Gear review – Coghlan’s Map Compass
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 …
Category: Gear
The most popular topic of the outdoors it seems.
Gear Review – Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes
A look at the Salomon X Ultra Pioneer hiking shoes, Call them the “Subaru Outback of hiking shoes.” 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 …
Gear review – Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp
A look at the Cyansky L2 Rechargeable Lightweight Headlamp that fits a more robust niche than general backpacking. Read More …
Quick Tip – Arizona Tea one liter bottle
Gatorade bottle is early 2000s, get the full one liter goodness of Arizona iced tea. Read More …
Gear review: Topo Terraventure 4 Trail-Running Shoes
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 …
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 …
The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge
Backpacking gear on the cheap. A complete gear list for $300 and under 15 lbs. Revised for 2024. Read More …
Long term review – Flat Stone Cooking Platform (FSCP)
A long term review of the Flat Sone Cooking Platform. Read More …
Solid (Classic) Fleece vs Grid Fleece vs. Alpha fleece
What are the functional differences between grid. Alpha, and solid (classic) fleece? Revised March 2024 Read More …
The Budget Backpacking Kit
A sequel of sorts to my $300 gear challenge. A little over $800 and 10 lbs for a kit that is light, functional, and easily, assembled. Updated Mar 2024. 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 …
Quick review – Groundhog clone tent stakes
Just in time for February 2nd, here’s a review of some budget-minded Groundhog-style stakes that also work for less money.
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 …