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 …
Tag: gear review
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 …
An overlook – Squak Alpha UL
A look at the well-designed Alpha direct fleece from the Utah-based Squak Mountain Company. Read More …
Gear review – Sunblesa H11 headlamp, Gen 2
A headlamp very similar to the classic 2017 Nitecore Nu25 that’s slightly lighter with an intriguing greenlight setting. Updated for Gen two in May 2023. Read More …
Gear review: Salomon X Ultra 4 Low Hiking Shoes
A look at the Salomon X Ultra 4 low hiking shoes. I like these shoes, but don’t love them. Read More …
An overlook – N1-B Mukluks
Budget footwear for cool to cold and dry conditions when in camp. Read More …
Gear Review : Montbell Merino Wool Plus Light Hoodie
A look at the Montbell hoodie that works very well for me as a cold to cool weather top but is too warm for me once the mercury hits ~65F. Read More …
Gear Review – Nitecore NU43 headlamp
A look at a bright, long-lasting, and high-powered headlamp. Best for climbing, camping, car emergencies, and potential SAR use. Perhaps not backpacking. Read More …
Gear overview – NortiV8 light duty hiking boots
A look at Nortiv8’s “Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots Outdoor Shoes” or light hiking boots. Budget-minded boots similar to the HiTec Altitudes I’ve worn for years. Read More …
Sunblesa looking for product testers
Are you interested in looking over and reviewing a headlamp? Sunblesa is currently looking for testers. Read More …
Gear review – Lightheart Gear Base Layer Shirt
Joan looks at a base layer shirt designed by a woman for women and made in the USA. Read More …
Gear overview – OXO Good Grips scale
The OXO scale makes the appropriate scale for the minimalist/ultralight backpacker – Inexpensive, easy, quick to use, effective, and has no batteries needed. Read More …
Gear review – Etsy double-knit fleece mittens
Another effective budget gear option from Etsy worth taking a look at it. Read More …
Review – West Desert Gear & Repair camera bag
A long-term review of the West Desert Gear & Repair camera bag and an overlook at this cottage gear company’s work. Read More …