What began as a parody of “top ten” gear lists has grown into a reflection on how real shelter choices evolve with trips, partners, seasons, and the simple goal of sleeping well and walking on. Updated 2025. Read More …
Joan looks at 2025 Gossamer Gear Mariposa. It’s a pack she’s used for a while in both the 2014 and 2016 iterations and she compares and contrasts the various iterations. Read More …
An eight year review of the Stanley Adventure Cook set. A humble piece of kit we probably have used hundreds of times at this point, Read More …
The UCO Utility Spork 3-in-1 Combo Spoon-Fork-Knife from is a modest item that Joan and I use all the time since 2019. Read More …
A look at the Gossamer Gear Loris 25 daypack that’s a worthy successor to the Type II utility packs we we wore out. Read More …
An initial overlook at The Gossamer Gear “The Two” that Joan and I have used the past couple of months. Read More …
Joan looks at her new favorite car camping staples these past few months – The Squak Camp Dress. Read More …
A long tern review of the decidely un-hip Costco Igloo cooler from 2010. Read More …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A basic compass at $8 from Coghlan’s but made for them by a navigation company with over 40 years experience. Good quality at a good price! Read More …
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 …
A look at the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes, Call them the “Subaru Outback of hiking shoes.” Read More …
A look at the Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp that fits a more robust niche than general backpacking. Read More …
I loved the Ultraventure 3s and now I love the Terraventure 4s even more. An excellent “do it all” shoe for many different conditions. Read More …
Long term look at a humble, but well-made and afforadable, hiking belt. Read More …
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 …