EMS vs. Bacpacker

“Compare Backpacker to the new EMS Catazine (as described in Lee's thread).

The comparison - to me - just makes it all the more clear that Backpacker is about selling product. I found the EMS Catazine had as much useful information, was more regionally relevant to me, was about as informative regarding potential problems and short comings of gear described, had fewer products to hawk - but, in places, could have used more editing.”

“That's pretty pathetic.”

“Yeah - it doesn't reserve a rave on its own, but it compares very well to Backpacker. I'm not sure if it will prove to be worth all the money EMS must have spent on it.

It was also exciting to see it discuss people that I know (mostly through their posts on local websites, but I met one of them twice).”

“I got one in the mail the other night, but haven't had the chance to look through it yet. Although I've never read a Backpacker Magazine before, so I wouldn't be able to compare the two.”

“yeah. I was wondering about their return on investment as well.


real focus on the trail running, adventure racing, climbing bent . . .


I wonder if that is just too "niche" a market to drive real dollars. Plus . . ..if folks participating in these events are sponsored by local gear shops . .they aren't buying EMS either .. .


I liked the thing, a lot. It gets me jonesing for the outdoors.”

“**madly scribbling notes**


carry on. ;)”

“Oh, wait... I don't think we have EMS out here.”

“I don't thinkthey have anything West of the Rockies (or of Boulder, CO for that matter).. but they do seem intent on expanding.”

“and they are most happy to send you stuff you order online no matter where you are.”

“I just bought my first Backpacker magazine, ironically at EMS.

The reason I picked it up is that I had heard there was an article naming the Pemi loop as the hardest dayhike in the east and I have been interested in doing this as a dayhke for a while.

The article, (which is the only thing I have read so far) is dissappointing to say the least. If I hadn't already done the loop as a multi day hike I would still know nothing about it. No mention of options (twelve 4000 footers with side trips) Nothing about the weather that can come up on the exposed Franconia Ridge or distances where there is no water. Only that you can refill water at Galehead Hut and get some "leftover" pancakes?.

It's my favorite hike in the Whites and I am planning on doing it as a dayhike this summer so maybe I expected to much in wanting more than one column of fluff but I probably won't be getting a subscription anytime soon :)

For the EMS catazine. I know going in that they are selling products. It's got discount coupons and some info and like Pedxing, I enjoyed seeing an article about the exploits of people that I have met.

It's only the second issue so I can forgive some editing miscues and figure they'll get better.”