Come April, even a diehard wintersports enthusiast is ready to exchange clunky ski boots for feather-weight trail runners, and ski poles for hiking sticks. After all, it’s spring! More…
  • Gallatin Valley from above
    Culture: Conservation

    Easy Does It

    Conservation easements in the Gallatin Valley. Once upon a time in the Gallatin Valley, wildlife outnumbered humans, and now-ephemeral creeks flowed year-round. Agriculture was the way of the land. But, not too long ago,…
  • Dog with snake bite on face
    Culture: Dogs

    The Snake Days of Spring

    When dogs and rattlesnakes mix. As the weather warms up, snakes emerge from their winter lairs. Fortunately, there’s only one venomous snake in Montana: the prairie rattlesnake. This serpent can grow up to four feet in…
  • Adult caddis on rock
    Training: Fly Tying

    Rise to the Occasion

    Tying a classic caddis dry fly. In spring, when trout are primarily feeding on caddis, dry-fly fishing becomes one of the most exciting ways to hook a trout. Once the water reaches 50 degrees in mid-March, you’ll see adult…
  • Yellowstone cutthroat in river
    Nature

    Flooded Fisheries

    How fish respond to high water. If you’re a trout living in the Northern Rockies, you probably love mountains loaded with snow. Bottomless snowpack and wet spring weather typically result in raging rivers come June, and…
  • Conditioning leather hiking boots
    Training: Tips & Tricks

    Boot Up

    How to keep your leathers in good shape. “These boots are made for walkin’, and that’s just what they’ll do.” —Nancy Sinatra A solid pair of leather boots is arguably the most important piece of gear for the serious…
  • Trail runner in forest old man
    Activities: Running

    Raging While Aging

    Slogging toward the Ridge Run. “One of the great things about turning 60 is that no one asks you to run again… ever.” I don’t remember which comic first said this, but there’s a certain logic in the joke that lots of…

Gear Reviews

  • activated you essential skin food review
    Gear: Nutrition

    Review: Essential Skin Food

    The health world, as of late, has felt like one big marketing pitch. Supplements, powders, fancy drinks... the list goes on. I've always believed I could get my necessary vitamins and minerals from nothing more than…
  • Mechanical dog poop scooper
    Gear: Misc

    Review: Poopster Scooper

    I love having a faithful companion, but I also have enough of my own crap to deal with. Designed to ease the load once my dog unloads, Poopster’s Classic Scooper has a timeless chalk-bag look, with the compaction and odor-…
  • Give'r Classic Glove
    Gear: Apparel

    Review: Give'r Classic Gloves

    Simple, classic cowhide gloves... they're everywhere, right? Sure 'nuff, but like cowboys and mountain men, all cowhide ain't created equal. Which, I reckon, is why the Give'r Classic Glove was born, a feral love-child of…
  • Sitka drifter duffle
    Gear: Misc

    Review: Sitka Drifter Duffle

    When heading into the field, having a good duffle is important. You want to store your gear where it is easily accessible, protected from the elements, and tucked away. The Drifter Duffle from Sitka meets all these…
  • Costa Irie Sunglasses
    Gear: Misc

    Review: Costa Irie Sunglasses

    In light of some jokes being waxed about my tendency to unironically wear speed-shades around town, I decided it's time to pick up some casual specs for a classier look. The Costa Irie frames fit nicely on my average-sized…
  • Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak Pack
    Gear: Equipment

    Review: Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak

    When I first started ski-touring, my pack was a mess. Putting skins away or pulling out an extra layer entailed re-organizing the entire pack to keep my avalanche equipment on top. Mystery Ranch’s Saddle Peak has saved the…
  • Blistein B-6 Shock
    Gear: Misc

    Review: Bilstein B-6 Shock

    The Bilstein B-6 suspension package delivers a predictable and communicative ride. The shock absorbers instantly react to changing surface conditions, resulting in less body-roll and more precise steering for better…
  • MoraKniv scout 39 knife
    Gear: Equipment

    Review: Morakniv Scout 39

    When I was a boy visiting Yellowstone Park, I saw a knife in a gift shop in that I just had to have. Like the vast wilderness all around, it called to me. I begged my parents; they relented and for the next several years,…
  • Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois Crewneck
    Gear: Apparel

    Review: Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Top

    Nice and tight—that's what the Micro-Elite Chamois from Hot Chillys is all about. Its comfortable and snug fit makes it easy to layer up and brace the cold. The polyester and spandex fabric feels smooth on the skin, and the…
  • Hot Chillys Elite Heat Mid Volume Socks
    Gear: Apparel

    Review: Hot Chillys Elite Heat Socks

    I’m a lifelong skier who often struggles with cold feet. But that's a problem of the past, now that I got the Elite Heat socks from Hot Chillys. Designed with fibers embedded with minerals, air channels to move moisture and…
  • Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew
    Gear: Apparel

    Review: Ibex Woolies Tech Crew

    Playing outside during winter often incorporates a layering act. Each layer of clothing has an important role. And Ibex’s Woolies Tech Long-Sleeve Crew performs well as a base layer. The material is mostly merino wool,…
  • Triple Aught Design Aspect XC Pant
    Gear: Apparel

    Review: Triple Aught Aspect XC

    Lightweight, quick-drying, with a Durable Water Repellent finish... what more do you need in a good hiking pant? Nothing, really, but the Aspect XC from Triple Aught Design gives you much, much more. To wit: a cotton/nylon/…
  • garmont t4 groove g-dry
    Gear: Apparel

    Review: Garmont T4 Groove G-Dry

    It sounds like a rapper's name, and maybe it's no coincidence: the Garmont T4 Groove G-Dry is a born performer. The fit is music to your feet: light and nimble yet supportive, this boot'll make you dance, whether you want…
  • Yakima SideBar
    Gear: Equipment

    Review: Yakima SideBar

    If you've got a Yakima OverHaul HD or OutPost HD bed rack (and if you don't, consider getting one), the best accessory for it, hands down, is the Yakima SideBar. I went months with my OverHaul and had no idea what I was…
  • Yakima HangTight 6 Bike Rack
    Gear: Equipment

    Review: Yakima HangTight 6

    The very first time I used the Hangtight 6 bike rack by Yakima, I had it fully loaded with six beefy mountain bikes. Maybe I was showing off a bit, but it seemed like everyone I drove past in town gave me a thumbs up or…
  • MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System
    Gear: Equipment

    Review: MSR WindBurner Stove

    If you've spent a lot of time traveling and camping, you probably have some specific equipment that you depend on. Over the years, I've used a variety of camp stoves—an old dented, green Coleman from high school; a hand-…

Book Reviews

  • Book Creekin' for Dummies, whitewater kayaking, rafting
    Culture: Books

    Book: Creekin' for Dummies

    Ever have the desire to paddle big water—I’m talkin’ really freakin’ big water, like Yellowstone Falls kinda big—but just don’t have the time to learn? Well, I did too, and thankfully there’s a way to have our cake and eat…
  • Swim Wild & Free, outdoor swimming
    Culture: Books

    Book: Swim Wild & Free

    In Montana, the water’s cold and the summer’s short. Which means there ain’t a whole lot of outdoor swimming going on, all things considered. Outside of the dog days in July and August, does the thought even cross one’s…
  • Born to Run 2 Book
    Culture: Books

    Book: Born to Run 2

    I’ve recently discovered the freedom in setting off for the mountains with only a pair of sneakers and a small vest. Running is simple, but there’s an art to doing it right. Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run 2 (Knopf, $30…
Outside Bozeman Magazine Spring 2023

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