An overlook – Squak Alpha UL
A look at the well-designed Alpha direct fleece from the Utah-based Squak Mountain Company. Read More …
Tag: gear review
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 …
Gear review – surprisingly good budget compact binocs
For our arc site-focused trips, the $22 and sub-5oz Bushnell Powerview Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular works surprisingly well. Read More …
Five year review – Silk weight surplus bottoms
At $20 a pair, 4.75 oz, made with Polartec, the surplus thermals make an excellent bang for the buck for active use in cool weather. Read More …
Gear Review – Squak Mountain Co. fleece hoodie
Joan reviews the $60 Squak Mountain Co grid fleece hoodie. Based out of Utah, it’s a Melly-style hoodie for active use. No appointment is needed to purchase! Read More …
Long term review – REVALCAMP sleeping bag
Two+ years, and many nights of camping with these sub-$30 sleeping bags, means I can give a review of this worthy part of a $70, three-season sleep system. Read More …
Review -Fire Dept. Coffee
A look over some flavorful and enjoyable java. Read More …
Review: Canola oil water bottle
My new dry-camping and water hauling bottle of choice: Light, wide mouth for easy filling, fits well in a pack front pocket of my pack, and is cheap! Read More …