Squak Woolie Merino Hoodie – One Year Later
Joan shares her thoughts on the Squak Woolie Merino Hoodie after a year of use for hiking, backpacking, travel, and cold winter nights in the backcountry. Read More …
Tag: clothing
Gear Review – Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie
The Squak Alpha Fleece Beanie is absurdly light, breathable, and low bulk. I’m still not enamored with Alpha fleece for active use, but for static insulation, this $20 beanie fits nicely into my cold-weather system. Read More …
Budget overlook – 32 Degree Heat light puffy
An inexpensive, functional puffy jacket for outdoor work, go bags, day hikes, and starter backpacking kit. Not fancy, but useful. Read More …
Gear Review – Hywell Merino Wool Boot Socks
An alternative sock to Darn Tough that does not quite work well for trail runners. Read More …
Western Snap shirts vs. Sun Hoodies- Hot and Dry Weather
I’ve tried several sun hoodies over the years. I still find my poly-cotton Western snap shirt works better in hot, dry weather. Here’s why. Read More …
One Year Review – OYGSieg Sun Hoodie
A look at some effective sun hoodies for cool to cold weather use. Read More …
Standard vs Grid vs Alpha vs Octa Fleece for Backpacking: Real-World Pros and Cons
Solid, grid, Alpha, and Octa fleece for backpacking and hiking. Real-world durability, breathability, cost, and when each layer works best. Updated Feb 2026. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Camp Dress
Joan looks at her new favorite car camping staples these past few months – The Squak Camp Dress. Read More …
Two+ Year review – LightHeart Gear Fleece Hoodie
A longer term review of the LightHeart Gear micogrid fleece hoodie. Made in the USA, readily avialable, warm and fuzzy, but best for people who run cold or static use. Read More …
An overlook -Alpha Squak V2
A look at the Alpha Squak V2. The TL;DR – I like the garment itself but I still find Alpha fleece a niche use for my needs. Read More …
Gear review -Zengjo grid fleece hoodie
A $20 grid fleece hoodie that’s not as well made as others ones, but a good price for a no-frills piece of kit. Read More …
Gear review – Laek Adventure Towels
A look at the laek adventure towels – simple, sturdy, quick drying, and absorbent. Awesome for our extended camping trips and times in between backpacking. Read More …
Gear review – GADIEMKENSD long-billed running hat
A look at the $14 GADIEMKENSD long-brim foldable nylon “running hat” that works better than a trucker-style hat for me and my needs. Read More …
Fifteen-plus year review – Bison Designs belt
Long term look at a humble, but well-made and afforadable, hiking belt. Read More …
Pants for trailwork
The pants I use for trail or related work. One pair for heavier duty or cold weather work and one for lighter duty work or when it’s warm. Read More …
Gear Review – The Squak Mountain Co The Swell sun hoodie
A look at the desert use of the Squak Mountain Co sun hoodie. Light, breathes well, and comfortable. Take care when bashing through brush. Read More …
Ten year gear review: Montbell Superior Down (updated)
A well-designed three-season puffy with a hood that is under 9 oz. I’ve used one version or another of this garment for overa Read More …
Gear Review – The Squak Mountain Co Woolie
A merino blend, cold weather base layer hoodie with excellent ventilation from Squak Mountain Co. Read More …