Gear review: UBTech Travel Pants
The UBTech Travel Pants are a less expensive alternative to the popular prAna Zion pants. Here’s a review based on over a year of hard use. Read More …
Tag: budget gear
Gear review: LWCWUS Thermals (MilSurplus)
A mere $22 for cold weather tops and bottoms comparable to midweight layer offerings from mainstream outdoor companies. Read More …
Gear Review: Kinco Alyeska 5230 Mittens
Some inner mittens for cold weather activities that are durable, reasonably light, effective, inexpensive and, most importantly, sized correctly for my shell and liner use. Read More …
Bahco 2444 Carpenter Mora Multi Purpose Knife
A $12, practical, and useful “Jack-of-all-trades” utility knife that keeps a sharp edge and requires little maintenance. Read More …
Gear review: NatureHike Foam Pad (Z-Lite clone)
Here’s a $27 alternative to the $45 Z Lite or the new $50 Nemo Switchback. Similar specs and performance at about half the price. Read More …
Gear Review – Aennon USB Rechargeable Headlamp
An inexpensive workhorse of a headlamp that is rechargeable via USB. Read More …
Top Three Brands for Outdoor Gear and Clothing
My three most used brands for outdoor gear and clothing. Based on a BPL discussion. Read More …
Gear review: Bank line for cord
A strong and inexpensive alternative to both paracord and traditional outdoor accessory cord. Read More …
The Great Eight – Pieces of timeless gear
Key items of gear and clothing that have stood the test of time for me. My outdoor trips often take all or some of these items. Read More …
Gear Review: M65 jacket liner
Another inexpensive and effective surplus store special. Read More …
Website of the week: Fakespot
Fakespot helps sort the dross from the gems regarding lower priced gear and clothing for the outdoors. Read More …
Quick Tip: Sun shield reflector for insoles
Some DIY reflective insoles to help keep the feet warm when stationary in winter. Read More …
The AliExpress wormhole
AliExpress is becoming more and more of a choice for outdoor gear. Some observations. Read More …
A well worn piece of gear over the seasons
My well loved and used boonie hat. Read More …
What not to dirtbag
I’m a big proponent of inexpensive backpacking gear and clothing when it makes sense. But there are some items where it is worth spending more money. Read More …
Quick Tip: Ammo boxes for caching
Caching food or other supplies for off-the-beaten trips or even convenience? Surplus ammo boxes are an inexpensive and easy way cache these supplies. Read More …
Quick Tip: Pull tab guyline tensioner
Make a guyline tensioner out of pull tab from a can. Light, cheap and easy to use. Read More …
Gear review: Paradox DriRelease thermals from Costco
A review of the Paradox DriRelease thermals. Well made, affordable and effective base layers typically found at Costco. Read More …