Fifteen-plus year review – Bison Designs belt
Long term look at a humble, but well-made and afforadable, hiking belt. Read More …
Tag: gear review
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 …
Long term review – Flat Stone Cooking Platform (FSCP)
A long term review of the Flat Sone Cooking Platform. 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 Tractive GPS Tracker
My good friend Josh review the Tractive GPS ; a device that’ lets pet owners track their furry friend and combines a bit of Strava functionality, too. 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 …
10+ year gear review – Flytop tent
An off-hand purchase about a decade ago of our current backup/loaner tent makes me think of the place and use of budget gear items. Read More …
Gear review: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 shoes
A look at the Topo Ultraventure 3 shoes. I found these shoes a worth successor to the 2s. I only wish for less flashy color choices! Read More …
20+ years Gear Review – Military Surplus Wool Liner Gloves
As winter approaches, I am reminded of one of the items we use all year around: Surplus wool liner gloves. A long-time favorite for twenty years now and a favorite budget pick for both Joan and I.
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Ten plus year review – Nemesis Safety Glasses
A review of Nemesis Safety Glasses. Affordable, light, functional, comfortable and durable. And after over ten years of use, perhaps one my favorite pieces of budget gear by far.
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The Quiver: A plethora of puffies
The puffies Joan and I use for outdoor use. Updated in November 2023 to feflect both new pieces and input from Joan. Read More …
Top Ten Reasons Why Top Ten Gear Lists (Mostly) Suck
Top Ten Gear Lists are perhaps the most popular articles in any community. Be it backpacking, music, movies, etc. But they are typically useless. Read More …
Gear Review: Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka
A three-season+ or early winter coat suitable for many different uses—the last of my winter season reviews. Read More …
Gear Review – ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 tent
After about 100 nights we find the $200 ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 an excellent car camping tent. Read More …
Gear Review – Nortiv8 Armadillo 2 boots
A look the Armadillo 2 hiking boots from Nortiv8. Another potential budget option that’s effective in certain conditions. Read More …
Gear review: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2 shoes
A look at the Topo Athletic Ultraventute shoes. Excellent shoes for the mountains but perhaps not brushy and prickly terrain. Read More …
Review – RecPak
A very promising shake supplement with lots of protein, carbs, fat, vitamns (and caffiene!) but one that lends itself more to day use vs. backpacking. Read More …