My first, rugged sleeping bag was the bulky, cotton bag issued by the Army. Like most military gear, it was nearly indestructible, until it got wet. I’ve since owned several bags, and especially like my current synthetic 20-degree bag. (Even the Army finally upgraded to a synthetic system.) But my bag is nearly 15 years …
Gear Reviews
Trail running at night or early in the mornings is sometimes necessary to get in a training run. Usually trail runners head out into the darkness due to their busy schedule, it offers cooler temperatures, shorter days, or they signed up for a race that involves running in pitch black. Getting out on the trails …
If you’re like me, you like to be comfortable in your clothes both on and off the trail. And what is more comfortable than a good pair of yoga pants? There’s a reason they’ve become so popular and pervasive in women’s fashion. Seriously, I don’t think that an article of clothing has ever caught on …
As a young kid exploring the nature trails around the National Wildlife Federation where my dad worked, I vividly recall the two, simple rules on the trail sign: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. It was my first introduction to the principles of Leave No Trace, and it’s stuck with me ever since. I’ve hiked …
Splitboards offer the ultimate backcountry adventure. Gone are the days of cumbersome snowshoeing or expensive helicopter rides up-hill. With a good quality splitboard, you can have the best of both worlds: using your board like skis until you find that perfect powder and begin your downhill shred. Not all splitboards are created equal; some perform …
The down jacket has become a symbol of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts: from climbing to backpacking to skiing and more. Providing excellent insulation from the cold and the wind, it is considered an essential item for anyone venturing out into the elements. However, the emergence of synthetic insulating jackets leaves many people wondering: What’s the …
On a backpacking trek, mainly an ultralight venture, every ounce counts. Sometimes we become hyper-focused on gear like packs, sleeping bags, and tents we forget about other essentials like stoves and headlamps. There are so many backpacking stoves to choose from on the market today that it can be a challenge to narrow down the …
Smartwatches are becoming increasingly ubiquitous as more and more manufacturers roll out new models and features. With so many options, it can be hard to choose the best watch for yourself, so in this article I’ll lay out all the features and give a review of my personal experience with one smartwatch, the Garmin Instinct. …
Choosing the right type of clothing is vital when preparing for any time in the great outdoors, particularly when it involves activities like hiking and backpacking. Having the wrong gear can make or break your experience – being cold or wet in the outdoors is far from enjoyable. Your base layer is one of the …
There’s no doubt having a converted camper van gives you the freedom and mobility that you just can’t get with a standard RV. There’s something so liberating about fitting into small spaces and not needing a full hook-up to enjoy homey comforts on the road or in the backcountry. You can practically go anywhere. Conversion …